Unifying DHS Intelligence Components Act

Unifying DHS Intelligence Components Act

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop and disseminate written DHS-wide intelligence doctrine for the intelligence components of DHS and develop specified DHS-wide policies, standards, and programs.

Specifically, DHS must develop department-wide (1) policies, standards, and programs for training regarding the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information, intelligence-related information, and terrorism information by personnel within the DHS intelligence components; and (2) policies for gathering and developing lessons learned, disseminating the lessons learned to personnel within the intelligence components, and using the lessons learned to inform the further development of the intelligence doctrine.

The intelligence doctrine, policies, standards, and programs must include, among other things (1) a description of the fundamental principles guiding the collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information by, and oversight of the intelligence activities of, the intelligence components; and (2) a standardized terminology.

The Government Accountability Office must submit a report to the congressional intelligence and homeland security committees that

• assesses the degree to which the DHS intelligence doctrine, policies, standards, and programs are implemented across DHS;
• evaluates the extent to which such intelligence doctrine, policies, standards, and programs are carried out to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties; and
• incorporates an in-depth analysis, including an assessment of the effectiveness and possible areas for improvement, of specified DHS intelligence-related training programs.

DHS must provide a staff with appropriate expertise and experience to the Office of the Chief Intelligence Officer to assist the office.