Witt Associates was hired by the Government of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) to assist in its efforts to strengthen its emergency management and homeland security systems, plans and processes.

Witt Associates performed an independent analysis of emergency preparedness in the USVI and provided recommendations about how best to organize the Islands' various public safety functions (fire, police, emergency medical services, homeland security, etc.).  During this review, Witt Associates analyzed the Islands' emergency planning, including mechanisms for evacuations and sheltering-in-place, 911 systems, emergency procurement, communication interoperability, medical surge capacity, partnerships with the private sector regarding critical infrastructure protection, and emergency alert systems.

In addition, Witt Associates has provided consultation on a range of prevention, protection, response and recovery issues.  This has included instituting terrorism prevention activities; designing and conducting preparedness and public safety assessments; and assessing the structure, staffing and plans of relevant government agencies.

Witt Associates has assisted the Virgin Islands Office of Homeland Security with the preparation of applications for the following U.S. Homeland Security Grant Program funding streams: 

• State Homeland Security Program
• Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program
• Citizen Corps Program (including Medical Reserve Corps)

Throughout this process, Witt Associates has outlined funding priorities and implementation approaches to enhance and sustain capabilities and achieve outcomes aligned with USVI's homeland security strategy.