DHS seeking proposals for technologies to help first responders

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is seeking proposals from innovators on new technologies for first responders.

Industry, academia, laboratories, and others are invited to submit proposals related to four technology categories. One is Integrated Structural Turnout Gear, as S&T is seeking to provide firefighters with personal protective equipment that meets specific needs and comply with all National Fire Protection Association standards.

Another category is the Next Generation Firefighter Helmet, whereby S&T is looking for helmets that provide better head protection, increased comfort, increased range of motion, better retention, and less probability of snags.

The third category is Remote and Rapid Rescue Capability, in which S&T is seeking new remote- and rapid-rescue tools that can quickly deploy an unmanned device or vehicle on the ground, in the water, and/or from the air to locate people who are stranded or trapped.

The final category is Portable Thermal Imager Integrated with Signs-of-Life Sensors, which refers to technology that would help first responders locate people who are trapped, lost, in distress, or hiding in real-time.

“Now more than ever, our focus is on giving first responders of all disciplines the technology and personal protective equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Milt Nenneman, program manager in S&T’s Operations and Requirements Analysis Division, said. “We work directly with responders themselves to identify their capability gaps, which are reflected in these topics. We are now seeking the best partners to turn these needs into solutions.”

The request for proposals is being made through the new Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicitation. Interested partners are encouraged to visit the BAA solicitation on SAM.gov for more information about each of the topics and details on submitting white papers. The deadline to submit proposals is July 22.