Automotive Vehicle Cybersecurity Assessment Event 2.0

Background

HSWERX, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Technology Transfer & Commercialization Branch (T2C), will host a follow-up Assessment Event (AE) searching for solutions regarding automotive vehicle cybersecurity.

Objective

DHS is looking for validated technologies and processes (e.g., training, CONOPS) that would allow operator to diagnose and mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the vehicle fleet and respond to any anticipated/current cyber-physical threats against the vehicle fleet. The solution should allow operators to:

- Identify rogue devices or faulty firmware on the vehicle that could pose a threat to the vehicle/vehicle fleet

- Turn off any systems that would allow adversaries to access vehicle systems remotely

- Defend against and counter adversary-led attacks against vehicles in the fleet

- Enable parametric analysis to show the impact of risks to the vehicle fleet

- Complete pre- and post-mission tasks to ensure vehicle safety and train operators in vehicle cybersecurity best practices.

Why You Should Participate

DHS seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by DHS Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). As such, the AE is considered competitive, and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit.  

Event Timeline

Phase 1 – September – October 2023 Submissions to the Assessment Event were Open

Last fall, HSWERX requested submissions of vehicle cybersecurity capabilities.

Phase 2 – October - November 2023 DHS Downselect

DHS evaluated submissions and selected those with the highest potential to meet DHS technology needs.  

Phase 3 – November 14-16, 2023 Assessment Event

HSWERX hosted an Assessment Event on November 14, 2023.  

Phase 4 - April 22, 2024 to May 10, 2024 Submissions to the Assessment Event 2.0 Open

Following the insights gained from the Phase 3 Assessment Event (AE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) have revised the assessment criteria and provided a detailed use case scenario. This update aims to offer innovators a clearer understanding of DHS's specific requirements and expectations for proposed solutions. To submit your technology for potential Phase 6 attendance (see below), please review the assessment criteria and follow the submission instructions that will be near the bottom of this webpage. (Submissions Closed May 10, 2024)

Phase 5 – May 13, 2024 to May 17, 2024 Downselect

‍DHS SMEs will down-select those respondents/submissions they feel have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. Favorably evaluated submissions will receive an invitation to attend the AE 2.0 on/around May 20, 2024.

Phase 6 – June 4, 2024 to June 6, 2024 Assessment Event 2.0

‍During the AE 2.0, selected participants will be allotted a one-on-one session with the DHS evaluation panel to pitch, demonstrate, and/or discuss their solutions. The forum will include a Q&A portion and discussions may continue outside of the event. Guidelines for solution briefing presentations will be outlined in the event invitation and solutions will be assessed according to the criteria in the link provided below. If the DHS evaluation panel favorably evaluates a solution briefing, negotiations for Phase 7 may begin immediately.

This event will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Phase 7 - Path Forward

‍Successfully negotiated awards may fall under any combination of these categories:

• Business-to-business research and development agreement as a sub-award through the HSWERX Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) under 15 U.S.C. 3715
• OTA for research or prototype projects  
• Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (15 U.S.C. 3710a)
• Prize competitions (15 U.S.C. 3719)
• FAR-based procurement contract  

NOTE: Awardees may need to be compliant with NIST SP 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Non-Federal Systems and Organizations.

How You Can Participate

Industry, Academia, National Labs, and Non-Traditional Attendees

1.     Review the Q&A Session Transcript: Click Here to Review

2.     Review Assessment Criteria: Click Here to Review

Questions? 

For event related questions, please contact Kinsey Crim, kcrim@hswerx.org.