The world is a smaller place today, thanks to the internet and advancements in air travel. In this technologically advanced environment, first responders and others who ensure the security of our nation need every tool available to stay on top of emerging threats. Sometimes, governmental laboratories and research agencies hold the answers. Other times, we must look to industry, to academia, and to innovators working out of their homes or a small business.
Science and Technology
William Bryan
At the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), finding solutions to security challenges is what we do all day, every day. Through our network of research facilities, academic centers of excellence, and industry partners, we are finding, developing and commercializing those solutions. But there are many more solutions out there and we want to make a more concerted effort to work with small business owners – those with less than 500 employees – to find them.
The DHS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program does just that. It targets small business owners, offering funding for technology and solutions that match topics S&T is specifically interested in. Although we have worked with small businesses owners for the last 13 years, S&T wants to increase our network, especially with women-owned small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses.
If you are a small business owner, and you don’t work with us, we want to know why. If you do work with us, we want to know how we can make the process of working with us easier. And if you are a small business owner, especially a women-owned small business or small disadvantaged business owner and you have never heard of us or don’t know how to start the process, we definitely want to talk to you.
I am personally inviting you to join us for an S&T Tech Talk on Facebook September 28 at 1 p.m., to talk directly with Dusty Lang from our SBIR office. Using her 10 years of experience In the SBIR program, she’ll discuss the program, topics and answer your questions live and in real time.
If you’ve got innovative solutions but don’t know how to work with us, we’ve got answers and, potentially, funding. Join us at the end of this month and learn more!