NEWPORT, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2006--Smiths Detection-LiveWave, a leading developer of intelligent surveillance solutions for mission-critical security applications, announced it has been awarded a contract to engineer and deploy a prototype security solution for the Rhode Island Port Security Wireless Communications Network (RIPSWCN). As part of a one-year pilot program, the system will interconnect with land-based communications networks to allow government agencies and emergency personnel to share and distribute real-time data throughout Narragansett Bay.
A collaborative project of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Rhode Island Department of Administration (DOA), the RIPSWCN partnership was created as a demonstration project funded by an $856,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through its Information Technology and Evaluation Program (ITEP).
After soliciting bids from contractors across the country, RIPSWCN selected Smiths Detection-LiveWave to lead the network construction. The network is scheduled to be operational in March 2006.
"Under Smiths Detection-LiveWave's leadership, the Rhode Island Port Security Wireless Communications Network will demonstrate new port security technologies with the potential for nationwide application," says John Riendeau, Defense Industry Manager at the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. "This Network's unique ability to develop new models for addressing emergency response and contingency planning, will become a national model by which other port security communication approaches are measured."
The project will consist of a wireless broadband network to distribute text, voice, data and video to first responders and local law enforcement in real-time. Users will be able to communicate securely via Internet Protocol (IP) on standard PCs, laptops and handheld devices.
Additionally, the network will consist of both existing and new high-resolution robotic camera systems, wireless networking systems and equipment and a variety of sensors including thermal and radar for vessel identification and tracking.
"Smiths Detection-LiveWave's next-generation technology extends interoperability to agencies needing to share critical information in real-time, as it helps to expand the communications infrastructure and increases public safety," said Peter Mottur, President of Smiths Detection-LiveWave. "By taking a proactive role in strengthening Narragansett Bay's port security, the DHS and State of Rhode Island recognize the Bay is a vital resource to the area's economy and environment. Deploying our network solution also provides a model of advanced communications infrastructure to other ports around the country."
To fully integrate and deploy the advanced network solution, Smiths Detection-LiveWave is partnering with Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems; Business Innovation Factory (BIF) of Providence, RI; and Verizon Wireless. The system will be implemented as part of the Rhode Island Wireless Innovation Networks (RI-WINs) initiative, a project of the Business Innovation Factory to make Rhode Island the first state in the country with border-to-border broadband wireless capability.
A great strength of Rhode Island's bid to win federal funding for this project was the way in which Rhode Island's size and accessible leadership enabled the interagency cooperation necessary to develop and prototype a system of this kind.
About Smiths Detection-LiveWave
Smiths Detection-LiveWave is a leading provider of intelligent digital video surveillance solutions for mission-critical applications. Smiths Detection-LiveWave develops advanced intrusion detection software and provides engineering and integration services for enterprise-level physical security applications.
Smiths Detection-LiveWave products and services are available from the General Services Administration's (GSA) Federal Supply Service under Schedule 70: General Purpose Commercial Information Technology Equipment, Software and Services. GSA Contract # GS-35F-0493N.
Smiths Detection-LiveWave was founded in 1999 and is a subsidiary of Smiths Detection, which is headquartered in Pine Brook, New Jersey. Smiths Detection is one of four operating divisions of Smiths Group plc. Smiths Detection offers technologically advanced security solutions to detect and identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons and contraband. Employing trace detection technology together with Smiths Heimann X-ray imaging, Smiths Detection provides screening solutions for customers in civil and military markets worldwide. For more information visit: www.smithsdetection.com
CONTACT: Coltrin & Associates David Olsen, 212-221-1616 ext. 118 [email protected] or Smiths Detection-LiveWave Kirsten Robillard, 401-848-7678, ext. 10 [email protected] KEYWORD: RHODE ISLANDINDUSTRY KEYWORD: LEGAL/LAW GOVERNMENT TRANSPORTATION SOFTWARE NETWORKING PRODUCTSOURCE: Smiths Detection-LiveWave
