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CBP Announces Initial Awards under Silicon Valley Innovation Program

Release Date
Wed, 12/21/2016

WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced today five awards under the DHS Silicon Valley Initiative Program (SVIP).  The program engages technology companies to develop innovative solutions to address DHS’s border security challenges. Companies receiving awards include Echodyne, Tamr, Shield AI, Goleta Star, and Factom. 

Silicon Valley Program Logo
Silicon Valley Program Logo

"We are excited to work with these technology companies who will add to the capabilities of our CBP officers and agents as we work to address border security challenges,” said CBP Deputy Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan. “These companies are the first members of what we are calling our ‘Charter Class’ of performers under our collaboration with the SVIP program. We look forward to the innovations enhancing our operations.”

The first companies awarded under the Charter Class program will be addressing needs related to Internet of Things Security, exploring capabilities for small unmanned aerial systems to support CBP officers’ and agents’ situational awareness and safety, and building additional capability into the CBP’s Global Travel Assessment System. 

The Charter Class program is designed to recognize the first companies working with CBP under the SVIP program and to continuously improve CBP’s relationship with the technology community. 

“We recognize the historic challenges the startup community has had working with the government,” said Ari Schuler, CBP’s lead for technology community engagement.  “Our goal is to provide as much value to companies who participate in this program as possible – and our Charter Class will help us shape that engagement.”

CBP anticipates additional awards under the SVIP program to be finalized in early 2017, as the agency continues to engage the technology community for solutions.

“CBP has been a strong and committed partner with our Silicon Valley initiative,” said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Reginald Brothers. “Joining forces to educate the nation’s innovators on our problem sets has helped the Department access operational solutions that were once difficult to reach.”

For more information on future OTS solicitations, visit https://scitech.dhs.gov/hsip or contact dhs-silicon-valley@hq.dhs.gov.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021