DHS Awards $9.8 Million for Small Businesses to Develop Security Technology Prototypes

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program awarded a total of $9,782,624 million to small businesses to further develop technologies intended to support homeland security mission needs. The DHS SBIR program, administered by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), awarded Phase II contracts under nine topic areas in the 21.1 SBIR Solicitation issued in December 2020.

“Advancing technologies through research, development, and innovation investments are key to equipping DHS frontline workers with the tools they need to safeguard our nation,” said Kathryn Coulter Mitchell, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “Small businesses are critical to the execution of the DHS mission, they are a key factor to a healthy economy. The SBIR Program allows us to work with small businesses and promote a culture of innovation that not only supports economic growth but ultimately benefits the American people.”

Based on the feasibility of the technologies demonstrated in their Phase I efforts, each Phase II recipient was awarded approximately $1 million to build and demonstrate a prototype over a two-year period:

DHS211-001 - Non-Invasive Breathalyzer Detection System to Screen for Presence of Viral Respiratory Infections
N5 Sensors, Inc. (Rockville, MD)
Triton Systems, Inc (Chelmsford, MA)
DHS211-002 - 5G & Wi-Fi6/6E Coexistence for Secure Federal Networks
Pallindrome Technologies (Hazlet, NJ)
DHS211-003 - Improved Curved Transparent Ceramic Structural Components
Surmet, Corp (Burlington, MA)
DHS211-004 - Vehicle Infectious Diseases Protection
MagPlasma Inc (Troy, MI)
DHS211-005 - Amphibious XTV for Ice Rescue
Triton Systems, Inc (Chelmsford, MA)
DHS211-006 - Artificial Intelligence to Augment the 911 Telecommunicator Function
SecureLogix (San Antonio, TX)
DHS211-007 - Software Supply Chain Identification for Compiled Binary Executables
Oceanit Laboratories, Inc. (Honolulu, HI)
DHS211-008 - Intelligent Document Design: Combating Industry Trends Incentivizing Weak Security
Intelligent Payload Solutions, Inc (Colorado Springs, CO)
DHS211-009 - High Throughput Non-Ionizing Screening Capability for Identifying Contraband
Spectrom Inc (Tysons Corner, VA)

At the completion of the 24-month Phase II contracts, the awardees will have developed a prototype to demonstrate the advancement of technology, spearheading the potential for Phase III funding from private sector and/or non-SBIR government sources. The eventual goal for SBIR Phase III technologies is to develop a commercial product for end users.

To learn more about the DHS SBIR Program, visit the DHS SBIR Program Portal: https://oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public

Featured

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

  • The Progress of Biometrics

  • Next-Gen AI for Smart Cities

    The future of smart city technology is not being shaped in Silicon Valley — it is taking root in Dubuque, Iowa. With a population of about 60,000, this mid-sized city has become a live testbed for AI-driven traffic management thanks to a unique public-private collaboration led by Milestone Systems. Project Hafnia demonstrates how cities can transform urban mobility and safety through Responsible Technology—without costly infrastructure overhauls. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.