Visual detection of drones has never been considered as effective as its thermal, radio or acoustic counterparts. The trouble is always discriminating between different moving objects in view. Typically, a bird or even a plastic bag caught in the wind might be mistaken for a drone, which is why most discrimination methods have primarily focused…
S&T Awards $11.6M to Defend Against Network/Internet Disruptions
Five research organizations were awarded separate contracts totaling $11,511,565 to develop new methods to identify and attribute Network/Internet-scale Disruptive Events (NIDEs), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced today. Disrupted internet connectivity may significantly impact critical infrastructure systems, such as energy and water systems, the finance sector, commerce, and public safety and…
DHS Awards $119K to Locuslabs, Inc. for Intelligent Wayfinding Technology
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced today that LocusLabs, Inc. of Oakland, California has received $119,100 to develop wayfinding technology as part of the Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP). LocusLabs received their award under the Real Time, Intelligent Traveler Wayfinding for the Federal Inspection Stations and Aviation Environment (Wayfinding) solicitation which seeks solutions…
DHS S&T Awards $3.5M to Improve X-Ray Detection Technology
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has awarded a total of nearly $3.5 million in funding to three new research and development (R&D) projects designed to improve the threat detection capabilities of current X-ray technologies for checked baggage systems. “The emergence of homemade explosives has placed many challenges on aviation…
DHS S&T Is At The Cutting Edge Of sUAS Capability
Attaching a camera to a Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS)—or drone—is not a new concept. Wedding videos, sporting events and feature films are captured using camera-mounted drones all the time. Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is looking to equip drones with different sensors useful in search-and-rescue, reconnaissance, active shooter response, hostage rescue…
Countering Unmanned Aerial Systems In Urban Environments
New technology can provide advances in the way we do things, expanding areas previously left unexplored and simplifying previously burdensome tasks. This is true with advancements in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or drones. There are global efforts focusing on using drone technology to improve and support our everyday lives, and the commercial market is offering…
S&T Helps First Responders Mitigate Potential Jamming
When someone’s life is on the line, clear, fast, and accurate communication is vital to ensure first responders can provide the help Americans everywhere depend on. Illegal jamming—a growing problem—may interfere with radios, cellphones, or other responder communication systems, eliminating a lifeline that police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel rely on to save lives and stay…
S&T Reveals A Determined Cyber-Posture For National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Throughout October 2017, DHS S&T’s Cyber Security Division (CSD) promoted its role in mobilizing cybersecurity innovation as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). With a string of cyber-centered conversations taking place against the backdrop of this more than four-week event, S&T delivered a variety of informative content and cyber-savvy tips. S&T supports its wide range…
DHS S&T Awards $4.8 Million To Center For Innovative Technology To Enhance Smart Cities
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced today a $4.8 million contract award to the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) of Herndon, Virginia, to apply cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to first responders and the commercial marketplace. The award was jointly announced by DHS Acting Under Secretary for Science and Technology…
DHS S&T Announces Commercialization Of REnigma Malware Reverse-Engineering Tool
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) today announced a groundbreaking malware analysis tool that is part of its Transition to Practice (TTP) program has transitioned as a new startup technology company. The technology, REnigma, was spun off from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory to create startup Deterministic Security, LLC. The…
S&T Works With NYPD To Test Communication Systems For Public Safety Use
By partnering with first responders to gauge capability gaps and leverage existing technologies, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) can develop new technologies, test and evaluate existing technologies, and work with industry and the innovation community to ensure solutions are available to first responder agencies. For example, S&T’s First Responder Group…
DHS S&T Assesses Mitigation Tactics Against Jamming
Nearly 100 federal, state, and local public safety and private organizations gathered last week to test tactics and technologies to identify, locate and mitigate illegal jamming of communications systems, such as GPS, radio and wireless systems. The 2017 First Responder Electronic Jamming Exercise (JamX 17) was hosted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science…
DHS S&T Awards VTO Inc. $928K For Drone Forensics R&D
To increase law enforcement capabilities to identify, collect and analyze evidentiary data from consumer and professional drones, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has awarded a $928,541 research-and-development contract to VTO Inc. of Broomfield, Colorado. The award is part of the S&T Cyber Security Division’s (CSD) Cyber Forensics project, which develops cost-effective…