Posted on 06/17/2005 10:28:55 AM PDT by Happy2BMe
Press Release
| Source: House Committee on Homeland Security |
Homeland Sub-Chair Rogers: 'Border Surveillance System Does Not Work'
Thursday June 16, 1:57 pm ET
"We're holding this hearing today to discuss the issue of border patrol surveillance technology.
"In 1998, the former Immigration and Naturalization Service launched the Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System, known as ISIS. This system was originally designed to detect illegal aliens and drug traffickers crossing our borders.
"A major component of ISIS is the Remote Video Surveillance Program. This network integrates multiple color, thermal, and infrared cameras -- which are mounted on 50- to 80-foot poles along the borders -- into a single remote- controlled system.
"Later this year, the Department of Homeland Security plans to roll out a new initiative to expand and upgrade this system. Known as the America's Shield Initiative, this program will expand and replace ISIS to help prevent terrorists from slipping over our borders between the Ports of Entry. It's expected to cost $2.5 billion.
"In December 2004, the Inspector General of the General Services Administration issued an audit. This report found numerous problems with the Border Patrol's contract for the Remote Video Surveillance Program.
"For example, the initial $2 million award was made to the International Microwave Corporation, known as IMC, without documented evidence of a competition. Interestingly, however, one year later IMC received an extension worth $250 million dollars -- for many tasks outside the scope of the original contract.
"GSA also found problems with the equipment. At the Border Patrol location in Blaine, Wash., for example, auditors found cameras and other pieces of equipment that did not work. Some needed frequent repair.
"At three other locations, including Detroit, auditors found surveillance sites where no equipment had even been delivered, and no work was underway. At other sites in New York, Arizona, and Texas, some equipment had been installed, but was not operational.
"GSA also noted these deficiencies: 60-foot poles that were paid for but never installed; sensitive equipment that failed to meet electrical codes; an operations center where contractors and government employees did little, or no work, for over a year; and not surprisingly, numerous cost-overruns.
"In September 2004, GSA abruptly halted extending the contract, leaving approximately 70 border sites without monitoring equipment. It also forced the contractor to ship truckloads of equipment back to the Border Patrol. Today, that equipment is gathering dust in a warehouse.
"What we have here -- plain and simple -- is a case of gross mismanagement of a multi-million dollar contract. This agreement has violated Federal contracting rules, and it has wasted taxpayers' dollars.
"Worst of all, it's seriously weakened our border security.
"Today we will hear from the GSA's Deputy Inspector General about the findings of this audit. We'll also hear from the President of L-3 Communications, the company that acquired IMC.
"We'll also hear from a leading private sector expert on the 'best practices' in government contract management.
"And in a future hearing on this issue, we'll hear from representatives from the Department of Homeland Security. We'll be interested in obtaining information and documents on this contract from the Department.
"We'll also look forward to a response to a letter Congressman Meek and I sent to Secretary Chertoff on May 27, which is still pending a response.
"Again, I'd like to thank our witnesses for being here today, and I look forward to hearing your testimony."
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
There is no "system."
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"Later this year, the Department of Homeland Security plans to roll out a new initiative to expand and upgrade this system. Known as the America's Shield Initiative, this program will expand and replace ISIS to help prevent terrorists from slipping over our borders between the Ports of Entry. It's expected to cost $2.5 billion.
"In December 2004, the Inspector General of the General Services Administration issued an audit. This report found numerous problems with the Border Patrol's contract for the Remote Video Surveillance Program.
"For example, the initial $2 million award was made to the International Microwave Corporation, known as IMC, without documented evidence of a competition. Interestingly, however, one year later IMC received an extension worth $250 million dollars -- for many tasks outside the scope of the original contract.
We'll also hear from the President of L-3 Communications, the company that acquired IMC.
L-3 Communications has a pretty decent track record...one of their acquisitions built the red phones GEN Schwarzkopf used in Gulf War 1. I'm betting their president is sorry now that he ever considered acquiring International Microwave.
The breech has endured too long, is too blatant, too damaging and certainly too dangerous in a time of terrorist threat not to be a willful and deliberate policy of the administration to ignore its oath that the laws be faithfully executed.
End this program.You would expect that the Department of Homeland Security would have legal eagles wise enough to write a contract with protections/oversight guaranteeing completion on budget.
I think we should hire the Israelis...their fence/security system seems to work well.
Your comment reminded me of a TV interview with Israel's El Al Airline's head of security. This was maybe 12 or 18 months after 9-11. He was asked what he thought of our improvements to the airline passanger security screening system.
He replied: "You don't have an airline security system, you have a system to pissoff passengers".
Bingo!
I agree, Nathan, it's mighty curious.
From one of the many sources out there:
The vice-president of International Microwave Corporation is a woman named Rebecca Reyes. She is the daughter of Texas Congressman Silvester Reyes. He is a former Border Patrol chief from El Paso.
(I'm not sure if Reyes is still in Congress.)
Duh!
Important thread. Good work, Happy!
"Duh!"
Yes, but it's official. That's significant.
When jobs in the GSA are on the line (they got caught), congressmen and senators usually lose elections.
2006.
Sounds to me like there were a whole bunch of criminal acts committed here.The one that burns my ass the most: "... an operations center where contractors and government employees did little, or no work, for over a year; and not surprisingly, numerous cost-overruns."
I would suggest that the "government employees," at least, be charged with theft and forced to return their salaries for this year.
Everybody knows in an organization the size of the federal government there's gonna be some waste and inefficiency. But outright fraud and theft? This need to be stopped and there needs to be restitution.
Man, he knocked that one right out of the park! Thanks very much for the message!
There is only one deterrent that will work
A WALL similar to what Isreal has installed! - cost less than an additional 5000 border patrol agents and is on the job 24 hours a day.
Protect our borders and coastlines from all foreign invaders!
Be Ever Vigilant!
Minutemen Patriots ~ Bump!
If Bush proceeds with his little "integration Fantasy" I quite imagine the United States of America will see a brand new "BAND OF BROTHERS" arise and save this Nation.
If not, we deserve to live under the tyranny we can see coming.
If Bush proceeds with his little "integration Fantasy" I quite imagine the United States of America will see a brand new "BAND OF BROTHERS" arise and save this Nation.
If not, we deserve to live under the tyranny we can see coming.
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