DHS, Coast Guard seeking floating device innovation

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) officials said the agency is partnering with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), seeking large capacity floating device solutions.

To that end, the entities will conduct a virtual Industry Day on May 25, 2021, to discuss the Mass Rescue Operations Life Saving Device Broad Agency Announcement requirement and operational needs.

“The purpose of a large capacity floating device is to solely keep survivors out of the water during mass rescue operations,” S&T Program Manager Angela Blair said. “The commercial marketplace already has large flotation devices, but these are too heavy to be deployed from a USCG helicopter or easily lifted over a vessel’s bulwark for deployment.”

Authorities noted the Coast Guard is interested in short-term lifesaving and rescue assistance in the event of disasters resulting in existing systems such as onboard lifeboats becoming inoperable.

“The Coast Guard is excited to work with industry partners to develop this cutting edge, mission-critical, lifesaving capability,” said Tom Gogal, program manager of Mass Rescue Operations, USCG Office of Search and Rescue.

The collaborators are seeking input from industry, academia, and laboratories during the Virtual Industry Day event, officials said, adding interested parties can register through the DHS website.