Department of Homeland Security Announces First Designations and Certifications Under the Safety Act

Release Date: 06/18/04 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: Donald Tighe
Press Office: 202-282-8010

The Department of Homeland Security announced today the issuance of Designations and Certifications for four anti-terrorism technologies under the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002 (the SAFETY Act).  This is the first announcement in an ongoing process of review, analysis, and designation and certification of anti-terrorism technologies by the Department of Homeland Security.

“We at the Department of Homeland Security are thrilled to grant Designation and Certification for these technologies as effective tools in the fight against terrorism,” said Dr. Charles E. McQueary, Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security. “This announcement illustrates that this legislation, and the process to implement it, are working to support businesses that develop technologies to protect the American people. We appreciate and encourage the innovative contributions of the private sector in providing new tools and new technologies that will help protect our homeland, and now it is time to let the marketplace work.”

The technologies are representative of the tools that private businesses, both large and small, from across America are developing to fight terrorism.  The four anti-terrorism technologies for which Designation and Certification were announced today are:

Lockheed Martin Corporation Risk Assessment Platform: Lockheed Martin’s automated, threat-based Risk Assessment Platform is an integrated computer system that provides near real-time, event-driven terrorism threat analysis, allowing the focus of resources on the most imminent threats and greatest risks. The platform enables effective, responsible sharing of information between private industry and the government through continuous independent auditing of compliance with policies governing access, use, and distribution of information.

Michael Stapleton Associates SmartTech System and Explosion Detection Services: The SmartTech System is a two-way high-speed video/audio system designed to allow off-site bomb technicians to support clients in x-ray screening of items for explosives and hazardous materials through real-time viewing of images of suspicious items and then providing immediate guidance on identification and correct operational procedures. The real-time system eliminates disruptions to businesses, and through the use of additional resources including explosive detection canines, training programs, and radiation detection equipment, vastly increases the level of security provided to employees.

Northrop Grumman Biohazard Detection System (BDS): The Biohazard Detection System was developed by a Northrop Grumman Corporation-led team, and has been selected by the U.S. Postal Service to rapidly analyze environmental samples and detect potential biological threats as postal service, mail-sorting facilities nationwide. The BDS detects trace levels of DNA from anthrax spores and other biological agents as mail is processed on high-speed sorting equipment.

Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc. WaterSabre™ :  WaterSabre™ is a remotely operated, ultra-high pressure water jet cutting system designed to investigate and aid in the neutralization of explosive devices by providing a rapid means of gaining access to the interiors of devices and, when necessary, to aid in the neutralization of explosive devices. The system works by discharging a high-powered water stream that can cut through various containers, thus enabling technicians to gain access to a container or potential explosive device without the risk of injury.

The Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, which opened in October of 2003, has received 91 Pre-applications and 19 Full Applications for SAFETY Act Designation and Certification. The application itself is currently undergoing revision as the Department considers feedback from applicants, businesses, and industry groups in order to make the process as user-friendly as possible.  In addition, DHS has been considering comments on the Interim Rule, as it was signed by Secretary Tom Ridge on October 10, 2003, as the Department prepares to issue its Final Rule to OMB in the near future.

The SAFETY Act is intended to facilitate the development and deployment of anti-terrorism technologies by creating systems of risk management and litigation management.  Specifically, the SAFETY Act creates certain liability limitations for “claims arising out of, relating to, or resulting from an act of terrorism” where qualified anti-terrorism technologies have been deployed.  Because there are many technologies important to the fight against terrorism, the SAFETY Act grants Designation and Certification for effective technologies that will prevent, detect, identify, or deter acts of terrorism, or mitigate the harm that such acts might otherwise cause, and that satisfy additional statutory criteria.

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This page was last modified on 06/18/04 00:00:00