Thread: Lawmakers question effectiveness of ‘virtual fence’

Lawmakers question effectiveness of ‘virtual fence’ on southwestern border
Jill R. Aitoro

Congress expressed frustration and concern about delays, expense and performance associated with the initial rollout of the Homeland Security Department’s border security initiative, SBInet, amid reports that Customs and Border Protection revised its approach and timeline for the program. Officials from DHS and IT contractor Boeing reeled in expectations during testimony Wednesday, claiming the current effort to secure 28 miles of the southern border with a virtual fence won’t necessarily meet the level of effectiveness incorporated into the program’s requirements.

DHS established the Secure Border Initiative in November 2005 as a multiyear, multibillion-dollar program to secure U.S. borders. SBInet, created in 2006, establishes an integrated system of personnel, fencing, surveillance and communication technologies — including radars, sensors, cameras, and satellite phones — along the northern and southern borders.

The first task order for SBInet is the $20.6 million Project 28, officially awarded to Boeing on Feb. 21 after a series of false starts stemming from problems detected in technology plans and delays in delivery of the integrated system.

“After so many years of promising and testing and millions spent, we’re no closer to a technology solution to really secure the border,â€

February 29, 2008
Officials Split on Viability of Border-Fence Project
By JULIA PRESTON
A top Homeland Security Department official said Thursday that a pilot project to create a virtual fence along parts of the Mexican border had been a success, but he said the technology was never intended to be used — and would not be used — across the entire length of the border.

“It is working, and it met the requirements,â€