Summary:
Countering Violent Extremism Act of 2015 or the CVE Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the Office for Countering Violent Extremism, to be headed by an Assistant Secretary for Countering Violent Extremism.

The Assistant Secretary is responsible for:

 coordinating DHS activities to counter violent extremism across all DHS components and offices that conduct strategic and supportive activities to counter such extremism; establishing a program to craft strategic counter-messages to propaganda and messaging disseminated by violent extremists to communities at risk for radicalization and recruitment; serving as the primary representative of DHS in coordinating countering violent extremism activities with other federal agencies and non-governmental organizations. serving as the primary DHS-level representative in coordinating with the Department of State on international countering violent extremism issues; and providing guidance, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of DHS, regarding the use of grants made to state, local, and tribal governments under the allowable uses guidelines related to countering violent extremism. The Assistant Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Administrator of FEMA outlining the roles of the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator with respect to the administration of grants related to countering violent extremism.

The Assistant Secretary, in coordination with the Administrator of FEMA and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of DHS, shall establish, and provide an implementation plan for, a grant program for eligible community groups and organizations to assist them in establishing counter-messaging campaigns targeting violent extremism. A community group or organization that has knowingly funded violent extremist activities or organizations known to engage in such activities is not eligible for such a grant.

The Assistant Secretary shall submit to Congress an annual report for each of the next five fiscal years (beginning in the fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment of this section) on the Office for Countering Violent Extremism. Each such report shall include:

 a description of the status of the programs and policies of the DHS for countering violent extremism in the United States; a description of the activities of the Office to cooperate with and provide assistance to other agencies; the qualitative and quantitative outcome-based metrics used for evaluating the success of such programs and policies and the steps taken to evaluate the success of such programs and policies; a detailed summary of the organizations with which DHS conducted outreach to discuss countering violent extremism, an accounting of grants awarded by DHS to counter violent extremism, and an accounting of all training specifically aimed at countering violent extremism sponsored by DHS; details of the optimal level of personnel and funding for the Office; an analysis of how DHS's activities to counter violent extremism correspond and adapt to the threat environment; a summary of how civil rights and civil liberties are protected in DHS's activities to counter violent extremism; an evaluation of the grant program, including the effectiveness of grants in countering violent extremism; and a description of how the Office incorporated lessons learned from the countering violent extremism programs and policies of other foreign agencies. Funds made available to the Office of the Secretary of DHS are authorized to be used for the Office for Countering Violent Extremism for each of FY2016-FY2020.

This Act shall terminate five years after the enactment of this Act.

countering violent extremism act act sec bill amends homeland_security act establish department_of_homeland_security dhs office countering violent extremism headed assistant secretary countering violent extremism assistant secretary responsible coordinating dhs activities counter violent extremism dhs components offices conduct strategic supportive activities counter extremism establishing program craft strategic counter messages propaganda messaging disseminated violent extremists communities risk radicalization recruitment serving primary representative dhs coordinating countering violent extremism activities federal agencies non governmental organizations serving primary dhs level representative coordinating department_of_state international countering violent extremism issues providing guidance coordination federal_emergency_management_agency fema officer civil rights civil liberties dhs use grants state local tribal governments allowable uses guidelines related countering violent extremism assistant secretary shall enter memorandum understanding administrator fema outlining roles assistant secretary administrator respect administration grants related countering violent extremism assistant secretary coordination administrator fema officer civil rights civil liberties dhs shall establish provide implementation plan grant program eligible community groups organizations assist establishing counter messaging campaigns targeting violent extremism community group organization knowingly funded violent extremist activities organizations known engage activities eligible grant assistant secretary shall submit congress annual report fiscal years beginning fiscal year begins date enactment section office countering violent extremism report shall include description status programs policies dhs countering violent extremism united_states description activities office cooperate provide assistance agencies qualitative quantitative outcome based metrics evaluating success programs policies steps taken evaluate success programs policies detailed summary organizations dhs conducted outreach discuss countering violent extremism accounting grants awarded dhs counter violent extremism accounting training specifically aimed countering violent extremism sponsored dhs details optimal level personnel funding office analysis dhs activities counter violent extremism correspond adapt threat environment summary civil rights civil liberties protected dhs activities counter violent extremism evaluation grant program including effectiveness grants countering violent extremism description office incorporated lessons learned countering violent extremism programs policies foreign agencies funds available office_of_the_secretary dhs authorized office countering violent extremism fy2016-fy2020 act shall terminate years enactment act


Summary:
Countering Violent Extremism Grant Program Act of 2015

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Department of Homeland Security to establish a grant program to assist eligible community groups and organizations in establishing counter-messaging campaigns targeting violent extremism.

Bars grant eligibility to a community group or organization that has knowingly funded activities related to violent extremism or organizations known to engage in such activities.

Defines "violent extremism" to mean ideologically motivated terrorist activities.

countering violent extremism grant program act amends homeland_security act direct department_of_homeland_security establish grant program assist eligible community groups organizations establishing counter messaging campaigns targeting violent extremism bars grant eligibility community group organization knowingly funded activities related violent extremism organizations known engage activities defines violent extremism mean motivated terrorist activities


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on October 6, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Airport Access Control Security Improvement Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish a risk-based, intelligence-driven model for the screening of airport employees based on level of employment-related access to Secure Identification Display Areas, Airport Operations Areas, or secure areas at U.S. airports.

 TSA shall conduct an aviation security risk-based review of certain federal disqualifying criminal offenses to determine their appropriateness as a basis for denying an employee a credential that allows unescorted access to Secure Identification Display Areas of airports.

TSA shall provide a redress process for employees subject to an adverse employment decision (including removal or suspension) due to a disqualifying offense that is consistent with the appeals and waiver process for applicants for commercial motor vehicle hazardous materials endorsements and transportation workers at ports.

TSA shall review the auditing procedures for all airport-issued identification media.

TSA shall:

 establish a program to allow airport badging offices to use "E-Verify" to determine eligibility to work in the United States of all applicants seeking access to secure areas of airports, establish a process to transmit applicants' biometric fingerprint data to the Office of Biometric Identity Management's Automated Biometrics Identification System for vetting, assess credential application data received by DHS to ensure it is complete and matches data submitted by airport operators. TSA shall establish a nationwide program for the anonymous reporting of violations of airport security.

TSA shall:

 establish a national database of employees who have had either their airport or aircraft operator-issued badge revoked for failure to comply with aviation requirements, determine the appropriate mechanisms for airports and airlines to submit such data and access the database, and establish a process to allow individuals whose names were mistakenly entered into the database to have them removed and their credentialing restored. The Aviation Security Advisory Committee shall update and review airport access controls.

TSA shall conduct a cost and feasibility study of a significant number of Category I, II, and X airports that ensures that all employee entry and exit points that lead to airport secured areas comprise the following:

 a secure door that uses card and pin entry or biometric technology, surveillance video recording capable of storing video data for at least 30 days, and certain advanced screening technologies (including at least one of the following: magnetometer [walk through or hand-held], explosives detection canines or explosives trace detection swabbing, advanced imaging technology, or X-ray bag screening technology). The Government Accountability Office shall assess the quality and reliability of the study.

measure amended reported house october summary version repeated airport access control security improvement act sec bill amends homeland_security act direct transportation_security_administration tsa establish risk based intelligence driven model screening airport employees based level employment related access secure identification display areas airport operations areas secure areas airports tsa shall conduct aviation security risk based review certain federal disqualifying criminal offenses determine appropriateness basis denying employee credential allows unescorted access secure identification display areas airports tsa shall provide redress process employees subject adverse employment decision including removal suspension disqualifying offense consistent appeals waiver process applicants commercial motor vehicle hazardous materials endorsements transportation workers ports tsa shall review auditing procedures airport issued identification media tsa shall establish program allow airport offices use verify determine eligibility work united_states applicants seeking access secure areas airports establish process transmit applicants biometric fingerprint data office biometric identity management automated biometrics identification system vetting assess credential application data received dhs ensure complete matches data submitted airport operators tsa shall establish nationwide program anonymous reporting violations airport security tsa shall establish national database employees airport aircraft operator issued badge revoked failure comply aviation requirements determine appropriate mechanisms airports airlines submit data access database establish process allow individuals names entered database removed credentialing restored aviation_security_advisory_committee shall update review airport access controls tsa shall conduct cost feasibility study significant number category airports ensures employee entry exit points lead airport secured areas comprise following secure door uses card pin entry biometric technology surveillance video recording capable storing video data days certain advanced screening technologies including following walk hand held explosives detection explosives trace detection advanced imaging technology ray bag screening technology government_accountability_office shall assess quality reliability study


Summary: This bill authorizes the governor of a state that shares a border with Canada or Mexico to designate up to 5% of its apportionment of surface transportation program funds for each fiscal year for border infrastructure projects.

bill authorizes governor state shares border canada mexico designate apportionment surface_transportation program funds fiscal year border infrastructure projects


Summary:
Strengthening Public Health Emergency Response Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on programs for public health emergency preparedness.

