Beyond the Big Six: The Pivotal Roles of Lesser Known IC Agencies

On Tuesday, August 20, INSA hosted Beyond the Big Six: The Pivotal Roles of Lesser Known IC Agencies, a virtual panel discussion focused on the operations of some of the smaller U.S. intelligence agencies. The panel was moderated by The Hon. Sue Gordon and featured The Hon. Lisa Kenna, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Intelligence and Research, Department of State; Jay Tilden, Director, Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Department of Energy; and The Hon. Kenneth Wainstein, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security.

To kick off the discussion, each panelist provided an overview of their organization and its role within the Intelligence Community. Hon. Kenna highlighted INR’s unique role as an all-source intelligence unit serving diplomats and the Secretary of State and its deep bench of expertise. Mr. Tilden shared that the OICI leverages its technical expertise to support efforts related to science, material properties, and cyber. Hon. Wainstein highlighted OIA’s origins of being established after 9/11 to address the gap between federal law enforcement and state and local partners.  

With respect to the top issues facing their agencies, Hon. Wainstein emphasized the ongoing fight against terrorism (from domestic extremists as well as foreign networks), addressing cyber threats and election security, and stopping the flow of deadly synthetic opioids. Hon. Kenna said that, given the global remit of the State Department, INR must be globally responsive to the needs of its customers. INR particularly seeks to write about issues and topics that larger IC agencies are not addressing. Director Tilden shared that OICI has a broad scientific scope and is focused on informing complex issues such as arms control, cyberwarfare, and nuclear weapons in space.  

The panelists each emphasized the potential of emerging technologies and generative AI, noting that these tools can help analysts sift through data, find patterns, and speed up analysis. At the same time, it is important to understand the downsides and respect privacy and civil liberties.  

The panelists closed the discussion by discussing the importance of private sector engagement and information sharing as well as their efforts to recruit and retain diverse talent.