FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
S&T Public Affairs, 202-254-2385
WASHINGTON – New funding will allow development to continue for cutting-edge technology that keeps the wireless devices of unwanted intruders at bay. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP), has awarded a Phase 5 Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to Bastille Networks, an Internet of Things (IoT) technology company located in Atlanta, Georgia, to continue their work with DHS.
As a portfolio company of SVIP, Bastille demonstrated their system’s ability to use software defined radios and machine learning technology to passively monitor the electromagnetic spectrum for wireless device emissions. This enables real-time detection of wireless devices and supports protective operations and law enforcement missions by keeping out uninvited wireless devices, such as cell phones.
As part of their commercial roadmap, Bastille adapted their solution and created the Flyaway Kit. It’s a self-contained mobile solution system that can fit into several types of protective cases for mobile deployments. The Flyaway Kit can detect and locate all cellular, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and Wi-Fi devices operating within an area up to 3,000 square-feet, such as a conference room, tent site, remote office, hotel room, or speaking location. DHS stakeholders and the wider government community are continuously in search of capabilities that can be rapidly deployed for temporary field applications. The Flyaway Kit aligns with that operational need.
“Bastille has developed a technology that fills high priority capability gaps as identified by DHS operational users,” said Ron McNeal, SVIP Transition Director.
“Their ability to solicit feedback from users and adapt their technology shows an understanding of what it takes to transition these much-needed capabilities to the government.”
DHS S&T identified a need to acquire Bastille’s Flyaway Kit for additional testing and evaluation in a controlled setting. S&T took possession of the Flyaway kit and is currently conducting independent testing. The objectives of the SVIP Phase 5 are to validate requirements, evaluate cost-benefits, and determine system usability in the field.
“While Bastille Networks is selling their permanent system developed under SVIP to other government agencies,” said SVIP Managing Director Melissa Oh, “Their ability to understand DHS’ evolving needs and quickly develop a mobile capability will enable transition of this much needed technology to DHS in the future.”
About the Silicon Valley Innovation Program
On behalf of DHS Operational Components, SVIP invests in start-up companies from across the nation and around the world, with viable technologies suitable for rapid prototyping projects to adapt, develop and harness cutting-edge capabilities that are commercially sustainable, while simultaneously meeting the needs of DHS operational components and programs.
For more information on current and future SVIP solicitations, visit https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/svip or contact dhs-silicon-valley@hq.dhs.gov.
For more information about S&T’s innovation programs and tools, visit https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/work-with-st.