Mr. Ruttenbur: Homeland security from a macro standpoint is growing about 5.5% to 7% at the federal level. In the private sector though, the broader safety and security market has been hurt by the overall economy. Government spending is up strongly, but private sector spending is actually down year over year.
TWST: On the federal side, is the spending actually happening?
Mr. Ruttenbur: Yes. They're at least making awards and releasing funds,
primarily on border protection initiatives like SBInet and port security
initiatives, though there have been some delays from the DHS in other areas with
the change in administration.
TWST: So money is finally beginning to flow into the homeland security space?
Mr. Ruttenbur: That is correct. Money is flowing into the space though it tends
to flow in waves. It is not a steady flow.
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