Energy Efficient Propulsion Systems Government Only Collaboration Event (CE)

Purpose  

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate Office of Mission and Capability Support (MCS) Maritime Safety and Security (MSS) Program is leading Research and Development and Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) on alternative energy to power maritime vessels to support and anticipate DHS components’ AE initiatives following the successes of the ground vehicle fleet. The Government-Only CE will be an interagency collaboration to discuss current limitations and to brainstorm ways to overcome these factors and discuss future innovation. The purpose of this Government-Only Collaboration Event (CE) is to identify needs and define requirements for an alternative energy source for maritime vessels for DHS mariners and customers. During this open forum, participants from government will ideate on specific challenge areas and develop potential paths forward with actionable plans for implementation.  

As one of the projects selected for the Pilot Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Innovation Hub, DEFENSEWERX (DWX) is hosting a Government Only Collaboration Event (CE) to identify needs and define requirements for an alternative energy source for maritime vessels for DHS mariners and customers. The Government Only CE will be an interagency collaboration to discuss current limitations and to brainstorm ways to overcome these factors and discuss future innovation. During this open forum, participants from government will ideate on specific challenge areas and develop potential paths forward with actionable plans for implementation.  

Objective  

The MSS Program is interested in identifying current and emerging alternative energy (AE) high-reliability propulsion systems to enable DHS components to enforce maritime border security while transitioning to low and zero-emission vessels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The transition from fossil fuel-based propulsion systems to AE solutions will align DHS with executive orders and directives across the U.S. government to reduce reliance on fossil fuel energy sources while maintaining mission capabilities to enforce international trade law, safeguard the maritime transportation system, maintain U.S. waterways and maritime resources, and interdict illegal activities in the maritime environment, such as smuggling and human trafficking.  

Background  

The MSS Program is interested in AE propulsion systems for maritime vessels on behalf of DHS components, including full electric battery, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, solar electric, and nuclear technologies. Ideally, these AE technologies will enable DHS to transition to propulsion systems that reduce fossil fuel reliance across its fleet of vessels of varying sizes and power requirements.  

Event Timeline

Phase 1: June 28, 2023 Government-Only Collaboration Event: DWX will facilitate the Government-only CE with government partners focused on DHS’s needs. Attendees will identify current limitations and ideate ways to overcome limiting factors. Problem statement(s) will be developed to frame DHS alternative energy needs. Outcomes from the Government Only CE will shape the potential future Industry, Academia, and Laboratory CE. This event will take place in person at Industrious in Arlington, VA.  

Tentative Agenda  

All times listed are in ET  
8:00 – 8:20:  Participants arrive at Industrious  
8:20 – 8:25: DWX Welcome  
8:25 – 8:45: Stakeholder/SME Overview & Problem Set  
8:45 – 9:45:  Current Limitations Breakout  
9:45 – 10:00: Break  
10:00–11:00: Ways to Overcome Limitations Breakout  
11:00–12:00: Lunch (on your own)  
12:00 – 2:30: Problem Statement Development  
2:30 – 2:45:  Break  
2:45 – 3:45: Problem Statement Briefs  
3:45 – 4:30:  Voting  
4:30 – 5:00: Path Forward 

Note: Agenda is subject to change