About the Science and Technology Directorate

The Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate manages science and technology research to protect the homeland, from development through transition for Department components and first responders.

Mission

The S&T Directorate's mission is to strengthen America’s security and resiliency by providing knowledge products and innovative technology solutions for the Homeland Security Enterprise.

More about the S&T Mission 

Organization and Leadership

Dr. Tara O'Toole is Under Secretary of the S&T Directorate.

The Directorate is comprised of four groups that address basic research through advanced technology development and transition - spanning six primary divisions that address critical homeland security needs. The Directorate captures the technical requirements of Department components through the Capstone Integrated Product Team (IPT) process.

Lead Groups

• The Director of Support to the Homeland Security Enterprise and First Responders Group (FRG) identifies, validates, and facilitates the fulfillment of First Responder requirements through the use of existing and emerging technologies, knowledge products, and the acceleration of standards. This organization manages working groups, teams, and stakeholder outreach efforts to better understand the requirements of first responders. FRG manages the following offices:
  • Office of Interoperability and Compatibility
  • Technology Clearinghouse/R-Tech
  • National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL)
    
    
• The Director of Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency manages a portfolio of highly innovative programs that are transforming the future mission space for Homeland Security. HSARPA projects push scientific limits to address customer-identified needs. HSARPA manages the following technical divisions:
  • Borders & Maritime Security Division develops and transitions tools and technologies that improve the security of our nation's borders and waterways, without impeding the flow of commerce and travel.
  • Chemical/Biological Defense Division works to increase the nation's preparedness against chemical and biological threats through improved threat awareness, advanced surveillance and detection, and protective countermeasures.
  • Cyber Security Division
  • Explosives Division develops the technical capabilities to detect, interdict, and lessen the impacts of non-nuclear explosives used in terrorist attacks against mass transit, civil aviation, and critical infrastructure.
  • Human Factors/Behavioral Sciences Division develops the technical capabilities to detect, interdict, and lessen the impacts of non-nuclear explosives used in terrorist attacks against mass transit, civil aviation, and critical infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure Protection & Disaster Management Division focuses on identifying and mitigating the vulnerabilities of the 18 critical infrastructure and key assets that keep our society and economy functioning.
    
    
• The Director of Acquisition Support and Operations Analysis (ASOA) serves as a conduit for Department components seeking support on a range of technical and analytical requirements and document development throughout the acquisition life cycle. ASOA is made up of three primary components including:
  • Office of Systems Engineering (SYS)
  • Capstone Analysis & Requirements Office (CAR)
  • Test & Evaluation and Standards Office (TES)
    
    
• The Director of Research and Development Partnerships (RDP) conducts effective outreach and engagement through close partnerships with Department operating components and science and technology groups across the national laboratories, interagency and intelligence communities, academic institutions and the private sector, both domestic and abroad. The RDP Group includes:
  • Interagency Office
  • International Cooperative Programs Office
  • Office of National Laboratories
    • Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC)
    • National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC)
    • National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF)
    • Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC)
  • Office of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
    • Small Business Innovative Research Office (SBIR)
    • Long Range Broad Agency Announcement Office (LRBAA)
    • Office of SAFETY Act Implementation (OSAI)
    • Commercialization Office
  • Office of University Programs
  • Homeland Security Science & Technology Advisory Committee (HSSTAC)
  • Executive Director & National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Liaison
  • Special Projects Office (SPO)