The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate, First Responders Group (S&T - FRG) is developing a strategic plan for the development of next-generation personal protective equipment (PPE) that provides multi-threat protection, increases the safety of first responders, and reduces the amount of equipment responders will be required to carry. S&T - FRG seeks responses from industry, academic institutions, research facilities, trade/profession groups, standard development organizations, and other government agencies to join the S&T researchers in open discussions regarding its concept for next-generation PPE for the first responders of the future.
Technical areas that will assist in the development of the next-generation PPE include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Respiratory protection
- Ballistics protection
- Stab/penetration protection
- Fire protection
- Gloves
- Communication
- Tracking and surveillance
- Safety/alarm technology
- Chemical/biological detection
- Chemical/biological protection
- Standards development
- Wearable power generation systems
- Materials Development
- Multi-threat protection
Respondents are asked to provide the name of their organization, their point of contact (POC), the POC's telephone number and e-mail address to the technical point of contact, Bill Deso, at William.Deso@HQ.DHS.GOV or at 202-254-6748.
