In the event of a disaster or other tragedy, first responders can be faced with the daunting task of searching for survivors, and in situations such as a building collapse, there remains a technological gap with respect to finding those that are trapped underneath rubble, or in between crevices, created by large piles of concrete, metal, glass, and other materials.
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is seeking innovative technologies that can be used to detect trapped survivors in the event of a collapsed building and other voids.
The DHS SBIR Program, administered by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), which was recognized with Multiple Awards for Excellence in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, has issued an Other Agency Technology Solutions (OATS) Request for Information (RFI).
Eligible submissions must leverage previous SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III awards from a federal agency.
“The need for new and improved search and rescue technologies suited for building collapse operations gained focus after the World Trade Center collapse,” explained Fred Endrikat, chief of Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) Branch.
“20 years later, the need for first responders to accurately and non-invasively find survivors, essentially to “see” through walls, smoke, debris, and obstacles, was reaffirmed after the Champlain Tower building collapse in Surfside, Florida.”
(Take a brief look at the Miami condominiums’ 40-year lifespan, using public records, expert accounts, and access to footage of the Champlain Tower building collapse and the aftermath. Courtesy of ABC News and YouTube. Posted on Sep 21, 2021.)
The DHS SBIR Program is partnering with FEMA to develop new subterranean remote search technologies for its US&R. Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) initiative.
FEMA’s US&R System organizes federal, state, and local partner emergency response teams as integrated federal disaster response task forces, which deploy to disaster areas.
The teams use planned resources to find, rescue, and treat victims trapped in collapsed structures and conduct life-saving operations.
The following capabilities of a developed solution are under consideration:
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The system must have the ability to detect survivors trapped beneath large rubble piles, pancaked buildings or other structural collapses, and other confined spaces.
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The system must be small enough or flexible in size to weave through or between crevices (cm to inches) and other similar obstacles.
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The system must have the ability to be operated remotely.
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The system must have the ability to transmit near real-time data streams back to the operator.
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The system should be flexible and durable.
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The system must have the ability to house sensors (video camera, IR camera, seismometer).
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The system must have a battery life or power supply to last for up to at least 6 hours before being recharged or replaced and the ability to be powered by an easily replaceable or chargeable source at a disaster site.
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The system must be able to be built to NIST/ASTM standards.
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The system must have a final product cost between $10K and $25K.
(A Dallas apartment building has partially collapsed after firefighters were called to investigate a carbon monoxide leak. At least four firefighters were injured in the explosion. Courtesy of ABC News and YouTube. Posted on Sep 29, 2021.)
Potential solutions could be transitioned or commercialized to add to FEMA’s standardized list of equipment for the US&R Task Forces or added to FEMA’s Authorized Equipment List (AEL), a list of FEMA-approved equipment types for which first responders utilizing grant funding and FEMA’s AEL would be primary customers.
“An SBIR OATS RFI is a unique way for the government to explore research initiated by another federal agency through a previous SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) award,” said Dusty Lang, DHS SBIR program director.
“With the breadth of technologies developed through the SBIR Program, we can leverage the time and funding already invested to help address this vital need for our DHS partner.”
Interested companies with applicable SBIR or STTR technologies can visit the OATS RFI on SAM.gov for submission requirements. The deadline for white papers is March 16, 2022, 11:59 pm ET.
A live webinar will be provided for participants to prepare, and submitters can register at Deconstructing SBIR: Detecting Trapped Survivors webinar which is scheduled for February 15, 2022, from 2-3 p.m. ET.
During the webinar, attendees will hear from the DHS SBIR director and FEMA representatives about the topic needs and how technologies developed through SBIR support this RFI.
For additional information about the DHS SBIR program, please visit the Deconstructing SBIR webinar series which offers a snapshot and highlights opportunities for small businesses to work with DHS.
(Rescuers retrieved the body of a woman from under the debris of a residential high-rise in Gurgaon’s Sector 109 yesterday night, over 54 hours after the incident. Courtesy of NDTV and YouTube. Posted on Feb 13, 2022.)
