With the proper guidance, the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) has the potential to make significant contributions to US national security. According to the Department of Homeland Security?s Web site HSARPA ?has an essential role in meeting the goals and objectives of the Department and the Directorate through research and development, and technology maturation in industry and academia. HSARPA?s primary goals are to satisfy operational needs, conduct rapid prototyping and commercial adaptation, and finally to research revolutionary options.?

HSARPA?s goal of satisfying operational needs of DHS can only be met once DHS has directed HSARPA research priorities. In its current configuration, HSARPA is intently focused on countering the threat of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) terrorism. These priorities are a result of DHS?s judgment that the risk of a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) attack far outweighs the risk of a cyber attack.