The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program recently announced that it awarded $2.94 million across 20 competitive research contracts to 19 small businesses in 10 states.
Each of the Phase I awardees will receive up to $150,000 to validate the feasibility of their concept over a six-month period.
“The SBIR program is an excellent starting point for tapping into the innovative approaches of America’s small businesses,” William N. Bryan, senior official performing the duties of the under secretary for DHS S&T, said. “We look forward to seeing what technologies and concepts can be cultivated from the SBIR Phase I awards into useful tools for the Homeland Security mission.”
The 19 awards cover seven topics: Wearable Fentanyl Analog Sensor; Cell Phone Location Finder for Maritime and Remote Search and Rescue; Detect Interference of Communications Systems; Augmentation of RF Transmissions for PNT; LMR-P25 and LTE Mission Critical Push-to-Talk Interface Service; Improved Human Systems for Computed Tomography; and Automated & Scalable Analysis of Mobile & IoT Device Firmware.
Based on Phase I project results and the scientific and technical merit and commercialization potential of their Phase II proposals, the small business may be eligible for Phase II awards. In Phase II, they will continue their research or research and development efforts toward a demonstrable prototype.