SECURE (System Efficacy through Commercialization, Utilization, Relevance and Evaluation) Program

SECURE and FutureTECH

The SECURE (System Efficacy through Commercialization, Utilization, Relevance and Evaluation) Program leverages the experience and resources of the private sector to develop fully deployable [i.e., technology readiness level nine, (TRL-9)] products and/or services based on:

• Department of Homeland Security generated and vetted detailed Commercial Applications Requirements Documents (CARDs)
• Conservative estimate of the potential available market (represented by Department operating components and ancillary markets comprised of first responders, critical infrastructure/key resources (CIKR) owners/operators and other Department stakeholders)

Due to the popularity of the SECURE Program, the Science and Technology Directorate has introduced a “sister program” called FutureTECH. The FutureTECH Program is reserved for those critical research/innovation focus areas that could be inserted eventually into Department of Homeland Security acquisition or commercialization programs when development reaches technology readiness level six (TRL-6) based on metrics and milestones more specific than those of a broad technology need statement alone, yet not as specific as a detailed CARD. More on FutureTECH.

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SECURE Program Overview

The SECURE Program is an efficient and cost-effective program to foster cooperative win-win partnerships between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the private sector. We work closely with the private sector to develop products, systems or services aligned to the needs of its operating components, first responders and critical infrastructure/key resources owners and operators, representing in many cases, large potential available markets. We will post detailed operational requirements in the form of a Commercial Applications Requirements Document (CARD)on this site to articulate specific requirements in conjunction with a conservative estimate of the Potential Available Market (PAM) of a given product, system, or service.

Private sector entities possessing technologies or products aligned to these requirements can use this valuable information to generate a business case and develop (at their cost) a fully deployable product or service after their verification of market potential. In order to prove that a product or service has demonstrated operational performance that meets manufacturer’s published specifications as well as our posted requirements, we will conduct a thorough our review of recognized third-party independent testing data . This enables the private sector, through the free market system, to develop products and services that capture significant revenue opportunities and demonstrates to potential purchasers that the product does what it claims to do.

The SECURE Program Overview (PDF, 6 pages - 79 KB) explains the process of becoming a Department partner in the SECURE program.

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Getting Started with SECURE

Question: How does one learn more about opportunities to work with the Department of Homeland Security?

Answer: It's simple. Just ask for a "Full Response Package" from the Commercialization Office at  sandt_commercialization@hq.dhs.gov.

Upon receipt of your organization's overview, we make your non-proprietary information readily available to Science and Technology Directorate program managers, division directorate and many others throughout the Department.

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SECURE Commercial Applications Requirements Documents (CARDs)

The objective of the SECURE program is to establish a mutually beneficial working relationship with the private sector to cost-effectively and efficiently develop products and services to better secure the nation. In order to achieve this objective, it is critical for us to develop and share well-articulated CARDs for the effective communication of our needs.

These CARDs are detailed operational requirements normally associated with capability gaps derived from our interaction with members of the Homeland Security Enterprise. Private sector organizations that possess or could develop solutions to meet needs articulated in published CARDs are eligible to apply for a partnership with the Department through the SECURE Program to develop and evaluate potential solutions.

In addition to the CARDs conservative estimates of the Potential Available Market (PAM) for a potential solution to a given problem are posted below. As previously mentioned, a private sector entity should develop, analyze, and verify its own business case for a possible partnership with the Department through the SECURE Program. Participation in the SECURE Program does not guarantee future sales, nor do the estimated potential available markets guarantee a volume of potential users for a given CARD.

In March 2011, the Commercialization Office certified its first product—a forensics camera designed to capture imagery in public places or on public transportation and built tough enough to withstand fire, flood or bomb blasts. The rugged camera is designed to help investigators in the quest for answers following a catastrophic event aboard buses and trains, or in public spaces, such as stadiums. It is the surface transportation equivalent to the black boxes found on airplanes. On April 27th, the Commercialization Office hosted a certification ceremony to officially introduce the product.

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Current SECURE Projects

Mobile Potable Water Treatment System

The Commercialization Office, in partnership with the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency and stakeholders across the country, has released the following CARD seeking solutions to provide capabilities for mobile water treatment systems that can provide potable water during sustained response and recovery efforts. Our stakeholders have identified a need for independently-powered systems that can produce potable water for communities dealing with damaged water, power and transportation infrastructure as a result of a significant disaster event. It is conservatively estimated that over 1,500 such units are needed to address capability requirements for emergency management agencies at the federal, state, local, tribal and territorial levels. For more information about our operational requirements, please download and review the Mobile Potable Water Treatment System CARD (PDF, 14 pages - 121KB).

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Commercialization Office Resources

Visit About the Commercialization Office for information and Commercialization Office Resources for valuable downloads. 

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Feedback Welcomed!

For more information on how to get involved in the SECURE Program or to provide feedback to the Commercialization Office, please send an e-mail to sandt_commercialization@hq.dhs.gov or call 202-254-6749. 

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