70RSAT25R00000005 0001 Attachment 2 P0WER Symposium Questions and Answers.pdf

8:30 - 9:00 AM ET Registration

9:00 – 9:25 AM

Welcome and Overview of DHS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and the DHS SBIR Phase Ø Program

• Will the briefing and videos be shared with participants?

o Answer: The DHS SBIR team is able to share the videos and presentation from the DHS SBIR P0WER Symposium event. Send an email to STSBIR.Program@hq.dhs.gov.

Q&A - DHS SBIR Phase 0 AWareness Education and Resources (P0WER) Symposium

• What is the criteria for submitting the proposals? Would a small business with no prior government contracting experience be eligible to submit proposal if we have innovative approach to solve usecase o Answer: Please refer to the DHS SBIR 25.1 Solicitation for submission criteria, found here: SAM.gov. Additionally, you may attend or view the webinars provided as part of the DHS SBIR Phase 0 webinar series for more on submitting a proposal, by visiting Webinars – Homeland Security Phase 0.

• How does DHS help businesses protect intellectual property while working on government-funded projects? 12:51

• How does DHS help businesses protect intellectual property while working on government-funded projects?

o Answer: The small business awardee owns, and has the full right and title to, the data it develops under and SBIR award. SBIR data is protected from disclosure by the participating agencies for a period of not less than 20 years with the protection period beginning at the time of the Phase I, II, or III award. The Government has the right to certain limited use of the data, primarily for evaluation of the results of the award. While some agencies use the data only for evaluation and review purposes, others have interest in accessing the data to explore applications of the research or technology.

• How much of the IP would DHS and the reviewer like disclosed as part of the SBIR proposal application?

o The offeror should provide the IP that they determine will provide the opportunity to demonstrate the proposed approach that would provide the best solution for the DHS need in the topic as described in the solicitation.

• Thank you for hosting the Homeland Security Webinar. Is DHS accepting proposals for Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Training using advanced multi-lingual Generative- AI to deliver the training?

o Answer: The DHS SBIR team is accepting submissions for topics found in the DHS SBIR 25.1 Solicitation, visit: SAM.gov.

• What is the name/number of the solicitation to track the 911 center/operations data as part of NG911? Thanks!

o Answer: Please refer to the DHS SBIR 25.1 Solicitation found on SAM.gov for information on the “DHS251-002 - Enabling Data Analysis, Situational Awareness and Cyber Security for NG911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) topic”.

• Would there be any open topics?

o Answer: The DHS SBIR program releases one solicitation per year with specific topics that address specific homeland security needs.

mailto:STSBIR.Program@hq.dhs.gov https://sam.gov/opp/d7b81cb56b3240f88d46075ca7861acb/view https://homelandsecurityphase0.dawnbreaker.com/webinars/ https://sam.gov/opp/d7b81cb56b3240f88d46075ca7861acb/view

• What issues face Canadian startups in pursuing DHS SBIRs?

o Answer: Generally, the eligibility requirements are such that the small business must be U.S. owned and controlled, in addition, all work must be performed in the United States. For more on eligibility requirements, visit the Policies | SBIR.

9:25 – 9:35 AM

Rules of Engagement

• No questions asked.

9:35 – 9:55 AM Topic Talk – DHS 251-001 - Fentanyl Attribution Forensics/Source Profiling

• Is DHS/DEA using RAMAN Spectroscopy to create a chemical signature? If so, is there a dual use (miliary/civilian) central repository available for federal/SLTT agency user access?

o Answer: Government Furnished Information is not permitted in Phase I.

RAMAN Spectroscopy is one of the techniques used by DHS to create a chemical signature; however, DHS does not have data available. There are non-governmental research-oriented sources such as the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (https://www.cfsre.org/) which may have data.

• Cost drivers in many cases are the information assurance and risk management of the computer hardware the agents are using. What are your considerations on this as a major price driver?

o Answer: Cost is always an element of consideration for affordability, however, there are no defined benchmarks for cost/price drivers.

