How the Latest National Defense Authorization Act Impacts the Security Industry

By Joe Hoellerer, Senior Manager, Government Relations, Security Industry Association on January 3, 2022 | |

On Dec. 27, 2021, President Biden signed the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that annually authorizes federal funding for various programs under the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and its service branches – the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force. Prior to its enactment, the Security Industry Association (SIA) circulated a support letter to members of Congress that encouraged lawmakers to approve the recommended funding levels put forth by members of the armed services committees.

SIA members who actively monitor DOD procurement opportunities and policy changes should review SIA’s NDAA analysis and pay close attention to forthcoming DOD announcements once the FY22 NDAA is implemented.

U.S. Army

Procurement

The U.S. Army received the following funding amounts for procurement and acquisition programs related to biometrics and physical security improvements at military installations:

  • $914,000 under the Army’s Biometric Enabling Capabilities program to provide 24/7 operational support during time-sensitive missions that require biometric identification.
  • $11,097,000 for the Army’s Biometric Tactical Collection Devices program, a biometric identity tool that collects, matches and shares biometric data on known or suspected persons of interest.
  • $86,930,000 to support the Army’s Physical Security Equipment (OPA3) program that strengthens physical security measures at military installations. Eligible security equipment includes intrusion detection systems, access control systems, RFID and facial recognition solutions.

U.S. Navy

Procurement

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps received the following funding amounts for the procurement of physical security equipment to strengthen naval facilities:

  • $107,471,000 to support the U.S. Navy’s Physical Security Equipment program that provides funding for the acquisition of physical access control systems, enclave electronic security systems, video surveillance, perimeter security and sensor analytics to protect naval assets.
  • $84,513,000 for the U.S. Marine Corps Physical Security Equipment program, including the Marine Corps Electronic Security System. Additional funds are authorized for the installation of physical security equipment, such as access control systems, intrusion detection systems and closed-circuit television systems, and mass notification systems, at Marine Corps compounds.

U.S. Department of State

Evaluation of Embassy Physical Security

Sec. 5209 requires the secretary of state to report to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on any known physical security deficiencies at U.S. diplomatic posts and embassies that may require security upgrades in the future. Depending on the report’s findings, there could be an opportunity for the U.S. Department of State to request additional funds for embassy security equipment upgrades in FY23.