DHS S&T requests new means to identify, counter threats to public safety

A new solicitation issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) this week sought modern means of identifying and mitigating threats to so-called soft targets: sports venues, shopping complexes, schools, and more. 

As a program, Securing Soft Targets is not focused just on the United States but is meant to provide useful defense worldwide. In this regard, it will entertain ideas in any of three technical topic areas: 

1. Developing means of detecting anomalies that are accurate, flexible, and capable of covering many kinds of soft targets
2. Implementing video analytics systems with objective performance capabilities while addressing the challenges of occlusion, lighting, and distance
3. Systems with Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and other innovative hardware solutions providing a platform for new software algorithms, to all together provide real-time performance for a specific set of object identifications within video data

“It is impossible for first responders to be everywhere at all times,” Ali Fadel, S&T Physical Security program manager, said. “S&T is therefore creating and supporting the development of tools that serve as force-multipliers. We’re assisting public safety personnel to keep Americans safe and enhance security in soft target venues and locations.”

Applications will be accepted in two rounds, with two separate deadlines: April 28, 2022, and Aug. 29, 2022. S&T will also discuss the specifics of the solicitation and its operational needs on a virtual industry day on March 22, 2022.