WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.360 --> 00:00:01.620 Welcome to today's Tech Talk 2 00:00:01.620 --> 00:00:04.600 with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate 3 00:00:04.600 --> 00:00:09.040 I'm joined by Melissa Ho from the Silicon Valley Innovation Program or SVIP. 4 00:00:09.040 --> 00:00:09.820 Today we're going to talk a little bit about the 5 00:00:09.820 --> 00:00:12.920 program background and how you can apply for funding opportunities. 6 00:00:12.920 --> 00:00:14.920 So Melissa, just take us through an overview real quick. 7 00:00:14.920 --> 00:00:19.480 You know, what is the SVIP planned? What was the motivation behind this program? 8 00:00:19.480 --> 00:00:21.260 Yeah, thanks for having me. 9 00:00:21.260 --> 00:00:24.380 The motivation behind the program 10 00:00:24.380 --> 00:00:26.280 was really realizing that there was a 11 00:00:26.280 --> 00:00:28.180 huge community of talent that the 12 00:00:28.180 --> 00:00:31.960 government hasn't historically been able to connect with 13 00:00:31.960 --> 00:00:34.360 and we felt that there was a lot of technology, 14 00:00:34.360 --> 00:00:37.280 commercial technology out there that we really want 15 00:00:37.280 --> 00:00:38.960 to be able to get access to and to 16 00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:40.900 support Homeland Security's mission and 17 00:00:40.900 --> 00:00:43.300 the many men and women that worked for 18 00:00:43.300 --> 00:00:46.620 DHS and so we decided to really get 19 00:00:46.620 --> 00:00:48.180 together and come up with a program that 20 00:00:48.180 --> 00:00:49.720 would allow us to actually work with 21 00:00:49.720 --> 00:00:52.100 start-ups and reach them and engage them 22 00:00:52.100 --> 00:00:54.280 in a way that would allow them 23 00:00:54.280 --> 00:00:56.740 to find it easier to work with the government too. 24 00:00:56.740 --> 00:01:01.620 So we developed this program that is structured so that it is 25 00:01:01.620 --> 00:01:05.660 educating them about who DHS is, what we're trying to accomplish. 26 00:01:05.660 --> 00:01:07.380 What our pain points and problem sets are. 27 00:01:07.380 --> 00:01:10.940 Through various outreach events and industry days 28 00:01:10.940 --> 00:01:15.480 and then actually coming up with with a way to streamline funding to them. 29 00:01:15.480 --> 00:01:15.760 Okay. 30 00:01:15.760 --> 00:01:20.760 So then ultimately what we're able to do is identify problem sets where 31 00:01:21.180 --> 00:01:24.800 companies start-ups have commercial technologies 32 00:01:24.800 --> 00:01:28.120 that can be adapted to address DHS's needs. 33 00:01:28.120 --> 00:01:28.660 Okay. 34 00:01:28.660 --> 00:01:31.320 And what we do is, we provide that accelerated funding 35 00:01:31.320 --> 00:01:34.460 to them to do that amount of product development so they don't, 36 00:01:34.460 --> 00:01:37.420 they don't pivot off of their commercial road map, 37 00:01:37.420 --> 00:01:40.340 they are still working towards a commercial solution. 38 00:01:40.340 --> 00:01:42.900 but may have a secondary market with DHS. 39 00:01:42.900 --> 00:01:43.480 I see. 40 00:01:43.480 --> 00:01:45.500 So, with the funding that we provide which 41 00:01:45.500 --> 00:01:49.280 is non diluted, the companies keep their IP. 42 00:01:49.280 --> 00:01:54.200 And, and then we also connect them with end users to provide test and pilot 43 00:01:54.200 --> 00:01:57.100 opportunities to get feedback iterate the product 44 00:01:57.100 --> 00:02:00.680 and ultimately help solve a Homeland Security need that we have. 45 00:02:00.680 --> 00:02:01.520 That's awesome. 46 00:02:01.520 --> 00:02:03.000 So, I want to jump back to that point you said 47 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:05.060 earlier about, you know, using commercially available 48 00:02:05.060 --> 00:02:09.460 technology and how this isn't necessarily asking companies to pivot away. 49 00:02:09.460 --> 00:02:09.840 Right. 50 00:02:10.240 --> 00:02:12.820 Instead use, maybe, what they're already building and say 51 00:02:12.820 --> 00:02:15.880 if there's another option that would serve this community, 52 00:02:15.880 --> 00:02:17.120 you know, could you make something like that? 53 00:02:17.120 --> 00:02:20.340 Can you talk a little more about the benefit of using those commercially available technologies? 