Funding Opportunities for First Responder Technology R&D
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate has announced their interest in First Responder R&D opportunities. They are seeking proposals so they can select 10 new technology ideas to receive funding. They are focused on ensuring first responders will have the tools they need to address challenges and keep themselves safe.
Interested partners are encouraged to visit the BAA solicitation on Sam.gov for more information about each of the topics and details on submitting white papers. The deadline for white papers is July 2, 2021.
They are accepting proposals for the following topic areas:
- Updated Law Enforcement Duty Uniform
- Developments that offer updated and modernized uniforms with enhanced base layer protection against abrasion, slashing and punctures, burn injuries and absorption of liquids.
- Low-profile Police Protective Equipment
- Development of new safety gear -in the form of clothing, accessories, or devices – for use in managing crowds.
- Police Protective Helmet
- Design of a multi-purpose, customizable helmet for enhanced protection against concussion and ballistic threats
- Less-Lethal Chemical Irritants
- Development of more effective solutions that will support crowd dispersal, mitigation, and arrest capabilities for response to criminal activity in crowd situations, while navigating all medical, legal, and environmental challenges.
- Less-Lethal Crowd Control
- Develop new crowd control options sensitive to both law enforcement needs and safety and civil liberties of the public.
- Tracking Criminal Actors
- A solution to tracking known criminals that operates efficiently in real time and adheres to civil liberties and privacy laws.
- Multi-Spectrum Laser Detection
- Develop a system to equip law enforcement officers with a system to detect multi-spectrum lasers and infrared light.
- Multi-Spectrum Laser Eyewear Protection
- Development of multi-spectrum eye protection that is compatible with existing protective gear and does not obstruct visual acuity.
- Rapidly-Deployed Physical Barriers
- Development of barriers for quick and secure establishment of perimeters to protect public and first responders without being easily removed or destroyed.
- Bomb Response and Defeat Operations Support
- Solutions to ensure bomb technicians have the capabilities needed to preserve life, property, and evidence during render-safe operations. They are further looking to assess existing tools, tactics, techniques, and procedures to ensure bomb squad capabilities meet evolving threats.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
