DHS Explosives Division
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2003 |
| Jurisdiction | United States |
| Headquarters | DHS Nebraska Avenue Complex, Washington D.C. |
| Agency executive | Dr. 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 published by Homeland Security defines critical focus areas for explosives research:
- Standoff detection on persons (portable solutions)
- System solution for detection in baggage (checked & carried)
- Capability to detect VBIED (very big improvised explosive devices) / large threat mass (container, trailer, ship, vessel, car, rail)
- Capability to detect homemade or novel explosives
- Capability to assess, render safe, and neutralize explosive threats
- Optimize canine explosive detection capability[2]
