Mfr Nara- T5- Dhs- Libutti Frank- 12-19-03- 00686

MEMORANDUM

FOR THE RECORD

Event:

Interview of Frank Libutti, Undersecretary of Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland Security

Type of Event:

Interview

Date:

December 19, 2003

Special Access Issues:

None

Prepared by:

Christine Healey

Location:

ih and D St. SW

Participants:

Healey, Walker, Ginsburg, Rundlet, and in part: Scheid and Brinkley. Grace Mastelli, DHS

Note:

This MFR is a summary of the interview that may not capture all topics discussed.

Libutti made the following points: 1. No one else in the government has the role of integrating information, mapping critical vulnerabilities, and making recommendations to reduce risk. lAIP has unfettered access to intelligence. 2. lAIP is the center of gravity for intelligence at DHS. The Secretary has charged the under secretaries to support lAIP. This was an initial challenge, setting up the .processes, protocols, etc. He would not recommend incorporating the component intelligence shops into IAIP. 3. The Department Ops Center has representatives from 22 organizations, including state and locals, the private sector, and federal agencies. 4. DHS has a "superb" relationship with FBI. He has no interest in having lAIP do law enforcement. He has high expectation that the combined efforts ofDHS and FBI will negate any need for the creation of a MI-5 organization. 5. IAIP is in the business of sharing information. The private sector has difficulty finding out what is going on. IAIP is working with the sector representatives, reaching out to the private sector "urging, pushing and advising them." He tells business people they have to pay their security people better and include them in their business planning. 6. IAIP is a part ofTTIC, not "on another planet." There are frequent conference calls and meetings every day.

7. After a lengthy debate within the Administration, it made sense for FBI to have the lead with TSC. It is supposed to integrate the data base and provide real time response to state and local police. 8. In answer to the question of who has the job of rationalizing all the entities, the Undersecretary said they all are in a combined effort. 9. On the transit without visa issue, Secretary Ridge brought everyone together with the input of TTIC to evaluate the risk and vulnerability. John Gordon, the Homeland Security advisor, is ready to review any issue with a deputies meeting. His office provides guidance, recommendations and action on policy matters related to the threat. 10. JRIES may not be perfect but they want to push it out as far as possible, so the government can speak in one voice, have a secure and interactive system. 11. One of his principal concerns is cyber security. 12. His priorities are: complete the stand-up of his office; move to the NAC; complete their hiring process; accelerate outreach to the private sector; continue to refine their relationships with the rest of the intelligence community; truly improve cyber readiness; develop programs related to infrastructure protection. 13. His biggest challenge is finding quality analysts with top secret clearances. 14. He sees the threat reporting focused on the same cities and believes the country is most vulnerable in these locations. 15. Although he had 35 years in the Marines, he came to DHS from the NYPD - after spending some time in the Homeland Defense office of DoD. He has trained cops, linked them with private sector and conducted both table top and field exercises. He has tried to link the PD with the FD. 16. His connection to the Department of Defense is through the Homeland Defense office. USDI Cambone's office is another entry point. [But apparently not much with General Eberhart.]