54 00:02:20.340 --> 00:02:25.280 Yeah, absolutely, so I mean, the way where the benefit 55 00:02:25.280 --> 00:02:29.920 to using commercial technologies is the fact that companies are able to continue 56 00:02:29.920 --> 00:02:34.160 down their commercial path and transition a technology that they were 57 00:02:34.160 --> 00:02:38.520 already planning on transitioning and that allows us, the government, to be able to leverage 58 00:02:38.520 --> 00:02:41.900 all the private-sector investment that has already gone into that company, 59 00:02:41.900 --> 00:02:46.900 and to use government funding to adapt that product. 60 00:02:47.380 --> 00:02:52.380 So that it still addresses a commercial need out there but, it it gives them 61 00:02:53.080 --> 00:02:55.280 a new customer. And we want to be able to be. 62 00:02:55.280 --> 00:02:57.440 We believe we're a good customer for them. 63 00:02:57.440 --> 00:03:01.220 Yeah. And when we talk about end users in the Homeland Security Enterprise, 64 00:03:01.220 --> 00:03:05.420 who are we talking about? Who are some of the end users for just technology and DHS? 65 00:03:05.420 --> 00:03:08.760 Sure, I mean, DHS covers many missions we have a lot of 66 00:03:08.760 --> 00:03:11.600 aviation security, border security, cyber security. 67 00:03:11.600 --> 00:03:16.520 As well as our support to the First Responder and Emergency Response community. 68 00:03:16.520 --> 00:03:19.800 So, a lot of the technologies that we believe are out there can 69 00:03:19.800 --> 00:03:24.800 significantly help agents, officers in the field, as well as police and fire. 70 00:03:25.540 --> 00:03:26.760 Yeah, that's awesome. 71 00:03:26.760 --> 00:03:29.100 And so you mentioned a little bit about the funding model that we have. 72 00:03:29.100 --> 00:03:32.620 Can you go into a little bit more detail about this non-dilutive funding, what that means? 73 00:03:32.620 --> 00:03:36.720 So, what, what that means is that the funding that we can provide 74 00:03:36.720 --> 00:03:41.720 and it's up to 200,000 over or up to 800,000 over four phases. 75 00:03:41.980 --> 00:03:42.500 Okay. 76 00:03:42.500 --> 00:03:47.460 That is allowing the company to develop a proof of concept, 77 00:03:47.460 --> 00:03:50.540 develop a prototype, and then pilot that in operations 78 00:03:51.380 --> 00:03:53.140 and then test it in various operational scenarios. 79 00:03:53.140 --> 00:03:56.240 And all the funding that we have is not taking equity in the company. 80 00:03:56.240 --> 00:03:56.980 Oh, okay. 81 00:03:56.980 --> 00:04:00.640 We believe that we're we're basically helping to solve a need that we have. 82 00:04:00.640 --> 00:04:05.460 So we're willing to fund that that amount of product development to get us to where we need to be. 83 00:04:05.460 --> 00:04:09.740 So okay, I'm sure one of the questions we're gonna get is, you know, 84 00:04:09.740 --> 00:04:13.400 how do I apply for this opportunity? So can you take us through the application process? 85 00:04:13.400 --> 00:04:18.380 Yeah, absolutely, so we will periodically put out problem sets. 86 00:04:18.380 --> 00:04:18.800 Okay 87 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:21.660 And those are considered, we call them topic calls 88 00:04:21.660 --> 00:04:25.780 and those problem sets describe sort of the mission that we're trying to accomplish 89 00:04:25.780 --> 00:04:30.380 as well as the pain points that need to be addressed for an agent in the field, 90 00:04:30.380 --> 00:04:33.580 or an officer in the field and, and generally 91 00:04:33.580 --> 00:04:37.000 the sort of the technology areas that, that we're looking at. 92 00:04:37.220 --> 00:04:39.580 But, we don't want to prescribe what the solution is. 93 00:04:39.580 --> 00:04:43.620 We want to be able to say, this is our, this is where we need help. 94 00:04:43.620 --> 00:04:48.620 Can, do you have a technology that can be used to address that, that need. 95 00:04:48.720 --> 00:04:52.900 If a company sees a problem set and decides... hey, I have a technology 96 00:04:52.900 --> 00:04:56.800 that, that I think can apply to that but I need to do some amount of tweaking of 97 00:04:56.800 --> 00:04:59.620 that product to get it to where you need to be. 98 00:04:59.620 --> 00:05:03.520 Then basically, we ask that company to submit their 10 page application. 99 00:05:03.520 --> 00:05:08.340 It's a, it's a fairly straightforward application. It asks companies to outline 100 00:05:08.340 --> 00:05:13.300 what's innovative about your technology? You know, who are your investors? 