Call DHS: Silicon Valley Innovation Programme

The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Silicon Valley Innovation Programme (SVIP) is searching for new innovative solutions to tackle problems faced by Department Homeland Security and the Homeland Security Enterprise. SVIP is extending the reach of S&T to help find solutions that eventually should reshape how the government, entrepreneurs, and industry cooperate. The programme is based in Silicon Valley, California and it reaches out to innovators across the nation and the entire globe to supplement the current system, co-invest in solutions and accelerate the transition to the market for new innovations.

Through a selection process of application and pitching, SVIP is seeking for solutions to all sorts of problems of homeland security, from cyber security to technology solutions for Customs purposes. Examples of solutions are a collaborative blockchain solution, wayfinding technologies, and the improvement of IoT devices.

Programme summary

This programme is open to both U.S. and internationally based companies. There is a maximum of $800.000 in total available over 24 months. This is divided in four phases of funding, each phase offering between $50-$200k and lasting between 3 and 6 months.

1. Proof-of-Concept Demo
2. Demo Pilot-ready Prototype
3. Pilot-test Prototype in Operation
4. Test in Various Operational Scenarios

Benefits

The benefits are market validation, to be able to amplify your reach and to have mentorship. The programme is equity-free, there is follow-on funding and you will be able to build a strong network.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this programme, applicants should have:

1. Fewer than 200 employees (or full-time equivalents)
2. Not been a party to any Federal Acquisition Regulation based on contracts and/or federally given grants more than $1 million in the past year, whether as prime- or subcontractor

Current funding opportunities 

The S&T SVIP issued its first Innovation Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS) — HSHQDC-16-R-B0005 — in December 2015. The OTS describes the overall programme framework and eligibility criteria. Individual calls describing specific technical areas and use cases will be issued under the Innovation OTS in the future. The following calls are now open:

• Preventing Forgery and Counterfeiting of Certificates and Licenses: This call is open until 23 May, 12:00 p.m. PT. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. The deadlines for submitting an application are: 12 April and 21 June 2019. Application must be submitted prior to a deadline to be evaluated in the respective cycle.  
• Object Recognition and Adaptive Algorithms in Passenger Property Screening: This call is open until 17 April, 12:00 PT. Applications will be accepted on a continuous, rolling basis and will be evaluated on a quarterly basis. The deadline for submitting an application is: 17 May, 2019. Applications must be submitted prior to a deadline to be evaluated in the respective quarterly cycle.

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