Opening Keynote Remarks: Tom Homan, U.S. Border Czar
Opening Keynote Panel Discussion: “State of the Border”

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The dedicated men and women working along our borders encounter relentless challenges including the smuggling of deadly illegal narcotics, transnational crime, illegal immigration, and human migration, among a myriad of other issues in securing the border. During the Opening Keynote, leaders will present their critical observations, pressing needs, and the necessary actionable steps required to address the current border crisis in the United States.

Moderator:
Ryan Scudder, Managing Partner, HonorGuardians, LLC; Former Executive Assistant Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
 

Panelists:
Tom Homan, U.S. Border Czar
Diane Sabatino, (A) Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, CBP
Todd Lyons, (A) Director, ICE
John Modlin, (A) Deputy Commissioner, CBP
David BeMiller, Deputy Chief, USBP

Chris Clem, Senior Advisor, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services; Chief Patrol Agent (Retired)

BPF Honoring the Memory Ceremony

Border Security Expo honors and recognizes law enforcement personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This ceremony, inaugurated at Border Security Expo 2012, continues to honor our fallen heroes each year at a special ceremony in the conference hall.

Coffee Break

DHS Industry Connect
 

Exhibit Hall Open

Homeland Security and Technology – Mission Related Scenarios
 

DHS is responsible for innovation and public protection missions at the intersection of technology and homeland security. The focus of this panel will be on technology as a force multiplier with the use of comprehensive digital transformation services, improvements to operational efficiency and enhancement of user experiences.  It will examine streamlining technology to enhance hiring, entry processing, and reconciliation efforts; adaptability for both operators and mission support personnel ensuring that industry changes the way they interact with vendors on immigration, trade and border security; and focus on efficiencies to knock down governance pace.

Intro Remarks: 
Carl Landrum, Vice President, Federal Civilian Programs & Strategy, Axon – Dedrone Defense

Moderator:
Patty Todaro-Bolin, Managing Partner, ICS Advisory

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Panelists:
Ntina Cooper, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Services, CBP 
Casey O. Durst, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Operations Support, CBP

Acquisition and Contracting in DHS: Major Policy, Structure and Vision for the Department and its Components

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This panel will discuss new major trends, regulation, and policy in DHS Acquisition and Contracting and new innovations within the last year and those in coming year.  It will focus on HOW DHS develops requirements, and contracts with industry.  The topics will include innovations in contracting methods and alternatives to FAR based contracts.  It will also include the legislative agenda for contracting, and the Department’s plan for revised acquisition oversight and new joint requirements (JRC). 

Intro Remarks:
Stephanie Weber, Industry Leader - State & Local Government, Appian

Moderator:
Elaine Duke, Principal, Elaine Duke & Associates, LLC

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Panelists:
Paul Courtney, Chief Procurement Officer, DHS 
Sarah Green, Executive Director, Acquisition Policy and Legislation, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, DHS 
Jaclyn Rubino, Executive Director, Strategic Programs Division, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, DHS 

Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

DHS Industry Connect

Breakout Session: State of the Border - State & Local Perspectives

This panel will take a deeper look at the border, guided by those closer to the front lines. Representatives from different offices at-and-between the ports of entry will discuss interagency coordination and integration, the threat environment, and transnational criminal organizations’ tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) in a given area of operation – and how understanding these are critical to border security and officer safety. They’ll discuss the evolution of the threats and what they see as coming next, including notional, forward-looking technological solutions.  Industry representatives will gain a better understanding of border security leaders’ vision in solving today’s - and the future - border operational challenges.

Moderator:
Manuel Padilla, Jr., Retired EAC and Special Advisor to Commissioner, CBP

Panelists:
Mark Dannels, Sheriff, Cochise County, Arizona
Sean McGoffin, Chief Patrol Agent, Tucson Sector, U.S. Border Patrol
Laura Hermosillo, (A) Area Port Director, Nogales, Arizona
Francisco Burrola, Special Agent in Charge, HSI Arizona
Charlie Sowell, Advisor

Breakout Session: Acquisition & Contracting in the Components​
 

This panel will discuss upcoming acquisition programs and contracts in the major components acquiring border security and other technology, systems and services.

Moderator:
Elaine Duke, Principal, Elaine Duke & Associates, LLC

Panelists:
Kerri Bishop, Chief of the Contracting Office, MST, Procurement Directorate, CBP 
KC Milligan, Component Acquisition Executive, Office of Acquisition, Enterprise Services, CBP
Ruynard Singleton, Executive Director, Program Management Office Directorate, USBP
Ralph Ferguson, (A) Assistant Director, Operations Support Enforcement and Removal Operations, ICE 

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Breakout Session: Technology & AI (Post-Quantum Cryptography, AI & Edge Computing) 

This panel will delve further into tech and AI, specifically as it relates to Post-Quantum Cryptography, AI & Edge Computing. As the largest information technology (IT) organization within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), CBP's Office of Information and Technology (OIT) is integral in protecting and supporting national security and enabling our personnel to carry out their mission amidst ever-changing requirements. CBP blocks approximately 100 million network cyber attempts each workday. These attacks are increasingly sophisticated, targeting government systems and critical infrastructure with the intent to intimidate targets, steal sensitive information, or disrupt operations. Given the criticality of its global IT systems and the immense value of the data stored within them, this threat landscape requires constant vigilance and innovation.

Moderator:
Patty Todaro-Bolin, Managing Partner, ICS Advisory

Panelists:
Dr. Ed Mays, Deputy Assistant Commissioner/Deputy CIO, Infrastructure & Support Services, CBP
Sunil Madhugiri, Chief Technology Officer, CBP

Breakout Session: It's All About the Fit: How DHS is Addressing Officer Safety & Well Being through its Body Armor Program

Officer safety and well-being is a top priority at the Department of Homeland Security. When concerns were raised by officers in the field about body armor fit, measurement, and safety issues, this team of panelists jumped into action. Hear how DHS leaned forward to deliver critical enhancements to its body armor programs, procurements, and policies, what was learned along the way, and what is to yet to come in this area! 

Moderator:
Benjamine C. Huffman, Director, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC)

Panelists:
Jaclyn Rubino, Executive Director, Strategic Programs Division, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, DHS
Alana Bell, Supervisory Air Marshall in Charge (SAC), Orlando Field Office, TSA
Kelei Walker, Deputy Field Office Director, Denver Field Office, ICE

Exhibit Hall:
Opening Night Networking Reception

Border Patrol Foundation’s Southwest Soiree

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*tickets sold separately here and at the Border Security Expo until 4:00 PM or until tickets are sold out.