ABOUT UPDATES
At Domestic Preparedness, we strive to keep people informed and aware of the latest preparedness news. Please see below for more detailed updates we obtain each month from various resources.
UPDATES
Homeland Security Advisory Council Meets and Reports Findings on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Workforce Adaptation, and the Homeland Security Grant Program
September 18, 2023
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas convened the fourth in-person meeting of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC). The Council discussed the Department’s progress on AI, workforce adaptation, and the Homeland Security Grant Program. Additionally, Secretary Mayorkas officially swore in Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin M. Crowley to the
FDA Takes Action on Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines to Better Protect Against Currently Circulating Variants
September 11, 2023
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took action approving and authorizing for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines formulated to more closely target currently circulating variants and to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Today’s actions relate to updated mRNA vaccines for 2023-2024 manufactured
Department of Energy Announces $112.4 Million for Research to Support National Biopreparedness and Response
September 11, 2023
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $112.4 million in funding for 10 research projects for the Biopreparedness Research Virtual Environment (BRaVE) initiative. These projects will support national biopreparedness and response capabilities that can be advanced with DOE’s distinctive capabilities.
NIST Seeks Input on Implementation of National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology
September 11, 2023
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published a Request for Information seeking public input on how best to implement the U.S. Government National Standards Strategy for Critical and Emerging Technology (USG NSSCET).
DHS Awards $20 Million to 34 Organizations in Effort to Prevent Targeted Violence and Terrorism
September 11, 2023
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the award of 34 grants, totaling $20 million, through the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The TVTP Grant Program, administered by the DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Alerting is a Local Decision
September 5, 2023
The IPAWS Office continues to receive reports that Alerting Authorities (AAs) declined to use the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to alert and warn the public, because the incident did not meet FEMA emergency requirements.
DHS Awards $14.9M to 15 U.S. Small Businesses for R&D Prototypes
September 5, 2023
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program awarded a total of $14,994,521 to 15 small businesses to further develop technologies intended to support homeland security mission needs. Based on the feasibility of the technologies demonstrated in their Phase I efforts, each Phase II awardee received approximately
Cyber Safety Review Board Releases Report on Activities of Global Extortion-Focused Hacker Group Lapsus$
August 11, 2023
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the Cyber Safety Review Board’s (CSRB) report summarizing the findings of its review into the activities associated with a threat actor group known as Lapsus$. The CSRB found that Lapsus$ leveraged simple techniques to evade industry-standard security tools that are a lynchpin
DHS Announces Additional $374.9 Million in Funding to Boost State, Local Cybersecurity
August 7, 2023
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the availability of $374.9 million in grant funding for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP). State and local governments face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats to their critical infrastructure and public safety. Now in its second year, the
HHS Awards $2.5 Million to Help Decrease Food Insecurity in Native Communities
August 7, 2023
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Indian Health Service, awards $2.5 million in funding to support the development of produce prescription programs in tribal communities. The purpose of the IHS Produce Prescription Pilot Program is to help reduce food insecurity and improve health care outcomes among