Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS) Market Research Report
Background
Overview
The Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS) is a state agency dedicated to enhancing the safety and security of Oklahoma by developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism and other emergencies. Established in 2004, OKOHS operates under the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and serves as the state's primary entity for coordinating homeland security efforts.
Mission and Vision
OKOHS's mission is to protect the residents, visitors, communities, schools, and critical infrastructure in Oklahoma through enhanced counter-terrorism, criminal intelligence, investigative, and cybersecurity support in collaboration with local, state, tribal, federal, and private partners. The vision is to provide a centralized, comprehensive, multi-agency intelligence clearinghouse to enhance operational effectiveness for all entities and ensure a safe and secure Oklahoma.
Primary Area of Focus
OKOHS focuses on developing and implementing statewide homeland security strategies, planning and executing response systems, administering the homeland security advisory system, coordinating federal homeland security grant funds, and executing national homeland security plans. The agency also oversees programs such as the Oklahoma School Security Institute, Regional Response System, Training and Exercise, Statewide Interoperability Communications, Law Enforcement Liaison, Critical Infrastructure Protection, National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance, Public Outreach and Preparedness, and Grants Administration.
Industry Significance
As a state agency, OKOHS plays a critical role in coordinating homeland security efforts within Oklahoma, providing staff support to the Governor’s various security and preparedness committees, developing comprehensive training programs on homeland security issues, and serving as a resource to the public and local agencies in homeland security efforts.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Combat Domestic Violent Extremism (DVE): Enhance threat assessment and management programs for law enforcement partners and improve intelligence sharing regarding DVE threats.
- Enhance Cybersecurity: Strengthen the security, resilience, and workforce of the cyber ecosystem to protect critical services throughout the state.
- Enhance Information & Intelligence Sharing: Strengthen information-sharing mechanisms to support statewide partners in the collection, analysis, and sharing of actionable intelligence on current threats and vulnerabilities.
- Address Emerging Threats: Provide funding support to mitigate emerging threats such as adversaries’ political and military advancements, dual-use technologies, weapons, and demographic changes.
- Enhance Protection of Soft Targets & Crowded Places: Enhance the defense of soft targets and crowded places by providing assessments, best practices, and information sharing to external partners, including schools, critical infrastructure, and houses of worship.
Specific Areas of Specialization
- Cybersecurity: OKOHS specializes in preparing city, county, and state entities for the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, offering training, tabletop exercises, and presentations to enhance resilience and readiness.
- Incident Management: The agency develops Incident Management Assistance Teams (IMAT) and Incident Management Teams (IMT) to assist personnel responsible for managing complex incidents, providing training and support for effective incident management.
Key Technologies Utilized
- Cybersecurity Tools: OKOHS provides cybersecurity awareness tools, presentations, and training to enhance the security posture of state and local entities.
- Incident Management Systems: The agency utilizes the Incident Command System (ICS) for effective incident management and response coordination.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
OKOHS primarily targets state and local government entities, including city, county, and state agencies, focusing on enhancing their preparedness and response capabilities to various threats and emergencies.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
OKOHS is funded through various federal homeland security grant programs, including the State Homeland Security Grant Program, Urban Areas Security Initiative, Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Grant Program, and Metropolitan Medical Response System Grant Program.
Total Funds Raised
The agency has invested more than $35 million in homeland security grant funds to equip 117 response units and has delivered over 1,500 training courses to more than 27,000 responders.
Notable Investors
As a state agency, OKOHS receives funding from federal homeland security grant programs and collaborates with various federal, state, tribal, and private partners to enhance the state's security posture.
Intended Utilization of Capital
The capital is utilized to equip response units, provide training courses, and enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of state and local entities to various threats and emergencies.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
OKOHS focuses on developing and implementing statewide homeland security strategies, planning and executing response systems, administering the homeland security advisory system, coordinating federal homeland security grant funds, and executing national homeland security plans.
Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development
As a government agency, OKOHS does not engage in clinical trials or product development.
Target Conditions
The agency addresses various threats and emergencies, including acts of terrorism, cyber threats, and natural disasters.
Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones
OKOHS continually updates its strategies and programs to address emerging threats and enhance the state's security posture.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
OKOHS provides cybersecurity awareness tools, presentations, and training to enhance the security posture of state and local entities.
Significant Scientific Methods
The agency utilizes the Incident Command System (ICS) for effective incident management and response coordination.
AI-Driven Capabilities
There is no specific information available regarding AI-driven capabilities utilized by OKOHS.
Leadership Team
Key Executive Profiles
- Rohit Rai, Director: Joined OKOHS in 2009, serving in various roles including grants staff, intelligence analyst, and Critical Infrastructure Protection Coordinator. Appointed as Director in January 2024.
- April Keeler, State Incident Management Coordinator: Coordinates incident management efforts across the state.
- Christina Daron, Grants Administrator: Manages federal homeland security grant funds and ensures their effective distribution.
- Frank Barnes, Incident Management Specialist: Develops and coordinates incident management teams and training programs.
- Hannah Kopisch, Grants Specialist: Assists in the administration and monitoring of grant programs.
- Kary Cox, Preparedness & Lead NIMS Instructor: Leads preparedness initiatives and National Incident Management System training.
- Kevin Smith, Training and Exercise Coordinator: Oversees training programs and exercises to enhance response capabilities.
- Leslie Bush, Travel and Purchasing Specialist: Manages travel arrangements and procurement processes.
- Michael Mahoney, Regional Response Coordinator: Coordinates regional response efforts and resources.
- Nikki Dallas, Statewide Interoperability Coordinator: Ensures communication interoperability across state agencies.
- Robbe Ridner, Grants & Monitoring Specialist: Monitors and evaluates grant-funded projects and initiatives.
- Sean Douglas, Deputy SWIC & State Frequency Coordinator: Assists in statewide interoperability and frequency coordination.
- Ty Bremerman, Cybersecurity & Planning Coordinator: Leads cybersecurity initiatives and planning efforts.
Leadership Changes
Recent Significant Changes or Appointments
- Rohit Rai, Director: Appointed as Director of OKOHS in January 2024.
