DHS S&T targets security technology transition

The George Washington University has been selected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to aid the effort focusing on security technology transition (STT).

The university would establish a new Center of Excellence (COE) delivering a pilot Master of Business Administration program transitioning STT from federal research and development to operational use.

S&T has earmarked up to $5.8 million for the effort via a Firm-Fixed-Price contract to fund three groups of 25 students.

“Transition of security technologies from applied research and development of prototypes into operationally beneficial tools has always been a challenge,” William N. Bryan, DHS senior official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, said. “By developing an educational program tailored to address the Department’s security technology needs, the MBA STT pilot program will produce a pipeline of high-quality professionals prepared to apply invaluable knowledge to the Department’s operational components and the broader homeland security enterprise.”

DHS S&T maintains the COE would bolster DHS personnel awareness by providing education and practical experience in the legal, technical and business aspects of research, development, and transition to public and private-sector security agencies.

The process also includes developing and administering courses on topics such as navigating federal acquisition programs and utilizing flexible alternative approaches to get technologies into operational use.