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Narrative Strategy Symposium: SEPTEMBER 30

Homeland Security Today and Narrative Strategies are proud to launch the first-ever Narrative Strategy Symposium, bringing together leaders from government, academia, industry, the military, and the homeland security community to explore one of the defining challenges of our time: how narratives shape security, public trust, decision-making, and national resilience. The symposium is made possible through the collaboration of a distinguished group of organizations working at the forefront of narrative, strategy, national security, and defense.

As the United States confronts increasingly complex challenges—from strategic competition and disinformation to violent extremism, artificial intelligence, and influence operations—understanding narrative has become a national security imperative. Narratives influence how people interpret events, build trust, make decisions, and respond to crises. Developing a deeper understanding of narrative strategy will help homeland security leaders anticipate emerging threats, strengthen public resilience, and communicate more effectively during times of uncertainty.

Building on the launch of Homeland Security Today’s Narrative Strategy Vertical, this inaugural symposium will establish a foundation for continued collaboration by examining the principles of narrative, narrative strategy, and narrative warfare; highlighting the organizations advancing this work across government, academia, industry, and the defense community; and exploring practical applications for homeland security, emergency management, law enforcement, public safety, and national security. Together, participants will examine how narrative can be leveraged to strengthen preparedness, counter malign influence, and build a more secure and resilient nation.

AUGUST 4th GTSC Member Briefing: GAO’s Annual DHS Assessment

Join us for an in-depth briefing on the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) 11th Annual Assessment of the Department of Homeland Security’s Major Acquisition Programs, a comprehensive review of the systems and capabilities DHS relies upon to execute its critical missions—from border security and maritime safety to cybersecurity and emergency response. Register here.

DHS invests tens of billions of taxpayer dollars in acquisition programs designed to deliver the technologies, infrastructure, and operational capabilities that protect the nation. These programs often take years to develop, test, and field, making effective oversight and management essential to mission success.

This exclusive briefing will examine the report’s findings on the performance, risks, and future outlook of DHS’s major acquisition portfolio, including programs with life-cycle costs exceeding $300 million. Participants will gain valuable insight into how these investments are performing against their original cost, schedule, and performance goals, and what recent policy and funding changes could mean for the future of DHS acquisitions.

Key discussion topics will include:

DHS’s October 2025 restructuring of acquisition oversight, including the dissolution of a key office responsible for acquisition governance and accountability.
The unprecedented infusion of funding provided through the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act, which allocated at least $14 billion to 12 major acquisition programs.
Trends in program cost growth and schedule delays across the DHS acquisition portfolio.
The impact of workforce challenges, management changes, and operational pressures on future program execution.
Risks and opportunities facing DHS as it modernizes critical capabilities in an increasingly complex threat environment.

Among the report’s most notable findings:

Fifteen of nineteen reviewed programs have revised their original cost, schedule, or performance baselines at least once.
Total baselined program costs have increased by approximately $11.4 billion since initial estimates were established.
Twelve programs have delayed their planned dates for achieving full operational capability.
Staffing uncertainties and other operational factors continue to create significant risks to meeting future milestones.

BORDER SECURITY AWARDS DC CEREMONY: July 22nd

Join Homeland Security Today in Washington, D.C., on July 22, 2026, for the 2026 National Border Security Awards, an evening dedicated to recognizing the exceptional leaders, teams, and organizations strengthening America’s borders. RSVP here.

The National Border Security Awards honor excellence across the federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sectors, celebrating those whose leadership, innovation, operational excellence, and collaborative partnerships have made a lasting impact on the nation’s border security mission. From pioneering technologies and groundbreaking initiatives to outstanding frontline operations and cross-sector collaboration, these awards recognize the individuals and organizations shaping the future of border security. Hosted by Homeland Security

Today, the ceremony brings together senior government officials, industry leaders, and members of the homeland security community to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s honorees while highlighting the partnerships and innovations that continue to advance the security, resilience, and prosperity of the United States. We look forward to recognizing the outstanding achievements of the 2026 National Border Security Award recipients and celebrating the people whose dedication continues to strengthen our nation’s borders.

See the winners here.

JUNE 30 SBIR REAUTHORIZATION INSIGHT SESSION WEBINAR

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, one of the federal government’s most powerful tools for driving innovation, was just reauthorized after a five-month gap, bringing new rules, new opportunities, and new responsibilities for agencies and small businesses alike. GTSC’s SBIR Program Reauthorization Insight Session will provide a high-level overview of the program, what changed under the new law, and what it means for companies and agencies navigating federal innovation funding today. Register here.

