New DHS SBIR Topics Published – 11-14-19

Yesterday the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) published a notice for 11 new pre-solicitation Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topics for possible future research programs out of the SBIR program. During pre-solicitation organizations can ask questions of the responsible S&T program managers to help those organizations understand the topic and decide if they want to try to participate in the research program. The pre-solicitation phase end on December 17^th, 2019.

Overview

Nine of the topics come from S&T (topic #):

• Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) Multimedia Content Analysis Engine Capability for the Emergency Communications Cyber Security Center (EC3) – (DHS201-001)

• Remote Sensor Data Protection and Anti-Spoofing – (DHS201-002)

• Digital Paging over Public Television (DHS201-003)

• Soft Targets and Crowded Places Security (DHS201-004)

• In-building Coverage Analysis System (ICAS) Using Existing First Responder’s Radio and Smartphone (DHS201-005)

• Handheld Advanced Detection/Imaging Technology System (DHS201-006)

• Enhanced Explosives and Illicit Drugs Detection by Targeted Interrogation of Surfaces (DHS201-007)

• Urban Canyon Detection Tracking and Identification of Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (DHS201-008)

• Machine Learning Module for Detection Technologies (DHS201-009)

Two of the topics come from the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Office:

• Innovative Technologies for Next Generation of Sample Collection Media (DHS201-010)

• Development and Evaluation of Nucleic Acid-Based Assays to Accelerate Biohazard Detection (DHS201-011)

Information on each topic as well as the point of contact information is available in this document [.PDF download link]. Each topic discussion closes with an interesting set of reference document links.

Sensor Data Protection

Topic #2, Remote Sensor Data Protection and Anti-Spoofing, is designed to address sensor issues along the US border (presumably Mexico, the Canadian border is much softer), but the topic discussion does note at least one potential commercial application; medical devices (pg 5):

“One potential commercial path is to guarantee that medical device sensor information has not been modified. This applies to implanted pacemakers or infusion pumps in particular.”

I think that this technology could be useful in a large number of other applications; anywhere that remote sensors are used to monitor and/or control operations. This would certainly include chemical manufacturing and transportation, but also access control, HVAC, automated roadways, the potential list is endless.

Small UAS in the Urban Canyon

Topic # 8 starts out with an excellent discussion of the problem (pg 18):

“The commercial use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in urban environments for applications such as package deliveries and surveying are expected to start soon. Nefarious uses of UAS in the urban environment will follow. Current technology for UAV detection, tracking, and identification is problematic. The detection and tracking of UAVs (both singular and swarms) is a critical task complicated by low flight height, small radar cross sections, and a complex background that include birds, insects, and flying debris. The problems for this task increase further with complex structures and high buildings that for urban canyons that block lines of sight.”

This topic is clearly not a weapon development solicitation, but instead for a detection and tracking tool. The author clearly intends, however, for this to possibly become part of a future weapon system development effort. See bullet point 3 in the ‘demonstration’ requirements: “Performs within timelines useful for completing a fire control loop [emphasis added] needed for mitigating nefarious UAVs”.