Jake Parker

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the agenda and speaker lineup for Part 2 of the 2021 SIA GovSummit, its annual public policy and government security technology conference. SIA GovSummit 2021 is being held as a three-part virtual conference, the first of which took place on April 28, with Parts 2 and 3 taking place on June 9 and Sept 21, 2021, respectively. SIA GovSummit 2021 Part 2 Each year, SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics that affect federal, state and local agencies. The 2021 virtual conference events will explore emerging policy trends, the government’s technology needs and changes in the risk environment that shape the development of products and advanced systems integration. Cutting-edge security and technology topics Part 2 virtual conference will feature essential insights from government security experts on critical issues" “In this second event in the 2021 SIA GovSummit, we look forward to building on the successes of Part 1, with a full agenda highlighting the most critical and cutting-edge security, and technology topics,” said Jake Parker, Senior Director of Government Relations at SIA. He adds, “The Part 2 virtual conference will feature essential insights from government security experts on critical issues, ranging from how biometrics and cargo screening will facilitate ‘port of the future’ initiatives to smart cities and the latest federal government contracting trends.”             Full-day virtual event programme Part 2 of the 2021 virtual conference will be held as a full-day programme on Wednesday, June 9, kicking off at 10 a.m. EDT. Session topics will include: What industry suppliers and government buyers need to know about General Services Administration (GSA) contracting programme? The facial recognition legislative landscape and its impact on security and public safety. How technology infrastructure modernisation makes communities safer? The impact of ‘smart border’ and ‘port of the future’ on the security industry. Key considerations and options for moving physical access control systems to a FedRAMP-approved cloud model Speakers for the virtual event include: Kris Ann Nieswiadomy, Business Development Specialist, GSA Daniel Stafford, Contracting Officer – Section Chief, Security and Protection Branch, GSA Lynn de Séve, President, GSA Schedules Inc. Mark Allen, General Manager, Premises, Identiv David Helbock, Senior Sales Engineer, Identiv T. Carter, Vice President, Logistics Program Management, Transportation and Border Security Solutions, Leidos Eric Dean, Chief Technology Officer, M.C. Dean, Inc. Craig P. McIntire, Vice President, Border Security Solutions, SAIC Ben Globus, IT Manager, Securityhunter Free virtual event for government employees This event is free for all government employees, including U.S. and international federal, state, county and municipal-level staff, plus all military, law enforcement and public safety personnel. SIA GovSummit is considered a ‘widely attended gathering’ and complies with all relevant event guidelines. Each industry attendee can choose to register for the June 9 session only or purchase an All Access Pass to unlock both the June 9 and Sept. 21 events, along with the on-demand session recordings from the April 28 event, for a discounted rate.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the agenda and speaker lineup for Part 1 of the 2021 SIA GovSummit, its annual public policy and government security technology conference. SIA GovSummit 2021 will be held as a three-part virtual conference, with sessions held on April 28, June 9 and Sept 21, 2021. SIA GovSummit 2021     Each year, SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies. The 2021 virtual conference will examine emerging policy trends, the government’s technology needs and changes in the risk environment that shape the development of products and advanced systems integration. Government use of security technology  SIA GovSummit delivers high-quality insights and information on how government uses security technology" “SIA GovSummit delivers high-quality insights and information on how government uses security technology to meet evolving challenges and succeed across a wide spectrum of missions,” said Jake Parker, Senior Director of Government Relations at SIA. Jake adds, “With this new three-part virtual format in 2021, we look forward to offering the program to a wide spectrum of interested attendees and delving even deeper into the most important issues for federal, state and local government security practitioners.” Full-day virtual conference program Part 1 of the 2021 virtual conference will be held as a full-day program on Wednesday, April 28, kicking off at 10 a.m. EDT, with a keynote presentation from U.S. Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.), ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Katko will share insights on security challenges and how we can address them as a nation. Additional session topics will include: The American Rescue Plan’s impact on deployment of safety and security technologies What the DOD Cyber security Maturity Model Certification means for contractors and security suppliers The role of the SAFETY Act under the Biden administration Protecting public buildings against violent civil unrest Lessons learned from the Christmas Day bombing in Nashville, Tennessee Facility safety, COVID-19 and identity and facility management technologies Audio security technology’s use in government facility applications Speakers for the virtual event include: William Braniff, Director, National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism Daryle Hernandez, Chief, Interagency Security Committee, Cyber security and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security David Kelly, Deputy Director, Security Management Group, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Anna Mansueti, Director of Diversity and Gender Equity, Platinum East Gabriel Russell, Regional Director, Federal Protective Service Free event for all government staff This event is free for all government employees, including U.S. and international federal, state, county and municipal-level staff, plus all military, law enforcement and public safety personnel. SIA GovSummit is considered a ‘widely attended gathering’ and complies with all relevant event guidelines. Each industry attendee can choose to register for the April 28 session only or purchase an All Access Pass to unlock all three GovSummit events for a discounted rate.