101 00:05:13.300 --> 00:05:16.600 You know, who do you have as customers currently and what would, 102 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:20.080 what would be the work statement? What would be the the work program that, 103 00:05:20.080 --> 00:05:23.020 that you would need to go through in order to tweak and, 104 00:05:23.020 --> 00:05:25.900 and do product development to get us to where we need to be. 105 00:05:25.900 --> 00:05:26.680 OK 106 00:05:26.680 --> 00:05:31.680 So once you submit the application, we review those applications, on a either 107 00:05:32.120 --> 00:05:36.680 rolling or quarterly basisdepending on the topic. If we think it's a good fit, 108 00:05:36.680 --> 00:05:41.680 then we will ask the company to schedule a 15-minute oral presentation, oral pitch. 109 00:05:42.800 --> 00:05:44.300 Fifteen minutes, Wow, that's awesome. 110 00:05:44.300 --> 00:05:47.960 Exactly, and it's a pitch like it's done in the start-up community. 111 00:05:47.960 --> 00:05:51.700 So we're marrying as much as possible the way start-ups 112 00:05:51.700 --> 00:05:54.980 are used to interacting in that community. 113 00:05:54.980 --> 00:05:58.960 And our reviewers are both end-users, operators, technical, 114 00:05:58.960 --> 00:06:03.340 subject matter experts. So we really look and look at the application and the pitches 115 00:06:03.340 --> 00:06:07.880 to see if we think this is a good fit for what we're what we're trying to accomplish. 116 00:06:07.880 --> 00:06:11.420 If the pitch is good then we give the company a funding decision 117 00:06:11.420 --> 00:06:14.120 up or down, the same, within 24 hours, or the same day. 118 00:06:14.120 --> 00:06:16.020 Wow! Yeah. That's quick. 119 00:06:16.020 --> 00:06:18.900 Yeah, and, we felt that, that was important. 120 00:06:18.900 --> 00:06:20.260 You know start-ups don't have 121 00:06:20.260 --> 00:06:23.520 a lot of time to wait on us and so we just 122 00:06:23.520 --> 00:06:24.660 need to be able to make a decision 123 00:06:24.660 --> 00:06:26.880 whether we want to fund them or not once 124 00:06:26.880 --> 00:06:28.680 we once we make that decision the 125 00:06:28.680 --> 00:06:31.720 contracting time usually takes about 45 days Okay. 126 00:06:31.720 --> 00:06:34.500 We've been averaging 45 days to contract so that's that's pretty 127 00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:38.980 streamlined for government, I'd say and, and that's, that's where we've been 128 00:06:38.980 --> 00:06:42.800 seeing a lot of successes start-ups coming to wanting to work with us 129 00:06:42.800 --> 00:06:46.240 because we've been able to get the money much more quickly and in a manner 130 00:06:46.240 --> 00:06:48.520 you know, where there, where the technology is still relevant. 131 00:06:48.520 --> 00:06:52.680 Mm-hmm. And this sounds like it benefits both the start-ups and the end users 132 00:06:52.680 --> 00:06:54.040 Absolutely. Because if you have these really 133 00:06:54.040 --> 00:06:56.840 important, you know, driving challenges that they need to overcome. 134 00:06:56.840 --> 00:07:00.040 You know. it is great to get those solutions out as quickly as possible 135 00:07:00.040 --> 00:07:02.860 but also in a way that you know that it works for them. 136 00:07:02.860 --> 00:07:05.260 Yes. That's great. So, to review, 137 00:07:05.260 --> 00:07:08.760 the application process. Go to the website check out the topic areas 138 00:07:08.760 --> 00:07:11.720 and the website is up on your screen. You can check it out. 139 00:07:11.720 --> 00:07:16.040 Apply, 10 page application Then you might get the oral pitch phase, 140 00:07:16.040 --> 00:07:17.800 Yeah, And then you'll get an up-or-down decision. 141 00:07:17.800 --> 00:07:21.160 Yes. And then the contracting offers within 45 days. 142 00:07:21.160 --> 00:07:25.700 Yes, yes, yeah Very good. So, I want to know 143 00:07:25.700 --> 00:07:28.180 I guess, a little bit more about the current funding opportunities. 144 00:07:28.180 --> 00:07:30.120 Can you outline a little bit of what's currently available? 145 00:07:30.120 --> 00:07:33.180 Yeah, sure, So the the current funding opportunities which you can which you 146 00:07:33.180 --> 00:07:38.180 can see on our website, are in areas to support the First Responder community. 