Homeland security

DHS S&T, CBP To Test New K9 Training Technology

A $198,000 award to PetPace LLC to assess their product’s ability to provide real-time health monitoring of Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) canines was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) under the Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS), which are designed non-traditional performers to offer solutions to some of the toughest threats facing DHS and the homeland security mission.

This is the first award under the K9 Wearables Solicitation, one of five active calls under the SVIP.

“CBP has one of the largest and most diverse canine programs in the country with more than 1,500 canine teams trained in disciplines such as search and rescue and firearms and currency detection,” said CBP Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. “Our canines are vital partners in achieving CBP’s mission and often operate in intense climates with serious physical demands. This program provides an opportunity to gather new data in the training environment which could translate to improved animal performance and care in the field.”