Chairman, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson: “I began this newsletter to alleviate the gap that exists between the need for information about opportunities available at the Department and the ability to locate and disseminate that information in a timely and user-friendly manner. Similarly, my experience has taught me that the gap between need and ability also affects businesses in their quest to interact with the Department. A small business owner may have a concept for a product that will address an important homeland security need, but lack the resources necessary to bring the product on-line. A large company may not have developed the original concept, but may possess the resources necessary to transform a prototype into an available product. The gap between concept and production can be bridged by providing each party with the type of information they need to create a product that fills a critical need. This newsletter is intended to bridge the gaps that keep information unavailable, sidelines worthwhile businesses, discourages full participation, and permits vulnerabilities to continue.”