For Immediate ReleaseOffice of the Press SecretaryContact: 202-282-8010July 6, 2004

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today the release of a BroadAgency Announcement (BAA) calling for proposals (PDF, 25 pages - 208 KB)that will focus on research efforts for a university-based Center of Excellencein Behavioral and Social Aspects of Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism.  Thenew Center should focus on both the behavioral and social aspects of theterrorists themselves as well as the behavioral and social effects of terroristthreats and attacks on populations.  The notice invites colleges anduniversities to submit letters of intent by July 30, 2004, and full proposalsare due on September 30, 2004.

In every area of human endeavor, research and development is the enginethat drives our nation to a better and brighter future, said Secretary TomRidge.  The work of this new Center will complement our current effortsto develop a sustained and innovative research and education effort for thesecurity of our Nation.

The proposal submission is the first step in the review process for academicinstitutions wishing to be selected as a Homeland Security Center of Excellence. Homeland Security will convene a team of expert external evaluators whowill review the submissions based on merit and make comments to a selectioncommittee within the Department. Following selected site visits, the Departmentanticipates establishing one Center of Excellence that, with its partners, willreceive $12 million over three years.

"I am pleased that we are taking this important step to continueexpanding our partnership with academia," said Dr. Charles McQueary, UnderSecretary for Science and Technology.  "This Center of Excellence willbe a critical step in expanding our understanding of the psychological andsociological factors leading up to and resulting from terrorist activity."

The Department of Homeland Security has already established three centers ofexcellence as mandated by the Homeland Security Act of 2002.  In November2003, the University of Southern California was chosen to house the first Centerof Excellence, known as the Homeland Security Center for Risk and EconomicAnalysis of Terrorism Events.  In April 2004 the Department announced twomore Centers of Excellence, the University of Minnesota National Center for FoodProtection and Defense and the Texas A&M University National Center forForeign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense.

The Homeland Security Centers program, which is operated by the Department'sScience and Technology division, establishes university-based centers ofmulti-disciplinary research where areas critical to homeland security can beanalyzed, debated and shared.  Through this program, Homeland Security andpartner universities will bring together the nation's best experts and focus itsmost talented researchers on a variety of threats that include agricultural,sociological, chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological, explosive andcyber terrorism.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology divisionserves as the primary research and development arm of the Department, utilizingour nations scientific and technological resources to provide federal, stateand local officials with the technology and capabilities to protect thehomeland.

###

BroadAgency Announcement: Center of Excellence in Behavioral and Social Aspects ofTerrorism and Counter-Terrorism (PDF, 25 pages - 208 KB)