The session will cover:

What SBIR is, how it differs from traditional federal procurement, and why it remains one of the most strategic pathways for small businesses to enter the federal marketplace
Key updates from the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act — including new award structures, proposal reforms, foreign risk screening, and acquisition workforce training requirements
A breakdown of all three SBIR phases, with a focused look at Phase III directed-award authority and how agencies can use it to transition innovative technologies into mission-ready solutions

Featuring officials from the Small Business Administration, GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, this session connects policy directly to practice. Attendees will hear from the people who manage and execute the SBIR program every day – offering rare, firsthand insight into how the program works and how to use it effectively.

This webinar is ideal for small businesses, technology developers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and organizations in learning more about federal innovation funding opportunities and the role SBIR plays in advancing mission-driven solutions.

Panelists:

Robert “Bobby” Wade, Sector Director, Acquisition Division Director, & Contracting Director, GSA

Robert “Bobby” Wade is a multi-hatted Sector Director, Acquisition Division Director and GSA Contracting Director within GSA AAS Innovation, a fee-for-service acquisition and project management organization. He leads an innovation focused business unit of two program divisions and one contracting division consisting of 40 contracting and project management professionals focused on a rapidly growing $5 billion portfolio of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts, Commercial Solutions Opening contracts, as well as the administration of GSA’s ASTRO Multiple Award Contract Vehicle.

Dusty Lang, Program Director, SBIR, Department of Homeland Security

Dusty Lang assumed the role of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Director in 2019. She has worked extensively with the DHS SBIR program, administered by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), having joined the program team in 2016. In 2018, Ms. Lang served as the Program Manager for the S&T Broad Agency Announcement and Prize Competition programs before coming back to the DHS SBIR program as Director in 2019.  Prior to joining DHS S&T, Ms. Lang began her career working at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station at the Hazardous Materials Warehouse. After subsequent positions in the Information Resource Management Office and PMA-207, in 2006 she moved to the Naval Air Systems Command SBIR office. During her time in the NAVAIR SBIR office, she served as the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Lead, with a brief intermission, from 2015-2016, as the Department of the Navy STTR/STP Program Manager.

Dr. Genevieve Lind, Program Manager, America’s Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR Programs), U.S. Small Business Administration

Dr. Genevieve Lind is a Program Manager for America’s Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR Programs) at the U.S. Small Business Administration, where she leads strategic initiatives that accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization across the nation. With more than eight years of experience managing multi-million-dollar research and development investment portfolios, she has built and strengthened innovation ecosystems that connect small businesses with federal opportunities and resources. Dr. Lind is recognized for her ability to translate complex policy and program requirements into actionable strategies, coordinate cross-agency initiatives, and address implementation challenges at the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and government. Her expertise spans program design, compliance and governance frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and commercialization strategy, with a proven track record of increasing small business participation and driving measurable outcomes.

HSToday’s Inaugural Terrorism Prevention Forum: May 20

Hosted in partnership with American University, HSToday will bring together leaders from government, law enforcement, academia, and civil society to examine the evolving landscape of prevention and highlight innovative, real-world approaches to stopping threats before they emerge.

We will discuss the state of prevention efforts, cutting-edge practices in the field, and the growing role of technology and community-based strategies in building resilience and enhancing public safety.

Opening Remarks: The State of Prevention

Steven Driscoll, M.Ed, Assistant Chief, National Threat Assessment Center, U.S. Secret Service

This session will briefly describe the update on existing prevention programs at the federal, state, and local governmental level, and NTAC and partner resources available to all.

Cutting-Edge Prevention in Practice

Hala Furst, Director for Strategic Partnerships, Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL)

Dr. Emma Cardeli, Attending Psychologist & Research Associate, Trauma & Community Resilience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital; Assistant Professor, Psychology Harvard Medical School

Kaitlyn Tierney, Co-Founder, Diverting Hate

Effective prevention solutions can and should come from a variety of perspectives. Learn about innovative approaches from state government, civil society, clinicians, and the private sector

Keynote: Collecting and Connecting the Dots for First Preventers

Rick Shaw, CEO and Founder, Awareity; HSToday 2025 Excellence in Prevention Winner

Online Harms and Prevention Solutions

Matthew Kriner, Executive Director, Institute for Countering Digital Extremism; Managing Director, Accelerationism Research Consortium (ARC)

Christine German, PhD Candidate, Political Science Program Manager, Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) American University

Neil Saul, Associate Director, Prevention Practitioners Network Eradicate Hate

Within an overwhelming and often toxic online environment, these trailblazing solutions increase resilience against future threats in individuals before they are exposed to online harms, and support individuals already at-risk and in need of an intervention.

Closing Keynote: What Have We Learned and Where are We Going?

Bill Braniff, Editor-At-Large, Prevention, Homeland Security Today; Executive Director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab, American University; Former Director, Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), U.S. Department of Homeland Security

In partnership with:

GTSC’S Member Breakfast in Phoenix: MAY 5 at the BSE!

