DHS S&T awards $24M contract to Auburn University to aid development of Detection Canine Program

The Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine (AUCVM) has been awarded a five-year, $24 million Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) canine development contract.

“Canines are an important tool in support of the S&T mission to prevent and respond to national security threats,” S&T Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary Kathryn Coulter Mitchell said. “No other animal or technology has the ability to locate and track odors to source in real time. I look forward to continuing our work with Auburn University to improve the Department’s ability to effectively and humanely field detection canines across the country.”

The allotment via the S&T Detection Canine Program would explore methods to improve the availability and efficacy of detection dogs vital to protecting the nation’s borders, transportation hubs, and major public events.

“People tend to see detection canines as a standard law enforcement capability that has remained the same over time,” S&T Detection Canine Program Manager Guy Hartsough said. “In reality, our work with academic partners has produced notable improvements in how we can rely on detection dogs, and we are excited to see what next-generation capabilities the AUCVM team can bring to the table.”

AUCVM is slated to study detection dogs’ odor detection skills, examine ways to make domestic detection dogs more available, and enhance methods of identifying suitable detection dogs while optimizing domestic detection dogs’ overall welfare and longevity.