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Thursday, March 28, 2024

DHS S&T Releases Innovation Call Aimed at Startups to Address ‘Toughest Threats’

The first Innovation Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS) aimed at non-traditional performers such as technology start-ups to offer solutions to some of the toughest threats facing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the homeland security mission were announced today by DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T).

“Today marks an important milestone in how we do business at S&T,” DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers said in a statement, noting, “We want to remove the barriers that limit the nation’s innovators from considering us as a technology partner. The Innovation OTS will help engage some of the best minds on the most difficult homeland security problems.”

Awarded through Other Transaction Solicitation HSHQDC-16-R-B0005, the first call for proposals is looking for solutions to improve situational awareness and security measures for protecting Internet of Things (IoT) domains.

DHS said in its announcement that, “The goal of the Innovation OTS is to help companies that have typically never worked with the government consider DHS as a viable customer for their technology.”

The program is intended for start-up businesses which are developing concepts for commercial application “that have the potential to widen their technical aperture and make available for homeland security problem sets.”

DHS said the advantages of the OTS framework include:

  • A streamlined application process;
  • Fast-track selection timelines;
  • Expedited funds transfer;
  • Rapid operator feedback and no dilution of ownership; and
  • Potential follow-on funding will be provided for promising prototypes.

For IoT security, DHS said it is “specifically seeking technologies to help the department and/or critical infrastructure managers gain comprehensive and near continuous knowledge of IoT systems that affect their operations and assets. Technical areas include: Detecting IoT components and connections; authenticating components and updating IoT components.”

“This is not business as usual:  We’re reshaping how government, entrepreneurs and end users work together,” said Dr. Doug Maughan, S&T Cyber Security Division director. “By providing clear government requirements and access to the end-user community, the OTS will help S&T invest smarter and harness the power of the nation’s innovation centers for government applications.”

For more information, visit http://go.usa.gov/cKxDx  or contact [email protected].

DHS S&T Releases Innovation Call Aimed at Startups to Address 'Toughest Threats' Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Today
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.
Homeland Security Today
Homeland Security Todayhttp://www.hstoday.us
The Government Technology & Services Coalition's Homeland Security Today (HSToday) is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to elevating the discussions and insights that can support a safe and secure nation. A non-profit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform debate and drive realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.

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