DHS Explosives Division

DHS Explosives Division

Agency overview
Formed	2003
Jurisdiction	United States
Headquarters	DHS Nebraska Avenue Complex, Washington D.C.
Agency executive	Eric Houser, Director
Parent agency	DHS Science and Technology Directorate
Website	DHS Explosives Division

The Explosives Division (EXD) is a division of the Science and Technology Directorate of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Within the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency, EXD develops technologies needed to detect, interdict, and lessen the effect of non-nuclear explosives used by terrorists against mass transit, civil aviation, and critical infrastructure. ^[1]

Overview

The 2007 High Priority Technical Needs Brochure, an article published by Homeland Security, defines critical focus areas for explosives research:

• Standoff detection on persons (portable services)
• System service for detection in baggage (checked & carried)
• Capability to detect VBIED (Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices) of large threat mass (container, trailer, ship, vessel, car, rail)
• Capability to detect homemade and novel explosives
• Capability to assess, render safe, and neutralize explosive threats
• Optimize canine explosive detection capability ^[2]

References

1. "DHS | Science and Technology Directorate Borders and Maritime Security Division". www.dhs.gov. Archived from the original on 14 January 2009. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
2. https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/High_Priority_Technology_Needs.pdf ^{[ bare URL PDF ]}