147 00:07:38.580 --> 00:07:42.600 Okay, so, some of the new areas that we just announced are in 148 00:07:42.600 --> 00:07:44.880 energy harvesting fabrics. Okay. 149 00:07:44.880 --> 00:07:49.680 And how can we take the fabric that the clothing that First Responders 150 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:53.200 are wearing to power some of the devices that are that they're carrying anyway. 151 00:07:53.200 --> 00:07:55.260 Oh, Wow! Exactly. 152 00:07:55.260 --> 00:07:59.360 3d dynamic mapping is another area. So, how can we help the First Responders 153 00:07:59.360 --> 00:08:02.180 that are in buildings understand the structural and dynamic changes 154 00:08:02.180 --> 00:08:05.120 that may be occurring in that building and getting that information out to the 155 00:08:05.120 --> 00:08:10.120 incident commander. And then in identity and anti-spoofing of non person entities 156 00:08:10.880 --> 00:08:15.660 or devices essentially. So think sensors, wearables and the fact that there's 157 00:08:15.660 --> 00:08:20.660 all this technology that may be used that you know we want to make sure aren't 158 00:08:21.400 --> 00:08:24.200 susceptible to vulnerability or attack either. 159 00:08:24.200 --> 00:08:28.040 And then the fourth area is in cyber-security for the finance sector. 160 00:08:28.040 --> 00:08:28.500 Okay. 161 00:08:28.500 --> 00:08:31.320 So, we're working with the financial services sector and a partnership 162 00:08:31.320 --> 00:08:36.320 with them to improve cyber-security for them in an active cyber defense manner. 163 00:08:36.700 --> 00:08:41.700 So, moving target defense, intrusion deception, and isolation containment. 164 00:08:41.700 --> 00:08:45.040 So we're looking for a really good innovative start-up solutions in those 165 00:08:45.040 --> 00:08:47.880 spaces and are really excited to see some applications. 166 00:08:47.880 --> 00:08:50.580 That's great. These are some big areas it sounds like there's a 167 00:08:50.580 --> 00:08:53.600 good representation of, you know, we have the First Responder community 168 00:08:53.600 --> 00:08:56.520 and a lot of the challenges that they're encountering in terms of 169 00:08:56.520 --> 00:09:00.230 how technology is evolving and you know, what they need to be ready. 170 00:09:00.230 --> 00:09:03.760 Ready to I guess, have information or better you know utilize technology to do 171 00:09:03.760 --> 00:09:05.980 their jobs you know safer more effectively. 172 00:09:05.980 --> 00:09:09.500 Absolutely. But also the financial sector, that's fascinating. 173 00:09:09.500 --> 00:09:10.700 Yeah. That's really interesting. 174 00:09:10.700 --> 00:09:14.540 We have a question from Facebook. So what is the start-up or 175 00:09:14.540 --> 00:09:17.700 small business threshold on these opportunities? 176 00:09:18.650 --> 00:09:23.650 As far as start-up and small business threshold we're talking about companies who have 177 00:09:24.480 --> 00:09:27.960 not had a contract with the government within the last 12 months. 178 00:09:27.960 --> 00:09:31.640 Okay And that's a specific type of government contract. 179 00:09:31.640 --> 00:09:36.580 So, if you have any questions about the eligibility feel free to send 180 00:09:36.580 --> 00:09:40.180 us an email and let us know. If you've had a contract and you're not sure just 181 00:09:40.180 --> 00:09:45.180 let us know. And, but, ultimately we're looking to partner and work with 182 00:09:45.380 --> 00:09:48.560 companies that have not historically worked with the government over the past. 183 00:09:48.560 --> 00:09:53.560 And so that's usually no one who's had a government contract that's required your 184 00:09:54.200 --> 00:09:56.020 books to be audited within the last twelve months. 185 00:09:56.020 --> 00:09:59.080 I see. So it's not necessarily a size threshold or anything like that. 186 00:09:59.080 --> 00:10:01.340 Yeah just whether or not they've had a contract 187 00:10:01.340 --> 00:10:04.300 within the last year. Right. Exactly so the way we also look at 188 00:10:04.300 --> 00:10:08.220 it is that because the program is looking for a proof of concept 189 00:10:08.220 --> 00:10:11.040 at least in the first phase within the first three to six months. 190 00:10:11.040 --> 00:10:13.820 We're typically looking at early-stage start-ups 191 00:10:13.820 --> 00:10:17.240 you know, that are interested in that $200,000 up to 192 00:10:17.240 --> 00:10:19.280 $200,000 to do the proof-of-concept. 