The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is soliciting proposals through the Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA), which serves as an open invitation for industry and academic researchers to propose innovative solutions addressing key operational needs across DHS components. The LRBAA is a standing, five-year announcement that updates research topics annually to align with evolving DHS priorities.

The LRBAA seeks to advance research and development in various homeland security mission areas, including counterterrorism, border security, cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and public safety. Research topics cover a broad spectrum of applications such as machine learning evaluation tools, explosives testing methodologies, cybersecurity resilience, artificial intelligence for security screening, maritime domain awareness, and lithium-ion battery incident management. DHS S&T encourages participation from industry, academia, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), small businesses, and other eligible entities.

The LRBAA process involves multiple stages: Industry Engagement, Virtual Pitch, and Written Proposal Submission. Interested applicants must first submit a 3-page abstract and quad chart, followed by a PowerPoint pitch presentation, and if invited, a technical and cost proposal. The selection process evaluates proposals based on scientific and technical merit, relevance to DHS needs, feasibility, and transition potential. DHS awards may be structured as contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transaction agreements (OTAs), depending on the nature of the research and development effort.

While LRBAA welcomes submissions from a wide range of entities, participation is subject to U.S. government regulations on foreign disclosure, export controls, and federal contracting policies. DHS particularly encourages proposals from small businesses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Institutions (MIs), women-owned businesses, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. However, FFRDCs must adhere to specific eligibility requirements as determined by their sponsoring agency.

LRBAA research topics align with six DHS mission areas:

Counter Terrorism and Homeland Security Threats
Securing U.S. Borders and Approaches
Preserving and Upholding the Nation’s Prosperity and Economic Security
Securing Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure
Strengthening Preparedness and Resilience
Championing the DHS Workforce and Strengthening the Department
LRBAA proposals are accepted on a rolling basis but must align with open research topics posted on SAM.gov. The DHS S&T Industry Day and webinars provide additional engagement opportunities for interested parties. Submissions must be made through the DHS BAA Portal (https://oip.dhs.gov/baa/public), and applicants can seek assistance through the LRBAA Help Desk at LRBAA.admin@hq.dhs.gov.

For further details, including submission instructions, topic updates, and eligibility criteria, interested parties should refer to the DHS S&T LRBAA website and posted funding announcements on SAM.gov.