Pat Host 
- Border enforcement and major events both require actionable data and computing power
- The challenge is that these are often in connectively-challenged environments
- Dive into how edge technology is reshaping border and event security at the 2026 Homeland Security Summit!
Border enforcement and major national events share a core operational need: getting actionable data and computing power to personnel in the field, where connectivity is often limited. Edge capabilities have become a key priority for agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection in securing high-profile national events as the Department of Homeland Security pushes record investment into border security and mission technology.
The Modernizing the Homeland Security Mission: Edge Capabilities for the Border and National Events panel at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 10 will examine edge computing, wireless networks and sensor integration and lessons from disaster response and major events.
For GovCons, the discussion offers a direct look at where DHS sees capability gaps and where industry can help close them. Here’s four key insights into how edge technology is reshaping border and event security and why the panel deserves a spot on every GovCon professionals’ agenda. Secure your seat today!
How Is Edge Technology Reshaping Border and Event Security?
1. Billions of Dollars in Spending Already Flowing to Edge Technology in Border and Event Security
Congress has already provided DHS with billions of dollars for this effort and more is expected to come. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 set aside $6.2 billion for border technology and screening, including surveillance upgrades on the southwest, northern and maritime borders.
CBP is also using $47 billion to develop the “Smart Wall,” which bundles barriers with roads, advanced detection technology, cameras and lighting, and in some instances, a waterborne barrier or duplicative wall to create double-layered reinforcement.
2. CBP Contracting for New AI-Enabled Southern Border Surveillance Towers
CBP is progressing on awards that are part of an IDIQ contract for AI-powered autonomous surveillance towers, which are anticipated to be used on the southern border, FedScoop reported. The agency in June inked a $71 million task order with GDIT.
The surveillance towers are available in two sizes: 80 feet or 120 feet. During testing, the towers were able to detect, track and identify objects up to eight miles away, depending on the location and surrounding terrain, said Michael Wagner, GDIT vice president for biometrics, border and transportation security.
Developed for locations without power supplied by electrical utilities, the towers have solar panels and batteries. Propane fuel serves as an emergency backup power supply. Edge computing permits deployment in remote locations with providing for speed and function, Wagner said.
3. The Border Edge Is Becoming Autonomous and AI-Enabled
GDIT is using a variety of advanced emerging technologies in its border surveillance capabilities. The company announced in April that its border towers achieved CPB approval to provide autonomous surveillance capabilities and meet funding requirements of the OBBBA for large-scale deployment of autonomous surveillance capabilities.
The OBBBA requires that autonomous systems apply AI, machine learning, computer vision or other algorithms to accurately detect, identify, classify and track items of interest in real time. GDIT touts its autonomous surveillance towers as leveraging edge AI and machine learning, patented video analytics and advanced microwave, 5G and satellite capabilities.
4. AT&T Investing in Edge and Network Capabilities for Major Events
AT&T made major investments in edge and network enhancements leading into the 2026 World Cup. The company said it spent more than $430 million since 2023 to bolster Band 14 spectrum at every stadium and surrounding area. AT&T also established its FirstNet Operations Center outside its headquarters in Dallas to help coordinate communications support throughout the tournament and during every match.
Grow your GovCon homeland security business with premium-level networking at the Potomac Officer Club’s 2026 Homeland Security Summit on Nov. 10. This highly anticipated GovCon event will host the whole homeland security ecosystem under one roof, including top federal officials, program managers, integrators and other ambitious GovCon professionals. Collect more homeland security business opportunities in one day than in an entire year of responding to solicitations and cold approaches. Sign up now!
Who Will Be on the Modernizing the Homeland Security Mission Panel?
Scott St. Pierre
Chief Information Officer, U.S. Coast Guard
Scott St. Pierre serves as U.S. Coast Guard CIO. He previously served as the Navy’s director of enterprise networks and cybersecurity, or OPNAV N2N6D. In his role, St. Pierre directs IT and cyber policy creation, requirements development and validation and overarching planning and programming for enterprise networks and cyber capabilities.
Executive Director of the Program Management Office Directorate, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Ruynard Singleton is executive director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s PMO directorate, where he directs individual procurement program officers within the PMOD that supports U.S. Border Patrol’s operational requirements and needs. He was previously on the Acquisition Management Branch of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where he oversaw efforts to provide technical assistance to procurement program officers in realms like system engineering, cost estimation and analysis, and program management.
Kris Levin-Snow (moderator)
Area Vice President for National Security, AT&T
Kris Levin-Snow is AT&T’s area vice president for national security. She has over 25 years of experience in the federal technology industry with expertise in strategic market growth, operations, program management and solution development. She previously directed accounts in DHS and defense in leadership positions at Microsoft, Gartner, CSRA and Northrop Grumman. Levin-Snow was most recently chief of staff and strategy to Microsoft’s chief operating officer of federal.
Chief Growth Officer, Nokia Federal Solutions
Richard Miller is Nokia Federal Solutions’ chief growth officer. Here he directs business development across the federal government, delivering advanced communications services such as optical networking, routing and switching, and tactical and mobile communications. He has more than 30 years experience in network infrastructure and telecommunications sales, research and development, and product line management.