193 00:10:19.280 --> 00:10:21.740 Okay So typically that means you know, 194 00:10:21.740 --> 00:10:26.740 an early-stage start-up that is starting to work on a commercial solution or has 195 00:10:27.460 --> 00:10:32.460 potentially some customers but aren't necessarily as mature or established as 196 00:10:32.820 --> 00:10:35.380 some of the more later stage companies. 197 00:10:35.380 --> 00:10:37.980 Gotcha. That doesn't mean that there's not a 198 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:41.700 mid-sized start-up that is interested in checking out a new 199 00:10:41.700 --> 00:10:44.000 vertical, vertical and testing it out with us 200 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:48.360 So we've seen a large swath of them but ultimately it's up to the 201 00:10:48.360 --> 00:10:51.100 company of whether or not they think they're a good fit for us and whether 202 00:10:51.100 --> 00:10:53.000 they're eligible for the program. Gotcha. 203 00:10:53.000 --> 00:10:55.220 And the email address you can use is available on the website. 204 00:10:55.220 --> 00:10:56.920 The website again, is at the bottom of the screen 205 00:10:56.920 --> 00:10:59.420 you can check it out and find the email address there and send them specific 206 00:10:59.420 --> 00:11:01.860 questions if you have further things that need clarification. 207 00:11:01.860 --> 00:11:05.060 So you mentioned the start-ups and we're talking about you know thresholds 208 00:11:05.060 --> 00:11:07.440 you know companies that haven't necessarily had a government contract 209 00:11:07.440 --> 00:11:10.720 in the past 12 months. What are these communities like that 210 00:11:10.720 --> 00:11:14.040 SPIP is engaging with? You know, start-ups, disruptors, 211 00:11:14.040 --> 00:11:17.020 What kinds of communities are we reaching out to? 212 00:11:17.020 --> 00:11:19.620 They are, they're all over the country and world. 213 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:24.100 We've been connecting with a lot of start-ups whether they're in co-working 214 00:11:24.100 --> 00:11:29.100 spaces or in accelerators or working through VCs, venture capitalists. 215 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:34.380 And I mean these are companies that have amazing technology, 216 00:11:34.380 --> 00:11:38.620 that are doing really interesting things that we think can actually benefit 217 00:11:38.620 --> 00:11:42.060 the government as well. So it's been, it's been a great 218 00:11:42.060 --> 00:11:45.560 to connect with a lot of the companies. Whether it's you know, 219 00:11:45.560 --> 00:11:50.560 evening meet-ups or tech conferences and actually seeing what they, 220 00:11:51.340 --> 00:11:53.380 they have to offer it's been very interesting. 221 00:11:53.380 --> 00:11:55.520 I was going to ask. How do we, you know. How do we engage with these 222 00:11:55.520 --> 00:11:57.100 communities because they are all over the place. 223 00:11:57.100 --> 00:11:59.280 Yeah. You know how do we reach these folks? 224 00:11:59.280 --> 00:12:02.740 Part of it is through tech conferences part of it is through 225 00:12:02.740 --> 00:12:06.840 venture capitalists and accelerators that I'm connecting with around the country. 226 00:12:06.840 --> 00:12:10.820 A lot of community leaders that are in various hot spots around the 227 00:12:10.820 --> 00:12:15.440 country, have been reaching out trying to make sure that our funding opportunities 228 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:19.040 are available to their start-ups and so they've asked us to come and speak at 229 00:12:19.040 --> 00:12:23.820 various events and I'm happy to do that. Wow. That's great. 230 00:12:23.820 --> 00:12:26.880 So I want to ask a little bit about what the impact that you've 231 00:12:26.880 --> 00:12:30.240 seen so far is through this program. What are some of the, you know, 232 00:12:30.240 --> 00:12:33.100 effects on the research and operations at DHS that you've seen? 233 00:12:33.100 --> 00:12:36.600 Yeah, it's been interesting. So we've been doing this for 234 00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:41.600 18 months. We've had 20 start-ups funded and in that time it's been really 235 00:12:41.900 --> 00:12:46.900 amazing to see start-ups connecting with end-users in the field getting feedback, 236 00:12:47.280 --> 00:12:52.280 getting, iterating collecting collecting data to improve their product and 237 00:12:54.320 --> 00:12:59.320 you know, in some cases we're actually seeing a solution in six months that an 238 00:12:59.880 --> 00:13:03.320 operator is saying you know I want to buy 10,000 of these. 