The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced that the Technology and Innovation Exchanges (TIES) event will be held on December 10, 2019, at the Center for Innovative Technology.

Innovators, researchers and canine training experts are invited to learn about funding opportunities in the detection canine field and about advancing detection canine research and development. This TIES engagement is the second in a series of nation-wide collaborative events designed to engage and educate innovator communities about DHS’s vast mission, homeland security challenges and specific operational needs.

“Each TIES event is a unique opportunity for us to focus on important research areas related to a DHS operational mission and to connect with industry,” said Megan Mahle, DHS S&T Director of Industry Partnerships. “We encourage innovators to join us and hear from leading experts in the detection canine field, learn about available business opportunities through DHS S&T’s Long Range Broad Agency Announcement, and network with representatives in this field.”

DHS S&T wants to engage with detection canine innovators, researchers and experts to:

• Develop and validate tools and techniques for the canine end-user community to optimize training methods and deployment strategies.
• Perform comprehensive canine research to maximize the abilities of odor detection dogs.
• Conduct studies on the chemistry of odor analysis and odor effects to reduce the burden of training and maintenance of certified detection canines.

“We want to reach a broad spectrum of innovators to help us solve our most important detection canine research challenges,” said Don Roberts, S&T’s Detection Canine Program Manager. “Through S&T business opportunities focused on funding innovation, industry can help us advance our knowledge in the fields of detection canine training methods, odor chemistry research, and maintaining a canine’s detection proficiency.”

This event is free and limited to 135 attendees, so interested organizations and individuals are encouraged to register prior to the event. For questions or more information, please visit the DHS S&T website.