DHS seeks research proposals from small biz

By Gail Repsher Emery

By Gail Repsher Emery

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Small businesses can now submit to the Homeland Security Department research proposals that address high-priority technology areas.

The HSARPA SBIR Program is restricted to for-profit small businesses in the United States with 500 or fewer employees, including all affiliated firms.

Small businesses can now submit to the Homeland Security Department research proposals that address high-priority technology areas, department officials announced today.

The Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency released a Small Business Innovation Research program solicitation, which is available at www.fedbizopps.gov and www.dhs.gov. Proposals are due Dec. 15.

Small businesses apply first for a six-month award, not to exceed $100,000, through which they will define the scientific, technical and commercial merit of a particular concept.

Companies that are successful in the first phase may be invited to apply for a two-year award, not to exceed $750,000, to further develop the concept, usually to the prototype stage.

"In addition to acting as the driving force of our nation's economy, small businesses are leaders in developing new and unique technologies," said Charles McQueary, undersecretary for science and technology. "Through the SBIR program, we will introduce HSARPA to small businesses and invite them to be a part of our team."

HSARPA wants proposals for the following research and development topics:

  • New systems and technologies to detect low vapor pressure chemicals

  • Chemical-biological sensors employing novel receptor scaffold

  • Advanced, low-cost aerosol collectors for surveillance sensors and personal monitoring

  • Computer modeling tools for vulnerability assessment of U.S. infrastructure

  • Marine asset tag tracking systems

  • Tracking and collision avoidance equipment for small boats

  • Ship compartment inspection devices

  • Advanced, secure supervisory control and data acquisition and related distributed control systems





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