DHS S&T collaborating with FEMA to deliver comprehensive Puerto Rico recovery plan

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is assisting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in drafting a report assessing hurricane damage in Puerto Rico and outlining a plan to rebuild that is due to Congress by Aug. 8.

DHS S&T has provided FEMA with access to the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC), a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), to help complete the report. Scott Randels, director of DHS S&T’s FFRDC Program Management Office, visited San Juan in February to begin collaboration on the report.

“To ensure transparency and multiple opportunities for feedback, HSOAC is using agile management methods and plans to release multiple drafts building toward the final products,” Cynthia Cook, the HSOAC project lead for the Puerto Rico recovery plan, said.

Under agile management, the recovery plan is being developed in incremental stages that allow for feedback and refinement throughout the process. Stakeholders and partners have opportunities have opportunities to weigh in on each incremental document to develop a comprehensive final plan.

“FFRDCs are a valuable department asset, and S&T is a steward of that asset,” Randels said. “We make sure an FFRDC is capable and responsive to the department’s needs.”

FEMA has also enlisted inter-agency assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to respond to complex challenges in Puerto Rico recovery efforts.