The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and their partners in the Israeli Ministry of Public Security are now accepting applications for the NextGen First Responder Technologies solicitation. The deadline for applications is March 9, 2016.
The total expected award for the collaborative projects is about $12 million, to be distributed over three years. Large and small companies alike are encouraged to participate, as well as research institutions that can provide innovative technology solutions to improve and enhance the future capabilities of first responders.
“We’re reaching out to innovators, non-traditional partners, and industry for solutions to global homeland security challenges,” said DHS Deputy Under Secretary for Science and Technology, Dr. Robert Griffin, a former first responder. “We’re looking to mobilize the innovation community to help us ensure our first responders are poised now for whatever threats and environments the future may bring.”
The IsraelUS Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation manages the program on behalf of the two nations, and issued an initial Call for Proposals last December inviting US and Israeli companies to submit joint collaborative projects in the field of NextGen First Responder Technologies based on current critical capability gaps.
The unique US-Israeli partnership, originally outlined as a part of a broader agreement signed between the two nations in 2008, is designed to promote and jointly fund the development of advanced technologies to improve and enhance the preparedness of first responders and their capabilities in the field.
