The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has awarded $153,000 to Morcom International, Inc. to develop maritime object tracking technology.
The funding allotment earmarked for the Chantilly, Virginia-based firm was made via S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP) Maritime Object Tracking Technology solicitation, which supports the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) mission that ensures maritime safety, security, and stewardship.
Morcom’s project seeks to augment its existing product, the Tracking Unit for Navigational Aid (TUNA), to help the Coast Guard implement a better and more reliable system for clearly marking objects in water.
“SVIP has given USCG access to companies like Morcom with technologies suitable for rapid prototyping,” Wendy Chaves, head of Coast Guard Research, Development, Test and Evaluation and Innovation Program, said. “We are looking forward to evaluating Morcom’s augmented design of TUNA and how it will benefit USCG missions.”
TUNA presently enables tracking small vessels or other floating objects at sea using a Global Navigation Satellite System receiver and multi-link technologies.
“We are excited to add another company to our portfolio under the Maritime Object Tracking Technology topic call,” SVIP Managing Director Melissa Oh said. “With Morcom’s experience in providing critical communication and alerting systems to government and state agencies, the prospect of delivering a solution that will bolster USCG’s ability to carry out its mission is promising.”