Enable breadcrumbs token at /includes/pageheader.html.twig

DHS Funds U.S. Small Business Research

Phase 1 contracts provide seed money for multimedia, sensor and machine learning technologies.

Unified communications benefit from mobile access and multi-use smart technologies such as smartphones and tablets to enable personnel to conduct their mission tasks. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins/Released

More than two dozen research contracts have been awarded to 23 small businesses to participate in phase one of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Each project will receive up to $150,000 to conduct proof-of-concept research over a six-month period to address specific homeland security technology needs.

The research and development topics the contracts cover include development of the Next Generation 911 multimedia content analysis engine capability for the Emergency Communications Cyber Security Center; a remote sensor data protection and anti-spoofing technology; an in-building coverage analysis system using the existing first responder's radio and smartphone; and a machine learning module for detection technologies.

At the end of the first phase, awardees will be eligible to submit proposals for consideration for a phase II award, which will enable the awardees to continue research and development efforts toward a demonstrable prototype.

Dusty Lang, program director, DHS SBIR, says the directorate is continually engaging the private sector for innovative ideas and capabilities. His program enables small businesses to explore their technologies’ potential to advance homeland security solutions.

Additional information on the DHS SBIR Program is available online or companies can email the program. More information about the directorate’s innovation programs and tools is available on the DHS website.