see also: in June 2008:   CBP in New Orleans Offers Tips for International Air Travelers for Summer Season   CBP Offers Tips for International Air Travelers in Memphis for Summer Season   U.S. Customs and Border Protection to Host San Diego Hiring Event   Baltimore CBP Recovers Stolen Vehicle Being Shipped Overseas   Border Patrol Agents Seize Cocaine, Methamphetamines and Marijuana   Canada, U.S. Sign Arrangement to Align Security Standards for Cross-Border Business   CBP, Texas Strengthen Partnership to Ensure Border Security ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Washington — Earlier this month, Charles R. Armstrong fully transitioned into his role as assistant commissioner and chief information officer for the Office of Information and Technology for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Mr. Armstrong is responsible for managing and integrating CBP’s information technology and the functional responsibilities that include software development, infrastructure services and support, tactical communications, the laboratory system and research and development functions, and IT modernization initiatives. Mr. Armstrong is also a champion for furthering the IT goals and strategies set by the Department of Homeland Security and the agency’s IT community.

"I am extremely pleased to be returning to CBP. Despite the complexities of the CBP mission and the many challenges inherent in the information technology environment today, the Office of Information and Technology has achieved many successes over the past year," said Charlie Armstrong, assistant commissioner for OIT. "I would like to thank Ken Ritchhart for his accomplishments and service as the acting assistant commissioner, and I appreciate the ongoing support of all Office of Information and Technology employees. Also, I look forward to partnering with Ken to move our mission forward."

Mr. Armstrong brings with him over 25 years of leadership and technology experience in information technology operations and management. Mr. Armstrong most recently served as the DHS deputy chief information officer and was a driving force behind agency initiatives to:

• continue cyber-security improvements
• promote IT operational efficiencies, improvements and resiliency
• align IT plans and budgets with procurement activities and the enterprise architecture
• establish a foundation for information sharing, data collection and integration
• establish and govern a portfolio of cross-department IT capabilities to support the DHS mission and management objectives

During his tenure, DHS established the first consolidated data center at Stennis and awarded a contract for the second capability at the EDS data center. Under his leadership, DHS implemented a Department Network Operations Center and Security Operations Center capability, and the agency’s ability to manage and control network events continues to improve with ongoing component efforts to migrate onto OneNet. Mr. Armstrong’s emphasis on IT security raised DHS’s score for compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act from an initial rating of "F" to a "B+" in May 2008. He also institutionalized a solid management framework and governance process for integrating the DHS IT community.

After starting his federal career with the Navy Department, he worked for the legacy U.S. Customs Service and CBP in various capacities, including as the executive director, Customs Modernization, and as the acting assistant commissioner, OIT, in November 2003. He also served as the CIO for the DHS Border and Transportation Security prior to assuming the position of DHS deputy CIO in October 2005.

Mr. Armstrong graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and obtained a Master of Science in Management from National Louis University. He is a Harvard Senior Executive Fellow, a graduate of the General Services Administration Strategic and Tactical Advocates for Results Program, and was recognized by Federal Computer Week's “Federal 100” as one of the top executives from government, industry, and academia who had the greatest impact on the government information systems community in 2001.

About OIT
OIT provides technology solutions and support to the CBP mission. Responsibilities include:

• supporting business processes with the design, development, programming, testing, implementation, training, and maintenance of CBP automated systems
• managing all CBP computer facilities and systems including the hardware, software, data, video and voice communications, and related financial resources
• identifying and evaluating new technologies for application in support of CBP business processes.
• developing and maintaining the Enterprise Information System Architecture
• administering the operational aspects of the CBP Computer Security Program
• establishing requirements for computer-to-computer interfaces between CBP and various trade groups and government agencies
• providing centralized research, development, test, evaluation, acquisition, training, and maintenance services in support of enforcement and inspection technology for CBP process owners and core strategies
• supporting the CBP chief information officer functions and is responsible for management, budget and planning reviews impacting information technology programs
• serving as the scientific and technical arm of CBP and for managing the CBP laboratory system

Additionally, as DHS steward for network services, OIT supports the agency’s requirements for secure, reliable telecommunications via OneNet.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.