The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) delivers innovative technology solutions to support Department of Homeland Security (DHS) missions and first responders and serves as the science advisor to the Secretary and the primary research and development arm of DHS.
S&T provides sound, evidence-based scientific and technical expertise to inform policies and address a broad spectrum of current and emerging threats. Through a strategic portfolio of projects, S&T addresses the short-, medium-, and long-term needs of the homeland security enterprise, which encompasses activities across DHS and its Components, first responder communities, and private sector organizations that provide essential services. By working closely with its partners to understand and prioritize their mission-related needs, S&T ensures science and technology investments align with evolving operational challenges.
View the Science and Technology Directorate fact sheet to learn more.
What We Do
How We Work
S&T supports the DHS mission by identifying critical operational needs, applying our expertise, and driving innovation through targeted investments in research and development. Guided by strategic priorities from the Administration and Secretary of DHS, S&T ensures resource allocation aligns with evolving threats and mission objectives. We collaborate closely with DHS Components and the first responder community to identify existing technologies or initiate new research and development through partnerships with public and private sector innovators that can advance commercial technology solutions.
The impact of our work has far-reaching implications in key mission areas critical to the safety of our nation:
- Border Security
- Chemical, Biological and Explosive Defense
- Counterterrorism
- Cybersecurity and Information Analysis
- First Responder Support and Disaster Resilience
- Physical Security and Critical Infrastructure Resilience
Visit the S&T Impact Series to see how we are helping agents, officers, first responders and decision makers with some of their toughest challenges.
We Fund Innovation
Innovation is the driving force behind the work we do at S&T. Because potential solutions may exist outside the homeland security arena, S&T relies on our private sector partners to identify and develop innovative technologies for homeland security. Whether you are a small or large business, academia, or start-up, we want you to help us innovate and advance homeland security solutions!
Discover the innovation funding and contracting opportunity that matches your organization’s interest.
View our Partnership Guide to learn about S&T’s technical priority areas and the Innovation Programs & Tools booklet for more details on how we work with industry, including the process, eligibility, timelines, and how to apply.
