---
title: "Subscribers"
description: "CBRNe World provides those tasked with defending against CBRN and IED threats with the essential practical, scientific and political information. Access the current and previous issues of the magazine by registering as a member."
url: "https://cbrneworld.com/news/subscribers?start=1040"
date: "2026-07-31T12:04:29+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

[![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/15/Pipe_Bomb_in_Home_Depot_Case-15d947bb.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1435:florida-woman-arrested-with-pipe-bombs-in-her-bedroom&catid=12)

##  [Florida woman arrested with pipe bombs in her bedroom](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1435:florida-woman-arrested-with-pipe-bombs-in-her-bedroom&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 09 October 2019.

Acting on a tip from her parents, Tampa Bay area authorities said Friday they arrested a 27-year-old woman obsessed with the Columbine and Oklahoma City mass killings and discovered pipe bombs, weapons and bomb making materials in her bedroom.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister told reporters that Michelle Louise Kolts, of Wimauma, Florida, was arrested shortly after midnight. She was charged with 24 counts of making a destructive device with the intent to do bodily harm or property damage, a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. “If used, these bombs could have caused catastrophic damage to hundreds, if not thousands of people,” Chronister said. “Something tremendous was prevented.”

Deputies were first alerted to Kolts last year after they learned she had ordered a large quantity of disturbing material, including bomb-making manuals, from an online printer. “She became consumed with the Columbine and Oklahoma killings,” the sheriff said. “She wasn’t diagnosed with any type of mental health diagnosis at the time. She stated, at that time, her intentions were not to harm anyone.”

The sheriff said Kolts' parents contacted authorities Thursday evening, when Kolts was away, after finding the pipe bombs and other dangerous items in her bedroom. Deputies discovered two dozen pipe bombs, smokeless pistol powder, fused material, 23 knives, two hatchets, nunchucks, two BB pellet type rifles, six BB pellet type handguns, and dozens of books and DVDs about murder, mass killings, bomb-making and domestic terrorism.

Authorities said officers were so alarmed by the trove of weapons that they evacuated the home and summoned the agency's bomb squad. Kolts, whose occupation on her arrest warrant is described as "laborer," was taken into custody at her job. Authorities described her as cooperative.

“Both parents were in the military, and they couldn’t have been more cooperative,” the sheriff said. “It’s because of these parents, who knows what type of catastrophic event was prevented in the Tampa Bay area?” He said the case underscored the importance of citizens speaking up "when you see something that isn't right."

 [Threat](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/threat), [CBRNe](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/cbrne), [Weapons](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/weapons)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/c2/Lung_on_a_chip-c2132a8b.png)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1434:hhs-explores-lung-on-a-chip-technology-in-developing-chemical-injury-treatments&catid=12)

##  [HHS Explores Lung-on-a-Chip Technology in Developing Chemical Injury Treatments](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1434:hhs-explores-lung-on-a-chip-technology-in-developing-chemical-injury-treatments&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 09 October 2019.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will support tests of organ-on-a-chip technology to determine how it can be used to understand injuries caused by inhaled chlorine gas, a potential national security threat, and to develop treatments for those injuries.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, will provide technical expertise and approximately $13.5 million over the next two years to [Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine](https://school.wakehealth.edu/Research/Institutes-and-Centers/Wake-Forest-Institute-for-Regenerative-Medicine) (WFIRM) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to validate how the group’s lung-on-a-chip technology, also known as an organ tissue equivalent, works in modeling the effects of chlorine gas on human lungs. BARDA can support additional work over the next five years, providing funding up to a total of approximately $24 million.

“We are continually looking for disruptive technologies that accelerate the development of medical products to save lives in incidents involving some of the most horrific health security threats our country faces,” explained BARDA Director Rick Bright, Ph.D. “Organ-on-a-chip technology has the potential not only to inform our decisions about the most promising investigational products to pursue, but also to revolutionize the speed and cost-efficiency of developing those products.”

The lung-on-a-chip platform is part of WFIRM’s overall Body-on-a-Chip program, a miniaturized system of human organs that can be used to model the body’s response to harmful agents. To create the system, human cells are used to create tiny 3D organ-like structures called tissue equivalents that mimic the function of the heart, liver, lung, or blood vessels.

