Today’s security and economic challenges require more effective and efficient use of resources to create new technologies and practices to be shared by civilian and government organizations.
The Chesapeake Crescent Region is host to the Department of Defense, the intelligence agencies, the Department of Homeland Security, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Intelligence Advance Research Projects Activity (IARPA), training grounds and military universities, and a myriad of local law enforcement agencies. Security focused technology companies from start-up to Fortune 500 populate inside and outside the Beltway. Several significant innovation clusters in the region are in the security and defense arenas, including Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Detrick and St. Elizabeths Department of Homeland Security Headquarters. In short, Security – both physical and cyber – is of paramount concern to the public and private sectors in the Region.
The St. Elizabeths Consolidation of the Department of Homeland Security represents a “once in a generation” opportunity to redevelop the area and revitalize this Washington, DC community. Critical to success is the creation of a holistic view of the project. Government and private sector leaders are working together to assure that the consolidation of Department of Homeland Security operations at the former St. Elizabeths’ hospital campus will spur private sector business opportunities, revitalize the surrounding Ward 8 neighborhood, and meet high standards for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
Because of the importance of the St. Elizabeths Project and the Anacostia Basin to the Region as a whole, CCI has created the St. Elizabeths/Security Working Group.