Explosives Detection and Aviation Screening
Explosive threats are constantly evolving as adversaries develop new materials and delivery methods. The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is at the forefront of explosive detection and mitigation research and development, creating new approaches to help protect American citizens and infrastructure. S&T’s programs also provide a collaborative structure for addressing improvised explosive devices (IED) response and defeat capability gaps identified by federal, state and local bomb technicians.
S&T provides training resources, scientific evaluation, and new technology funding to officials responsible for countering homemade explosives threats, developing new characterization methods and acting as a trusted expert for the nation’s law enforcement communities. These operators detect and counter threats in a variety of environments, including public venues, transportation hubs and airports, where efforts include screening air cargo, people and their bags. We work with canine teams to develop training programs and training aids to assist in improving the team’s ability to detect explosive signatures in all environments.
Technical innovations from S&T can help officials identify more sophisticated explosive threats and be prepared to respond to emerging challenges.
Current Programs and Projects
- Air Cargo Program
- Apex Screening at Speed
- Detection Canine Program Person-Borne IED Initiative
- Checked Baggage Program
- Commercial Aircraft Vulnerability and Mitigation (CAVM) Program
- First Responder Support Tools (FiRST) Application
- Homemade Explosives Characterization Program
- Improving Model Capabilities
- Improving Radiation Confirmation Technology - Development of an Organic Radiochromic Compound for First Responders
- Pat-Down Accuracy Training Tool (PATT)
- Performance Test and Evaluation at NUSTL (PTEN)
- Radiological/Nuclear Response and Recovery Research & Development
- RDD Planning Guidance
- Regional Explosives Detection Dog Initiative
- Response and Defeat Operations Support (REDOPS)
- Screener’s Auto-Diagnostic Adaptive Precision Training (ScreenADAPT) System
- Screening at Speed
- Secondary Screening Technology Development Program
- Semi-Autonomous Pipe Bomb End Cap Remover (SAPBER)
- Surface Transportation Program
- System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER)
- Trace Explosives Detection Systems
- Trace Explosives Detection Systems Standards
- Training and Performance Optimization
- Xray Scanning Rover
Additional Resources
The following resources will provide more information about some of our projects.
Videos
Visit the S&T Videos page for project specific videos.
- Explosive Detection Canines
- Regional Explosives Detection Dog Initiative (REDDI), Fort Myers, Florida event
- Securing Surface Transportation
- WINK News: REDDI training event
News
- News Release: DHS S&T to Engage Innovators on Detection Canine Research
- Snapshot: Rallying the Tech that Secures Our Infrastructure and Citizens
- News Release: DHS to Engage Innovative Small Businesses on National Road Tour
- Snapshot: S&T Labs Partner with Responders to Assess Handheld Explosives Trace Detectors
- Snapshot: S&T's Blockchain Program Focuses on Security, Privacy, Interoperability & Standards
- News Release: DHS Small Business Innovation Research Program Awards 1,000th Contract
- Snapshot: S&T Prototype Shoe Scanner May Improve the Airport Security Experience
- News Release: DHS S&T Awards Auburn University $565K to Improve Canine Detection of Explosives
- Snapshot: S&T and the Pentagon are Changing K-9 Bomb Detection
- Snapshot: Large–Scale Vehicle–Borne Improvised Explosive Device Testing
Questions? Email us at SandT.PCS@hq.dhs.gov
For more information on how to work with us visit our Business Opportunities page or review our Industry Guide.