December 2020
ALERT NEWSLETTER
ALERT Awarded Two New Homeland Security Task Orders
ALERT has received two new research and development task orders from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T). The first focuses on the needs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection by improving DHS’s capabilities to interdict illicit materials entering through various ports of entry. The second task order, supported by DHS S&T’s Next Gen ETD Program, focuses on aviation checkpoints and is tasked with enhancing detection capabilities of next-generation explosives trace detectors and conducting a scenarios-based feasibility study on explosive vapor detection.
NEWS & EVENTS
Virtual ADSA22: Improve Aviation Security by Reducing Operator Cognitive Load
Unlike previous workshops in the Advanced Development for Security Applications (ADSA) series, this fall’s ADSA22 workshop, “Reducing Operator Cognitive Load in Aviation Security Equipment” was fully virtual and held over the course of four sessions (Nov. 17, Nov. 24, Dec. 1, and Dec. 8). While the change in format was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it allowed for more robust attendance and engagement from aviation security stakeholders from across academia, government, and industry.
ALERT Events: Winter/Spring 2021
ALERT stakeholders are encouraged to mark their calendars for the ADSA23 Workshop on May 4, 11, and 25. More information on the workshop and registration details are forthcoming

ALERT plans to host a Technology Showcase in Spring 2021. Similar to the showcase held in 2019, this event will feature presentations and technology demonstrations of the center's research, tools, and impact on the homeland security enterprise. In a lead up to the ALERT Technology Showcase, ALERT held the SPARC (Seminars to Promote ALERT Research and Collaboration) series. More details on the showcase are coming soon.

A HOLIDAY MESSAGE FROM ALERT
Wishing you and your families a joyful and safe holiday season!
STUDENT & RESEARCHER OPPORTUNITIES
DHS S&T Launching Homeland Security Startup Studio in January 2021
Join DHS S&T on January 7, 2021 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m EST for the Homeland Security Startup Studio launch. The Homeland Security Startup Studio is a premiere program designed to accelerate and deliver commercial applications of technologies from DHS laboratories and research centers.

The Homeland Security Startup Studio will bring together entrepreneurs, mentors, and inventors together over the course of the program to explore forming companies around these technologies to solve the real-world problems of government and commercial customers.

The January 7 launch event will feature a keynote address by S&T Innovation & Collaboration Executive Director Robert Burns and a Fireside Chat with Dave Copps, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Worlds.io. The audience will have an opportunity to ask laboratories and program participants questions about their experiences in the program and working with the team during a Q&A session.
DHS SBIR 21.1 Solicitation Now Open - Deadline: January 15
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 21.1 Solicitation is now open for innovative small businesses to submit proposals for eleven homeland security topics.
 
The topics DHS released this year address pandemic, virus and infectious disease response (now and in the future), securing our transportation systems and cyber networks, and empowering our front line with advanced tools. These topics tie directly to the needs of the Department and the greater homeland security enterprise and the communities across the country that are relying on innovative solutions to navigate everyday challenges.
 
During the solicitation period, DHS will accept proposals for topic areas until 1:00 p.m. ET on January 15, 2021. Small businesses must submit proposals through the online proposal submission system. The solicitation is published at beta.SAM.gov and details each topic area and description.
Rapiscan Systems Seeking Qualified Candidates for Job Openings
Rapiscan Systems, an OSI Systems Company, is looking to fill several positions in their Trace Detection - Instruments business unit, including the following:
 
  • Associate Research Scientist - B.S. Chemistry or related field, 0-4 years experience
  • Research Material Scientist - B.S. Material Science, Chemistry or related field, 2-4 years
  • Data Scientist - B.S. Chemistry, Math, Statistics, Physics or related field, 1-4 years experience
  • Software Engineer Manager - B.S. Computer Science or engineering, 8+ years software experience, 3+ years management experience
  • Chemistry Interns - Must be currently enrolled in university with a major in chemistry, physics, or engineering
 
Please visit the OSI Systems career page for more information and to apply.
Smiling students in life vests stand on the deck of a boat.
Apply for Maritime Security Center Summer Research Institute - Deadline: Jan. 29, 2021
The Maritime Security Center (MSC) is now accepting applications for its 12th Summer Research Institute (SRI)!
The STEM-focused program engages students in research designed to generate innovative ideas and technology-based solutions to address complex maritime and homeland security challenges.

To be considered for admission, students must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate-level STEM degree program and possess a GPA of 3.0 or above. Students from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. 
 
Admitted students will receive a stipend for their participation in the program. Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, a decision regarding the program delivery (campus-based or virtual delivery) will be made in late-February. 

For more information and to complete an online application, visit www.stevens.edu/SummerResearchInstitute. The deadline to apply is January 29, 2021.
ALERT is supported by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate through the DHS Office of University Programs.