Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction: Transformative Solutions Incubator (TSI) | DN ARI 18 001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction: Transformative Solutions Incubator (TSI)?

The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction: Transformative Solutions Incubator (TSI) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant opportunity intended to accelerate the movement of promising, security-relevant technologies from academic research into real-world use. It is designed to help close the gap between early-stage university research and deployable capabilities that can support DHS operational components in the countering weapons of mass destruction (CWMD) mission space.

What problem is TSI designed to solve?

TSI is meant to address the common "valley of death" where university technologies remain stuck at the prototype, laboratory, or academic demonstration stage. The program focuses on maturing these technologies into solutions that can be adopted by government users and, ultimately, commercialized.

What is the central goal of the TSI program?

The central goal is to accelerate the shift of promising technologies out of academia and into operational use and/or commercialization pathways, specifically for CWMD-relevant mission needs.

How does TSI decide what kinds of projects to support?

TSI is described as mission-driven. It starts by identifying DHS operational requirements that can realistically be addressed through academic research. It then translates those needs into defined research topic areas aligned with CWMD Office priorities and the broader National Security Strategy.

What are the three core functions of TSI?

TSI is structured around three core functions: (1) identifying DHS operational requirements addressable through academic research, (2) translating those needs into defined research topic areas aligned with CWMD Office priorities and the National Security Strategy, and (3) funding selected teams through Cooperative Agreements to help mature technologies toward deployment and commercialization.

What funding mechanism does TSI use?

TSI funds selected teams through Cooperative Agreements. This mechanism typically implies closer collaboration and government involvement during project execution than a traditional grant, reflecting the program's focus on transition to use rather than research alone.

How is a Cooperative Agreement different from a traditional grant in this program?

Based on the description provided, a Cooperative Agreement generally indicates closer collaboration and involvement between DHS and the awardee during project execution than would be expected under a traditional grant. The intent is to support not only research, but also development activities that enable transition beyond academia.

Does TSI focus only on academic research, or does it emphasize deployment and real-world use?

TSI emphasizes transition and real-world use. The program is intended to push development far enough that a technology can move out of academia into the marketplace or into operational use pathways, rather than ending as an academic prototype.

Are applicants required to plan for commercialization and transition?

Yes. A defining feature of TSI is its emphasis on transition and commercialization planning from the start. The program is designed to reduce the risk that funded work ends as an academic demonstration without practical follow-through.

Is an industrial partner or a national laboratory partner required?

Yes. Applicants are required to include an industrial partner or a national laboratory partner. This requirement reflects DHS expectations that successful projects will have a credible route to scaling, manufacturing, integration, testing, and eventual adoption.

Why does TSI require an industrial partner or a national laboratory partner?

The requirement is intended to ensure that applied development or deployment expertise is engaged throughout the project lifecycle. The goal is to make market transition and real-world adoption more achievable and to reduce the likelihood that the work stops at a laboratory demonstration.

Who is eligible to apply for the TSI opportunity?

Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, including public/state-controlled universities and private universities. The program is primarily aimed at academic-led innovation.

Which federal department and mission area does TSI support?

TSI is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) opportunity supporting the countering weapons of mass destruction (CWMD) mission space, with projects aligned to CWMD Office priorities and the broader National Security Strategy.

Who administers this discretionary funding program?

The opportunity is a discretionary funding program administered by the DHS Office of Procurement Operations, Grants Division.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is DN ARI 18 001.

What is the CFDA (Assistance Listing) number associated with this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) associated with this opportunity is 97.077.

When was this funding opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on August 1, 2018, and originally closed on August 31, 2018.

What is the maximum potential award amount?

The maximum potential award amount listed is $1,300,000.

Does the provided information specify how many awards will be made?

No. While the notice references expected awards, the number of awards is not specified in the provided information.

What kinds of activities is the award size intended to support?

The maximum award amount suggests support sized to enable meaningful technology maturation activities, not only small exploratory research. The program intent is to help technologies progress toward deployable capabilities and commercialization or operational adoption.

What does "mission-driven" mean in the context of TSI?

In this context, "mission-driven" means the program starts from DHS operational requirements and then shapes research topic areas around those needs, rather than focusing on purely investigator-driven academic topics.

How does TSI align projects with national security objectives?

TSI translates DHS operational needs into defined research topic areas aligned with CWMD Office priorities and the broader National Security Strategy, ensuring projects are relevant to national-level security objectives.

What is the intended end state for a successful TSI project?

The intended end state is that a technology matures beyond the prototype or laboratory stage and transitions into operational use pathways and/or the marketplace, supported by early planning for transition and required external partnership.

Is TSI intended to function like a technology incubator?

Yes. The program is described as a mission-driven technology incubator funded by DHS, aimed at turning research into usable CWMD capabilities by aligning academic work with operational requirements, supporting later-stage development through cooperative agreements, and mandating partnerships to strengthen transition prospects.