This third annual Defense Today conference will look at the FY06 homeland security budget request – and any supplemental – and detail the requirements, acquisition plans and business opportunities across the Department of Homeland Security. As in our previous annuals, we shall also explore the various contracting mechanisms DHS affords, from Technology Support Working Group (TSWG) broad agency announcements (BAAs) to tips on successfully competing for contracting and the DHS Procurement Office’s use of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) as grants for non-traditional firms. We will address Homeland Security Advanced Projects Agency (HSARPA) rapid prototyping. Panels will address the report card on integrated contracts, how integrating contractors and vendors view performance, homeland security funding priorities on Capitol Hill; and the legal implications of the new homeland security regulations and contract vehicles.