DHS Launches Its Open Gov Site

The Homeland Security Department launched an online tool for citizens and those involved in security to suggest ideas for enhancing transparency at the agency.

The tool, which is available until March 19 at www.dhs.gov/open, allows individuals to submit suggestions on how DHS can enhance transparency, participation, collaboration and innovation, and then discuss and vote on the suggestions.

For example, "terrence.hill" suggests that DHS establish a process for engaging alumni of the department in discussions and special projects using social networks, like LinkedIn. "drhonker" recommends that DHS run more public dialogues like the one developed for the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review.

"This new online tool allows the public to play a major part in our departmentwide efforts to enhance openness and accessibility," said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano in a public statement.

The department hopes the site will help drive efforts to comply with President Obama's Open Government Directive, which requires agencies to create a public feedback mechanism during the development of the agency's plan to enhance transparency.

Although DHS moderates the discussions, the General Services Administration administers and supports the tool, which is available to all federal agencies to meet that requirement.