Protecting our nation can be complex—from rapidly evolving threats to longer-term efforts that require our attention.
Technology is a powerful force multiplier, improving efficiency and effectiveness to meet the many challenges facing the Department and the wider homeland security enterprise. That’s why the Secretary sought to ensure that our technological improvement efforts are coordinated and integrated to achieve optimal outcomes for our stakeholders, and innovation, research and development (IRD) efforts provide the primary means to achieve this.
IRD helps build the capabilities needed to address the homeland security threats and hazards of today and tomorrow. The first-of-its-kind DHS Innovation, Research & Development Strategic Plan identifies ways to coordinate IRD investments to maximize impacts across our components and missions.
The IRD Strategic Plan identifies eight key, cross-cutting strategic priority research areas (SPRAs):
- Advanced Sensing
- Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems
- Biotechnology
- Climate Change
- Communications and Networking
- Cybersecurity
- Data Integration, Analytics, Modeling and Simulation
- Digital Identity and Trust
Our Needs
Because many technology solutions exist in the commercial market, S&T developed the Industry Guide to help match industry know-how with the most pressing homeland security challenges. The S&T Industry Guide lays out DHS technology needs, describes S&T’s technical focus areas, and identifies opportunities and tools for industry to work with us. As a companion to the Industry Guide, our Innovation Programs & Tools booklet provides more detail on our tools for working with industry, including the process, eligibility, timelines, and how to apply.