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Craig Sharman as the 2021 recipient of the SIA Chairman’s Award, an award presented annually and selected by SIA’s Board of Director's chair recognising SIA members’ diligent efforts in furthering the association’s mission and commitment to its future. SIA will present Sharman with the award at The Advance, SIA’s annual membership meeting, which will be held March 23 as a virtual event. Private-sector experience Craig Sharman – senior director of federal government relations at Johnson Controls – is a long-time member and the current chair of the SIA Government Relations Committee, which advises SIA members regarding legislation, regulations, and pending government actions affecting the security industry and makes recommendations for related actions. Sharman has more than 20 years of government, association, and private-sector experience Sharman has more than 20 years of government, association, and private-sector experience; prior to his time with Johnson Controls, he served in government relations and leadership roles with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security and the National Volunteer Fire Council. He holds a master’s degree in political management from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in political science from West Virginia University. Government relations team “I am honoured to be named the 2021 SIA Chairman’s Award winner; thank you to SIA for your support and the opportunity to give back to the security industry,” said Sharman. “I’d like to thank my colleagues on the SIA Government Relations Committee, as well as Jake Parker and SIA’s government relations team, for their outstanding efforts on behalf of the industry. It has been so rewarding to work together in advocating on the issues that matter the most to our members and to the safety of our citizens.” Sharman was an early recipient of the SIA Statesman Award and has helped guide SIA in developing and coordinating its advocacy and lobbying activities. In addition to expanding SIA’s contacts and relationships with members of Congress and their staff, he was instrumental in helping SIA launch SecurityPAC, SIA’s political action committee, and in engaging other members to participate in that effort as well as other special projects. Making enormous contributions Craig Sharman has been and is a key leader on SIAS’s Government Relations Committee" Sharman has helped maximise participation from employees at his own company in SIA events and activities and engaged with members to help grow participation in SIA’s government relations committee and working groups. “Craig Sharman has been and is a key leader on SIAS’s Government Relations Committee and has helped drive SIA’s advocacy and lobbying initiatives. He has made enormous contributions in leadership, time, and effort as a volunteer with the association overall,” said Pierre Trapanese, chair of the SIA Board of Directors. “SIA is grateful for Craig’s valuable efforts to benefit the security industry and help advance SIA’s mission. We look forward to honouring him with the 2021 SIA Chair’s Award.” Exchange market intelligence The Advance 2021 will take place on Tuesday, March 23, at 1:30 p.m. EDT and be hosted as a virtual event. At this special membership meeting, attendees will review official association business, recognise volunteer achievements in 2020, and exchange market intelligence for the year ahead. In addition to presenting the SIA Chairman’s Award, SIA will honour the 2021 recipients of the Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award, the SIA Committee Chair of the Year Award, the SIA Standards Service Award, and the SIA Member of the Year Award.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has stated that the decision by the City Council of Portland, Oregon, to ban facial recognition technology use by businesses in places of public accommodation, starting January 2021 and to prohibit all city government use of facial recognition technologies are shortsighted decisions that do not consider effective and beneficial applications of facial recognition. Ban on facial recognition tech use The Portland ordinance prohibiting private entities’ use of facial recognition technologies affects any business providing goods, services or other accommodations to the public and will impact businesses’ ability to protect workers, customers, facilities and property, since it effectively targets business use of security systems. “Turning back the clock on technological advancement through a complete ban on private-sector use of technology that clearly keeps our fellow citizens safe is not a rational answer during this period of social unrest in Portland,” stated Security Industry Association (SIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Don Erickson. Educating masses on facial recognition technology It is hardly a