Placed on a two-inch chip, these structures are connected to a system of fluid channels and sensors to provide online monitoring of individual organs-on-a-chip and the overall system. Circulating a blood substitute keeps the cells alive and can be used to introduce chemical or biological agents, as well as potential therapies, into the system. Researchers monitor the responses of the organ-on-a-chip to a stimulus, such as chlorine gas.

Scientists’ observations on the effects of chlorine gas on human lungs is limited to accidents and chemical warfare incidents, both of which are uncommon. Although animal models are available and well-studied, these may not accurately reflect the human response and can be expensive to use. WFIRM’s study will determine whether the lung-on-a-chip reacts similarly to the way human lungs respond, and will expand the scientific understanding of lung injuries from inhaled chlorine.

The program will bring together experts in tissue biology, engineering, genomics, and bioinformatics – the combination of biology, mathematics, statistics, and computer science – to identify the effects of chlorine gas on the lungs and to determine the usefulness of the organ-on-a-chip technology in developing treatments for the resulting lung injuries.

Depending on the outcome of these early studies, BARDA and its partners may use organ-on-a-chip technology to test potential treatments for lung or other organ injuries that are caused by other chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) agents.

If used in developing products to treat or cure injuries or illnesses, organ-on-a-chip technology may reduce the number of animal studies needed for regulatory approval of these products. The need for fewer studies could reduce the development time and costs for many national security medical countermeasures.

Chlorine gas was used as a weapon during World War I and has been used repeatedly during the ongoing Syrian civil war. In addition, the amount of chlorine manufactured, along with its ready availability, makes this chemical a potential national security threat to the United States. Further, chlorine is one of the most-used industrial gases in the United States and causes multiple deaths and injuries due to accidents. In 2005, a train accident in Graniteville, South Carolina caused a tank car containing chlorine gas to leak, causing nine deaths and at least 250 injuries.

BARDA’s chemical countermeasures program is engaged with 16 different partners to develop therapeutics to protect from and to treat injuries caused by a variety of chemical threats, including three other partners whose products are being tested to treat chlorine-related injuries.

For more about ASPR and BARDA, visit [www.phe.gov/aspr](http://www.phe.gov/aspr), and to learn more about partnering with BARDA, visit [www.medicalcountermeasures.gov](https://www.medicalcountermeasures.gov/).​​

 [CBRNe](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/cbrne), [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical), [R&D](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/r-d), [Award](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/award)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/79/DHS_ST_-_Chem_Test-798daf13.png)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1433:s-t-assesses-portable-instruments-that-help-first-responders-identify-unknown-chemicals&catid=12)

##  [S&T Assesses Portable Instruments That Help First Responders Identify Unknown Chemicals](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1433:s-t-assesses-portable-instruments-that-help-first-responders-identify-unknown-chemicals&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 09 October 2019.

First responders arrive first on the scene when disaster strikes or terrorists attack. They often encounter dangerous conditions like smoke and chemicals. To best help in situations like these, they need to know the chemical substances present onsite. This is where analytical field instruments such as Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometers (GC/MS) come into play. But to acquire such technology, first responders first need to know which GC/MSs suit both their needs and their budgets.

That’s where the Department of Homeland Security [Science and Technology Directorate](https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology)’s (S&T) System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program steps in. The SAVER Program, managed by S&T’s [National Urban Security Technology Laboratory](https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/national-urban-security-technology-laboratory) (NUSTL), conducts assessments and validations of commercial technology to save money and time for first responders when they need to purchasing high quality equipment.

“It is like a consumer report,” said John Kada, NUSTL Test Director for a recent GC/MS assessment. “Our report provides evidence how the instruments performed with respect to the evaluation criteria.”

In July, Kada oversaw the assessment of three portable field GC/MSs used for analyzing chemical samples. Results from the assessment will be published in a report, to provide practical information for emergency responder organizations seeking an instrument best suited to their needs.

