Bay Area UASI Partners with SummitET to Launch Regional AI and Cybersecurity Training Initiative

Bay Area UASI Partners with SummitET to Launch Regional AI and Cybersecurity Training Initiative

by | Jul 6, 2026 | SummitET News, Uncategorized

SummitET Awarded Contract to Enhance Cyber Preparedness Across San Francisco Region

Summit Exercises and Training LLC (SummitET®) has been selected by the San Francisco Bay Area Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) as the lead provider for a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity training program. This initiative aims to bolster the Bay Area’s preparedness and resilience in the face of growing AI-driven cyber threats. The contract will serve the cities of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, along with eleven surrounding counties, advancing coordinated planning, specialized training, and strategic exercises for public safety and critical infrastructure stakeholders.

SummitET brings extensive experience in cybersecurity, with a client portfolio including state and federal agencies. Its subject matter experts excel in policy and procedure design, compliance solutions, information sharing, and exercise facilitation. SummitET’s approach equips clients to defend against cyber-attacks by offering customized testing, evaluation, and exercises that reinforce best practices and identify areas for improvement.

“SummitET is committed to equipping agencies with the tools and knowledge necessary to address evolving cyber risks. Our approach is designed to keep our clients ahead of emerging threats through ongoing improvement planning and adaptive enhancements to their cybersecurity systems,” said John Duda, CEO of SummitET.

About UASI

The Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) is a FEMA-administered federal grant program providing funding to high-threat, high-density metropolitan areas to prevent, protect against, and respond to terrorism. UASI focuses on enhancing regional security through equipment, training, and planning for cities.

About SummitET

SummitET® is a Veteran-owned Florida-based preparedness solutions company that provides proven full spectrum solutions to threats facing government, non-government, and private organizations through industry-leading experts. Custom trainings, exercises, consulting, plan and policy development conducted by SummitET experts prepare organizations and their people to manage and respond to crisis situations.

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Background

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and GrantSolutions faces a rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape that puts sensitive data and critical systems at risk. To address these challenges, HHS sought a strategic partner with the expertise and capabilities to enhance its cybersecurity posture, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Mission

We are committed to fortifying HHS’s cybersecurity landscape. This requires regular testing and training focused on the prevention, protection, and response to emerging cyber threats.

Solution

  • Comprehensive Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Scans to identify and mitigate weaknesses
  • Ensuring compliance with NIST 800-171 standards to meet regulatory requirements
  • In-depth reviews of the existing cyber plan to align with best practices
  • Facilitating Tabletop Exercises with senior stakeholders, followed by after-action meetings to assess and strengthen incident response protocols

Result

Through a multiyear contract, SummitET continues to drive measurable improvements in cyber vulnerability management for HHS and its partners. This collaborative approach has resulted in enhanced security measures, stronger controls, and increased program sustainability.

Conclusion

By partnering with SummitET, HHS has significantly advanced its cybersecurity defenses, ensuring better protection for its assets and stakeholders. This ongoing commitment to proactive assessment and training ensures that HHS remains resilient in the face of ever-changing cyber risks.

Challenges and Pain Points for Today’s Emergency Managers

Challenges and Pain Points for Today’s Emergency Managers

by | Oct 30, 2024 | Emergency Management, Preparedness Blog

Today’s emergency managers are tasked with navigating an ever-increasing array of threats, from natural disasters to technological hazards, while coordinating response efforts across multiple agencies and stakeholders. Here, we delve into some of the most pressing pain points that these professionals face in their mission to safeguard communities. 

Resource Constraints

Whether it’s a lack of funding, insufficient staffing, or inadequate equipment, emergency managers often find themselves trying to do more with less. Resource constraints can severely hamper the ability to plan effectively, respond swiftly, and recover efficiently from disasters. 

Funding Shortfalls

Emergency management departments frequently struggle with budget cuts and limited financial resources. These shortfalls can impact everything from preparedness initiatives to disaster response capabilities. Without adequate funding, it becomes challenging to invest in essential training, acquire necessary technology, or even maintain basic operational readiness.

Staffing Issues 

It can also be challenging to attract and retain skilled personnel. The demanding nature of the job, coupled with often modest compensation, can lead to high turnover rates and a shortage of qualified emergency management professionals, this affects day-to-day operations and the overall resilience of the community.