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, created in 1982 through the Small Business Innovation Development Act and reauthorized in 2011, is one of the largest public-private partnerships in the United States.
The SBIR program encourages U.S. small businesses with fewer than 500 employees to provide quality research and to develop new processes, products, and technologies in support of the missions of the U.S. government.
Administered by DHS S&T, the DHS SBIR Program supports a full spectrum of SBIR initiatives serving all components.
DHS’ Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) has an SBIR program office that focuses on their needs and collaborates with S&T to conduct outreach, explore new initiatives, and coordinate schedules so that all DHS SBIR topics are published in one annual solicitation.
DHS S&T Recognized with Multiple 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering it’s Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
DHS Science & Technology (First of Four)
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Excellence in Public Safety
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The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) awarded a grant to the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH) to develop the school-age trauma training that became First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST).
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FAST is the first national STOP THE BLEED® course designed specifically for high school students and made available through the American Red Cross, thanks to the S&T grant.
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While FAST is available for anyone, the course and digital materials are offered at no charge to high school students under the age of 19.
(The FAST education program is based on funding provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH). The FAST course and digital materials, developed by the American Red Cross in collaboration with NCDMPH, will be offered at no charge to high school students under the age of 19, thanks to the S&T grant. Courtesy of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube.)
DHS Science & Technology (Second of Four)
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Excellence in Public Safety
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Wildland Fire Sensor Technology
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The Wildland fires present a significant threat to the United States, and the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is fighting fire with technology.
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Wildland Fire Sensor Technology could provide the public with the advanced notice necessary to reduce the loss of life and property while giving communities the information and time necessary to make life-saving evacuations.
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(Learn More, courtesy of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube.)
DHS Science & Technology (Third of Four)
- Excellence in Homeland Security
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In the event of a radiological or nuclear incident, emergency response agencies and HAZMAT teams could utilize this new technology to set up community reception centers to screen members of the public for potential exposure to radioactive contaminants.
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Two inventors from the DHS National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) have developed a personal radiation detector (PRD) that could be placed beneath an entry ramp to detect radioactivity on the shoes of people being pre-screened before entering main screening areas.
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This innovative and unique new device emits an alarm sound that is both louder than, and distinctive from other alarms, to ensure it can be easily heard and distinguished from other devices.
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Additionally, the remote alarm box does not require any batteries nor external power and can be stored indefinitely without maintenance so that it is immediately ready for use in an emergency.
DHS Science & Technology (Fourth of Four)
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Excellence in Homeland Security
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DHS S&T identifies research the agency will conduct to understand the opportunities, as well as the risks, that accompany the rapidly changing AI/ML technology landscape and its impacts to DHS missions, and incorporate the technological advancements in AI/ML to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the DHS operational components and the broader Homeland Security enterprise.
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S&T’s three strategic goals are to 1) drive next-generation AI/ML technologies for cross-cutting homeland security capabilities; 2) facilitate the use of proven AI/ML capabilities in homeland security missions; and 3) build an interdisciplinary AI/ML-trained workforce.
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The Strategic Plan aligns with the DHS Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which lays out goals to govern the Department’s approach to integrating AI into the DHS mission.
Also recognized…
Mr. John Merrill
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Excellence in Homeland Security
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Deputy Director, Technology Centers Division (Acting) at U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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(Learn More about how the DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&)T is mobilizing innovation to secure our world. From sensors to cybersecurity to technology for first responders, we work with you to find tomorrow’s solutions, today. Courtesy of DHS Science and Technology Directorate.)
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards highlight the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
AST Honors Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations, at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.
The United States was forever changed 20 years ago on September 11th, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.
In the days that followed 9/11, the critical needs of protecting our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.
Our keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.
Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter- Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | COVID Innovations |
| Workforce Management | Government Security Programs | And Many Others to Choose From! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
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AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local level as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
(See just a few highlights of American Security Today’s 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East. Courtesy of My Pristine Images and Vimeo.)
To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please see the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2021 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
It serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2021 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
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