DHS approves $10.2M funding opportunity to open new center of excellence

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate announced Tuesday a $10.5 million funding opportunity for a new DHS Center of Excellence (COE).

COEs are led by U.S. universities that have multiple partners from other universities, commercial interests, DHS, and Federally-Funded R&D Centers, as well as other federal, state, and local agencies. They work closely with DHS to conduct research and develop mission-relevant science and technology as well as educate homeland security technical experts.

The new COE will be tasked with developing an Executive Master of Business Administration program focused on security technology transition from federal research and development to operational use.

The program will supplement an existing MBA program’s core management curriculum with security technology-focused courses. DHS plans to structure the program into three two-year student groups.

The goal is to enhance the business acumen of DHS personnel by preparing them to understand, manage, and avoid the pitfalls associated with critical technological or operational improvements.

Students would be provided with practical experience in the business, technical, and legal, aspects of research, development, and transition to public and private sector security agencies.

Courses would include how to get technologies into operational use and how to navigate established federal acquisition programs.

DHS is seeking proposals from accredited universities with existing MBA programs located in the United States through Aug. 9.