Complex Coordination 

Effective emergency management requires seamless collaboration between local, state, federal, and sometimes international entities. However, differing priorities, communication barriers, and jurisdictional disputes can complicate these efforts. 

During a crisis, clear and timely communication is vital, yet interoperability between various agencies’ communication systems can be lacking. This can lead to delays in response, misallocation of resources, and ultimately, a less effective disaster management effort. 

Furthermore, confusion over roles and responsibilities can lead to inefficiencies and even conflicts that impede the overall response effort. Establishing clear protocols and agreements before a disaster strike is crucial. 

Technological Challenges 

While technology has the potential to revolutionize emergency management, it also presents its own set of difficulties.  

Data Overload 

In today’s data-driven world, emergency managers have access to vast amounts of information which can be both valuable and overwhelming. Sifting through and analyzing large datasets to make informed decisions in real-time is difficult, particularly during a rapidly unfolding crisis. 

Cybersecurity Threats 

As reliance on digital systems grows, so does the risk of cyber-attacks. Emergency management infrastructure, including communication networks and data storage systems, can be vulnerable to cyber threats. Protecting these systems is critical to ensuring that emergency responses are not disrupted by malicious actors.

Community Engagement 

Engaging the community is a cornerstone of effective emergency management, yet it remains a challenging task. Building trust, raising awareness, and encouraging preparedness among the public requires ongoing effort and innovative strategies. 

Despite efforts to educate communities, many individuals remain unaware of potential hazards or unprepared to respond effectively when disaster strikes. Overcoming this requires targeted outreach and education programs that resonate with diverse audiences. 

Simultaneously, emergency managers must work diligently to build and maintain strong relationships with community members. 

Learn how applying the IDEA Model to you communications can help improve community engagement.  

The IDEA Model for crisis and risk communication shown as a triangle that cycles between internalization (I), distribution (D), explanation (E), and action (A).

The Path Forward 

Despite these challenges, the future of emergency management holds promise. Investing in robust training programs, fostering collaboration across agencies, leveraging new technologies, and engaging communities more effectively can all contribute to overcoming obstacles in the field. By addressing these issues head-on, emergency managers can enhance their ability to protect and serve their communities in times of crisis. 

SummitET®, A Preparedness Solutions Company®

SummitET can relieve some of the burdens your emergency management team may face. We specialize in designing, developing, conducting, and evaluating preparedness training courses, exercises, and senior-level workshops for government and private organizations. Our greatest strength is the experience and qualifications of our HSEEP Trained team. Nearly all of our subject matter experts are former members of federal or state/local agencies with crisis management experience.

Contact us to learn more.

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About National Homeland Security Conference

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The NHSC, which was originally conceived as an information sharing opportunity in support of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), brings together professionals in homeland security, law enforcement, and fire and emergency management. The HNSC provides an opportunity for officials from federal, state, and local agencies, as well as representatives from nonprofit agencies, businesses, and universities to discuss emerging trends in homeland security and to see leading-edge equipment and technology available to support their missions.

Expert Session

Glick’s presentation will build on the article he wrote in 2020, Preparatory Consequence Management & Weapons of Mass Destruction, and his panel will also include Kasey Salway, the FBI’s WMD Directorate’s Unit Chief for the Strategic Partnership Unit, and Steve Chase, a Program Scientist in FEMA’s Response Directorate in its CBRN Office. The panel will be open for discussion and will also have an opportunity to be ranked “Best in Show” by attendees using the NHSC app. In support of the UASI’s emergency management needs, SummitET leverages global experience and public, private, and military subject-matter expertise to provide counterterrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMD), and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) exercise and training support. SummitET’s trainers and program management professionals offer knowledge and know-how with real world events and response experience. Join Glick’s session during the 2022 NHSC Conference on Tuesday, July 12 at 11am for the following:

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You can also find SummitET experts at the NHSC Conference trade show booth #213. Take a quick survey at our booth to win preparedness giveaways including t-shirts and Yeti® cups marked with the SummitET tagline “Preparedness is not an accident®”. Or schedule a sit down with our experts to see how we can help you reach your preparedness goals.

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With emerging threats changing the business and workforce environment, organization’s must protect assets, data, and members of its workforce. To learn more about SummitET’s cybersecurity preparedness solutions or to speak directly to one of our experts.

For official, verified cyber-related alerts, questions, or to report a cyber issue, visit the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) website at: https://www.cisa.gov/insights.

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