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Research and Development Partnerships Group
The Research and Development Partnerships (RDP) Group was created in November 2010 to develop, foster and leverage innovative partnerships and serve as a primary resource in establishing and managing world class Centers of Excellence (COE) and federal laboratories. In order to encourage teaming and reduce duplication of effort, RDP offers a cadre of subject matter experts who serve as force multipliers in delivering science-based solutions to the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE). RDP conducts its work primarily through six cross-cutting capabilities to execute a wide range of responsibilities in a collaborative way to our diverse stakeholders.
RDP Capabilities
Through the following capabilities, RDP strives to become a more innovative, integrated and effective contributor to the Department and the HSE.
Technology Foraging and Operational Experimentation – Identify promising research, scientific publications and existing or emerging technology advancements in government, academia and industry. This includes experimentation, evaluation and pilots used to explore the operational environment and study scientific and technical improvements, and policy implications of new technologies. The findings from foraging and experimentation activities will improve awareness of potentially viable alternative options, partnership opportunities with SMEs or organizations performing similar or complimentary research, and may increase speed of project execution and costs for projects.
Technology Transfer and Commercialization – Provide mechanisms and services to support the HSE, in partnership with HSARPA, FRG and CDS, with the conversion of technologies and knowledge products to the operational world. This includes expertise in designing formal agreements and the protection of intellectual property for DHS and its partners (patents, licensing, etc.) resulting in the transfer of knowledge products, best practices and products among HSE partners. It also encompasses the identification and sourcing of technologies developed by the private sector that can be adopted and advanced through investment by the Science and Technology Directorate and its partners inside and outside of government.
Laboratory and Research Management – Provide access to and use of multi-disciplinary expertise and infrastructure from DHS, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, university, international and private sector laboratory facilities to perform research and development. By leveraging a large network of world-class national and international facilities, the HSE is presented with a variety of solutions from which to choose.
RDP Rapid Response – Connect existing science and technology programs, networks, and research communities to rapidly access facilities, expertise, or potential solutions in response to emerging needs and urgent requests. This results in advisory services to senior leadership on science-based developments and the accelerated delivery of potential solutions to the HSE.
Partnership Coordination – Plan, prioritize and execute the terms and activities of formal executive committees and other advisory groups on behalf of the sponsoring executives. These partnerships facilitate very close collaboration with many partners and other federal agencies, and a situational awareness of executive branch direction. In order to accomplish further cooperation, RDP advises, consults and provides strategic guidance to receive and define requirements that will enable linkages between research partners and integrate R&D outcomes for the HSE.
Sponsored Research and Development – Solicit, fund, and enable innovative research and development to deliver customer-driven science and technology solutions and train the next generation of homeland security experts. This includes program and project development, COE management, career and professional development as well as tools, technologies and knowledge products for the HSE.