Mark your calendar and plan to join us as we kick off Day 2 of the Border Security Expo in style at one of our most anticipated breakfasts of the year.

This special gathering brings together GTSC members, government leaders, industry partners, and friends of the border security community for meaningful conversation and high-level networking before a full day on the Expo floor. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect, build new relationships, and start the day energized and mission-focused.

Space is limited — be sure to reserve your spot and invite colleagues who should be part of the conversation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP here!

GTSC’s Annual MEGA Matchmaking – APRIL 28th

Join us for GTSC’s Annual MEGA Matchmaking on April 28th—one of the premier networking opportunities for government contractors and small businesses in the homeland and national security space. Register here.

This highly regarded session brings together larger prime contractors and integrators with innovative small business leaders for direct, structured matchmaking conversations. In today’s fast-moving environment, teaming opportunities and strategic partnerships are more critical than ever.

What to Expect:

One-on-one matchmaking: Small businesses will rotate through 10-minute sessions with prime contractors to share capabilities and explore collaboration.
Open networking: After the rotations, participants can continue conversations and explore new opportunities during informal networking.

Whether you’re seeking innovative partners or showcasing your own capabilities, MEGA Matchmaking offers a unique, efficient format to build meaningful connections within the GTSC community and beyond.

March Membership Madness: Prospective Member Webinar MARCH 24

As GTSC celebrates 15 years of serving the homeland security mission, we invite prospective members to join us for a special Member Briefing to learn what makes our coalition the go-to organization for companies operating in the DHS and broader homeland security market.

Founded on a simple principle — It’s About Mission — GTSC brings together industry and government to advance solutions that protect the homeland. Our 2026 theme, MISSION POSSIBLE, reflects the power of collaboration between innovative companies and federal partners committed to national security outcomes.

This briefing will provide a clear look at how GTSC supports its members and how your organization can maximize visibility, access, and mission impact.

March Membership Madness

In celebration of March Membership Madness, GTSC is offering a limited-time incentive designed to reward both new and current members.

✔ Complimentary Supporting Sponsorship for New Members

Organizations that join GTSC during the month of March will receive a free Supporting Sponsorship to one GTSC event of their choice. Supporting Sponsorship benefits include enhanced logo visibility, event recognition, and increased exposure to senior government and industry leaders — providing immediate value and market presence upon joining.

✔ Referral Recognition for Current Members

If a current GTSC member refers a company that joins during March, the referring member will also receive a complimentary Supporting Sponsorship to an event of their choice. This special opportunity is available exclusively for memberships finalized during March.

There has never been a better time to join — or to refer a partner!

What You’ll Learn

During this session, attendees will gain insight into:

✔ GTSC Days – Deep Mission Engagement

An overview of our signature collaborations that bring together component leadership to discuss mission priorities, capability gaps, and operational needs in a focused, substantive setting.

✔ Homeland Security Today (HSToday.us)

GTSC’s media platform reaching over 2 million readers annually — 70% from government — offering members enhanced visibility through thought leadership, advertising opportunities, and a free job board.
We will also highlight HSToday’s nationally recognized programs, including the Holiday Hero Awards and 50 Trailblazers in Homeland Security.

✔ Innovation & Technology Platforms

How the acquisition of FITGov Summit and FITGovDATA has expanded engagement with the federal IT modernization and governance community.

✔ Counterterrorism & Emerging Threat Initiatives

An overview of COUNTERTERRORISM2026 and GTSC’s continued focus on advancing understanding of evolving threats.

Join #TEAMHOMELAND

If your company is committed to delivering solutions that strengthen the homeland mission, we invite you to attend this briefing and explore how GTSC can support your objectives.

For more information about our programming, speakers, and past events, visit:
www.gtscoalition.com

Together, we are proving that when industry and government align around mission — the mission is not impossible.

It’s MISSION POSSIBLE.

COUNTERTERRORISM2026 – April 20-21

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural program, we are proud to host COUNTERTERRORISM2026 (CT2026) — now expanded to two full days in response to overwhelming demand and the rapidly evolving threat environment.

Join us April 20-21st in Arlington, VA! Register here.

See the latest speakers and agenda information here.

This mission-focused convening brings together leaders from government, law enforcement, academia, and the private sector to examine the current state of terrorism and the complex landscape shaping tomorrow’s risks.

As threats continue to evolve in speed, scale, and sophistication, this year’s expanded program will provide deeper operational insight and strategic analysis into:

Emerging terrorist organizations and global networks
Shifting tactics, tradecraft, and technology adoption
Target selection trends and critical infrastructure risks
Domestic radicalization dynamics
Cross-border and transnational threat linkages
The role of innovation, AI, and digital platforms in extremist operations

Designed for practitioners and decision-makers, the Summit moves beyond theory to explore real-world case studies, intelligence assessments, and frontline lessons learned.