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Science and Technology
  Expertise
  Technology Scouting

     Research & Development
                
                    
                    
      Expertise
                
      National Laboratories
                
                    
      
      Technology Centers
                
                    
      
      Test and Evaluation
                
                    
      
      Systems Engineering and Standards
                
                    
                    
      Technology Scouting
                
      Horizon ScanningOperations and Requirements Analysis
                
                    
      
      Technology ClearinghousePartnerships
                
                    
      
      Work with S&T
                
                    
      
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      About S&TTechnology Scouting
Technology scouting is the process of identifying, locating, and evaluating existing or developing technologies, products, services, and emerging trends. This approach allows faster development and increases partnership opportunities and resources to assist with the development of current or future Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) systems and needs.

Leveraging S&T staff, subject matter experts (SMEs), networks and databases, and other tools to search academia, labs, government sources, private industry, and international activity, Technology Scouting provides summary reports to support program planning and inform buy, build, or adapt decisions. Technology Scouting collects information on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and government-off-the-shelf (GOTS) products, prototypes, R&D activities, and partnership opportunities to operate a refined, iterative process for quick and effective reporting. Technology Scouting often utilizes sam.gov to publish Requests for Information (RFIs) to gather additional information about solution options that may not appear in traditional technology scouting research methods.

Technology Scouting’s Place in S&T

Technology Scouting aims to avoid duplicate R&D projects, reduce time to field innovative solutions, and save money and resources. This is done through Technology Scouting Reports, Horizon Scanning, Rapid Technology Assessments, and Market Analysis. These products provide a distinct visibility into common technology needs and themes within, across, and beyond the DHS enterprise, enabling greater unity of effort and ultimately faster deployment of innovative technology for mission needs.

Occupying a unique place within the HSE, Technology Scouting has greater connectivity and coordination within S&T and the HSE while allowing for tailored deliverables specific to the customer’s needs and requirements. Technology Scouting provides unbiased research and analysis conducted by highly skilled and experienced staff in flexible time frames to fit the ever-changing world and technological environment.

Technology Scouting Process

Technology scouting is the process of identifying, tracking, and evaluating existing or developing technologies, products, services, and emerging trends. S&T Technology Scouting completes this in a repeatable, four-step process.

*Initiation*
Customers submit a technology scouting request for an identified gap or mission need.

*Communication and Data Collection*
The Technology Scouting team conducts a scoping call with the customer to refine the request and ask questions that will guide the research process.

*Analysis and Reporting*
Technology Scouting connects with SMEs, scours open source and subscription databases, and presents the findings to the customer.

    Last Updated: 01/12/2023
  
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           Research & Development
      
    
                  Expertise
      
    
                  Partnerships
      
    
                  Work with S&T
      
    
                  News & Events
      
    
                  About S&T
                            
        Science and Technology
      
    https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology
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