The Department of Homeland Security‘s science and technology directorate has awarded the first Innovation Other Transaction Solicitation contract worth $200,000 to California-based small business Pulzze Systems to help secure the Internet of Things.
The OTS award requires optimization of situational awareness and security of the Internet of Things, including the 16 critical infrastructure sectors tracked by DHS, the department said Monday.
DHS launched the Innovation OTS in December 2015 as an alternative to the usual federal contracting procedures — giving startup companies and nontraditional industry players opportunities to work with the department.
“This first Innovation OTS award proves DHS can keep pace with the innovation community and is moving in the right direction to become a viable partner,” said Reginald Brothers, DHS undersecretary for science and technology.
“We’re trying to mirror the way Silicon Valley and other innovative investment communities work,” added Melissa Ho, DHS Silicon Valley office managing director.