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ISA Insights

June 2008

Automation Federation Spotlight: Thumbs Up for Capitol Hill Visit

The Automation Federation’s first major Congressional Fly In visit to Capitol Hill on 20-23 May exceeded all expectations and all 25 team members unanimously called it a success.

With 29 successful meetings and one impromptu cyber security briefing, the Automation Federation departed Capitol Hill and Washington DC full of enthusiasm and one step closer to establishing itself as the “Voice of Automation” with Members of Congress, federal agencies as well as the Executive Branch.

One of the most promising meetings held was with Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin. Representative Langevin just introduced the Homeland Security Network Defense and Accountability Act of 2008 (H.R. 5983) on May 8, a bill designed to improve the cyber security posture of the Department of Homeland Security. Our message and his initiatives were very timely and staff member Jake Olcott, Subcommittee Director and Counsel, spent over 60 minutes with the team, which is very rare and shows the level of interest that Congressman Langevin has in this area. The meeting also showed that the Automation Federation is engaged in the legislative process.

Olcott was particularly interested in ISA99 and the interaction that we have had with NERC & NIST. The team discussed the significant additional costs associated with individual sector security plans and how synergies could be created by coordinating efforts based upon the common fundamentals and principles of control systems. Olcott identified points of contact that should be made in other federal agencies and offered to take the lead in introducing us to those key people.

During the meeting, Johan Nye communicated that "security is a journey, not a destination–it doesn't end. Everyone needs to understand that." One government official noted that "it is scary that you haven't been a resource to us yet." He reinforced that the Automation Federation can bring a much needed perspective that is credible to the issue.

As a follow up to the meeting, Olcott requested that the team attend the hearing on Cyber Vulnerabilities' Electric Grid Security Impacts, held later in the day. This was a hearing of the Emerging Threats, Cyber Security, and Science and Technology Subcommittee of the Committee on Homeland Security, and offered the team great insight into the current work being done in the committee.

The Workforce Development teams also experienced success. Congressman Todd Akin’s (R-MO) Legislative Assistant Linwood Bragan offered to officially support the Automation Federation in their workforce development efforts. A letter of commendation will be coming to the Automation Federation from Congressman Akin that will emphasize the important Congressional work that the Automation Federation is bringing forth to the Members of Congress. From Senator Lugar’s (R-IN) office an opportunity to develop a test pilot program teaching an automation curriculum in a local Indiana high school as well a local community college was discussed. The program would encourage students to enter the workforce on an entry level and steer them on a career path within the automation profession by encouraging further education. Company support and commitment will be crucial in kicking off a project of this caliber but the opportunity in developing a replicable program for both high school and junior college students is immeasurable.

Overall, the Automation Federation Congressional Fly In teams were received well and applauded for their efforts. With our teams consisting of renowned industry experts, many from competing companies, the federation made an impression as to the wealth of knowledge they behold. As Automation Federation’s Government Affairs Director Mike Marlowe explained to White House Officials during a cyber security briefing, “We leave the guns at the door and come together as one team regardless of the companies we represent.”

When asked to discuss the meetings he had during the AF Congressional Fly-In, Bryan Singer of Wurldtech said, “These meetings have been instrumental in establishing initial communications and linkages with key members in Congressional committees and federal agencies. The relationships we are establishing will pave the way for continued communications and open dialogue in ways previously never seen and critical to the unique needs of automation and industry.”

Several important relationships were established and the Automation Federation staff will continue to build these relationships as well as continuing to establish the federation as the “Voice of Automation.” Automation Federation board member and corporate secretary, Pat Gouhin, summed up the intense week as an “unqualified homerun.” For more information about the visit and our meetings, read our blog or visit www.automationfederation.org/congressionalflyin.