U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Government Website

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Safely connect using HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Archived Content

In an effort to keep DHS.gov current, the archive contains outdated information that may not reflect current policy or programs.

Interservice / Industry Training, Simulation & Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2024

S&T @ I/ITSEC 2024

Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation & Education Conference (I/ITSEC)
December 2-6, 2024
Orlando, Florida

S&T is pleased to exhibit for the second year in a row at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Visit us in the South Concourse Exhibit Hall, booth #173, to meet with representatives from across S&T, as well as with our partners from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, and the General Services Administration.

S&T Panel Discussions

Monday, December 2
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: South Concourse, 
Room 310CD

America’s Seed Fund: Planting Seeds for Success Under the SBIR/STTR Program
Panelists: Dusty Lang, Michele Curreri, John Hodak, Matthew Willis
Moderator: Katelyn Rigle

Often referred to as “America’s Seed Fund,” the Small Business Innovative Research Program/Small Business Technology Transfer Program awards over 5,000 contracts totaling over $4.5 billion. Hear from SBIR Directors from across the government on how the programs differ from agency to agency, upcoming opportunities under each program, and how to stay compliant.

Learn More:

Exhibit Booth Hours, Presentations and Demonstrations

Stop by to meet with S&T experts at booth #173 in the South Concourse Exhibit Hall, Orange County Convention Center.   

  • Monday, December 2, 2:00 p.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 3, 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, December 4, 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 5, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Modeling and Simulation Technology Center (MS-TC) provides strategic advice to DHS Components and offers expertise and core research in thrust areas to ensure the department can benefit from advanced modeling and simulation capabilities. Since its implementation, MS-TC has established S&T as a leader in federal modeling and simulation activities through active collaboration with government agencies, industry, academia, and international partners on cutting-edge research, development, reuse, and interoperability of technology solutions.

Focus Areas: 

  • Digital Twins/Immersive Visualization: Use of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/ VR) and advanced 3D technologies to enable virtual presence and advance DHS training effectiveness through immersive simulations.
  • Predictive Modeling: Apply Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to model threat behavior to enhance effectiveness of DHS operations.
  • Process Modeling, Gaming, and Analysis: Agent-based simulations; “war-gaming” technologies, and risk modeling to conduct threat and vulnerability assessments and security planning.

Check out demonstrations of the following in our exhibit:

  • Command Center Design
  • Port of Entry Virtual Model
  • Recognition of Clandestine Lab—Quest
  • SHAKE Companion
  • XR Capabilities (K-9)—Quest 3

Community of Interest:

MS-TC hosts the DHS Modeling and Simulation Community of Interest, which serves as a forum for modeling and simulation practitioners to discuss capabilities, technologies, and processes; build relationships; establish best practices; and connect with a larger community. Email modsimcoi@hq.dhs.gov to join.  

Additional Resources:

The Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) First Responder Capability Program is an initiative aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities and safety of first responders. The program is designed to address the unique and evolving challenges faced by emergency personnel by developing, testing, and deploying innovative technologies and solutions. 

Our work emphasizes collaboration and user-centered design, involving first responders throughout the research, development, test and evaluation process. By prioritizing the input and feedback of first responders, we aim to bridge the gap between innovation and practical application, ultimately enhancing the preparedness and response capabilities of emergency services. Through the First Responder Capability Program, S&T demonstrates its unwavering commitment to equipping first responders with the best tools and technologies, thereby strengthening the overall resilience and safety of communities across the nation.

View First Responder Capability Program Fact Sheet

The Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) bridges the technology development gap between DHS S&T, startups and small businesses, and DHS operational components. Through SVIP, startups and other small technology businesses can access non-dilutive funding, guidance from subject matter experts, direct access to operational end-users during prototype testing, and a legacy federal partnership to draw in future investors, providing a unique experience and resource in the development of viable technologies.

Additional Resources: 

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is one of the largest public–private partnerships in the United States. The SBIR program encourages U.S. small businesses with fewer than 500 employees to provide quality research and to develop new processes, products and technologies in support of the missions of the U.S. government. Administered by DHS S&T, the DHS SBIR Program supports a full spectrum of SBIR initiatives serving all components. 

Additional Resources:

The Office of University Programs (OUP) streamlines access to the expertise of the nation’s colleges and universities by providing innovative research, development, and education to address pressing homeland security needs. OUP offers several opportunities for engagement, including paid programs for undergraduate and graduate students, and requests for information and proposals for college and university research programs.

Summer Research Team (SRT)

A team of early career faculty and up to two students from MSIs are paired with a DHS COE to conduct full-time collaborative summer research. Over the course of 10 weeks during the summer, this opportunity increases and enhances scientific research capacity at MSIs in areas that support the mission and goals of DHS. Upon successful completion, teams are eligible to receive up to $100k of follow-on funding to continue their research for an additional year.

Applications are accepted September – December: Zintellect - U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - DHS Summer Research Team Program For Minority Serving Institutions – Faculty 2025 - DHS-SRTMSI-2025-FacultyApp.

OUP’s workforce development initiatives are cultivating a cadre of professionals dedicated to the DHS mission. Students supported through these programs may become the next generation of homeland security leaders by developing the supporting knowledge, interests, and skills required to succeed academically in homeland security-related activities. DHS S&T OUP offers the following opportunities for STEM students:

Homeland Security Professional Opportunities for student Workforce to Experience Research (HS-POWER)

OPEN OPPORTUNITY: DHS is now accepting applications for its next HS-POWER cohort. Apply by December 15, 2024, for Summer 2025 internship opportunities.

HS-POWER internship program provides substantive paid work-based learning opportunities to graduate and undergraduate students majoring in a broad spectrum of homeland security-related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, as well as DHS mission-relevant research areas. Over the course of 10 weeks during the summer, interns gain quality research and work experience with DHS Components, federal research facilities, and other STEM-focused entities nationwide. HS-POWER also provides interns with invaluable opportunities to cultivate relationships with DHS personnel, researchers, and fellow students.

Potential interns may submit applications for the 2025 cohort here: 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Education Programs (orau.gov)

Last Updated: 12/06/2024
Was this page helpful?
This page was not helpful because the content