Homeland Security Department issues RFI for vehicle extrication tools

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) recently issued a vehicle extrication tools request for information (RFI).

The agency is seeking commercially available vehicle extrication tools emergency responders can deploy to rescue individuals trapped in cars. NUSTL is looking for information detailing battery-powered spreading, cutting, and spreading/cutting combination vehicle extrication tools.

“Following an accident, emergency responders need to quickly open or remove parts of damaged vehicles to rescue injured passengers trapped inside,” NUSTL Project LeadKris Dooley said. “Powerful and technologically advanced extrication tools can provide responders with the mobility and flexibility they need during life-saving rescue operations.”

The information is slated to be included in a market survey report. To make submissions, interested parties have until 5 p.m. EST on May 30, 2022.

DHS maintains tools should offer easy storage and deployment while providing emergency responders with the mobility, flexibility, and ergonomic balance to operate in various positions, environmental conditions, and locations.

Additionally, the market survey report produced by NUSTL’s System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program will be posted to the SAVER Document Library on the S&T website, according to DHS.