March 24, 2025
What began as a challenge became a breakthrough—here’s how HSWERX and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Technology Transfer and Commercialization Branch (T2C) helped drive the future of propulsion systems for DHS.
HSWERX, the Homeland Security Innovation Hub, is a non-profit operating under a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with T2C in DHS’s Science & Technology Directorate (S&T). As part of the DEFENSEWERX network of hubs, HSWERX accelerates innovation by connecting DHS with industry, academia, and non-traditional solution providers to tackle the nation’s most pressing capability gaps.
A simple conversation with DHS about a critical operational need set the stage for a series of engagements, resulting in a Business-to-Business (B2B) Agreement with GLX Power. This effort was a true team effort between HSWERX and DHS and showcased the power of discovering solutions, engaging experts, and accelerating innovation to enhance homeland security.
The DHS S&T Office of Mission and Capability Support (MCS) Maritime Safety and Security (MSS) identified a technology gap. MSS was in the beginning stages of searching for highly reliable propulsion systems for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) maritime vessels. HSWERX provided the platform and tapped its vast ecosystem to find the right partner to help DHS address the capability gap.
The initiative began with a Government Only Collaboration Event in Washington, D.C. Key stakeholders—including USCG, NASA, and multiple national laboratories—gathered to define the scope and priorities of the propulsion effort. During this event, Roger Dyson from NASA presented an extremely novel technology, sparking discussion on innovative approaches to address the challenge. This focused event allowed DHS to establish a baseline understanding of both obstacles and opportunities, allowing for broader engagement.
To ensure a high-impact event, HSWERX conducted extensive market research to identify top-tier Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Integrating these experts into the HSWERX ecosystem enabled direct engagement with USCG end users, ensuring valuable insights during the event. This groundwork was crucial in identifying innovative companies and ensuring the Government’s time and resources yielded meaningful results.
The effort expanded to include non-Government participants through a public Collaboration Event. This pivotal gathering connected Government representatives, industry leaders, and SMEs to refine the challenge’s scope.
Interactive discussions and knowledge exchanges helped USCG define specific objectives and outline actionable solutions. Matt Barger, a DHS S&T Program Manager, emphasized the value of HSWERX’s role:
“HSWERX has been an invaluable partner in collaboration with DHS S&T’s Maritime Safety and Security. Their efforts in organizing Collaboration Events and inviting key participants enabled us to refine requirements and gain insights into cutting-edge technologies. With their assistance, we accelerated early research stages by gathering valuable information on customer needs and the technology landscape.”
The initiative moved into the assessment phase, where USCG evaluated technologies and proposals informed by previous engagements. This event provided innovators a direct opportunity to present their solutions to DHS and USCG decision-makers.
From 20 submissions, seven companies—85% of them small businesses within the HSWERX ecosystem—were selected to participate in the Assessment Event. Kent Kristensen, President of GLX Power noted:
“The [Assessment Event] was invaluable in understanding future needs. The concept paper and pitch format allowed us to propose broader opportunities and new propulsion system architectures beyond traditional technologies and legacy requirements.”
Next, USCG selected GLX Power to be awarded a B2B Agreement. HSWERX efficiently structured this project phase into smaller, manageable segments to align with funding availability while ensuring the successful execution of a critical bench test.
In less than a year, this initiative transformed from initial discussions into a formal agreement—an example of rapid, impactful innovation that HSWERX and DHS T2C can offer all DHS components.
Finally, GLX Power advanced its next-generation propulsion technology, providing bi-weekly progress updates to USCG. On December 18, 2024, the initiative reached a key milestone with a live demonstration showcasing GLX Power’s advanced battery management system, energy storage, and electric propulsion technology. This event highlighted cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance USCG’s operational capabilities.
HSWERX and DHS T2C played a crucial role in facilitating and overseeing the Ohio-based demonstration, ensuring a structured, high-impact evaluation for both DHS and GLX.
Throughout this journey, HSWERX played an integral role—from conducting market research to facilitating every phase of engagement. HSWERX’s expertise ensured the process remained efficient, results-driven, and aligned with DHS’s strategic goals. By leveraging its vast network of industry and government experts, HSWERX can streamline collaboration and fast-track solutions to meet critical homeland security needs.
This initiative serves as a proven model for how DHS and technology providers can work together to address complex capability gaps. By combining the DEFENSEWERX ecosystem, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to agility and impact, DHS and HSWERX have demonstrated that advancements in homeland security can happen faster and more effectively than ever before.
HSWERX is ready to assist DHS in tackling its most pressing challenges by connecting the right experts, technologies, and resources. If you are looking for efficient, high-impact solutions, please reach out—let’s work together to advance the future of homeland security.
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Please contact the HSWERX team at info@hswerx.org.