model approach to policymaking that any government should adopt" He adds, “It is hardly a model approach to policymaking that any government should adopt. Let’s act together now to thoughtfully educate the public about the legal and effective use of facial recognition technology, while at the same time, being mindful of legitimate questions raised about the impact of this technology on all stakeholders, including communities of colour.” Don further stated, “We continue to invite local leaders across the country to work with us to develop more sensible approaches to the use of facial recognition.” SIA’s Senior Director of Government Relations, Jake Parker, provided his testimony at the Portland City Council hearing on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2020, in opposition to these widespread prohibitions on the use of facial recognition technology. National Institute of Standards and Technology research paper As part of the council’s discussion, Portland City Councilwoman, Jo Ann Hardesty stated prior to the vote that the council would revisit the ban when there is technology that is not racially biased and is tested by independent third parties. SIA notes that such technology is available in the current scenario, and in July, SIA authored and submitted a letter to Portland’s Mayor and City Council, which noted the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s research paper that documented that high-performing algorithms perform equally well across different demographics. The letter stated, “The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the world’s renowned and foremost authority on this technology, found last year that the highest performing technologies had ‘undetectable’ differences across demographic groups, with accuracy rates well above 99% and undetectable false positive differences across demographics, even when tested against galleries of up to 12 million images.” Lawful, ethical and nondiscriminatory use of facial recognition SIA believes all technology products, including facial recognition, must only be used for lawful purposes SIA believes all technology products, including facial recognition, must only be used for purposes that are lawful, ethical and nondiscriminatory, and recently released and committed to a series of principles to be used in the development and deployment of facial recognition, ensuring the technology is used in a transparent and nondiscriminatory way that implements privacy protections and human oversight into its use. SIA welcomes working with cities and government on future facial recognition ordinances and policies to ensure decisions are based upon facts and a complete understanding of current technologies and that such policies consider widespread public support for the benefits of this technology. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organisations.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) announces the agenda and speaker lineup for the 2020 SIA GovSummit, its annual public policy and government security technology conference, taking place June 1-4. Due to concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, SIA GovSummit will be held as a virtual event in 2020, and for the first time ever, the conference will be entirely free to all attendees from industry and government. Offering additional sessions “SIA GovSummit 2020 will explore how security technologies can be leveraged to drive success in government missions. With this virtual format, we look forward to delivering the programming to more interested attendees and presenting even more in-depth content on the topics that matter to government security practitioners at the federal, state and local levels,” said Jake Parker, senior director of government relations at SIA. SIA GovSummit 2020 will explore how security technologies can be leveraged to drive success" “As part of the 2020 virtual SIA GovSummit, we will be offering additional sessions and training on emerging technologies relevant to government and homeland security applications.” SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies. The 2020 virtual conference will be held in four three-hour segments from Monday, June 1, through Thursday, June 4. Legislation impacting security technology On Day 1 of SIA GovSummit, discussions will focus on policies and legislation impacting security technology. Attendees will enjoy a keynote presentation from Brian Harrell, Assistant Director of infrastructure security at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Along with sessions on COVID-19 response and recovery, trends in federal procurement of security products and services, emerging applications and policy developments regarding facial recognition, the evolving landscape of data privacy policy and new federal guidance for counter-drone technology and what it means for site security. Physical access control systems Additional sessions will address the changing needs of the mission-critical federal market Day 2 of SIA GovSummit – with a focus on securing government facilities – will begin with a keynote presentation from Daryle Hernandez, chief of the Interagency Security Committee within DHS CISA. Additional sessions will address the changing needs of the mission-critical federal market, modernising physical access control systems protecting government facilities, applying cybersecurity practices and standards to government facilities’ video surveillance systems, protecting commercial data centres sued by government systems and protecting government facilities with autonomous drone systems. Supporting homeland security missions On Day 3, attendees will explore emerging technologies for the public sector. During a special