(Sec. 3) This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure procedures are in place to coordinate the ongoing stockpiling of countermeasures (certain medical supplies) by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(Sec. 4) Procurement of countermeasures using the Biodefense Countermeasures appropriations account no longer requires Presidential approval or an agreement between HHS and the Department of Homeland Security.

(Sec. 5) BARDA is given direct contracting authority.

(Sec. 6) The annual countermeasures plan developed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response must report on the amount of time between a BARDA request and the award of a contract.

(Sec. 7) This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to award, upon approval, a priority review voucher to the sponsor of a new drug or biological product that can be used as a medical countermeasure to a material threat. The transferable voucher entitles the holder to have an application for a new medication acted upon by the FDA within six months.

The sponsor of a medication that is subject to a voucher must pay a user fee based on the FDA's cost for the priority review process.

The FDA must publish a notice each time it issues a voucher or a voucher is used.

The GAO must report on the effectiveness of this priority review voucher program in providing incentives for the development of material threat medical countermeasures.

strengthening public health emergency response_act sec bill requires government_accountability_office gao report programs public health emergency preparedness sec bill amends public_health_service_act require department_of_health_and_human_services hhs ensure procedures place coordinate ongoing stockpiling countermeasures certain medical supplies biomedical advanced research development authority centers_for_disease_control_and_prevention sec procurement countermeasures biodefense countermeasures appropriations account longer requires presidential approval agreement hhs department_of_homeland_security sec given direct contracting authority sec annual countermeasures plan developed office assistant secretary preparedness response report time request award contract sec bill amends federal food drug cosmetic act require food_and_drug_administration fda award approval priority review voucher sponsor new drug biological product medical countermeasure material threat transferable voucher entitles holder application new medication acted fda months sponsor medication subject voucher pay user fee based fda cost priority review process fda publish notice time issues voucher voucher gao report effectiveness priority review voucher program providing incentives development material threat medical countermeasures


Summary:
Cyber Defense of Federal Networks Act of 2015

Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), to implement plans to: (1) detect, identify, and remove intruders in federal agencies' information systems; and (2) make advanced network security tools available for agencies to improve visibility of network activity to detect and mitigate intrusions and anomalous activity.

Directs DHS to coordinate with the OMB to: (1) update government information security metrics to include measures of intrusion and incident detection and response times, and (2) display additional metrics about agency cybersecurity postures on federal government performance websites.

Authorizes DHS, upon an agency's request, to operate and maintain technology that is deployed to agencies to diagnose and mitigate cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Requires DHS to regularly assess and require implementation of best practices for securing agency information systems and preventing data exfiltration.

Redefines for purposes of DHS's national cybersecurity and communications integration center: (1) "cybersecurity risk" to exclude actions that solely involve a violation of a consumer term of service or a consumer licensing agreement; and (2) "incident" to include occurrences that actually or imminently jeopardize, without lawful authority, an information system, thereby replacing a standard that currently includes a violation or imminent threat of violation of law, security policies, security procedures, or acceptable use policies.

Requires DHS to assist agencies in implementing information security practices by: (1) providing incident detection, analysis, mitigation, and response information, disseminating related homeland security information, and providing remote or onsite technical assistance; (2) developing and conducting impact assessments in consultation with other governmental and private entities; (3) assessing and fostering technologies for use across multiple agencies; and (4) ensuring that policies are coordinated with standards for national security systems and policies of the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Director of National Intelligence.

Authorizes the DHS Secretary to: (1) issue a directive to an agency to take any lawful action with respect to the operation of an agency's information system in response to a known or reasonably suspected information security threat, vulnerability, risk, or incident, including an act of terrorism, that represents a substantial threat to information security; or (2) authorize, without prior consultation with the affected agency, the use of protective capabilities under the Secretary's control for communications or system traffic transiting to or from or stored on an agency information system if there is an imminent threat and a directive is unlikely to be timely.

Exempts DOD and the intelligence community from such procedures.

cyber defense federal networks act amends homeland_security act require department_of_homeland_security dhs coordination office_of_management_and_budget omb implement plans detect identify remove federal agencies information systems advanced network security tools available agencies improve visibility network activity detect mitigate activity directs dhs coordinate omb update government information security metrics include measures intrusion incident detection response times display additional metrics agency cybersecurity federal_government performance websites authorizes dhs agency request operate maintain technology deployed agencies diagnose mitigate cyber threats vulnerabilities requires dhs regularly assess require implementation best practices securing agency information systems preventing data redefines purposes dhs national cybersecurity communications integration center cybersecurity risk exclude actions solely involve violation consumer term service consumer licensing agreement incident include occurrences actually imminently jeopardize lawful authority information system replacing standard currently includes violation imminent threat violation law security policies security procedures acceptable use policies requires dhs assist agencies implementing information security practices providing incident detection analysis mitigation response information disseminating related homeland_security information providing remote onsite technical assistance developing conducting impact assessments consultation governmental private entities assessing fostering technologies use multiple agencies ensuring policies coordinated standards national security systems policies department_of_defense dod director national_intelligence authorizes dhs secretary issue directive agency lawful action respect operation agency information system response known reasonably suspected information security threat vulnerability risk incident including act terrorism represents substantial threat information security authorize prior consultation affected agency use protective capabilities secretary control communications system traffic transiting stored agency information system imminent threat directive unlikely timely exempts dod intelligence_community procedures


Summary:
Department of Homeland Security Insider Threat and Mitigation Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to direct the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish an Insider Threat Program, which shall: (1) provide training and education for DHS employees to identify, prevent, mitigate, and respond to insider threat risks to DHS's critical assets; (2) provide investigative support regarding such threats; and (3) conduct risk mitigation activities for such threats.

DHS shall establish a Steering Committee. The Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, who shall serve as the Chair of the Committee, and the Chief Security Officer, who shall serve as the Vice Chair, shall, in coordination with the Committee:

 develop a holistic strategy for DHS-wide efforts to identify, prevent, mitigate, and respond to insider threats to DHS's critical assets; develop a plan to implement the strategy across DHS components and offices; document insider threat policies and controls; conduct a baseline risk assessment of such threats; examine programmatic and technology best practices adopted by the federal government, industry, and research institutions; develop a timeline for deploying workplace monitoring technologies, employee awareness campaigns, and education and training programs related to potential insider threats; consult with the the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and other stakeholders to ensure that the program is informed by current information regarding threats, best practices, and available technology; and develop, collect, and report metrics on the effectiveness of DHS's insider threat mitigation efforts. An agency employing a person who has access to classified national security information (insider employee) shall propose: (1) removing such employee whom an appropriate entity determines knowingly or recklessly engaged in insider misconduct, and (2) taking an adverse action of at least a 12-day suspension of such employee for the first instance of negligently engaging in insider misconduct and removal for any subsequent instance.

