Joanna Crews
The Transportation Security Administration has partnered with the Department of Homeland Security‘s Science and Technology Directorate to request potential detection and screening technologies from startups, which will have the opportunity to receive up to $800,000 in non-dilutive funds.
The TSA’s Object Recognition and Adaptive Algorithms in Passenger Property Screening solicitation through S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program seeks products that will facilitate recognition, interpretation and adaptation to changes and aspects of passenger property, the DHS said Wednesday.
The solicitation is particularly intended to provide systems for adaptive-image interpretation and object recognition for the TSA’s requirements such as detection of explosives in passenger baggage and air cargo and for resolution of alarms through minimally intrusive approaches.
The technology should accommodate enhancements after integration with various equipment and screening hardware for transportation security and allow rapid, low-effort deployment to machines across the nation.
The TSA also requires that the system provides information on an objects’ hazards and aids in the identification of risky and banned items for human inspectors.
The solicitation includes compliance with laws, regulations and privacy and civil liberties.
Participation is open to businesses and startups that have not received government contracts with a cumulative value of $1 million and above over the past 12 months.
Interested participants should have below 200 employees at the time of the application.
Funds will be awarded to selected developers through four phases.
The Homeland Security Industry day on Friday at Menlo Park, CA will include discussions on the solicitation and the TSA and S&T’s current operational requirements.
