DHS S&T, Israeli partners seek advanced technology proposals

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Israel – U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Homeland Security (HLS) program indicated they are seeking advanced technology project proposals.

The 2022 Call for Proposals focuses on mission-critical homeland security needs to bolster global safety and security.

“The 2022 Call for Proposals marks the seventh year of BIRD HLS, and we are proud of the program’s track record of funding strategic partnerships to develop technology solutions of mutual benefit to both countries,” DHS Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology Kathryn Coulter Mitchell said. “These joint innovations address common security needs that will lead to improvements in public safety.”

Since 2016 DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Israel Ministry of Public Security (MOPS) have collaborated to support research and development between American and Israeli companies, academia, and research institutions.

The BIRD Foundation managed initiative provides conditional grants of up to $1 million for approved projects and up to 50 percent of the combined project budget, according to personnel.

The 2022 Call for Proposals includes law enforcement-supporting technologies to address cybercrime; technologies and methods seeking to secure critical infrastructure and public facilities; technologies targeting safe and secure cities and border protection; and unmanned aerial systems.

“The BIRD Foundation is pleased to partner with DHS S&T and the Israel Ministry of Public Security for the seventh consecutive year of the HLS program, investing in collaborative technology development to enhance public security,” BIRD Foundation Executive Director Eitan Yudilevich said.

The BIRD HLS program submission deadline for executive summaries is April 25, 2022, and projects will be selected for award in September 2022.