Last month, the Department of Homeland Security published a far-reaching strategy setting a direction for future research and development investments.
The Innovation, Research and Development Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2030 identifies eight strategic priority research areas, or SPRAs, for DHS to focus on as it realigns its technological endeavors to better suit the needs of its six major mission areas.
At the Potomac Officers Club’s 2024 Homeland Security Summit on November 13, you will have the chance to hear from public and private sector homeland security experts who will come together to discuss DHS’ top priorities and challenges. To learn more and register to attend, visit the 2024 Homeland Security Summit event page on the Potomac Officers Club website.
According to the strategy, the SPRAs – which include advanced sensing; artificial intelligence and autonomy; biotechnology; climate change; communications and networking; cybersecurity; data integration, analytics, modeling and simulation; and digital identity and trust – are intended to “organize and synergize” DHS’ IRD work through FY 2030.
The department aims to apply new technologies in a “cross cutting manner” to maximize impact across different mission areas and collaborate with other government organizations, industry, academia and international partners to bring these goals to fruition.
DHS has already ramped up its work to promote R&D initiatives. In August 2023, the department selected 15 small businesses to develop and demonstrate prototypes across 10 topic areas, including artificial intelligence-based distress alerts and monitoring, biological hazards, the detection of counterfeit microelectronics and more.
Shortly before the plan was released, the department began accepting R&D proposals for new technologies that could prevent, mitigate and address nuclear, chemical, radiological and biological threats. The broad agency announcement has a potential value of over $182 million and will be open through May 6, 2029.
Earlier this year, the S&T Directorate launched its new ADAC-ARCTIC Center of Excellence, a University of Alaska-led consortium of U.S. academic organizations and other partners created to carry out research activities and develop technologies centered around natural and man-made sisters, ice melt and communications infrastructure in the Arctic.
Click here to secure your spot at the 2024 Homeland Security Summit and learn more about key DHS priorities.