239 00:13:03.320 --> 00:13:08.320 I want to see this turn into a commercial product that I'm going to buy. 240 00:13:09.180 --> 00:13:12.060 So there's that. There's also the fact that, you know, 241 00:13:12.060 --> 00:13:17.060 a good number of our start-ups have raised you know, eight million dollar A round, 242 00:13:17.340 --> 00:13:22.340 twenty nine million B round and told us that it's a as a result of you know a 243 00:13:23.060 --> 00:13:26.880 project that they're working on with us that they've been able to tell their 244 00:13:26.880 --> 00:13:30.020 their venture capitalists that you know they're working with a customer that 245 00:13:30.020 --> 00:13:33.880 needs this product and that has helped them secure some additional rounds of capital. 246 00:13:33.880 --> 00:13:35.160 That's awesome Yeah. 247 00:13:35.160 --> 00:13:37.900 It's fantastic. Can you say a little bit more about the 248 00:13:37.900 --> 00:13:41.980 relationship between the government and this and you know innovative community 249 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:45.800 in the private sector or or where these startups are coming from and the 250 00:13:45.800 --> 00:13:49.829 end-users that sort of trifecta, you know, what is the relationship kind of turning 251 00:13:49.829 --> 00:13:54.820 into between those groups? It's in a time that I've been in government 252 00:13:54.980 --> 00:13:59.980 it's exciting because it's this true collaborative working 253 00:14:00.780 --> 00:14:02.920 environment that we've that we've established. 254 00:14:02.920 --> 00:14:06.180 Basically finding the tech, working with the end-users, and working 255 00:14:06.180 --> 00:14:11.180 with the companies or investors that are really wanting to see these 256 00:14:11.920 --> 00:14:15.440 companies successful. We want to see these companies be successful 257 00:14:15.440 --> 00:14:18.200 as well because in the end, we want a commercial product 258 00:14:18.200 --> 00:14:22.640 that we can buy and use and have an impact in in our operations. 259 00:14:23.450 --> 00:14:27.160 So it's, it's been a it's been a truly collaborative type of work arrangement. 260 00:14:27.160 --> 00:14:30.420 It's been very exciting indeed. And it sound like there's a lot of trust 261 00:14:30.420 --> 00:14:32.700 that comes out of this relationship too, in terms of 262 00:14:32.700 --> 00:14:35.999 you know, again, end user being able to trust in the fact that this technology 263 00:14:35.999 --> 00:14:38.300 will work for them, that it was built with them in mind. 264 00:14:38.300 --> 00:14:41.460 Yes And that the innovators understand 265 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:45.280 that yeah, I can trust that there is demand for this that I'm creating 266 00:14:45.280 --> 00:14:47.180 Yeah and I can trust that, you know, 267 00:14:47.180 --> 00:14:49.980 it is addressing a genuine need out there so it's going to be 268 00:14:49.980 --> 00:14:50.980 something that's in demand. 269 00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:53.340 Yeah, absolutely. The start-ups that I've come 270 00:14:53.340 --> 00:14:58.280 across have been really excited to work with DHS because they see our public 271 00:14:58.280 --> 00:15:03.280 safety our homeland security mission and being able to talk directly with 272 00:15:03.480 --> 00:15:08.480 someone in the field who is keeping them safe is is very impactful for sure. 273 00:15:09.160 --> 00:15:14.160 That's great. Another question. Just what's been the response to this program? 274 00:15:14.360 --> 00:15:16.520 I guess in the business community in the start-up community? 275 00:15:16.520 --> 00:15:18.300 you know what have you heard? What feedback have you gotten? 276 00:15:18.300 --> 00:15:21.280 Yeah, and the response the response has been very positive. 277 00:15:21.280 --> 00:15:25.540 We have, there's a number of venture capitalists out there that we've 278 00:15:25.540 --> 00:15:29.560 seen have referred their start-ups to our program. 