Advanced Computing Branch Subject Matter Expert (SME) Support

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T), Office of Science and Engineering (OSE), Technology Centers Division (TCD) are conducting market research to identify key personnel to provide SME support in the areas of advanced computing, such as cybersecurity, emerging computing paradigms (e.g., quantum information sciences), data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and modeling and simulation. The support staff shall assist S&T in conducting cross-cutting core research, developing its programs and their attendant projects; maintain awareness of technologies on or over the horizon; and understand the many parties, platforms, and processes inherent in a complex technology development system. The anticipated period of performance for this contract is a 5-year ordering period with a 7-year total period of performance. The total period of performance is eighty-four (84) months from date of award.

INFORMATION REQUEST

Interested parties should submit responses addressing the following:

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   1. Describe how you would provide scientific evaluation and technical support to the government on factors relevant to enduring technical research and development on the application of advanced computing to homeland security missions.
   
   
   2. Describe how you develop and participate in technical exchanges, workshops, conferences, and in-process reviews and demonstrations relating to advanced computing for homeland security missions and provide meeting minutes or reports outlining the events and any key items that require immediate attention. Typical tasks would include identifying experts, shaping agendas to ensure key questions are addressed, and providing follow-up to ensure objectives are met. This may include both classified events, and/or events with S&T’s domestic and international partners.
   
   
   3. Describe your research and assessment of state-of-the-art and emerging trends in advanced computing. Present the results of your efforts, as required, through:
      
      
      
      • Gathering, analyzing, and composing complex technical information such as analyses of alternatives on technology solutions, technology capability summaries, and technical requirements documents.
      
      
      • Researching and assessing patent activity, published articles, market information, conference proceedings, research reports, etc.
      
      
      • Creating technical roadmaps relating to advanced computing, such as cybersecurity, quantum information sciences, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and modeling and simulation, which outline plans for implementing technical solutions in both short and long-term timeframes.
      
      
      
      
   
   
   4. Describe how you would assist in preparation of technical presentations for delivery by Federal staff at meetings and conferences on the subject of research, methods, phenomena, or threats for/to advanced computing, such as cybersecurity, quantum information sciences, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and modeling and simulation. This will include technical writing and produce technical documentation regarding the application of advanced computing, such as cybersecurity, quantum information sciences, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and modeling and simulation, to homeland security missions.
   
   
   5. Describe how you will assist and prepare technical responses to S&T Executive Secretary taskers and other data calls related to research of advanced computing, such as cybersecurity, quantum information sciences, data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and modeling and simulation. Such services are limited to non-inherently governmental functions.
   
   
   6. Describe how you will conduct technical reviews for assigned R&D programs and projects to monitor program, project, and research technical performance relevant to advanced computing as well as reviewing deliverables to ensure technical goals and objectives are met, identifying potential technical risks, and path forward options/recommendations.
   
   
   
   

Please refer to the attachments to this RFI for a full description of the requested information.