Innovative Research & Development to Address the Nation’s Opioid Crisis

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established a goal to disrupt the fentanyl market in the U.S.  In May 2023, DHS leveraged advanced analytics at certain ports of entry and seized nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl along the southern border. The DHS Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate is taking a lead role to establish and implement a comprehensive plan to develop bold and innovative approaches and capabilities that address critical needs across mission sets. Based on the deadly threat posed by fentanyl, its analogues, and other synthetic opioids, novel approaches are needed to support Government efforts to disrupt the illicit opioid supply chain and the networks promoting it.

S&T is seeking responses in this Request for Information (RFI) on innovative ways to effectively target illegal cargo while ensuring the delivery of legitimate cargo is expedited. S&T is interested in both inbound and outbound cargo and related supply chains and trade routes that may include raw materials (e.g., precursors to opioids), manufacturing machinery (e.g., pill presses), or finished fentanyl. 

The purpose of this RFI is to collate information on past, current and future research and development (R&D) efforts that address disruption of illicit cargo and the related topic areas.  The information collected through this RFI may also inform new R&D efforts to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain.  Sources are encouraged to consider leveraging synthetic data in the RFI response.  

DHS is committed to using cutting edge technologies and scientific talent in our quest to make America safer.  Therefore, DHS S&T has a mission to obtain technological resources and tools that are reliable and available for use, as well as leveraging existing resources to help protect the homeland.

Responses to the attached RFI will be captured on the Vulcan platform. New users to Vulcan can access the website by clicking on “Join” at https://vulcan-sof.com/login and following the steps to request a new user account.