Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) – Profiles

The Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) operates as an interagency research and development program element under the federal Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO), with a mission of fielding rapid solutions to combat terrorism.

Rapid prototyping is the primary focus at the TSWG, but the ultimate goal is to transition products to end users. The bulk of TSWG core funding is provided by the DoD. Additional funding is supplied by the Department of State, while other government departments and agencies share the costs of selected projects.

The TSWG organizes its research and development into several subgroups including: Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Countermeasures (CBRNC); Explosives Detection; Physical Security; Investigative Support and Forensics; and Personnel Protection. The CBRNC Subgroup identifies and prioritizes multi-agency user requirements and competitively seeks technological solutions for countering the terrorist employment of CBRN materials.

By its participation in the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability and in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, the National Institute of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of State and other Department of Defense components, TWSG CBRNC integrates technology requirements from fire, hazmat, law enforcement, and emergency medical services communities into its process.

The TSWG is currently divided into 10 subgroups, each chaired by senior representatives from federal agencies with special expertise in those functional areas. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Low-Intensity Conflict (EOD/LIC) Program, which develops advanced technologies for Joint Service EOD and Special Operations Forces (SOF) missions, transitioned in 2001. In 2007, the Irregular Warfare Support (IWS) Program was initiated to satisfy a growing need to improve the capacity of the U.S. to counter insurgencies and fight an irregular war.