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

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • 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