DHS Tests MANET Radios and Robotic Systems With El Paso Responders

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate field-tested responder technologies with first responders in El Paso, Texas. The assessment brought together mobile ad hoc network (MANET) radios and RADēCO’s Cerberus quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle to examine how communications and robotics could support operations in demanding environments. DHS described the effort as a field assessment, not a contract award or solicitation, so it should be read as a technology-evaluation signal rather than evidence of an active award or guaranteed acquisition.

The assessment focused on practical responder needs: radio interoperability, sensing in hazardous areas, delivery of medical supplies, and the logistics required to deploy equipment. These use cases point to a systems-level challenge for suppliers. A capable radio, robot, or sensor must work alongside other equipment and fit responder workflows; integration, reliable communications, and field usability are therefore relevant alongside the performance of individual products. For contractors, the activity highlights areas where demonstrable interoperability and operational validation may help distinguish offerings.

DHS is also seeking industry input through its TACTICS request for information (RFI). The request asks companies to provide a technical category 1 capability matrix, due November 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern. The deadline is immediate relative to the publication date of November 3, making the RFI a time-sensitive avenue for firms with tactical communications capabilities to communicate relevant information. An RFI is not itself a solicitation or promise of future work, but responses can help agencies understand the market and available capabilities.

The technologies identified in the source include MANET equipment from Persistent Systems and Silvus Technologies, as well as RADēCO’s Cerberus platform. Boston Dynamics is also listed among the vendors associated with the signal, although the supplied source text does not specify that its equipment was evaluated in this particular assessment. The November 10 Homeland Security Summit is identified as a forum focused on technology validation and unmanned systems. Companies pursuing this market can use the assessment, RFI, and summit as distinct engagement signals: the field test shows operational areas of interest, the RFI provides a formal channel for industry input, and the summit offers a relevant venue for market engagement.

• DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate tested responder technologies with first responders in El Paso, Texas.
• The assessment included MANET radios and RADēCO’s Cerberus quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle.
• Evaluation areas included radio interoperability, hazardous-area sensing, medical-supply delivery, and deployment logistics.
• Persistent Systems and Silvus Technologies MANET equipment were among the technologies evaluated.
• DHS’s TACTICS RFI requests a technical category 1 capability matrix, due November 4, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern.
• Tactical communications suppliers can use the RFI to provide the requested industry input; it is not a contract award or solicitation.
• The field assessment signals federal interest in resilient communications and unmanned systems for responder operations, without establishing a procurement commitment.
• The November 10 Homeland Security Summit is identified as a forum focused on technology validation and unmanned systems.
• Suppliers may find relevant market activity across communications, sensing, robotics, and integration with responder equipment.