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  1. Science and Technology
  2. Partnerships
  3. International Partnerships

International Partnerships

S&T’s International Cooperative Programs Office (ICPO) has the statutory mandate to conduct international cooperative activities to develop and field test security solutions by sharing costs, resources, and expertise to improve interoperability and strategic alliances (Title 6 USC 195c)​. 

ICPO oversees international cooperative activities for S&T and DHS Components that focus on:

  • Increasing capability development and transition into the hands of operational end users.
  • Harnessing global innovation to ensure a technological edge.
  • Expanding the impact of U.S. research and development investments, technologies, and scientific leadership.

ICPO enables security technology partnership with governments around the world that help protect and promote the homeland, its infrastructure, and its citizens. ICPO supports the full spectrum of DHS operations in activities where both partners mutually contribute resources and benefit from the solutions. By extension, these activities include U.S. and foreign industry and academic leaders in science and innovation.

DHS S&T’s international engagement approach aligns with Department’s Global Innovation, Research, and Development Strategy and aims to enhance U.S. capabilities and establish enduring relationships to provide DHS and its Components with greater access to global research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E). ICPO reaches beyond U.S. borders so that DHS has access to the best technology and scientific advancements worldwide.

ICPO executes its mission through management of agreements with 14 bilateral partners and an extensive network of other allied nations focused on highly specialized technology cooperation. At any given time, ICPO oversees 100-plus international cooperative activities for S&T, DHS Components, and other government agencies.

This map shows ICPO's global reach, highlighting three different types of partnerships. Singapore, London, and Ottawa are marked as S&T Attachés. There are 14 countries marked as having a Bilateral Relationship with S&T. There are also many other countries marked as part of the Innovation Network, which are allied partners in ICPO's mission.

ICPO pushes boundaries through global partnerships. Our work enables access to specialized assets and testing environments, strengthens Homeland Security capabilities, accelerates U.S. innovation and technology development, expands U.S. technology marketability while aligning regulatory standards, and results in cost sharing and financial efficiencies for the U.S. government.

For more information, contact us via email at SandT.InternationalPrograms@HQ.DHS.GOV.

Last Updated: 04/28/2025
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