RFP in Maritime Security Research

The DHS Maritime Security Center (MSC), led by the Stevens Institute of Technology, announces a competitive research opportunity to address challenges in maritime cyber security.

This effort invites qualified researchers to propose projects that will provide DHS stakeholders with innovative research that addresses current challenges in maritime cyber security as outlined in the RFP.  MSC plans to fund one award of up to two years and up to $350,000. 

The RFP is available on http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20160325/9c/c3/bd/99/04e6df97bc1afbf60a449b1c/RFP_for_Maritime_Cyber_Security_MSC.pdf

Any questions should be directed to [email protected] no later than April 19, 2016. 

The Maritime Security Center (MSC) supports DHS efforts to provide for the safe and secure use of our nation’s maritime domain and a resilient Marine Transportation System (MTS), through advancement of the relevant sciences and the professional
development of the current and future maritime security workforce.

More information on MSC may be found on www.stevens.edu/msc.

In November 2015, MSC co-hosted the Maritime Risk Symposium in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center. The theme of the Symposium was: “Risk in the Western Hemisphere and Southern Border Approaches.” The event included discussions on transnational threats and maritime challenges to the MTS and U.S. national security over the next ten years, specifically focusing on: (1) Combating Networks; (2) Securing Borders; and (3) Safeguarding Commerce.

The Symposium served as a forum to inspire and generate areas of study and future research projects for the DHS S&T Center of Excellence researchers, students and academic partners. The two-day Symposium facilitated dialogue and an exchange of ideas between a diverse group of public and private maritime and homeland security practitioners. Outcomes from the Symposium included a number of research questions that are of particular interest to DHS and its component agencies that have missions
related to the maritime domain and will be subject of an open call for White Papers and Proposals (via a Request for Proposals, Request for Information, etc.).

Some of the questions are the subject of this RFP. This call is being issued to a wide audience involved in various maritime disciplines and will solicit proposals that will focus on interdisciplinary research, education and technology transition in maritime cyber security.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
“Cybersecurity represents the latest risk to this [marine transportation] system and is a growing concern for consumers, corporations, and law enforcement agencies. This concern is well founded. Computers and other cyber-dependent technologies are
growing parts of our lives and businesses.

These systems are potentially vulnerable to many types of risks, from deliberate attacks, to the unintended but damaging introduction of malware, to simple technical failure. In most cases, cyber “accidents” are at least as likely as a targeted cyber attack. Regardless of the source or motivation of the threat, however, cyber vulnerabilities within the marine system could compromise vital safety, security, and environmental functions, or lead to widespread trade disruptions.”