HLS.Today – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) funds two programs managed by the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation: BIRD Homeland Security (HLS), a joint initiative established in 2016 with the Israel Ministry of National Security (IMNS); and BIRD Cyber, a new program launched in 2022 in partnership with the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD). Both BIRD HLS and BIRD Cyber support collaborative U.S.-Israeli research and development to advance innovative homeland security technologies of mutual benefit to both countries.
The top 5 takeaways from the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate’s funding of two programs managed by the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation, also known as BIRD. Specifically, we will be focusing on the BIRD Homeland Security program, or HLS.
- COLLABORATION:
The first key takeaway from the DHS Science and Technology Directorate’s funding of the BIRD HLS program is the importance of collaboration between the United States and Israel. This partnership allows for the sharing of knowledge and expertise between two countries that have extensive experience in homeland security.
- INNOVATION:
Another takeaway from this program is the emphasis on innovation. The BIRD HLS program funds innovative projects that focus on developing new technologies and methods to enhance homeland security. This funding supports startups and small businesses to bring their ideas to life and make a significant impact in the field of homeland security.
- TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER:
The BIRD HLS program also promotes technology transfer between the United States and Israel. This transfer of technology allows for the sharing of cutting-edge developments and expertise, which can lead to the creation of new products and services that enhance homeland security.
- PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS:
Another important takeaway from the BIRD HLS program is the value of public-private partnerships. This program brings together private industry, academia, and government agencies to work collaboratively on projects that address the most pressing homeland security challenges facing our nations.
- IMPACT:
Finally, the BIRD HLS program has a significant impact on homeland security. Through the development of new technologies and the collaboration between the United States and Israel, this program has helped to strengthen our national security and enhance the safety of our citizens.
In conclusion, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate’s funding of the BIRD HLS program is a prime example of the importance of collaboration, innovation, technology transfer, public-private partnerships, and impact. By investing in this program, we are supporting the development of cutting-edge technologies and methods that will enhance homeland security and protect our citizens.
BIRD HLS
BIRD HLS supports collaboration between U.S. and Israeli companies, academia, and other research institutions to develop advanced technologies for homeland security needs. The program provides conditional grants of up to $1 million for approved projects, funding up to 50 percent of the joint project budget, to advance solutions with commercial potential to improve public security.
Since 2016, DHS S&T and IMNS have partnered to fund technology collaboration between U.S. and Israeli R&D projects with significant commercial potential to address the homeland security needs of both countries.
BIRD HLS 2023 Call for Proposals
BIRD HLS 2023 Call for Proposals – Executive Summaries due April 24, 2023 | S&T seal, BIRD Foundation logo, Israel Ministry of National Security logo
The BIRD HLS 2023 Call for Proposals is now open and accepting executive summaries through April 24, 2023. The program seeks collaborative projects between U.S. and Israeli entities to develop advanced solutions for mission-critical homeland security needs from one of the five topic areas below:
Technologies and methods to secure critical infrastructure and public facilities (“soft targets”)
Technologies focused on safe and secure cities
Border protection, including maritime security (such as: biometrics, screening systems, robotics, etc.)
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Advanced first responder technologies (such as: Command & Control, video analytics, communication, wearable sensors, standoff detection and identification of hazards, Personal Protective Equipment, etc.)
Proposals must include research and development cooperation between a U.S. and an Israeli entity to create innovative technologies leading to commercialization. Final proposals are due on June 27, 2023, with decisions being made by September 2023. Visit the BIRD Foundation website to submit a proposal or to learn more about the BIRD HLS program.
BIRD HLS 2022 Awards
BIRD HLS awarded $875,000 to CyberBee (Rosh Ha’ayin, Israel) and EyeCloud.AI (San Jose, California) for a joint project to develop a personal mini AI autonomous UAV fit for HLS-wide deployment that will enable first responders to operate in indoor GPS-denied environments. The project will combine CyberBee’s vision-based spatial intelligence with EyeCloud’s improved edge-AI camera capabilities and real-time cloud processing solutions. This innovative technology solution was selected by DHS S&T and IMNS, and was approved by the BIRD Foundation’s Board of Governors.
More information about the BIRD HLS program can be found on the BIRD Foundation website.
BIRD Cyber
DHS S&T, in partnership with the Israel National Cyber Directorate (INCD), established the Israel- U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Cyber program, managed by the BIRD Foundation, to enhance the cyber resilience of critical infrastructure in the United States and Israel.
BIRD Cyber launched in 2022 with the release of the program’s first Call for Proposals seeking collaborative projects between U.S. and Israeli entities to develop advanced cybersecurity applications for mission-critical homeland security needs. BIRD Cyber will provide grants of $1.5 million per project, funding up to 50 percent of the combined research and development budget.
The BIRD Cyber 2022 Call for Proposals is now closed. Check back with us in Spring 2023 for the announcement on decisions.
Source HLS.Today: DHS.GOV
