The Department of Homeland Security‘s science and technology directorate has selected a consortium led by Texas A&M University to help run a center of excellence for cross-border threat screening and supply chain defense.
The DHS said Monday the directorate will award up to $3.85M to fund the new CoE’s first year of operation as part of a 10-year grant program.
William Bryan, DHS acting undersecretary for science and technology, said the center will research and develop systems to identify biological threats that could affect the department’s ability to safeguard the infrastructure supply chain, as well as bring harm to people, agriculture and the economy.
The CoE will partner with DHS-aligned agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conceptualize and deliver technologies that contribute to safe trade and travel in the nation.
The S&T CoE will also be tasked with conducting personnel training on biological threat preparedness and response.