An insider employee who is notified that he or she is the subject of a proposed adverse action is entitled to 14 days to answer and furnish evidence in support of such answer. If such employee does not furnish such evidence or if the agency determines that such evidence is not sufficient for reversal, such agency shall carry out the adverse action. An agency that carries out an adverse action against an insider employee for insider misconduct under another provision of law may carry out an additional adverse action under the Insider Threat Program based on the same insider misconduct.

DHS must submit to specified congressional committees a biennial report on:

 how DHS and its components and offices have implemented such strategy, the status of DHS's risk assessment of critical assets, the types of insider threat training conducted, the number of DHS employees who have received such training, and information on the effectiveness of the Insider Threat Program. The Steering Committee shall not seek to, and the authorities provided under this bill shall not be used to, deter, detect, or mitigate disclosures of information by government employees or contractors that are lawful under and protected by any whistleblower statute, regulation, or policy. Any activity carried out under the bill shall be subject to provisions of the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012, and any activity to implement or enforce any insider threat or authority of this bill or Executive Order 13587 shall include a statement required by such Act that preserves rights under whistleblower laws and provisions protecting communications with Congress.

department_of_homeland_security insider threat mitigation act sec bill amends homeland_security act hsa direct department_of_homeland_security dhs establish insider threat program shall provide training education dhs employees identify prevent mitigate respond insider threat risks dhs critical assets provide investigative support threats conduct risk mitigation activities threats dhs shall establish steering committee secretary intelligence analysis shall serve chair committee chief security officer shall serve vice chair shall coordination committee develop holistic strategy dhs wide efforts identify prevent mitigate respond insider threats dhs critical assets develop plan implement strategy dhs components offices document insider threat policies controls conduct baseline risk assessment threats examine programmatic technology best practices adopted federal_government industry research institutions develop timeline deploying workplace monitoring technologies employee awareness campaigns education training programs related potential insider threats consult secretary science_and_technology stakeholders ensure program informed current information threats best practices available technology develop collect report metrics effectiveness dhs insider threat mitigation efforts agency employing person access classified national security information insider employee shall propose removing employee appropriate entity determines knowingly recklessly engaged insider misconduct taking adverse action day suspension employee instance engaging insider misconduct removal subsequent instance insider employee notified subject proposed adverse action entitled days answer furnish evidence support answer employee furnish evidence agency determines evidence sufficient reversal agency shall carry adverse action agency carries adverse action insider employee insider misconduct provision law carry additional adverse action insider threat program based insider misconduct dhs submit specified congressional committees biennial report dhs components offices implemented strategy status dhs risk assessment critical assets types insider threat training conducted number dhs employees received training information effectiveness insider threat program steering committee shall seek authorities provided bill shall deter detect mitigate disclosures information government employees contractors lawful protected whistleblower statute regulation policy activity carried bill shall subject provisions whistleblower protection enhancement_act activity implement enforce insider threat authority bill executive order shall include statement required act preserves rights whistleblower laws provisions protecting communications congress


Summary:
Federal Protective Service Improvement and Accountability Act of 2015

 Directs the Federal Protective Service (FPS) to maintain not fewer than 1,870 full-time equivalent positions, with at least 1,350 of such positions designated for fully trained federal law enforcement officers.

Authorizes positions in the FPS inspector force to be designated as: (1) Federal Facility Security Officers responsible for performing security assessments at facilities protected by FPS, making security countermeasure recommendations for such facilities, participating in security training and disseminating homeland security information to occupants and security guards of such facilities, and assessing the security of such facilities and the extent to which security countermeasure recommendations have been implemented; or (2) law enforcement officers responsible for patrolling and on-site monitoring of the physical security of FPS-protected facilities, conducting investigations at such facilities, and providing physical law enforcement at such facilities in the event of a terrorist attack, security incident, or other incident.

Directs FPS to: (1) establish the FPS contract oversight force responsible for overseeing contract guards, (2) establish uniform minimum training and certification standards for security guard services at FPS-protected facilities, (3) establish a process to verify the accuracy of training and certification data maintained by FPS, and (4) provide training to individuals in guard positions who have not successfully completed training on the effective utilization of screening equipment and active shooter scenario-based training.

Directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) develop and implement a strategy for using covert-testing data and data on prohibited items to improve screening at facilities protected by FPS, and (2) submit an assessment of the degree to which the standards specified in the "The Risk Management Process: An Interagency Security Committee Standard" are utilized by all non-military federal facilities and of any barriers to utilizing such standards.

Requires FPS to: (1) commence a one-year pilot program to research the advantages of converting guard positions at the highest-risk federal facilities protected by FPS from contract guard positions to positions held by federal employees; and (2) establish, and hire individuals for, a federal facility security guard position.

federal_protective_service improvement accountability_act directs federal_protective_service maintain fewer time equivalent positions positions designated fully trained federal law enforcement officers authorizes positions inspector force designated federal facility security officers responsible performing security assessments facilities protected making security countermeasure recommendations facilities participating security training disseminating homeland_security information occupants security guards facilities assessing security facilities extent security countermeasure recommendations implemented law enforcement officers responsible site monitoring physical security protected facilities conducting investigations facilities providing physical law enforcement facilities event terrorist attack security incident incident directs establish contract oversight force responsible overseeing contract guards establish uniform minimum training certification standards security guard services protected facilities establish process verify accuracy training certification data maintained provide training individuals guard positions successfully completed training effective utilization screening equipment active shooter scenario based training directs department_of_homeland_security dhs develop implement strategy covert testing data data prohibited items improve screening facilities protected submit assessment degree standards specified risk management process interagency security committee standard utilized non military federal facilities barriers utilizing standards requires commence year pilot program research advantages converting guard positions highest risk federal facilities protected contract guard positions positions held federal employees establish hire individuals federal facility security guard position


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Department of Homeland Security Clearance Management and Administration Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require that the designation of the sensitivity level of national security positions be conducted in a consistent manner in all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components and offices, consistent with federal guidelines. DHS must use uniform designation tools throughout DHS and provide training to appropriate staff.

The bill requires DHS: (1) by July 6, 2017, and every five years thereafter, to review all sensitivity level designations of national security positions at DHS; (2) if it determines that a change in the sensitivity level is warranted, to administratively adjust access and complete an appropriate level periodic reinvestigation; and (3) to report on such positions requiring access to classified information, no longer requiring access, or requiring a different level of access.

DHS's Inspector General must conduct regular audits of DHS compliance with regulations regarding such designations.

DHS must submit an annual report, through FY2021, on the denials, suspensions, revocations, and appeals of an individual's eligibility for access to classified information in DHS.

DHS must: (1) develop a plan to achieve greater uniformity regarding the adjudication of eligibility of an individual for access to classified information that is consistent with the Adjudicative Guidelines for Determining Access to Classified Information, and (2) ensure that all information received for such adjudication is consistent with such Guidelines and is protected against misappropriation. The plan shall consider the establishment of an internal appeals panel responsible for final national security clearance denial and revocation determinations.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure department_of_homeland_security clearance management administration act sec bill amends homeland_security act require designation sensitivity level national security positions conducted consistent manner department_of_homeland_security dhs components offices consistent federal guidelines dhs use uniform designation tools dhs provide training appropriate staff bill requires dhs july years review sensitivity level designations national security positions dhs determines change sensitivity level warranted administratively adjust access complete appropriate level periodic report positions requiring access classified information longer requiring access requiring different level access dhs inspector_general conduct regular audits dhs compliance regulations designations dhs submit annual report fy2021 denials suspensions revocations appeals individual eligibility access classified information dhs dhs develop plan achieve greater uniformity adjudication eligibility individual access classified information consistent adjudicative guidelines determining access classified information ensure information received adjudication consistent guidelines protected misappropriation plan shall consider establishment internal appeals panel responsible final national security clearance denial revocation determinations


Summary:
Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a cybersecurity strategy that includes: (1) strategic and operational goals and priorities to execute the full range of DHS's cybersecurity responsibilities; and (2) information on programs, policies, and activities in furtherance of the cybersecurity functions of the national cybersecurity and communications integration center (NCCIC), investigations capabilities, research and development, and engagement with international partners.

