DHS Web Tool to increase transparency, collaboration

On February 8, 2010, as part of President Obama's Open Government Directive, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the launch of a new online public engagement tool designed to solicit input from the public on ways to enhance transparency, participation, collaboration and innovation at the Department. DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano notes that "creating an open, transparent, more efficient and effective government is one of our top priorities at the Department of Homeland Security. This new online tool allows the public to play a major part in our Department-wide efforts to enhance openness and accessibility."

The new online tool will be available to the public through March 19 at www.dhs.gov/open. The tool is designed to allow members of the public and interested stakeholders to submit ideas and suggestions on ways DHS can enhance transparency, participation, collaboration and innovation—

while saving taxpayer money.

On Dec. 8, 2009, President Obama issued the Open Government Directive with the goal of breaking down long-standing barriers between the federal government and the people it serves. The Directive also instructed agencies to take immediate, specific steps to open their doors and data to the American people. The ideas submitted through the DHS WebTool will help guide the development of an official DHS Open Government plan.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/open.

ken based on any or all the contents of this website