Sec. 201. Computing and Information Research Working Group

899 words·~4 min read·/bill/114/hr/53/ih/section-201

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There is hereby established the Department of Homeland Security the Computing and Information Security Post-Secondary Education Working Group, hereafter in this section referred to as the Working Group . The Working Group shall conduct research and— assist the Secretary in developing voluntary guidelines that could serve as guidance to Federal civil agency training programs, computer and information security certification authorities, and accreditation bodies seeking guidance on developing, enhancing, or sustaining competitive information security; and make recommendations to the Secretary regarding— the state of the computing and information security workforce development; evaluations and reports on the advantages, disadvantages, and approaches to professionalizing the Nation’s computing and information security workforce; criteria that can be used to identify which, if any, specialty areas may require professionalization; criteria for evaluating different approaches and tools for professionalization; techniques that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of computing and information security workers; better tools and approaches for risk identification and assessment; improved system design and development; creation of better incentives for deployment of better computing and information security technologies; improvements in end user behaviors through training and better coordination among network managers; core curriculum requirements for computing and information security training; efficacy and efficiencies of taxonomy and definitions for computer and information security; guidelines for accreditations and certification of computing and information security college and university programs; identify the role of mentors in the retention of students enrolled in computing and technology programs at institutions of higher education who complete degree programs; remote access to computing and information security education and training through the Internet; and institution of higher education funding and research needs.

The Working Group shall submit to the Secretary an initial research plan that will guide the work of the Working Group. The Working Group shall provide the Secretary a list of other areas that require research to accomplish the purpose of the agency’s goal of providing cyber security protection for the agency. The Working Group shall provide a description of the proposed research and the purpose of the research as it relates to the goals of cybersecurity of the agency. The Working Group shall submit to the Secretary initial recommendations under this section by not later than nine months after the date on which all of the members of the Working Group are appointed.

Not later than six months after all members of the Working Group are appointed, the Working Group shall submit to the Secretary research and recommendations on the effectiveness of Federal civil agency computer and information security training programs, including an evaluation of certification authorities and their role in providing work ready staff to fill positions with the agency. Not later than one year after the date of the submittal of the initial research and recommendations under paragraph (1), and annually thereafter, the Working Group shall submit to the Secretary subsequent research and recommendations under this section and an update on the progress made toward a well trained and sustainable Department computer and information workforce.

The Chair of the Working Group shall be the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology or the Director’s designee. The Working Group shall be composed of 21 members, who are appointed by the Secretary of Homeland Security in consultation with the Director of NIST and the head of the entity represented by the member. All appointments are for a term of 2 years with one reappointment for an additional 2 years. A majority of the members of the Working Group shall constitute a quorum.

While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under section 5703(b) of title 5, United States Code. At the request of the Working Group, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide the Working Group with technical support necessary for the Working Group to carry out its duties under this section.

No private-sector individual or entity shall obtain any intellectual property rights to any guidelines or recommendations nor the contents of any guideline (or any modification to any guideline) adopted by the Secretary under this section. Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Working Group shall submit to the Secretary a report containing researching findings, an outline for other areas requiring research and why as well as recommendations of the Working Group.

Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the research findings, an outline of other areas requiring research and why and recommendations for furthering the cybersecurity of the agency. The Secretary has the benefit of the Working Group’s work which the Secretary may accept, reject, or modify.

The Secretary shall not be bound by the recommendations of the Working Group. The Secretary shall approve the publication of grant application guidelines in the Federal Register by not later than 90 days after receiving the report submitted under subsection (h). Nothing in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.; relating to the termination of advisory committees) shall apply to the Working Group.