Mary-Louise Hoffman
The Department of Homeland Security is soliciting information on open-source and social media analytics technology that can be used to facilitate agency efforts to guard the U.S. against threats.
DHS said Monday in a FedBizOpps notice its science and technology directorate and social media task force are interested in deploying analytics tools to support criminal investigations, screening of travelers or organizations that seek government benefits, situational awareness, public affairs and outreach activities at the department.
DHS also seeks analytic automation ideas to transform the department’s enterprise.
Responses to the inquiry are due Feb. 9.
Separately, the White House intends to create an interagency task force that will be housed in DHS and will work to help the government stop the spread of violent extremism across social networks, Greg Otto of Fedscoop reports.
The FBI, Justice Department and National Counterterrorism Center have been tasked to provide staff and counterterrorism ideas to the task force, the report said.
Otto added the State Department plans to establish a Global Engagement Center to develop social media campaigns intended to counter social media propaganda of the Islamic State organization.