### Background

Since its inception in 2004, the SAVER Program has assessed hundreds of emergency response technologies, and more than 1,000 emergency responders—law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency managers—have participated in those assessments. This subject matter expertise during the assessments ensures technologies will meet first responders needs.

S&T developed the recent GC/MS assessment in cooperation with the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). A focus group consisting of first responders met in February 2019 to decide on the evaluation criteria. Most of the focus group members returned to participate in the July assessment.

### Why do First Responders need GC/MSs?

During field operations, first responders may encounter substances suspected to be narcotics, toxic industrial chemicals, or chemical warfare agents. Responders specializing in hazardous materials use GC/MS equipment to identify these hazardous substances.

These instruments have multiple applications beyond first responder needs such as in environmental monitoring and cleanup to analyze environmental pollutants, in criminal forensics to link a criminal to a crime, in law enforcement to detect illegal narcotics, and in airport security to detect explosives.

“Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry is considered the gold standard of analytical methods,” said Kada. “With portable GC/MS instruments, first responders have laboratory capability right there in the field.”

GC/MSs are capable of measuring gases, volatile and semi-volatile liquids, vapors emitted by some solids (if something has a smell, it emits vapor), and can also detect trace amounts of chemical compounds and identify them.

### First responders assess the GC/MSs in Seattle

During the assessment, which took place at the Seattle Joint Training Facility, Washington, Kada and his team gathered relevant data from three different GC/MS models and received feedback from a group of seven first responder evaluators with different backgrounds, including firefighters, policemen, and a member of a municipal Department of Health. A representative from each instrument manufacturer trained the evaluators and provided technical support during the event.

“It is important to have documented results to demonstrate the effectiveness of our instrument in an unbiased environment utilizing industry experts as evaluators,” said Craig Crume, Training Manager, Detection at FLIR Systems, Inc., one of the vendors.

The evaluators rated the affordability, capability, usability, deployability and maintainability of each instrument according to their needs in the field. They also rated the clarity of the analysis reports those instruments generated.

The seven responder evaluators were divided into three groups. Each evaluator has had experience operating field portable GC/MS or other chemical identification devices. The responders assessed the instruments by analyzing samples from common, non-toxic, consumer products, such as over-the counter medicines, cosmetics, and foodstuffs.

“For safety reasons, we didn’t have the responders use any dangerous chemicals,” Kada explained.

The assessment included 30 criteria and focused on testing the instruments’ general capabilities for analyzing different kinds of samples like solids, liquids, and gasses. Many questions were related to how effectively a responder can use that equipment.

## Next steps

NUSTL will publish the evaluators’ feedback and results collected during the operational assessment scenarios later this year in [S&T’s SAVER library](https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/saver-documents-library). For more information, email [](https://cbrneworld.com/javascript:/*%20This%20email%20address%20is%20being%20protected%20from%20spambots.*/).

 [Detection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/detection), [Equipment](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/equipment), [CBRNe](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/cbrne)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/65/NIOSH-65aa960d.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1432:niosh-releases-first-responder-illicit-drug-toolkit&catid=12)

##  [NIOSH Releases First Responder Illicit Drug Toolkit](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1432:niosh-releases-first-responder-illicit-drug-toolkit&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 07 October 2019.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released a new virtual toolkit to help first responders reduce their exposure to fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The toolkit provides resources to help keep first responders safe when arriving on a scene where illicit drugs, including fentanyl, are present or suspected to be present.

The toolkit includes two training videos that can be used during for roll call along with infographics and postcards based on NIOSH recommendations. The institute developed the training videos in collaboration with the Fredericksburg, VA Police and Fire Departments, and the FBI Laboratory.

The resources are intended to accomplish three goals:

- Highlighting how to assess a response scene for hazards that may indicate the presence of illicit drugs.
- Illustrating what personal protective equipment (PPE) to wear and how first responders should decontaminate themselves and their equipment, and
- Providing guidance on how to prevent take-home exposure to protect the families of first responders who may have been exposed.

The videos, infographics, and postcards can be shared with first responders and others via social media and text. Infographics and postcards can be printed.

