DHS S&T looking for collaborators on new emergency response technologies

A request for innovators (RFI) has been released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), officially beginning the search for partners on emergency response technology development by 2020.

There are three projects on which the department is looking to work. It seeks autonomous navigation for indoor drones to support search and rescue missions in dangerous environments, such as fire or earthquake-addled buildings. In the process, they hope to develop sensor prototypes such as WiFi sensors that track down smartphone signals and thermal sensors to detect living creatures in such environments.

The second aspect they have turned to are packages of indoor building sensors that include digital imaging, video, thermal or WiFi finders that can be mounted on certain fixed indoor features. Exit signs or smoke detectors would be good fits and would allow for general layouts of indoor spaces.

Lastly, they hope to create a worn platform for responders that would become a sort of mobile Smart Hub. It would give them access to third-party sensor packages and personal area network communications. They hope to see it enhance situational awareness and support operations in the field.

“We welcome every opportunity to engage the innovation community in our R&D efforts,” Dan Cotter, director of S&T’s First Responders Group, said. “This RFI is part of a larger smart cities effort announced in September to spur economic growth and invest in the men and women who protect our communities. We look forward to collaborating to increase first responder safety and efficiency.”

Interested parties must contact the S&T no later than Feb. 15, 2018. Selections will then be made in March 2018, after which the selected will be funded $50,000 for their initial prototypes and some will be given an additional $100,000 over 18 months to fund a second prototype.