; and (B) mitigation measures that could be implemented at these ports of entry; and (3) includes other improvements to infrastructure and safety equipment that are needed to protect officers from inclement weather, surveillance by smugglers, and accidental exposure to narcotics or other dangers associated with the inspection of potential drug traffickers. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to implement the plans required under this section. 2302. Deploying smart technology at the southern border (a) In general The Secretary is authorized to develop and implement a strategy to manage and secure the southern border of the United States by deploying smart technology— (1) to enhance situational awareness along the border; and (2) to counter transnational criminal networks. (b) Contents The smart technology strategy described in subsection (a) shall include— (1) a comprehensive assessment of the physical barriers, levees, technologies, tools, and other devices that are currently in use along the southern border of the United States; (2) the deployment of technology between ports of entry that focuses on flexible solutions that can expand the ability to detect illicit activity, evaluate the effectiveness of border security operations, and be easily relocated, broken out by U.S. Border Patrol sector; (3) the specific steps that may be taken in each U.S. Border Patrol sector during the next 5 years to identify technology systems and tools that can help provide situational awareness of the southern border; (4) an explanation for why each technology, tool, or other device was recommended to achieve and maintain situational awareness of the southern border, including— (A) the methodology used to determine which type of technology, tool, or other device was recommended