279 00:15:29.560 --> 00:15:34.560 So that's, that's a very positive flavor Of the nine topics that 280 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:36.760 we've announced over the course of the time 281 00:15:36.760 --> 00:15:41.760 that we've been been in the program's been out in operation, we've seen almost 282 00:15:42.420 --> 00:15:47.420 200 applications from around the country. We've funded 20 companies from around 283 00:15:47.660 --> 00:15:50.120 the country and we're starting to see a lot of international applications. 284 00:15:50.120 --> 00:15:52.540 Really? Okay so international applicants can still you know, 285 00:15:52.540 --> 00:15:54.980 go through this program? Yes, we can fund international companies. 286 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:59.130 We're looking for the best talent and you know, start-ups innovative companies 287 00:15:59.130 --> 00:16:02.740 are out there and and you know we've got some hard problems to solve. 288 00:16:02.740 --> 00:16:07.740 Yeah, fantastic. Okay, so based on what you've seen in this program so far, 289 00:16:07.940 --> 00:16:11.420 what advice would you give to companies out there 290 00:16:11.420 --> 00:16:14.980 either just about you know, how they should apply the 291 00:16:14.980 --> 00:16:18.220 app to this program or just kind of insights that you've noticed over the 292 00:16:18.220 --> 00:16:21.100 you know, past 18 months or so. What advice would you give? 293 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:24.700 So, the advice I'd give, is you know, try to understand 294 00:16:24.700 --> 00:16:29.700 you know, DHS. Try to learn more about our mission and get a flavor for what we're 295 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:33.380 trying to accomplish and realize that we actually have a number of different 296 00:16:33.380 --> 00:16:37.580 agencies that fall under DHS and, if you think there's a good fit for one of 297 00:16:37.580 --> 00:16:42.580 the topics that we have out there really spend time in thinking about your application. 298 00:16:43.060 --> 00:16:48.060 I want, we have end users and technical experts that are really taking 299 00:16:50.310 --> 00:16:53.580 a look and doing the due diligence and making sure that this is something that 300 00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:58.480 will be valuable and useful in the field. And so we do, we do make sure that 301 00:16:58.480 --> 00:17:02.040 there's something there there. So as a company make sure that you have 302 00:17:02.040 --> 00:17:07.040 something there, there. As well. We can, we can, kind of sift through 303 00:17:07.380 --> 00:17:10.700 the marketing material. But we really want to see what is, what truly 304 00:17:10.700 --> 00:17:15.120 makes you stand out. And so we want we want for companies to differentiate 305 00:17:15.120 --> 00:17:18.400 themselves from, from everything else that we might be seeing as well. 306 00:17:18.400 --> 00:17:22.199 So I think it's it's important for companies to make sure that they spend time 307 00:17:22.199 --> 00:17:26.260 focusing on their application and making sure that we understand what 308 00:17:26.260 --> 00:17:30.340 they're trying to accomplish so that we can we can benefit. And you may have some 309 00:17:30.340 --> 00:17:31.760 really great technology. Yeah 310 00:17:31.760 --> 00:17:35.400 But if you don't tell us how it'll fit into what we're trying to accomplish, 311 00:17:35.400 --> 00:17:39.320 we may not, get a chance to work together. 312 00:17:39.320 --> 00:17:43.100 What other engagements are coming up down the pipeline for you 313 00:17:43.100 --> 00:17:45.540 in terms of where you'll be engaging folks in the next year or so? 314 00:17:45.540 --> 00:17:50.120 Yeah, so, I mean ultimately like I mentioned we're looking for the best talent, 315 00:17:50.120 --> 00:17:53.300 we're looking for innovation, we're looking for the best solutions. 316 00:17:53.300 --> 00:17:58.300 So, I'm making my way around the country to as many of the innovation hot-spots 317 00:18:00.260 --> 00:18:04.860 as there are. Helping people understand DHS is looking for their help. 318 00:18:04.860 --> 00:18:09.860 We're not just silicon valley-based. You know. Even though it's in name and that we are 319 00:18:12.820 --> 00:18:17.360 seeing talent, everywhere. I'm gonna be making my way around the country 320 00:18:17.360 --> 00:18:22.230 trying to find that talent and that next great start-up that we can be working with. 321 00:18:22.230 --> 00:18:26.200 does SVIP work with other DHS components to solve some of these 322 00:18:26.200 --> 00:18:28.400 problems or to introduce new topic areas? 