DHS funds earmarked for vehicle-borne explosives detection

Block MEMS, LLC has secured a $2,622,082 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) award to develop vehicle-borne explosives detection technology.

The funding, provided through S&T’s Long-Range Broad Agency Announcement (LRBAA) process, would result in detecting Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) before they enter stadiums, office building parking structures, and other soft targets.

“It is impossible for law enforcement officials to be everywhere at all times,” Ali Fadel, S&T Physical Security program manager, said. “So, S&T is working to create and support the development of tools that serve as a force-multiplier. We’re assisting security personnel in keeping the public safe and enhancing security in any soft-target venue or environment with unstructured crowds.”

The scope of work is slated to advance Block MEMS, LLC’s quantum cascade laser (QCL) technologies, officials said, adding the tools are used in the transportation security, defense, critical infrastructure protection, and health care industries for applications that include trace-level standoff detection of explosives and narcotics.

As a means of bolstering the physical security of domestic critical infrastructure that includes air travel and mass transportation systems, schools, as well as mass public gatherings, authorities noted S&T invests in research and development technologies, methods, and procedures to improve physical security.