Science and Technology Directorate

The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) manages science and technology research to protect the homeland, from development through transition for Department components and first responders.
View the Science and Technology Directorate Organizational Chart

Mission

S&T's mission is to strengthen America’s security and resiliency by providing knowledge products and innovative technology solutions for the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE).
More about the S&T Mission

Resources

• Science and Technology Directorate Strategic Plan
• Science and Technology Directorate FY 2011 Year In Review
• Science and Technology Directorate Activities and Programs

Leadership and Organization

Dr. Tara O'Toole is the Under Secretary for the Science and Technology Directorate.
S&T is organized into four groups that work together to ensure each aspect of S&T's work is given the appropriate amount of emphasis. This framework allows for the efficient interaction among four group leads and creates a dynamic that fosters partnership and collaboration both within the directorate and through the HSE.
The Support to the Homeland Security Enterprise and First Responders Group (FRG) strengthens the response community's abilities to protect the homeland and respond to disasters. Three FRG divisions work together to carry out this mission:

• National Urban Security Technology Laboratory
• Office for Interoperability and Compatibility
• Technology Clearinghouse/R-Tech

The Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) focuses on identifying, developing, and transitioning technologies and capabilities to counter chemical, biological, explosive, and cyber terrorist threats, as well as protecting our nation's borders and infrastructure. HSARPA manages six technical divisions to carry out this mission:

• Borders and Maritime Security Division
• Chemical and Biological Defense Division
• Cyber Security Division
• Explosives Division
• Human Factors and Behavioral Sciences Division
• Infrastructure Protection and Disaster Management Division

The Acquisition Support and Operations Analysis (ASOA) group strengthens the Homeland Security Enterprise mission to secure the nation by providing analyses, engineering, and test expertise and products connecting Research, Development, and Acquisition to the operational end-user. ASOA is of the following:

• Chief Systems Engineer
• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers Program Management Office
• Operational Test and Evaluation
• Research and Development Analysis and Assessment
• Standards

The Research and Development Partnerships (RDP) group builds enduring partnerships that deliver technology solutions to the HSE resourcefully and swiftly. It’s an urgent mission that demands close cooperation across the HSE and among the group’s six offices:

• Homeland Security Science and Technology Advisory Committee
• Interagency Office
• International Cooperative Programs Office
• Office of National Laboratories
  • Chemical Security Analysis Center
  • National Bio and Agro Defense Facility
  • National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center
  • Plum Island Animal Disease Center
• Office of Public-Private Partnerships
  • Commercialization Office
  • Long Range Broad Agency Announcement Office
  • Office of SAFETY Act Implementation
  • Small Business Innovative Research Office
• Office of University Programs
• Special Projects Office
• RDP also coordinates interactions with the White House through the Office of Science and Technology Policy.