Kromek awarded first biological-threat detection contract by the US Department of Defense
Kromek, a worldwide supplier of detection technology focusing on the medical, security and civil nuclear markets, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded its first contract for biological-threat detection by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (“DARPA”), an agency of the US Department of Defense.
The contract, which is worth $1.99 million over a twelve-month period and commences immediately, is to develop a proof-of-concept device for a vehicle-mounted biological-threat identifier. This project expands the application of Kromek’s technology to include biological-threat detection and builds on the success of the Company’s work with DARPA in nuclear-threat detection using the D3S product family. Following the initial twelve-month period, the contract could potentially be extended to a multi-year contract for the development of a fully deployable system.
The project aims to develop a next-generation vehicle-mounted system capable of rapidly identifying the pathogens used in any biological attack, enabling a quicker response and reduced harm to people and the environment. The new system will reduce the detection and pathogen identification time significantly compared to current systems. The completed system aims to extend the existing SIGMA network for biological threats as part of DARPA’s new SIGMA+ initiative.
Dr Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “As the SIGMA programme has begun transitioning to the US Department of Homeland Security, DARPA is turning its focus to add the next generation of biological-threat detection systems.
“We are delighted to be awarded this additional contract from DARPA, as it expands our relationship with them and broadens our expertise into biological threat detection, adding to our radiological and nuclear threat detection capabilities.”
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