A spot in the Westfields Corporate Center in Chantilly is being considered by the Bush administration as a possible location for the headquarters of the new Department of Homeland Security. The site now receiving close, federal-government scrutiny is at 15036 Conference Center Drive — a stone's throw from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), which also deals with top-secret, highly classified issues.

The 275,000-square-foot site is currently vacant and, if so desired, the operation could expand onto an adjacent 250,000-square-foot site. Off Route 28 in Chantilly, the Westfields Corporate Center — with its spacious, campus-style atmosphere, plus proximity to major highways and Dulles International Airport — has long made it a prime and prestigious location for some of the area's most respected businesses.

Federal officials expect to make a decision in the next two weeks. Also in the running are two sites in Tysons Corner. One is a two-building package at 7555 and 7575 Colshire Drive, and the other is one building at 1500 PRC Drive.