keynote session, ‘The Women in Biometrics Awards Presents the Future of Biometrics in Government Security Applications,’ a panel of Women in Biometrics Awards recipients will look at how cutting-edge biometric applications are supporting homeland security missions. The Women in Biometrics Awards are a globally-recognised program co-founded by SIA and SecureIDNews and co-presented with sponsors IDEMIA, Biometric Update and the SIA Women in Security Forum that recognises innovative women guiding the biometrics and security industry. Additional topics will include leveraging fever detection and camera technology in COVID-19 recovery efforts Additional session topics will include leveraging fever detection and camera technology in COVID-19 recovery efforts, building current security operations centres for tomorrow, the future of audio surveillance technology in law enforcement and security systems, emerging safety and security technology for government buildings and how passive weapons detection technology can enhance security operations. Deploying security barriers Day 4 – focused on developing best practices for securing public spaces, facilities and venues – will begin with keynote remarks from Kathleen McGuiness, auditor of accounts for the state of Delaware. Additional sessions will highlight digital strategy, security, safety and privacy in the age of digital transformation; the integration of safety and security into public-private partnerships; the latest trends and guidelines for deploying security barriers; and using drones and robotics technology in security operations. The 2020 SIA GovSummit is free and open to all industry and government attendees.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the keynote speakers for its annual public policy and government security technology conference, SIA GovSummit. Christopher Krebs, undersecretary (nominee) for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’) National Protection and Programs Directorate, and Soraya Correra, chief procurement officer for DHS, will provide remarks at the event, which brings together government security leaders and private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and even local agencies. SIA GovSummit 2018 Day 1 of SIA GovSummit will be held at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C., on June 27. Krebs, who oversees the cyber and physical infrastructure security mission for DHS, will kick off SIA GovSummit at 8:00 a.m. Correa, who provides leadership, policy, oversight and support for DHS procurement activities and contracting workforce, will provide keynote remarks following lunch at the conference. SIA GovSummit 2018 is packed with top government officials who are implementing measures to support U.S. security priorities" “SIA GovSummit 2018 is packed with top government officials who are implementing measures to support U.S. security priorities,” said Jake Parker, SIA’s director of government relations. “We are thrilled to have Christopher Krebs and Soraya Correa provide remarks at this year’s event focusing on how government leverages security technologies to drive success across a wide spectrum of missions.” New Cybersecurity and Identity Policy In addition to the keynote addresses, SIA GovSummit 2018 will feature a number of engaging discussions and events, including: The Office of Management and Budget’s New Cybersecurity and Identity Policy: Impact on Federal Physical Access Control Systems The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Video and Other Applications Policy Leadership Awards Dinner Secure Schools Roundtable Evolving Policy on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS Technology for Security SIA GovSummit – taking place June 27–28 in Washington, D.C. – is free for all government employees, including federal, state, county and municipal-level staff (both domestic and international), plus all military, law enforcement and public safety representatives.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the agenda for its annual public policy and government security technology conference, SIA GovSummit. This event – held June 27 and 28 at the National Association of Home Builders in Washington, D.C. – will bring together government security leaders and private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and even local agencies. Day 1 of SIA GovSummit 2018 will highlight discussions on a variety of topics, including: OMB’s New Cybersecurity and Identity Policy: Impact on Federal Physical Access Control Systems Movement to the Cloud for Video and Other Security Applications Procurement Strategies for Effective Security Solutions The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Video and Other Applications Biometrics in Border Security Speakers include Matthew Goodrich, FedRAMP director at the General Services Administration; Daryle J. Hernandez of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’) Interagency Security Committee; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, founder and CEO of Kiernan Group Holdings; David Sousa, division director at the Federal Protective Service; and consultant Tim Williams. SIA is expanding the popular Secure Schools Roundtable into a half-day event presented in cooperation with the Congressional School Safety Caucus Expanding Secure Schools Roundtable Following the day’s discussions, attendees will be invited to join a networking reception and the Policy Leadership Awards Dinner. Paul Begala, commentator at the Washington Speaker Bureau, will provide remarks at the dinner. The second day will kick off with a SIAThere! and Northern Capital Region Security Forum breakfast at the Capitol Hill Club, featuring remarks from Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.). Following the breakfast – in addition to its member visits to Capitol Hill offices – SIA is expanding the popular Secure Schools Roundtable into a half-day event presented in cooperation with the Congressional School Safety Caucus. The gathering will highlight topics such as the need for school security guidelines and standards, the role of the federal and state governments in funding school security Highlighting school security related topics This gathering – held at the U.S. Capitol Visit Centre – will feature discussion with key stakeholders from government, industry, education and law enforcement and highlight topics such as the need for school security guidelines and standards, the role of the federal and state governments in funding school security and the need for coordination among educators, school facility personnel and first responders in protecting our schools. “SIA GovSummit gives government and industry the opportunity to come together, share information and collaborate on security, including assessment of security investment priorities,” said Jake Parker, SIA’s director of government relations. “In light of the recent tragedy in Parkland, Florida, SIA is also looking forward to hosting a half-day, expanded version of its Secure Schools Roundtable as part of the summit to address safety and security in our schools.” Free entry for government personnel SIA GovSummit is free for all government employees, including federal, state, county and municipal-level staff (both domestic and international), plus all military, law enforcement and public safety representatives. Early bird registration rates for non-government attendees are available through June 1. This event is made possible thanks to the following sponsors and partners: Washington Sponsors Lenel and Interlogix; Lincoln Sponsor HID Global; dinner and reception sponsor Allegion; event sponsors AMAG Technology, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, Ameristar Security, ASIS International, Axis Communications, BCDVideo, Calpipe Industries, Gallagher, GSA Schedules Inc., DHS Science & Technology, Louroe Electronics, Marshalls, Milestone, Nasatka Security and Renova Technology; and industry partner ISC Expos and Conferences.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has opened registration for its annual public policy and government security technology conference, SIA GovSummit. At the 2018 SIA GovSummit, security industry leaders and government officials meet and examine technology requirements, review policy trends, and address evolving security challenges. Additionally, the Secure Schools Roundtable on day of the conference will address school security needs, funding, guidelines and standards. SIA will host SIA GovSummit 2018 at the NAHB headquarters conference facility, located at 1201 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, on June 27-28. Registration is open at the SIA GovSummit website.The first day of the conference will feature a full day of sessions on key government security topics, as well as networking events and the SIA Policy Leadership Awards dinner IT modernisation in focus “Particularly with the emphasis on IT modernisation and many active legislative priorities, federal and state governments are reviewing where to invest sin security technologies,” said Jake Parker, SIA Director of Government Relations. “SIA GovSummit allows government leaders and security industry professionals to collaborate, share information and assess security investment priorities. Our 2018 SIA GovSummit agenda shares wide-ranging perspectives on government security initiatives and helps the private and public sectors work together on important issues.” The first day of the conference will feature a full day of sessions on key government security topics, as well as networking events and the SIA Policy Leadership Awards dinner. Session topics for day one of SIA GovSummit government security conference include the following: New policies impacting security IT modernisation initiatives: Implications for security and surveillance Interagency Security Committee (ISC) policies and best practices: New initiatives in 2018 New OMB Identity Policy guidelines: Impact on Federal PACS CBP’s Technology Infrastructure Strategy for securing the border Procurement strategies Federal Category Management, GSA contracts and other procurement initiatives Harnessing innovations through lifecycle management and tech refresh strategies Navigating buy American and other domestic content requirements Standards for security technology Movement to the Cloud – Using FEDRAMP for video and other security applications Understanding the RMF process for DOD Information Technology NIST Standards Development and Security Key legislation Congressional staff discuss legislative developments in impacting use of security technology in defense, homeland security and critical infrastructure protection. Emerging technologies The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning in video and other applications Counter-UAS technology: The path forward for government and private security The growing uses of IP audio for threat detection Facial recognition goes mainstream: From law enforcement to border security Secure Schools Roundtable On day two of the SIA GovSummit conference, in addition to its member visits to Capitol Hill offices, SIA is expanding the popular Secure Schools Roundtable into a half-day event presented in cooperation with the Congressional School Safety Caucus.Important topics for the Secure Schools Roundtable include need for school security guidelines and standards This timely gathering will be held at room HVC 201 of the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and will feature discussion with key stakeholders from government, education, law enforcement, and industry. Important topics for the Secure Schools Roundtable include: The need for school security guidelines and standards The role of the federal and state governments in funding school security The need for coordination among educators, school facility personnel and first responders in protecting our schools  

