CBP Issues Draft Strategic Plan for FY 2005-2010

According to CBP sources, this draft Strategic Plan is the first developed by CBP since its establishment within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in March 2003.

CBP sources further state that this draft Strategic Plan sets out a vision and outlines the specific goals and objectives that CBP must accomplish to successfully carry out its mission of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the U.S. without stifling the flow of legitimate travel and trade. CBP states that this draft Strategic Plan also confirms its continued commitment to its many other traditional missions, including stopping the flow of illegal drugs and facilitating trade.

Draft Plan's Six Strategic Goals for FY 2005-2010

In its draft plan, CBP identifies the following as its six strategic goals for FY 2005-2010:

Preventing Terrorism at Ports of Entry. CBP states that this strategic goal aims to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons, including weapons of mass destruction and weapons of mass effect, from entering the U.S. at the ports of entry by, among other things:

'Screening' all cargo, 'examining' all high-risk cargo, etc. CBP states that one of its objectives is to screen100% of all people, cargo and conveyances entering the U.S. based on national security threshold targeting and to examineall identified people, cargo and conveyances scoring above a mandatory threshold both abroad and at U.S. borders.

Stationing CBP offices in foreign countries. Another objective is to protect legitimate travel, trade and the economy by extending the U.S. zone of security beyond the physical borders by stationing CBP offices in foreign countries, and by partnering with international entities and the trade community.

Preventing Terrorism between Ports of Entry. CBP states that this strategic goal aims to strengthen control of the borders between the ports of entry to prevent the illegal entry of terrorists, terrorist weapons, contraband, and illegal aliens into the U.S.

Unifying as One Border Agency. According to CBP, the aim of this strategic goal is to increase the security of the U.S. homeland by completing the merger and unification of all U.S. border agencies.

Balancing Legitimate Trade and Travel with Security. This strategic goal aims to facilitate the more efficient movement of legitimate cargo and people while safeguarding the border and security of the U.S. by, among other things:

ACE/ITDS. CBP states that it plans to secure adequate resources to assure the continued development of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and the International Trade Data System (ITDS).

NII technology. CBP also states that it will continue deploying Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology including radiation detection equipment, such as personal radiation detectors, radiation isotope identification devices and radiation portal monitors, as well as other screening technologies which support a layered inspection process.

Working with WCO, G8 on global supply chain security standards. Through work with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the G8, CBP states that it will continue to lead the international customs community in developing and ensuring rapid implementation of global supply chain security standards.

Advice to Commerce Dept., USDA, USTR on trade agreements. CBP states that it will provide expert technical, legal and operational advice to agencies such as the Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on matters arising in trade agreements in support of CBP's legal obligations to enforce, monitor and administer such agreements.

Protecting America and its Citizens. This strategic goal aims to contribute to a safer America by prohibiting the introduction of illicit contraband, such as illegal drugs, counterfeit goods and other harmful materials and organisms, into the U.S.

Modernizing and Managing. This strategic goal aims to build a strong, modern management infrastructure that assures the achievement of business results.

Comments on Draft Strategic Plan Are Due by End of March 2005

CBP sources state that comments on this draft FY 2005-2010 Strategic Plan are requested by the end of March 2005, and may be submitted to Kimberly.g.Compton@dhs.gov.

(See ITT's Online Archives or 06/08/00 and 06/12/00 news, 00060714 and 00060907, for Parts I and II of BP's summary on the draft FY 2000-2005 Strategic Plan.)

CBP's draft FY 2005-2010 Strategic Plan (dated February 2005) available via email by emailing a request to documents@brokerpower.com