In developing the strategy, DHS must consider: (1) the cybersecurity strategy published in November 2011 for governmental and nongovernmental entities involved in homeland security, including federal, state, local, and tribal government officials, private sector representatives, academics, and other policy experts; (2) the Department of Homeland Security Fiscal Years 2014-2018 Strategic Plan; and (3) the most recent Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.

The strategy must include the roles and responsibilities of DHS components and offices.

DHS must also issue an implementation plan that includes strategic objectives, projected timelines, costs for tasks, and evaluation metrics.

DHS must submit the strategy and implementation plan to Congress.

The bill prohibits the strategy from being construed as permitting DHS to engage in monitoring, surveillance, exfiltration, or other collection activities to track an individual's personally identifiable information.

The bill also prohibits DHS from changing the location or reporting structure of the National Protection and Programs Directorate without prior authorization from Congress.

For purposes of the NCCIC, the bill redefines "incident" to include occurrences that actually or imminently jeopardize, without lawful authority, an information system, thereby replacing a standard that currently includes a violation or imminent threat of violation of law, security policies, security procedures, or acceptable use policies.

department_of_homeland_security cybersecurity strategy act sec bill amends homeland_security act require department_of_homeland_security dhs develop cybersecurity strategy includes strategic operational goals priorities execute range dhs cybersecurity responsibilities information programs policies activities furtherance cybersecurity functions national cybersecurity communications integration center investigations capabilities research development engagement international partners developing strategy dhs consider cybersecurity strategy published november governmental nongovernmental entities involved homeland_security including federal state local tribal government officials private sector representatives academics policy experts department_of_homeland_security fiscal years strategic plan recent quadrennial homeland_security review strategy include roles responsibilities dhs components offices dhs issue implementation plan includes strategic objectives projected timelines costs tasks evaluation metrics dhs submit strategy implementation plan congress bill prohibits strategy construed permitting dhs engage monitoring surveillance collection activities track individual personally identifiable information bill prohibits dhs changing location reporting structure national protection programs directorate prior authorization congress purposes bill redefines incident include occurrences actually imminently jeopardize lawful authority information system replacing standard currently includes violation imminent threat violation law security policies security procedures acceptable use policies


Summary:
DHS Headquarters Reform and Improvement Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This section requires this Act to be carried out using available amounts, without the authorization of additional funds.

TITLE I--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY HEADQUARTERS REAUTHORIZATION

((Sec. 102) This section amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to: (1) allow the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into agreements with governments of other countries and with nongovernmental organizations in order to achieve the missions of the Department; and (2) establish the components of the Department Headquarters of DHS and set forth its functions, including establishing DHS's overall strategy for successfully completing its mission.

This section abolishes the position of Director of Shared Services and the Office of Counternarcotics Enforcement.

(Sec. 103) This section designates the senior DHS privacy officer as the DHS Chief Privacy Officer and sets forth additional responsibilities for such Officer for developing privacy policies and practices and reporting requirements.

(Sec. 104) This section establishes in DHS an Office of Policy, to be headed by an Under Secretary for Policy. The mission of the Office is to lead, conduct, and coordinate DHS-wide policy, strategic planning, and relationships with organizations or persons that are not part of DHS. The duties of the Under Secretary include serving as the principal policy advisor to the DHS Secretary, overseeing and coordinating relationships with outside stakeholders, and managing and coordinating DHS's international engagement activities.

The Office of Policy includes an Office of Partnership and Engagement, an Office of International Affairs, an Office of Policy Implementation, and an Office of Strategy and Planning.

DHS must complete and report on a review of the international affairs offices, functions, and responsibilities of DHS components to identify and eliminate areas of unnecessary duplication.

(Sec. 105) DHS must conduct a quadrennial review of the homeland security of the United States. The first review must be completed by December 31, 2017, and subsequent reviews by December 31 of every fourth year thereafter.

(Sec. 106) DHS must submit to the congressional homeland security committees, within 30 days after the submission of the President's annual budget to Congress, an annual Future Years Homeland Security Program that covers the current fiscal year and the four succeeding fiscal years. This annual submission must provide: (1) detailed estimates for projected expenditures and corresponding requests for appropriations in the budget request, and (2) projected acquisition estimates for five fiscal years.

(Sec. 107) This section designates the DHS Under Secretary for Management as the Chief Management Officer for all matters related to the management and administration of DHS in support of homeland security operations and programs. The responsibilities of the Chief Management Officer shall include development of the budget, acquisition and procurement activities, human resources and personnel oversight, and oversight of grants and other assistance management programs.

(Sec. 108) This section establishes the position of DHS Chief Financial Officer and sets forth responsibilities for such position, including: (1) leading cost-estimating practices for DHS, (2) developing and overseeing DHS financial management policy, (3) establishing effective internal controls over financial reporting systems, (4) leading and providing guidance on performance-based budgeting practices, and (5) overseeing DHS budget formulation and execution.

(Sec. 109) This section establishes the position of DHS Chief Procurement Officer and sets forth responsibilities for such position, including: (1) exercising leadership and authority over the DHS procurement function; (2) issuing procurement policies; (3) accounting for the integrity, performance, and oversight of DHS procurement contracting functions; (4) serving as DHS's main liaison to industry on procurement-related issues; and (5) ensuring that a fair proportion of federal contract and subcontract dollars are awarded to small businesses.

(Sec. 110) This section assigns additional responsibilities to the DHS Chief Information Officer. The Chief Information Officer shall: (1) develop and report on an information technology strategic plan every five years, and (2) conduct a DHS-wide inventory of all existing software licenses held by DHS and assess the need of DHS for software licenses for the subsequent two fiscal years.

(Sec. 111) This section sets forth additional responsibilities for the DHS Chief Human Capital Officer and requires DHS components to coordinate with the Chief Human Capital Officer to develop or maintain their own five-year workforce strategy for human resource management.

(Sec. 112) This section establishes the position of DHS Chief Security Officer who shall develop and implement DHS security policies, programs, and standards, identify training and education needs, and provide support to DHS components on security-related matters.

(Sec. 113) DHS must submit a report to the congressional homeland security committees that: (1) provides a detailed inventory of the management and administrative expenditures and activities of DHS components that identifies potential cost savings and efficiencies; (2) examines the size, experience level, and geographic distribution of DHS operational personnel; and (3) makes recommendations to reduce deficiencies in DHS's capabilities, reduce costs, and enhance efficiencies.

(Sec. 114) DHS must submit to the congressional homeland security committees a field efficiencies plan that: (1) examines the facilities and administrative and logistics functions of DHS components located within designated geographic areas, and (2) provides specific recommendations and an associated cost-benefits analysis for the consolidation of functions of DHS components.

(Sec. 115) DHS must annually provide information to the congressional homeland security committees on reprogramming or transferring funds by DHS to address unforeseen costs, including the costs associated with operational surges.

(Sec. 116) This section expands requirements for the Homeland Security Rotation Program, which assigns middle and senior-level DHS employees to other components to broaden their knowledge of the missions of such components.

TITLE II--DHS ACQISITION ACCOUNTABILITY AND EFFICIENCY

(Sec. 201) This section defines terms applicable to this title, including "best practices" and "acquisition decision authority."

Subtitle A--Acquisition Authorities

(Sec. 211) This section amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to designate the DHS Under Secretary for Management as the Chief Acquisition Officer of DHS. The duties of the Chief Acquisition Officer shall include advising the DHS Secretary on acquisition management activities and exercising authority to approve, halt, modify, or cancel major acquisition programs.

This section requires the DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology to ensure that major acquisition programs complete operational testing and evaluation of technologies and systems.

(Sec. 212) This section authorizes the DHS Chief Financial Officer to provide leadership over financial management policy and programs as they relate to DHS acquisition programs.

