"First Observer" is a national safety and security program that uses the skills, experiences and "savvy" of America's transportation professionals to help protect the critical transportation function that moves the goods and services and people across America.

"First Observer" is operated by Team HMS under a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trucking Security Program (TSP). The program's mission is to administer an anti-terrorism and security awareness program for highway professionals in support of the National Preparedness Guidelines. A key component of the program is to recruit volunteers from the Trucking, Motor Coach Carriers and School Bus industries to act as our "First Observer" in reporting suspicious activities of either a criminal or potential terroristic nature to authorities.

In July 2008, the Department of Homeland Security, awarded the HMS Company a $15.4 million grant to provide program management, planning and support services for its Trucking Security Program (TSP). This program is operated under the name, "First Observer".

The purpose of the grant is to administer an anti-terrorism and security awareness program for highway professionals in support of the National Preparedness Guidelines.

"We are fully engaged in supporting this mission critical program for DHS. The First Observer program allows HMS to leverage its core competencies developed over the years on a variety of public safety and security initiatives on the federal, state and local levels," said Charles Hall, President and Founder of the HMS Company.

HMS has partnered with a team of industry leaders in the trucking community on this security training and awareness program. "Collectively, we have an excellent track record managing complex projects. Our team provides DHS with extensive corporate experience, a highly qualified technical staff, mature program management, cost control processes, cost credibility and a reputation for outstanding performance."