SubscribeMay be eligible for grant funding under several US DHS programs.
Ahura Corporation's FirstDefender is listed on the Responder Knowledge Base (RKB), a DHS-funded website designed to support the emergency responder community. The FirstDefender uses Raman infrared detection technology for instantaneous identification of unknown solids and liquids, which is a critical part of today's emergency response preparedness.
The FirstDefender has also been linked to the Standardized Equipment List (SEL). The SEL is issued annually to promote interoperability and standardization across the response community at the local, state, and federal levels by offering a standard reference and a common set of terminology.
It is provided to the responder community by the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability (IAB). The SEL contains a list of generic equipment recommended by the IAB to local, state, and federal government organizations in preparing for and responding to Terrorist Incidents and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Events. Linkage to the SEL indicates that the FirstDefender fits the operational description of at least one of these key items.
The FY2006 Authorized Equipment List (AEL) used by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Grants and Training (G&T) also contains an item under which the FirstDefender may qualify for purchase using grant funds. This item applies to the following major grant programs:
- State Homeland Security Program
- Urban Areas Security Initiative
- Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS)
- Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
- Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP)
- Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
- Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP)
Allowability of specific products under these grant programs is determined by each State Administrative Agency and appropriate DHS G&T Preparedness Officer. Detailed information about the FirstDefender, the SEL, and the AEL is available on the Responder Knowledge Base at www.rkb.mipt.org.
First Defender is a rugged handheld Raman instrument used for the instantaneous identification of unknown liquids and solids. It is designed to the rigorous requirements of the military and optimized to the needs of civilian first responders. FirstDefender is deployed across many federal agencies including the U.S. Army, U.S. Customs and Immigration, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Hazmat teams across the country ranging from Fire Department of New York, Washington DC, Orlando and Seattle are actively using it. It is being used by law enforcement from the State Police of New Jersey to the Los Angeles Police Department. Customers in Europe, Asia and Australia are also using FirstDefender because of its accuracy, usability and low price.
First Defender is ideal for emergency situations demanding a rapid assessment of potentially hazardous materials including toxic industrial chemicals, explosives, chemical warfare agents, and narcotics. Its portability and ruggedness make it ideal for on-site applications. With the built-in DecisionEngine software, it provides the first spectroscopic chemical identification system with the ability to identify not only chemicals using the on board signature library but mixtures of chemicals too.
This mixture analysis capability gives First Defender an effective library of billions of possible combinations and concentrations. These results are available instantly even when the material is diluted or mixed with benign substances.