• Would the objective solution be one that can work disconnected from a cloud datastore - work in the field by itself in certain circumstances?

o Answer: The government will not dictate any specific system architecture.

Although, it would need to meet widely available federal security standards.

• For this topic physical and chemical composition data is crucial. Is there a public data available from DHS? I am working on Drug Trafficking predictions. I have challenges to get DHS public data.

o Answer: Government Furnished Information is not permitted in Phase I. For publicly available information on chemical data, please refer to the “PubChem” database, run by the National Institute of Health:

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

9:55 – 10:10 AM Break

10:10 – 10:30 AM Topic Talk – DHS251-002 - Enabling Data Analysis, Situational Awareness and Cyber Security for NG911 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP)

• I see that AI topic is tied up with Cybersecurity. I do not see anything related to AI agents and enhancing operations to plan drug trafficking using AI predictions.

o Answer: Please refer to Topic DHS251-001 in the 25.1 Solicitation for the narcotics-related topic, found on Sam.gov.

• Are PSACs required to interface with DHS and share (scrubbed non PII) data?

o Answer: There is no current requirement for State and Locals to share data with DHS and no clear mechanism to do so at this time. Anecdotally, DHS has heard that if a validated mechanism to anonymize and share data was in https://www.sbir.gov/about/policies#!

https://www.cfsre.org/ https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ place that many PSAPs would elect to do so as long as the impact/value of sharing is evident.

• the EZNets silo the data to each center. How is it possible to negotiate getting this data, anonymized, to DHS?

o Answer: That is part of the innovation we are asking SBIR candidates to help us solve. Currently, data remains siloed at the call center level unless there is a regional center. Few locations have exchanges in place for real time data exchange, however the benefits to combining and learning from this data are great. Engaging with various stakeholders involved in the 911 call center process will likely be necessary.

• How do you see TAK as an enabler to SA and Data federation across DHS in the future?

o Answer: TAK is a user focused, battle proven capability that with proper setup can provide near immediate access to approved users, and the data can be controlled as to what, when, how, and who receives the data. Federal to Federal access & Federal to State/Local/Tribal/ Territorial access could share info real time with specific limitations set by the hosting agency. However (and without stifling innovation), TAK may have limitations that preclude it from this use case.

• Cost drivers and delivery times are heavily influenced by the IA/RMF requirements levied on small businesses. How do you see IA/RMF being done in the future?

o Answer: Yes, Information Assurance/Risk Management Framework can be a challenge. Proposals should assess the risks and address mitigation strategies.

• PSAPs deployed throughout the US are managed by large to medium vendors. Trying to understand small business role in this topic. Also is there public sample data available?

o Answer: The Small business’ role would be to develop an innovative solution to monitor call center unavailability, generate data around that unavailability, and develop a mechanism for anonymized big data to be shared across PSAPs/ESInets. A proposed solution will have to develop a way to share intelligence from AI models at PSAPs/ESInets and then figure out how to store and forward. There is potential for the proposed technology to be a framework for AI/model sharing. Securing sample data is possible with many SLTT agencies, once it is scrubbed for PII/Evidence.

10:30 – 11:30 AM Panel Discussion on “How DHS SBIR Proposals are Reviewed”

• Angela highlighted the value of connecting with Program Managers, how can SMEs best start that process of getting in contact with the relevant individual to get support and advice?

o Answer: As laid out in the 25.1 DHS SBIR Solicitation, small businesses may ask clarifying questions on the topic itself, but inquirers will not receive support or advice from Topic Managers on their solutions. Once an award is received it is important to make sure to actively engage with the Program Managers during the award’s monthly meetings.

• For the commercialization pathways, especially in dealing with entrenched incumbents, how can applications position the potential importance of strategic acquisition as the ultimate path to market?

o Answer: Commercialization is a very important element of the process. For topics that have customers outside DHS, the awardees will need to develop a commercialization plan to increase the potential for success. All Phase II awardees will be offered the opportunity to participate in the CAM program, which provides assistance in commercialization activities.