(Sec. 213) This section assigns acquisition responsibilities to the DHS Chief Information Officer, including: (1) overseeing the management of the Homeland Security Enterprise Architecture, (2) providing recommendations to the Acquisition Review Board on information technology programs, and (3) developing information technology acquisition strategic guidance.

(Sec. 214) This section requires the DHS Under Secretary for Management to establish a mechanism to prioritize improving the accountability, standardization, and transparency of major DHS acquisition programs in order to increase opportunities for effectiveness and efficiencies and to serve as the central oversight function of all DHS acquisition programs.

Subtitle B--Acquisition Program Management Discipline

(Sec. 221) This section amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require DHS to establish an Acquisition Review Board to strengthen accountability and uniformity within the DHS acquisition review process, review major acquisition programs, and review the use of best practices. DHS must notify the congressional homeland security committees of any decision to allow a major acquisition program to move to the next acquisition phase before the program has an approved acquisition program baseline.

(Sec. 222) This section requires DHS to establish policies to reduce unnecessary duplication and inefficiency of DHS investments and major acquisition programs.

(Sec. 223) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must review and report to the congressional homeland security committees on the effectiveness of the Acquisition Review Board and efforts to reduce unnecessary duplication in acquisition programs. The review shall include: (1) a statement of how regularly each major acquisition program is reviewed by the Board and how often the Board halts programs because of operational problems; and (2) assessments of the effectiveness of the Board in increasing program management oversight, best practices and standards, and discipline among DHS components, instilling program management discipline, and impacting acquisition decision-making within DHS.

(Sec. 224) DHS must notify the congressional homeland security committees within five days after it waives requirements for engaging in business with contractors listed in the Excluded Party List System and provide an explanation for the waiver.

(Sec. 225) The DHS Inspector General may audit grant and procurement award decisions to ensure that entities that are suspended or debarred from receiving federal funds are not improperly receiving awards. The DHS Inspector General must also review the DHS suspension and debarment program to assess whether program criteria are being consistently applied throughout DHS.

Subtitle C--Acquisition Program Management Accountability and Transparency

(Sec. 231) This section amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to set forth requirements for notification within DHS and to Congress of a breach in a major acquisition program. A breach includes a failure to meet any cost, schedule, or performance parameter specified in the acquisition program baseline. After a breach is identified, the DHS Under Secretary for Management must submit a remediation plan and root cause analysis of the breach.

(Sec. 232) DHS must submit to the congressional homeland security committees a multiyear acquisition strategy to guide the overall direction of DHS acquisitions and meet future acquisition needs. The strategy shall also include: (1) a plan to address actions to ensure competition for major acquisition programs, and (2) a plan to address DHS acquisition workforce accountability and talent management that identifies acquisition workforce needs and options for filling those needs.

(Sec. 233) The DHS Undersecretary for Management shall submit to the congressional homeland security committees, at the same time as the President's annual fiscal year budget, a comprehensive acquisition status report.

(Sec. 234) The GAO must review and report on the effectiveness of the first multiyear acquisition strategy.

(Sec. 235) This section requires the DHS Inspector General, within two years after GAO submits such report, to report on whether: (1) DHS has complied with the multiyear acquisition strategy and adhered to the strategies set forth in the plan, and (2) DHS has provided the Acquisition Review Board with a capability development plan for each major acquisition program.

dhs headquarters reform improvement act sec section requires act carried available amounts authorization additional funds title department_of_homeland_security headquarters reauthorization sec section amends homeland_security act allow department_of_homeland_security dhs enter agreements governments countries nongovernmental organizations order achieve missions department establish components department headquarters dhs set forth functions including establishing dhs overall strategy successfully completing mission section abolishes position director shared services office counternarcotics enforcement sec section designates senior dhs privacy officer dhs chief privacy officer sets forth additional responsibilities officer developing privacy policies practices reporting requirements sec section establishes dhs office policy headed secretary policy mission office lead conduct coordinate dhs wide policy strategic planning relationships organizations persons dhs duties secretary include serving principal policy advisor dhs secretary overseeing coordinating relationships outside stakeholders managing coordinating dhs international engagement activities office policy includes office partnership engagement office international affairs office policy implementation office strategy planning dhs complete report review international affairs offices functions responsibilities dhs components identify eliminate areas unnecessary duplication sec dhs conduct quadrennial review homeland_security united_states review completed december subsequent reviews december fourth year sec dhs submit congressional homeland_security committees days submission president annual budget congress annual future years homeland_security program covers current fiscal year succeeding fiscal years annual submission provide detailed estimates projected expenditures corresponding requests appropriations budget request projected acquisition estimates fiscal years sec section designates dhs secretary management chief management officer matters related management administration dhs support homeland_security operations programs responsibilities chief management officer shall include development budget acquisition procurement activities human resources personnel oversight oversight grants assistance management programs sec section establishes position dhs chief financial officer sets forth responsibilities position including leading cost estimating practices dhs developing overseeing dhs financial management policy establishing effective internal controls financial reporting systems leading providing guidance performance based budgeting practices overseeing dhs budget formulation execution sec section establishes position dhs chief procurement officer sets forth responsibilities position including exercising leadership authority dhs procurement function issuing procurement policies accounting integrity performance oversight dhs procurement contracting functions serving dhs main liaison industry procurement related issues ensuring fair proportion federal contract subcontract dollars awarded small businesses sec section assigns additional responsibilities dhs chief information officer chief information officer shall develop report information technology strategic plan years conduct dhs wide inventory existing software licenses held dhs assess need dhs software licenses subsequent fiscal years sec section sets forth additional responsibilities dhs chief human capital officer requires dhs components coordinate chief human capital officer develop maintain year workforce strategy human resource management sec section establishes position dhs chief security officer shall develop implement dhs security policies programs standards identify training education needs provide support dhs components security related matters sec dhs submit report congressional homeland_security committees provides detailed inventory management administrative expenditures activities dhs components identifies potential cost savings efficiencies examines size experience level geographic distribution dhs operational personnel makes recommendations reduce deficiencies dhs capabilities reduce costs enhance efficiencies sec dhs submit congressional homeland_security committees field efficiencies plan examines facilities administrative logistics functions dhs components located designated geographic areas provides specific recommendations associated cost benefits analysis consolidation functions dhs components sec dhs annually provide information congressional homeland_security committees reprogramming transferring funds dhs address unforeseen costs including costs associated operational sec section expands requirements homeland_security rotation program assigns middle senior level dhs employees components broaden knowledge missions components title dhs accountability efficiency sec section defines terms applicable title including best practices acquisition decision authority subtitle acquisition authorities sec section amends homeland_security act designate dhs secretary management chief acquisition officer dhs duties chief acquisition officer shall include advising dhs secretary acquisition_management activities exercising authority approve halt modify cancel major acquisition programs section requires dhs secretary science_and_technology ensure major acquisition programs complete operational testing evaluation technologies systems sec section authorizes dhs chief financial officer provide leadership financial management policy programs relate dhs acquisition programs sec section assigns acquisition responsibilities dhs chief information officer including overseeing management homeland_security enterprise architecture providing recommendations acquisition review board information technology programs developing information technology acquisition strategic guidance sec section requires dhs secretary management establish mechanism prioritize improving accountability standardization transparency major dhs acquisition programs order increase opportunities effectiveness efficiencies serve central oversight function dhs acquisition programs subtitle acquisition program management discipline sec section amends homeland_security act require dhs establish acquisition review board strengthen accountability uniformity dhs acquisition review process review major acquisition programs review use best practices dhs notify congressional homeland_security committees decision allow major acquisition program acquisition phase program approved acquisition program baseline sec section requires dhs establish policies reduce unnecessary duplication dhs investments major acquisition programs sec government_accountability_office gao review report congressional homeland_security committees effectiveness acquisition review board efforts reduce unnecessary duplication acquisition programs review shall include statement regularly major acquisition program reviewed board board programs operational problems assessments effectiveness board increasing program management oversight best practices standards discipline dhs components program management discipline impacting acquisition decision making dhs sec dhs notify congressional homeland_security committees days waives requirements engaging business contractors listed excluded party list system provide explanation waiver sec dhs inspector_general audit grant procurement award decisions ensure entities suspended debarred receiving federal funds improperly receiving awards dhs inspector_general review dhs suspension debarment program assess program criteria consistently applied dhs subtitle acquisition program management accountability transparency sec section amends homeland_security act set forth requirements notification dhs congress breach major acquisition program breach includes failure meet cost schedule performance specified acquisition program baseline breach identified dhs secretary management submit remediation plan root cause analysis breach sec dhs submit congressional homeland_security committees multiyear acquisition strategy guide overall direction dhs acquisitions meet future acquisition needs strategy shall include plan address actions ensure competition major acquisition programs plan address dhs acquisition workforce accountability talent management identifies acquisition workforce needs options filling needs sec dhs undersecretary management shall submit congressional homeland_security committees time president annual fiscal year budget comprehensive acquisition status report sec gao review report effectiveness multiyear acquisition strategy sec section requires dhs inspector_general years gao submits report report dhs complied multiyear acquisition strategy strategies set forth plan dhs provided acquisition review board capability development plan major acquisition program


