DHS seeks plug and play surveillance video access

WHAT: A presoliciation notice from the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology  Directorate and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office to develop a prototype system for a “plug and play” audio/video system that can quickly access commercial video security systems and rebroadcast the signals to emergency responders and law enforcement.

WHY: In the movies, spies and investigators are always able to plug into a centralized control system for disparate security systems to track targets.

In real life, it doesn't work that way…yet.

The DHS Science and Technology Directorate and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office want a way for law enforcement and emergency responders to access the increasingly varied video security systems they encounter in the field to increase situational awareness in emergency situations and national security events.

While the goal is an interoperable video surveillance ecosystem, the notice makes a point of mentioning access to the private systems must be obtained with permission from the owners before such a system is used.

S&T and DNDO want small business help in a phased development process for the technology.

The first phase, they said, is development of a concept for a self-contained, portable system that can quickly capture digital and analog video and audio transmissions from the hard wired or wireless closed circuit and networked security systems commonly used in the public and private sectors. The concept will include a kind of middleware tool to provide interoperability among a variety of systems used in large venues like sports arenas or commercial buildings.

The second phase is a demonstration of a prototype system, a walk-through of how the system works, as well as a plan to prevent unauthorized users from access it.

Click here to read the full solicitation.