(Corrects 6th paragraph to clarify the Global Travel Assessment System was developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.)
The Department of Homeland Security’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) recently launched the development of three startup technologies to be used by DHS.
SVIP, which started in 2015, is a program designed to connect DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) with startups and small businesses to seek solutions for the most pressing threats facing the homeland security. All three companies transitioned their technologies into U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations.
“By engaging with small businesses and startups, S&T has gained access to the previously inaccessible, cutting-edge innovations available in the commercial market,” William Bryan, senior official performing the duties of the under secretary of Science and Technology, said. “Each of the companies transitioning technologies developed innovative solutions that address real and pressing challenges faced by DHS. They have put in hard work, and S&T is proud to announce these successful transitions.”
CBP is the first component to integrate SVIP technologies.
“CBP partnered with DHS S&T to expand our innovation ecosystem by engaging with startup companies through the Silicon Valley Innovation Program,” CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said. “These successful transitions demonstrate CBP’s goal of delivering innovative and cutting-edge technologies that enhance the effectiveness of our border security operations and the safety of our frontline personnel.”
One of the three companies is Tamr from Cambridge, Mass., which received an award to enhance the Global Traveler Assessment System (GTAS), a computer application that provides the ability to screen foreign travelers. GTAS is a CBP-developed open-source application.
Another is Echodyne Corp. of Kirkland, Wash., which created the Metamaterial Electronically Scanning Array (MESA) radar system. This system uses metamaterials—engineered, artificial materials with properties not found in nature—to build an all-electronic scanning radar system. The third award winner is DataRobot, Inc., from Boston, which applied automated machine learning to GTAS to expedite the development of predictive models.
“These transitions are proof of the power of collaboration between DHS and startups and between SVIP and operational components like CBP,” Melissa Oh, SVIP managing director, said. “With dozens more companies currently in the program, we can expect more transitions in 2019.”