Summary:
DHS Science and Technology Reform and Improvement Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to declare that the Directorate of Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall be the primary research, development, testing, and evaluation arm of DHS, responsible for coordinating such activities to strengthen the security and resiliency of the United States. The Directorate shall be headed by the DHS Undersecretary for Science and Technology, who shall: (1) serve as the DHS senior scientific advisor, and (2) identify and develop countermeasures to terrorist threats that may serve as the basis for a national strategy.

The Directorate shall: (1) develop and deliver knowledge, analyses, and innovative solutions that are responsive to homeland security capability gaps and threats; (2) seek innovative, system-based solutions to complex homeland security problems and threats; and (3) build partnerships and leverage technology solutions developed by other governmental entities, universities, and the private sector.

The bill expands to duties of the Directorate to include:

 coordinating and integrating all research, development, demonstration, testing, and evaluation activities of DHS, including through a centralized federal clearinghouse relating to technologies that would further the DHS mission; establishing a process that includes Directorate and DHS leadership and through which research and development projects are assessed on a regular basis; developing and overseeing the administration of guidelines for periodic review of research and development programs or activities; partnering with DHS components and offices to develop and deliver knowledge, analyses, and innovative solutions that are responsive to identified homeland security capability gaps and threats; and acting as a coordinating office for technology development and coordinating with organizations that provide venture capital to businesses, particularly small businesses, to assist in the commercialization of innovative homeland security technologies. DHS must review and revise departmental policies on personnel conflicts of interest to ensure that such policies specifcally address employees of federally-funded research and development centers who are in a position to make or materially influence research findings or agency decision-making.

The criteria for designating colleges or universities as a center for homeland security is modified to require expertise in nuclear explosives countermeasures or detection.

The bill establishes in the Directorate a Test, Evaluation, and Standards Division to serve as an adviser to the DHS Secretary and the DHS Under Secretary of Management on all test and evaluation or standards activities in DHS.

The Directorate shall:

 establish a process to define, identify, prioritize, fund, and task its basic and applied homeland security research and development activities; develop and submit to appropriate congressional committees a strategy to guide its activities; develop and update, at least once every five years, a five-year research and development plan for its activities; establish and utilize a system to track the progress of its research, development, testing, and evaluation activities; establish the Homeland Security Science and Technology Fellows Program; support research, development, testing, evaluation, and transition of cybersecurity technology; establish Integrated Product Teams to assist DHS in identifying, coordinating, and aligning research and development efforts with departmental missions; and establish a Homeland Security-STEM internship program to encourage students to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers in homeland security related fields. The bill extends through FY2020 DHS authority for certain research and development projects.

The bill revises the definition of "incident" used with respect to the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center.

The Government Accountability Office shall initiate a study to assess the university-based centers for homeland security program and provide recommendations to the congressional homeland security committees for appropriate improvements.

The Directorate shall utilize, as appropriate, prize authority granted pursuant to current law.

No new funds are authorized to carry out this Act.

dhs science_and_technology reform improvement act sec bill amends homeland_security act declare directorate science_and_technology department_of_homeland_security dhs shall primary research development testing evaluation arm dhs responsible coordinating activities strengthen security resiliency united_states directorate shall headed dhs undersecretary science_and_technology shall serve dhs senior scientific advisor identify develop countermeasures terrorist threats serve basis national strategy directorate shall develop deliver knowledge analyses innovative solutions responsive homeland_security capability gaps threats seek innovative system based solutions complex homeland_security problems threats build partnerships leverage technology solutions developed governmental entities universities private sector bill expands duties directorate include coordinating integrating research development demonstration testing evaluation activities dhs including centralized federal clearinghouse relating technologies dhs mission establishing process includes directorate dhs leadership research development projects assessed regular basis developing overseeing administration guidelines periodic review research development programs activities partnering dhs components offices develop deliver knowledge analyses innovative solutions responsive identified homeland_security capability gaps threats acting coordinating office technology development coordinating organizations provide venture capital businesses particularly small businesses assist commercialization innovative homeland_security technologies dhs review revise departmental policies personnel conflicts interest ensure policies address employees federally funded research development centers position materially influence research findings agency decision making criteria designating colleges universities center homeland_security modified require expertise nuclear explosives countermeasures detection bill establishes directorate test evaluation standards division serve adviser dhs secretary dhs secretary management test evaluation standards activities dhs directorate shall establish process define identify prioritize fund task basic applied homeland_security research development activities develop submit appropriate congressional committees strategy guide activities develop update years year research development plan activities establish utilize system track progress research development testing evaluation activities establish homeland_security science_and_technology fellows program support research development testing evaluation transition cybersecurity technology establish integrated product teams assist dhs identifying coordinating aligning research development efforts departmental missions establish homeland_security stem internship program encourage students pursue stem science technology engineering mathematics careers homeland_security related fields bill extends fy2020 dhs authority certain research development projects bill revises definition incident respect national cybersecurity communications integration center government_accountability_office shall initiate study assess university based centers homeland_security program provide recommendations congressional homeland_security committees appropriate improvements directorate shall utilize appropriate prize authority granted pursuant current law new funds authorized carry act


Summary:
Promoting Resilience and Efficiency in Preparing for Attacks and Responding to Emergencies Act or the PREPARE Act

TITLE I--GRANTS, TRAINING, EXERCISES, AND COORDINATION

(Sec. 101) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enter into memoranda of understanding with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Transportation Security Administration, the Coast Guard, the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, the Office of Emergency Communications (OEC), the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement, the Countering Violent Extremism Coordinator, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offices and components to delineate their responsibilities for awarding grants to:

 public transportation agencies to improve security under the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007; high-risk urban areas and state, local, and tribal governments to protect against terrorism under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP); and port authorities, facility operators, and state and local governments to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and facility security plans, provide port security services, and train law enforcement personnel. (Sec. 102) The grant funds must be made available for use by the recipients for at least 36 months.

(Sec. 103) Operation Stonegarden is established in DHS for FEMA to enhance border security by making grants to law enforcement agencies involved in CBP operations in states that border Canada or Mexico or that have a maritime border.

(Sec. 104) FEMA must assess the extent to which UASI and SHSGP grants have closed capability gaps identified in: (1) state preparedness reports required under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, and (2) threat and hazard identification and risk assessments from each state and high-risk urban area.

(Sec. 105) FEMA must summarize in the annual notice of funding opportunity for UASI and SHSGP grants the DHS Inspector General's findings in audits of such grants and methods to address areas identified for improvement and innovative practices instituted by grant recipients.

(Sec. 106) State planning committees or urban working groups required to assist in the determination of funding priorities under the UASI and the SHSGP must include: (1) public health officials and medical practitioners, (2) educational institutions, and (3) appropriate state and regional interoperable communications coordinators and state and major urban area fusion centers.

