A busy 100 days

In the first 100 days, the Homeland Security Department launched a series of programs and projects to immediately tighten security in the United States:

Operation Liberty Shield: DHS initiated a series of tough measures to protect the country when the war in Iraq began. It tightened flight restrictions over certain cities; increased security at the borders; strengthened security at critical infrastructure facilities, such as electrical and nuclear plants; and instituted better monitoring of the food distribution chain.

Borders: DHS deployed new technologies and tools at land, air and sea entry points, including distributing radiation detectors to customs agents and placing video cameras at border crossings.

Critical infrastructure protection: DHS' Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate implemented a plan to conduct vulnerability assessments for all critical infrastructure sectors.

Bioterrorism: DHS' Science and Technology Directorate established a Biowatch program in several metropolitan areas that uses devices to detect terrorist agents such as anthrax in time to distribute life-saving drugs to those exposed.

Emergency response teams: DHS put together a team in Washington, D.C., to provide on-site management for federal emergency response efforts.

Contracts: DHS issued a request for information to help identify its information technology portfolio. Officials also plan to create a Web site vendors can use to submit technology-related ideas and solutions.