Science and Technology Directorate

The Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate is the primary research and development arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

Mission

The S&T Directorate's mission is to improve homeland security by providing to customers state-of-the-art technology that helps them achieve their missions. S&T customers include the operating components of the Department, and state, local, tribal and territorial emergency responders and officials.

Organization and Leadership

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

The Directorate has three portfolios 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.

Portfolios

• The Director of Research Portfolio addresses long-term research needs in support of the Department of Homeland Security mission areas that will provide the nation with an enduring capability in homeland security. Within the Research Portfolio are the Office of National Laboratories, the Office of University Programs, and the Program Executive Office - Counter Improvised Explosives Devices.
• The Director of Innovation/Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) Portfolio supports a key goal of delivering advanced capabilities to our customers as soon as possible. Innovation/HSARPA focuses on homeland security research and development that could lead to significant breakthroughs and greatly enhance departmental operations. Business opportunities for Innovation/HSARPA can be found in the Small Business Innovation Research Program.
• The Director of Transition Portfolio focuses on delivering capabilities that Department components and first responders can rely on to meet their operational needs. The Transition Portfolio includes the Commercialization Office, the Safety Act Office, the Long Range Broad Agency Announcement Program, and the Technology Transfer Program.

Divisions

• The Borders and 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.
• The Chemical and Biological Division works to increase the nation's preparedness against chemical and biological threats through improved threat awareness, advanced surveillance and detection, and protective countermeasures.
• The Command, Control, and Interoperability Division develops interoperable communication standards and protocols for emergency responders, cyber security tools for protecting the integrity of the Internet, and automated capabilities to recognize and analyze potential threats.
• The 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.
• The Human Factors Behavioral Sciences Division applies the social and behavioral sciences to improve detection, analysis, and understanding and response to homeland security threats.
• The Infrastructure and Geophysical Division focuses on identifying and mitigating the vulnerabilities of the 18 critical infrastructure and key assets that keep our society and economy functioning.

Offices and Institutes

• Business Operations, Services & Human Capital
• Corporate Communications Division 
• Interagency Programs
• International Cooperative Programs
• Operations Analysis Division
  • Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute
  • Homeland Security Systems Engineering and Development Institute
• Strategy, Policy and Budget
• Special Programs
• Test & Evaluation and Standards