The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has issued the Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA), calling for research and development proposals to address key security challenges. This announcement is part of DHS’s ongoing efforts to engage the scientific and technical communities in developing innovative solutions for national security.
Within the LRBAA, the “Secure U.S. Borders and Approaches” (BORAP) section includes a focus on C-UAS. The growing threat posed by drones, particularly in border regions, has made the development of effective C-UAS technologies a priority for DHS. Drones are increasingly being used for illicit activities such as smuggling, unauthorised surveillance and potential attacks, making it crucial to advance detection, tracking and neutralisation capabilities.
The BORAP section emphasises the need for air-based technologies that can operate in diverse and challenging environments. This includes developing systems that can seamlessly integrate with existing border security infrastructure, ensuring that they can be deployed rapidly and without disrupting legitimate operations. The focus is not only on the technology itself but also on its practical application in real-world scenarios, where quick and reliable responses to drone threats are essential.
Bringing industry and academia on-board
By opening the LRBAA to industry and academia, DHS is aiming to tap into a wider range of C-UAS expertise and innovation. The goal is to create advanced C-UAS solutions that can enhance border security, adapting to the evolving aerial threat landscape. This initiative reflects DHS’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging challenges and maintaining a robust defence against unauthorised drone activity along the U.S. borders.
The LRBAA program manager, Dusty Lang, highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that the process is designed to allow innovators to gauge DHS’s interest early on, thereby reducing the effort and expense of developing full proposals. This streamlined approach is intended to foster more effective collaborations and accelerate the development of critical security technologies.
Post Image – DHS Deputy Secretary John Tien participates in a demonstration of anti-drone capabilities along with other security partners at the US Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC (Post Image Credit: Tia Dufour/DHS)