(Sec. 107) DHS is prohibited from implementing the National Preparedness Grant Program without congressional authorization.

(Sec. 108) FEMA must coordinate with DHS's Office of Policy, and outreach to relevant stakeholder organizations, when it makes determinations regarding the use of UASI and SHSGP funds for law enforcement terrorism prevention activities.

(Sec. 109) FEMA must permit grant recipients under the UASI and the SHSGP to use grant funds to prepare for terrorism by enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities, including an initial pharmaceutical stockpile with medical kits and diagnostics to protect first responders, their families, immediate victims, and vulnerable populations from a chemical or biological event. Such work may be carried out in conjunction with Department of Energy-owned national laboratories.

(Sec. 110) Applicants for UASI and SHSGP grants seeking funds to purchase equipment must develop equipment maintenance plans that identify which entity is responsible for maintaining such equipment.

(Sec. 111) The bill reauthorizes members of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium for FY2016-FY2017.

(Sec. 112) DHS is authorized to establish a Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium of universities and nonprofit organizations to provide training to emergency response providers from rural communities.

(Sec. 113) At least every five years, FEMA must update, and the National Integration Center must review and revise as appropriate, the National Response Plan to consolidate and coordinate the federal government's existing emergency response plans.

FEMA must provide performance metrics to federal agencies with responsibilities under the National Response Framework.

(Sec. 114) The National Integration Center must also review the national incident management system at least every five years.

(Sec. 115) FEMA must develop a uniform process for reviewing applications to use UASI or SHSGP grants to purchase equipment or systems not included on FEMA's authorized equipment list.

(Sec. 116) FEMA must establish a remedial action management program to collect information on corrective actions and lessons learned by federal agencies during training exercises and responses to natural disasters, terrorism, and other man-made disasters. It must: (1) report to Congress on the status of corrective actions; and (2) disseminate after-action reports and best practices to Congress and federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector officials.

TITLE II--COMMUNICATIONS

(Sec. 201) DHS must receive prior authorization from congressional homeland security committees before changing the location or reporting structure of the OEC.

(Sec. 202) The OEC must: (1) administer the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service and the Wireless Priority Service programs, (2) assess the impact of emerging technologies on interoperable emergency communications, and (3) update the National Emergency Communications Plan at least every five years.

(Sec. 203) The OEC must report to Congress annually for five years about its activities.

(Sec. 204) The OEC must update at least every five years the National Emergency Communications Plan, which must be expanded to consider the impact of emerging technologies on the attainment of interoperable emergency communications.

(Sec. 206) The National Protection and Programs Directorate must submit to Congress information on DHS's responsibilities related to the development of the nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network, including information on efforts to work with the Department of Commerce's First Responder Network Authority to identify and address cyber risks that could impact the network's availability and operations.

(Sec. 207) A state must include in its application for SHSGP funding a certification that: (1) confirms that its governor has designated a Statewide Interoperability Coordinator, or (2) identifies another individual who will be the primary point of contact for performance of such functions.

The Coordinator must:

 coordinate the daily operations of the state's interoperability efforts; coordinate state interoperability and communications projects and grant applications for such projects; establish and maintain working groups to develop and implement key interoperability initiatives; and coordinate and update a Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan that specifies the current status of state efforts to enhance communications interoperability within the state, including future goals for communications interoperability among emergency response agencies in the state. (Sec. 208) DHS's Management Directorate must develop a mechanism to verify that DHS radio users receive ongoing training, including on interagency radio use protocols.

TITLE III--MEDICAL PREPAREDNESS

(Sec. 301) DHS must coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), for the purpose of domestic preparedness for and collective response to terrorism, to: (1) establish a program to provide surplus anthrax vaccines nearing the end of their labeled dates of use from the strategic national stockpile for administration to emergency response providers who are at high risk of exposure to anthrax and who voluntarily consent to such administration, (2) distribute disclosures regarding associated benefits and risks to end users, and (3) conduct outreach to educate emergency response providers about the program.

DHS must: (1) support homeland security-focused risk analysis and assessments of the threats posed by anthrax from an act of terror; (2) leverage homeland security intelligence capabilities and structures to enhance prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts with respect to an anthrax terror attack; and (3) share information and provide tailored analytical support on threats posed by anthrax to state, local, and tribal authorities, as well as other national biosecurity and biodefense stakeholders.

In coordination with HHS, DHS must carry out a 24-month pilot program to provide anthrax vaccines to emergency response providers. DHS must: (1) establish a communication platform and education and training modules for such program, (2) conduct economic analysis of such program, (3) create a logistical platform for the anthrax vaccine request process, (4) select providers based in at least two states to participate, (5) provide to each participating provider disclosures and educational materials regarding the benefits and risks of any vaccine provided and of exposure to anthrax, and (6) submit annual reports on pilot program results and recommendations to improve pilot program participation. Each report must include a plan for continuation of the DHS program to provide vaccines to emergency response providers.

(Sec. 302) The Chief Medical Officer's (CMO's) responsibilities are expanded to include:

 establishing medical and human, animal, and occupational health exposure policies and initiatives; advising DHS and FEMA on the medical effects of terrorist attacks or other high consequence events utilizing chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear agents or explosives; coordinating DHS's preparedness for pandemics and emerging infectious diseases; serving as DHS's primary point of contact for emergency medical services and medical first responder stakeholders; ensuring that DHS's workforce has evidence-based standards for occupational health and operational medicine programs; and maintaining a coordinated system for medical support for DHS's operational activities. The CMO must also: (1) review and maintain verification of the accreditation of DHS's health provider workforce; (2) develop quality assurances, clinical policies, and metrics for medical and health activities; (3) oversee medical records systems; and (4) provide medical direction for emergency medical services.

The CMO may provide medical liaisons to DHS components to provide subject matter expertise on medical and public health issues and a direct link to the CMO.

(Sec. 303) DHS must establish a medical countermeasures program to facilitate personnel readiness, and protection for working animals, employees, and individuals in DHS's care and custody, in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosives attack, naturally occurring disease outbreak, or pandemic.

The CMO must: (1) oversee the program and maintain a medical countermeasures stockpile and dispensing system, (2) establish a medical countermeasures working group comprised of representatives from DHS offices to ensure that medical countermeasures standards are maintained and guidance is consistent, and (3) develop an integrated logistics support plan.

TITLE IV--MANAGEMENT

(Sec. 401) FEMA must designate a chief management official and principal advisor on FEMA management matters.

The chief management official must be responsible for: (1) procurement; (2) human resources and personnel; (3) information technology and communications systems; (4) real property investment and planning, facilities, accountable personal property, records and disclosure, privacy, safety and health, and sustainability and environmental management; and (5) security for personnel, information technology and communications systems, facilities, property, equipment, and other material resources.

The chief management official's responsibilities shall not be construed to affect the role of the Assistant Administrator for National Continuity as it relates to the Mount Weather Emergency Operations Center and associated facilities.

FEMA must submit to Congress: (1) a review of financial, human capital, information technology, real property planning, and acquisition management of its headquarters and regional offices; and (2) a strategy for capturing financial, human capital, information technology, real property planning, and acquisition data.

(Sec. 402) FEMA must also report on its efforts to modernize its grants and financial information technology systems.

(Sec. 403) Not later than May 1, 2016, and for each of the next five years, FEMA must update its strategic human capital plan.

(Sec. 404) FEMA must integrate the needs of children into its activities to protect against natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, including by appointing a technical expert to coordinate such activities.

TITLE V--FLOOD INSURANCE CLAIMS PROCESS REFORMS

(Sec. 501) This title amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to direct FEMA to set forth requirements concerning the final engineering report of an engineer or any report of a claims adjustor for any on-site inspection of a property to assess a claim for losses covered by a flood insurance policy under such Act. Such a report:

 may not be transmitted to any other person, employer, agency, or entity, before it is transmitted to the insured; may not include alterations by, or at the request of, anyone other than the person responsible for the final engineering report or the preparer of the claims adjustor report, and shall include a certification that it does not contain any such alterations; and shall provide reasonable assurance that it was transmitted directly to the insured by such person or preparer. For engineering reports, these requirements apply only to the final signed or sealed report that contains final conclusions. But for claims adjustor reports, the requirements apply to any document in connection with such claim that is based on the adjustor's on-site inspection, including any adjustment reports, field reports, drafts, preliminary versions, copies, amendments, or additions.

