Silicon Valley Innovation Program 5-Year Other Transaction Solicitation

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is an Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS) for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP). The objective is to promote innovation by engaging entities, particularly startups and non-traditional government contractors, to develop prototype projects addressing DHS mission requirements. This OTS provides a flexible framework for prototype development and potential follow-on production.

• The solicitation will be open for five years, with specific "Topic Calls" issued periodically.

• Each Topic Call will detail specific technical topics, submission instructions, anticipated funding ceilings per phase, phase structure and length, and application opening/closing dates.

• Anticipated Technical Topic Areas (TTAs) include IoT Security, UAS Security, Aviation Security, Border Security, Cybersecurity, Support to First Responders, and Distributed Ledger/Blockchain Technologies.

• Projects are structured in phases (typically 1-4, with a potential 5th phase for additional testing), with individual phase ceilings ranging from $50,000-$500,000, and a total for Phases 1-4 potentially up to $2,000,000.

• Awards will be in the form of Other Transaction for Prototype (OTFP) awards, a type of Other Transaction Agreement (OTA).

• Awards will be structured with fixed-price payable milestones.

• Potential for non-competitive follow-on production contracts or transactions exists if the prototype project is successfully completed and meets a DHS mission need.

• Anticipated total funding for this OTS over five years is $75M, though individual award amounts are variable.

• Applications are submitted via the SVIP web portal.

• Evaluation is based on three criteria: Responsiveness to Technical Topic/Approach (most important), Applicant's Capabilities/Experience, and Transition Approach. Price is also evaluated for reasonableness.

• The process involves written applications, potentially followed by an oral pitch (15-minute presentation with Q&A).

• Notification of selection for oral pitch and award will be made in writing.

• Applicants must be "nontraditional Government contractors" (defined as entities not performing government contracts subject to CAS for at least one year prior to selection).

• Additional requirements include: not having received over $1M in FAR-based contracts/grants in the past 12 months, having fewer than 200 employees (including affiliates), and maintaining this status throughout the program.

• SAM.gov registration is required for selected applicants.

• This solicitation supersedes earlier SVIP long-range solicitations.

• Inquiries should be submitted via email to DHS-Silicon-Valley@hq.dhs.gov. FAQs will be posted on SAM.gov.

• The NAICS code for this announcement is 541715.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is an Other Transaction Solicitation (OTS) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP). The program aims to identify and develop new technologies to counter emerging threats by engaging organizations, particularly startups and nontraditional government contractors, through "Other Transactions" (OTs). This vehicle allows for prototype projects and potential transition to production, offering non-dilutive funding and opportunities for operational testing and market access.

• The solicitation will issue "Technical Calls" (TTAs) on various topics relevant to DHS mission needs, such as IoT Security, UAS Security, Aviation Security, Border Security, Cybersecurity, Support to First Responders, and Distributed Ledger/Blockchain Technologies.

• Projects will generally follow a phased approach (Phases 1-4, with a potential Phase 5), focusing on proof-of-concept, prototype development, realistic testing, and operational testing.

• Applicants must demonstrate their technology's ability to meet agency requirements and potentially offer multiple solutions for problem sets.

• The overarching OTS is open for five years from May 2021 until May 31, 2026.

• Anticipated total funding for SVIP over five years is $75M.

• Individual phase ceiling ranges are anticipated to be $50,000–$500,000 per phase, with a total of $200,000–$2,000,000 for Phases 1-4. Technical Calls will specify exact amounts.

• Awards will be in the form of Other Transaction for Prototype (OTFP) awards with fixed-price milestones.

• Potential for noncompetitive follow-on production contracts or transactions exists upon successful completion of the prototype project.

• Applications are submitted in response to specific Technical Calls, which will detail submission requirements, opening and closing dates.

• The evaluation process includes a review of the written application and an oral pitch.

• Evaluation criteria prioritize: (I) Responsiveness to Technical Topic and Technical Approach, (II) Applicant's Capabilities and Related Experience, and (III) Transition Approach. Price is also considered for reasonableness.

• Applicants must register in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Applicants must be "nontraditional Government contractors" (defined by 10 U.S.C. 2302(9)).

• Additional requirements include: not having more than $1,000,000 in FAR-based contracts/grants in the past 12 months, fewer than 200 employees (including affiliated businesses), and possessing a DUNS number.

• All inquiries should be submitted to DHS-Silicon-Valley@hq.dhs.gov.

• FAQs and answers will be posted on beta.SAM.gov.

• Applicants must mark proprietary information and identify any export-controlled items.