DHS Science and Technology Explosives Division

According to the DHS S&T website, the Explosives Division of Homeland Security Science and Technology "develops the technical capabilities to detect, interdict, and lessen the impacts of non-nuclear explosives used in terrorist attacks against mass transit, civil aviation, and critical infrastructure."

The division is currently led by Jim Tuttle. It is supervised by the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology, currently being Jay M. Cohen.

The 2007 High Priority Technical Needs Brochure published by Homeland Security defines critical focus areas for Explosives research, falling primarily under the category of "explosives prevention":


 * 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