The hearing chaired by Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19 Jake Parker, director of government relations at the Security Industry Association(SIA), will appear as a witness at a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, “Examining DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s Engagement with Academia and Industry,” chaired by Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19. Academia and private company collaboration The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies called the hearing to seek perspectives on how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate collaborates with academia and private companies on relevant research topics and how it partners with industry on the development and acquisition of products for DHS component agencies. The hearing will convene in Room 311 of the Cannon House Office Building. “For the past few years, the Security Industry Association has fostered a strong partnership with the DHS Science and Technology Directorate to serve as the voice of the security industry into federal homeland security research and development processes,” Parker said. “SIA members highly value the receptiveness of DHS S&T to collaborate with industry, and we have some perspectives from our members as to how that collaboration can to continue to improve and evolve. SIA looks forward to a constructive conversation with the agency and with Congress on the mutual benefits of utilizing private sector expertise to enhance homeland security.” Jake Parker is available for interviews on SIA collaboration with the DHS S&T Directorate before and after the hearing. His full testimony will be made available on May 19. Please contact Mickey McCarter, SIA communications manager, at mmccarter@securityindustry.org or 301-804-4704 to request an interview. The hearing is open to members of the press and the public.

The bill includes a new provision establishing an out-of-cycle review mechanism The Security Industry Association (SIA) commends the U.S. Senate for approving the bipartisan measure reauthorising the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), S. 1267, on May 14. In addition to extending the Act, which expires Sept. 30, the bill includes a new provision establishing an out-of-cycle review mechanism to ensure compliance with fair trade practices required of Sub-Saharan countries receiving export preferences under AGOA. Forced localisation Over the past year, SIA urged the committees drafting the AGOA extension to address the Private Security Industry Regulation Amendment Act (PSIRA) under consideration by the South African Government. PSIRA contains a provision, inserted at the last minute during parliamentary consideration, which requires foreign-owned security companies, including technology firms, to sell at least 51 percent of their South African businesses to South Africans, in what is often referred to as a “forced localisation” measure. A surprise to many observers, the provision was included despite the fact that such companies are already required to exclusively employ South African citizens within the country. Protective measures The review mechanism in the Senate passed bill allows firms to petition the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to investigate actions they believe may violate AGOA eligibility criteria. If found in violation, the USTR would be authorised to limit benefits or suspend the country from AGOA participation. Additionally, in an unprecedented move, the bill singles out a country for immediate review, requiring South Africa to undergo a six-month review beginning within 30 days of enactment. “The inclusion of this enhanced oversight provision in the Senate passed bill will lead to a more reciprocal and balanced trade relationship with beneficiary countries, most notably South Africa, the largest beneficiary of AGOA preferences by far,” said Jake Parker, SIA director of government relations. "The inclusion of this enhanced oversight provision in the Senate passed bill will lead to a more reciprocal and balanced trade relationship with beneficiary countries, most notably South Africa," says Jake Parker, SIA PSIRA Act It is important to note that the out-of-cycle review mechanism is not an additional eligibility requirement, but rather a provision to ensure compliance with AGOA, Parker said. Under the existing agreement, such a review could only occur at the end of AGOA’s five-year cycle, making it difficult to hold beneficiaries accountable to their commitments. The PSIRA Act is awaiting the South African president’s signature to pass it into law. The South African industry organisations, business, trade and law exports that oppose the foreign ownership limitation clause have called for South African President Jacob Zuma to send the PSIRA Act back to Parliament for the removal of the offending section on expropriation. “If the South African Parliament does not remove the discriminatory clause from the PSIRA Act, it is highly likely such an issue would be raised as a matter of concern during the South Africa review required under the AGOA reauthorisation moving through Congress,” Parker said. SIA calls on the House of Representatives to expeditiously act on AGOA reauthorisation.