• Do I need an expert proposal writer to put a proposal together or is there a template as to what minimum requirements are needed ? Thank you !

o Answer: No, you do not need an expert proposal writer to put together a proposal. For guidance and other information on putting together a proposal, be sure to watch DHS SBIR Phase 0 webinars. Register to join the series or rewatch the videos here: Webinars – Homeland Security Phase 0

• Understanding that there are overall SBIR budget limitations, are there limits to the number of funded Phase I projects in each topic? If not, approximately how many Phase I awards are made?

o Answer: While the number of Phase I awards may vary, typically, DHS SBIR awards about three per topic.

• Are there examples of successful SBIRs that have been used by DHS/Component contracting officers to procure relevant tech, e.g., use of a Phase3 as a direct awards o Answer: For information on publicly available DHS SBIR Success Stories, please visit: Awards | SBIR.

• Does a letter of support from another agency or internal to DHS provide a strong advantage during the review process?

o Answer: No, a letter of support is not needed. It could be considered a strength depending on the nature of the support and relevance to the DHS mission.

11:30 – 12:30 PM Lunch

12:30 – 12:50 PM Topic Talk 3 – DHS 251-003 - On-Person Screening Stream of Commerce Analysis Tool

• None

12:50 – 1:20 PM Getting to Know DHS’s Component Partners and End Users

• Does this mean that the FBI was overlapping with Secret Service during the Catch Me If You Can Movie?

o Answer: The FBI and USSS work together often in financial crimes, especially with the introduction of crypto-currency and digital wallets. They do have some of the same R&D priorities. In some cases, a solution in the digital forensics area that was meant for a U.S. Secret Service application would also appeal to other government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, State Local Law Enforcement organizations across the nation.

• Are there examples of successful SBIRs that have been used by Component / End Users contracting offices to procure relevant tech, e.g., use of a Phase3 as a direct awards o Answer: For information on publicly available DHS SBIR Success Stories, please visit: Awards | SBIR.

1:20 – 1:40 PM Topic Talk 5 – DHS251-005 - Wired Interconnection Cable/Adapter from Mobile Device to Biometric Collection https://homelandsecurityphase0.dawnbreaker.com/webinars/ https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir-success-stories https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/sbir-success-stories

• Most of wired peripherals are manufactured in China. Is this topic requires novel solution that is manufactured in the US?

o Answer: We do want the wired interconnection cable/adapter manufactured in the US. More importantly we want the electronics and parts sourced from the US too.

1:40 - 2:00 PM Topic Talk 4 – DHS251-004 - Securing Video Communications to Prevent Digital Injection Attacks

• Is this topic more about securing the comms, ie securing the existing hardware devices (cameras, etc) to a secure video platform or including the identity of the participants? (or both) o Answer: The goal of this effort is to secure the communications channel from the origin device and sensors (camera and microphone) to a secure video platform, with the intent of preventing injection or alteration of data from the origin device and sensors.

2:00 – 2:15 PM Break

2:15 – 2:35 PM Introduction to the DHS SBIR Phase ø Program

• None

2:35 – 3:05 PM Service Provider Panel Discussion: What Kind of Assistance Can We Provide?

• Is it possible that the new administration will cut all the services offered by SBDCs?

Answer: SBDCs are hosted by leading universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private partners, and funded in part by the United States Congress through a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. For funding information, please reach out to the Small Business Administration (Small Business Administration) or America’s SBDC (About Us - America's SBDC).

3:05 – 3:15 PM Expectation Setting & How to Stay Informed

• Does the portal save the application where you left off, or does one need to submit the whole package in one sitting?

o Answer: The portal does time out if you are inactive for 20 minutes;

however, the portal has a save draft option so that you can save your progress and come back to it later.

3:15 - 3:45 PM Q&A Session

3:45 – 4:00 PM Wrap up and Closing Comments https://www.sba.gov/ https://americassbdc.org/about-us/