DHS S&T Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Funds United States. small businesses developing homeland security technologies for public safety.
DHS S&T SBIR funds proof-of-concept (Phase I) and prototype-demonstration (Phase II) projects from US small businesses working on homeland security technology needs. Topics are set by Program Managers across four S&T divisions: Borders and Maritime Security, Chemical/Biological Defense, Cyber Security/Explosives, and First Responder Group. Phase I awards $175K over approximately 5 months; Phase II awards $1M–$1.5M over 24–36 months. A Cost Match feature incentivizes Phase II companies that have attracted outside investment. Phase III (commercialization) uses non-SBIR dollars and has no fixed dollar cap. As of May 2026, DHS S&T posted 'There are no open solicitations at this time' — the program operates on an annual solicitation cycle and is currently between cycles. Phase II proposals are invitation-only, sent to current Phase I awardees near their Phase I period-of-performance end. The OATS (Other Agency Technology Solutions) track allows DHS to leverage SBIR investments from other agencies.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.