If FEMA or an insurance company disallows a flood insurance claim, or if the claimant refuses to accept the allowed amount, the claimant may institute a court action against FEMA or the insurance company: (1) within two years after the occurrence of the losses involved in such claim; or (2) in the case of a denial of a claim that is appealed to FEMA, within 90 days after the final determination upon appeal denying such claim in whole or in part, or within two years after the loss, whichever is later. (These time periods replace current law that allows a claimant to institute such an action against FEMA or the insurance company within one year after the mailing of notice of disallowance or partial disallowance.)

promoting resilience efficiency preparing attacks responding emergencies act prepare act title grants training exercises coordination sec bill amends homeland_security act require federal_emergency_management_agency fema enter memoranda understanding customs border_protection cbp transportation_security_administration coast_guard office_of_intelligence_and_analysis office emergency communications office state local law enforcement countering violent extremism coordinator office civil rights civil liberties department_of_homeland_security dhs offices components delineate responsibilities awarding grants public transportation agencies improve security implementing recommendations commission act high risk urban areas state local tribal governments protect terrorism urban_area_security_initiative state_homeland_security_grant_program port authorities facility operators state local governments implement area maritime transportation security plans facility security plans provide port security services train law enforcement personnel sec grant funds available use recipients months sec operation stonegarden established dhs fema enhance border_security making grants law enforcement agencies involved cbp operations states border canada mexico maritime border sec fema assess extent grants closed capability gaps identified state preparedness reports required post-katrina_emergency_management_reform_act threat hazard identification risk assessments state high risk urban area sec fema summarize annual notice funding opportunity grants dhs inspector_general findings audits grants methods address areas identified improvement innovative practices instituted grant recipients sec state planning committees urban working groups required assist determination funding priorities include public health officials medical practitioners educational institutions appropriate state regional interoperable communications coordinators state major urban area fusion centers sec dhs prohibited implementing national preparedness grant program congressional authorization sec fema coordinate dhs office policy outreach relevant stakeholder organizations makes determinations use funds law enforcement terrorism prevention activities sec fema permit grant recipients use grant funds prepare terrorism enhancing medical preparedness medical surge capacity mass capabilities including initial pharmaceutical stockpile medical kits diagnostics protect responders families immediate victims vulnerable populations chemical biological event work carried conjunction department_of_energy owned national_laboratories sec applicants grants seeking funds purchase equipment develop equipment maintenance plans identify entity responsible maintaining equipment sec bill reauthorizes members national domestic preparedness consortium fy2016 fy2017 sec dhs authorized establish rural domestic preparedness consortium universities nonprofit organizations provide training emergency response providers rural communities sec years fema update national integration center review revise appropriate national response plan consolidate coordinate federal_government existing emergency response plans fema provide performance metrics federal agencies responsibilities national response framework sec national integration center review national incident management system years sec fema develop uniform process reviewing applications use grants purchase equipment systems included fema authorized equipment list sec fema establish remedial action management program collect information corrective actions lessons learned federal agencies training exercises responses natural disasters terrorism man disasters report congress status corrective actions disseminate action reports best practices congress federal state local tribal private sector officials title communications sec dhs receive prior authorization congressional homeland_security committees changing location reporting structure sec administer government emergency telecommunications service wireless priority service programs assess impact emerging technologies interoperable emergency communications update national emergency communications plan years sec report congress annually years activities sec update years national emergency communications plan expanded consider impact emerging technologies attainment interoperable emergency communications sec national protection programs directorate submit congress information dhs responsibilities related development nationwide public safety broadband network including information efforts work department_of_commerce responder network authority identify address cyber risks impact network availability operations sec state include application funding certification confirms governor designated statewide interoperability coordinator identifies individual primary point contact performance functions coordinator coordinate daily operations state interoperability efforts coordinate state interoperability communications projects grant applications projects establish maintain working groups develop implement key interoperability initiatives coordinate update statewide communications interoperability plan specifies current status state efforts enhance communications interoperability state including future goals communications interoperability emergency response agencies state sec dhs management directorate develop mechanism verify dhs radio users receive ongoing training including interagency radio use protocols title iii medical preparedness sec dhs coordinate department_of_health_and_human_services hhs purpose domestic preparedness collective response terrorism establish program provide surplus vaccines nearing end labeled dates use strategic national stockpile administration emergency response providers high risk exposure voluntarily consent administration distribute disclosures associated benefits risks end users conduct outreach educate emergency response providers program dhs support homeland_security focused risk analysis assessments threats posed act terror leverage homeland_security intelligence capabilities structures enhance prevention protection response recovery efforts respect terror attack share information provide tailored analytical support threats posed state local tribal authorities national biosecurity biodefense stakeholders coordination hhs dhs carry month pilot program provide vaccines emergency response providers dhs establish communication platform education training modules program conduct economic analysis program create logistical platform vaccine request process select providers based states participate provide participating provider disclosures educational materials benefits risks vaccine provided exposure submit annual reports pilot program results recommendations improve pilot program participation report include plan continuation dhs program provide vaccines emergency response providers sec chief medical officer responsibilities expanded include establishing medical human animal occupational health exposure policies initiatives advising dhs fema medical effects terrorist attacks high consequence events utilizing chemical biological radiological nuclear agents explosives coordinating dhs preparedness emerging infectious diseases serving dhs primary point contact emergency medical services medical responder stakeholders ensuring dhs workforce evidence based standards occupational health operational medicine programs maintaining coordinated system medical support dhs operational activities review maintain verification accreditation dhs health provider workforce develop quality assurances clinical policies metrics medical health activities oversee medical records systems provide medical direction emergency medical services provide medical liaisons dhs components provide subject matter expertise medical public health issues direct link sec dhs establish medical countermeasures program facilitate personnel readiness protection working animals employees individuals dhs care custody event chemical biological radiological nuclear explosives attack naturally occurring disease outbreak pandemic oversee program maintain medical countermeasures stockpile dispensing system establish medical countermeasures working_group comprised representatives dhs offices ensure medical countermeasures standards maintained guidance consistent develop integrated logistics support plan title management sec fema designate chief management official principal advisor fema management matters chief management official responsible procurement human resources personnel information technology communications systems real property investment planning facilities accountable personal property records disclosure privacy safety health sustainability environmental management security personnel information technology communications systems facilities property equipment material resources chief management official responsibilities shall construed affect role assistant administrator national continuity relates mount weather emergency operations center associated facilities fema submit congress review financial human capital information technology real property planning acquisition_management headquarters regional offices strategy capturing financial human capital information technology real property planning acquisition data sec fema report efforts modernize grants financial information technology systems sec later years fema update strategic human capital plan sec fema integrate needs children activities protect natural disasters acts terrorism man disasters including appointing technical expert coordinate activities title flood insurance claims process reforms sec title amends national_flood_insurance_act direct fema set forth requirements concerning final engineering report engineer report claims site inspection property assess claim losses covered flood insurance policy act report transmitted person employer agency entity transmitted insured include alterations request person responsible final engineering report preparer claims report shall include certification contain alterations shall provide reasonable assurance transmitted directly insured person preparer engineering reports requirements apply final signed sealed report contains final conclusions claims reports requirements apply document connection claim based site inspection including adjustment reports field reports preliminary versions copies amendments additions fema insurance company disallows flood insurance claim claimant refuses accept allowed claimant institute court action fema insurance company years occurrence losses involved claim case denial claim appealed fema days final determination appeal denying claim years loss whichever later time periods replace current law allows claimant institute action fema insurance company year mailing notice disallowance partial disallowance