US Department of Homeland Security calls for blockchain research

     The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is gaining a better understanding of blockchain technology through the Science and Technology department’s (S&T) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

     Now, the U.S. government agency is accepting research proposals from small businesses in 13 areas, including “Applicability of blockchain technology for anonymous identity management” and “Application of blockchain for homeland security analysis.”

     The three-phase Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, designed to encourage U.S. small businesses to contribute to federal research efforts, begins with an evaluation of the "technical merit and feasibility" of proposals.

Reginald Brothers, Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said in a statement:

     “It is critical to cast a wide net to find highly innovative solutions to the challenges facing our nation’s homeland security. We know that America’s small businesses are creative problem solvers and engines of innovation, and we hope to hear great news from them.”

     Approved proposals will be eligible for a six-month, $100,000 grant in Phase 1, while proposals that pass Phase 1 will be eligible for a 24-month, $750,000 grant in Phase 2.

    According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, "Phase III is an effort that was generated, expanded, or completed with prior SBIR funding, but that was funded by the sponsor, not SBIR program funds."

     In terms of other scientific and technological innovations, the Department of Homeland Security is also conducting 10 research projects, including cyber defense for emergency medical services, real-time data analysis research, and malware prediction.

     Three grants are also being awarded by the National Core Exploration Program Office.

Note: Proposals must be submitted to the DHS Small Business Innovation Institute by 2:00 pm EST on January 20, 2016 for the 2016 program to be considered.