323 00:18:28.400 --> 00:18:32.100 Absolutely, that's where we get the bulk of our topics from. 324 00:18:32.100 --> 00:18:36.820 We are working directly with operational agencies, whether it's TSA, 325 00:18:36.820 --> 00:18:40.560 Customs and Border Protection in the Coast Guard to help 326 00:18:40.560 --> 00:18:44.040 have them identify what their problem sets are what their pain points are. 327 00:18:44.040 --> 00:18:49.040 So they're the ones that are writing helping us write up our topics they're 328 00:18:49.440 --> 00:18:53.549 the ones that are presenting at industry days and they're the ones that are 329 00:18:53.549 --> 00:18:58.360 helping us evaluate. You know, fund, don't fund. You know, I'm gonna use that, 330 00:18:58.360 --> 00:19:02.260 I'm not gonna use that. So I mean, to have a customer and an end user 331 00:19:02.260 --> 00:19:07.240 to be able to say that, I think is a huge validator for a company and their product. 332 00:19:07.240 --> 00:19:10.440 You know, in many ways we're a customer looking for solutions. 333 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:13.380 And so that's that's why we're we're here in the community 334 00:19:13.380 --> 00:19:16.560 looking, and we have a program that allows us to get funding to them quickly. 335 00:19:16.560 --> 00:19:20.060 That's awesome. So what do you enjoy most about this work? 336 00:19:20.060 --> 00:19:22.360 You know, being involved with the SVIP? 337 00:19:22.360 --> 00:19:25.660 So the thing that's the most fulfilling is to be able to see 338 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:30.660 how quickly we can see commercial technologies applied in operations. 339 00:19:31.710 --> 00:19:35.640 You know, being in an R&D organization sometimes it takes a little while to 340 00:19:35.640 --> 00:19:40.640 see the results of in the fruits of your labor but working with start-ups we've 341 00:19:40.960 --> 00:19:45.760 been able to see returns in six months, eight months, nine months. 342 00:19:45.760 --> 00:19:50.760 And these are, these are, very fast when it comes to technology in the government. 343 00:19:51.870 --> 00:19:55.260 No. That's great and it sounds like it is a nice option for somebody who's looking 344 00:19:55.260 --> 00:20:00.260 for you know, if thinking from an end-user perspective like I need a solution, and I 345 00:20:00.280 --> 00:20:03.860 need it soon and it's having a confidence that these other longer-term 346 00:20:03.860 --> 00:20:08.320 research and development efforts are ongoing. But, in the meantime, 347 00:20:08.320 --> 00:20:11.380 If there's a commercially available or a soon-to-be commercially available option, 348 00:20:11.380 --> 00:20:13.680 that they can benefit from. Absolutely. 349 00:20:13.680 --> 00:20:16.360 Sounds like this is a great option for not only those end-users but 350 00:20:16.360 --> 00:20:18.960 also those start-ups to say like, yes, we can help each other here. 351 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:21.500 Absolutely, yeah. Especially when there's commercial 352 00:20:21.500 --> 00:20:26.080 technology out there already. Why shouldn't we be leveraging that and 353 00:20:26.080 --> 00:20:29.260 making it cheaper, but for us to buy as well? 354 00:20:29.260 --> 00:20:32.280 Okay, so we have one more question from Facebook. 355 00:20:32.280 --> 00:20:37.280 Can SVIP contract via a GSA schedule 70? So, the way with the SVIP contracts is 356 00:20:39.920 --> 00:20:42.960 actually using something called the Other Transaction Authority. 357 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:47.420 It is specifically designed to work with non-traditional government contractors, 358 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:52.420 but that doesn't mean that companies who are interested in going through the GSA 359 00:20:53.140 --> 00:20:57.720 schedule 70 can't try and go through that route to work with some of our 360 00:20:57.720 --> 00:21:00.310 customers and end-users Okay, good to know. 361 00:21:00.310 --> 00:21:03.800 If you have any more questions please feel free to post them, 362 00:21:03.800 --> 00:21:08.440 or you can visit the website and email the SVIP team through there. 363 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:10.380 Melissa, thank you so much for joining us today. 364 00:21:10.380 --> 00:21:14.970 Absolutely! Alright. Thank you all and we'll see you next time.