US Department of Homeland Security: innovation call aimed at start-ups

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has put out a first call for proposals, targeted at technology start-ups, seeking "solutions to improve situational awareness and security measures for protecting Internet of Things (IoT) domains". Launching its first Innovation Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS), the aim is to reach out to companies that have typically never worked with the government to consider DHS as a viable customer for their technology, and in doing so, "[engaging] some of the best minds on the most difficult homeland security problems", including IoT security. For applicants, the advantages of the OTS framework include: a streamlined application process; expedited funds transfer; and no dilution of ownership. Follow-on funding may be provided for promising prototypes. "We're reshaping how government, entrepreneurs and end users work together," said Dr. Doug Maughan from the S&T Cyber Security Division. "The OTS will help S&T invest smarter and harness the power of the nation's innovation centres for government applications."  

For Immediate Release

DHS Science & Technology Press Office

Contact: John Verrico, (202) 254-2385

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) today announced its 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 DHS and the homeland security mission. 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.

“Today marks an important milestone in how we do business at S&T, said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers. “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.”

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-ups developing concepts for commercial application that have the potential to widen their technical aperture and make available for homeland security problem sets. 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. Potential follow-on funding will be provided for promising prototypes. For IoT Security, DHS 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, Division Director, Science and Technology Directorate, Cyber Security Division. “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 dhs-silicon-valley@hq.dhs.gov.