About the Innovation/Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA)

HSARPA was developed by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to push scientific limits that are transformational in nature and not bound by defined requirements. HSARPA projects are designed to complement other S&T Directorate programs and projects.

Mission

HSARPA 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 gaps in areas where current technologies and research and development are limited.

Leadership and Organization

Roger D. McGinnis is the Department of Homeland Security Director of Innovation/HSARPA.

HSARPA programs and efforts are required to permit revolutionary changes in technical capabilities by exploiting recent scientific breakthroughs, new inventions, and application of new knowledge. HSARPA program managers lead teams of national experts in developing new homeland security technologies, demonstrations and applications that offer significant breakthroughs for Department operations.

HSARPA also manages the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the Department. The SBIR program is designed to stimulate technological innovation, strengthen the role of small business in meeting Department research/research and development needs (R/R&D), foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged persons and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation, and increase the commercial application of Department supported R/R&D. SBIR engages small business innovation to create new products and services for the Homeland Security Enterprise.