The toolkit can be found [here](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fentanyl/toolkit.html), and information on Fentanyl in particular [here](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/fentanyl/risk.html)

 [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical), [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection), [Training](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/training)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/events/sponsor_logos/Flir.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1431:flir-aquires-tethered-drone-assets-and-technology-from-aria-insights&catid=12)

##  [FLIR Aquires Tethered Drone Assets and Technology from Aria Insights](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1431:flir-aquires-tethered-drone-assets-and-technology-from-aria-insights&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 04 October 2019.

FLIR Systems, Inc. has announced that it has acquired the intellectual property (IP) and certain operating assets of Aria Insights, Inc. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed.

Previously known as CyPhy Works, Inc., Aria pioneered the development of tethered small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS). Founded in 2008 by iRobot co-founder Helen Greiner and backed by several top technology investors, Aria notably developed the Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications (PARC) tethered drone. The company ceased operations in March 2019.

Tethered drones connect to a base station or vehicle by microfilament wire, which provides both continuous power and secure communications. For certain applications, a tethered drone offers advantages over a free-flying UAS, enabling sustained operations on longer missions and persistent situational awareness so users can perform intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) functions.

The Aria assets will be integrated into FLIR’s Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions Division, augmenting the company’s industry-leading technology portfolio built from its acquisitions of Prox Dynamics in 2016 and Aeryon Labs and Endeavor Robotics earlier this year.

“Tethered UAS systems are becoming an increasingly valuable tool for force protection, border security, and critical infrastructure protection,” said David Ray, president of FLIR’s Government and Defense business. “Aria’s innovative technology and IP assets will enable us to enhance current capabilities and advance the range of solutions we can deliver to customers in this growing market segment.”

“We’re pleased to complete the sale of our assets to FLIR Systems,” said Lance Vandenbrook, former CEO of Aria Insights. “We are proud of the technology our team developed through the operations of CyPhy Works and Aria, and we believe FLIR offers the best opportunity to see it make a difference and support critical missions in the years ahead.”

 [Equipment](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/equipment), [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection), [Drone](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/drones)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/Sabin_Vaccein_Institute_Logo.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1430:sabin-vaccine-institute-receives-award-to-develop-develop-ebola-sudan-and-marburg-vaccines&catid=12)

##  [Sabin Vaccine Institute Receives Award to Develop Develop Ebola Sudan and Marburg Vaccines](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1430:sabin-vaccine-institute-receives-award-to-develop-develop-ebola-sudan-and-marburg-vaccines&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 04 October 2019.

The Sabin Vaccine Institute (Sabin) has announced a funding award of $20.5 million with options for an additional $107.5 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Under the terms of this agreement, the full program is expected to advance development of clinical-stage monovalent vaccines against Ebola Sudan and Marburg viruses through Phase 2 clinical trials.

Ebola Sudan and Marburg are among the world’s deadliest viruses, causing hemorrhagic fever with subsequent death in an average of 50 percent of cases \[1,2\]. A closely related strain, Ebola Zaire, has caused more than 2,000 deaths in the past year during the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) \[3\], leading the World Health Organization to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern \[4\]. With Ebola Sudan and Marburg’s own history of outbreaks and their potential for future devastating outbreaks, preventative measures are overdue to protect civilian populations, military personnel, first responders, healthcare workers and laboratory workers, both in the United States and abroad, against these emerging infectious diseases.

“Vaccines are the most effective shield we can use against Ebola and Marburg viruses, both of which have a long history of deadly outbreaks,” said Sabin Chief Executive Officer Amy Finan. “In the years ahead, we hope to make available the reliable protection every man, woman and child needs to defend themselves against these life-threatening diseases.”

The BARDA funding will enable Sabin to advance the investigational Ebola Sudan and Marburg vaccines using the ChAd3-based platform recently licensed under an [agreement](https://www.sabin.org/updates/pressreleases/gsk-grants-exclusive-technology-license-clinical-stage-ebola-vaccines-sabin) between GSK and Sabin. Building on the immunogenicity and safety demonstrated in recent Phase 1 clinical trials by the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Sabin aims to advance the ChAd3 vaccines in pursuit of licensure and stockpiling. Under the terms of the agreement, the initial $20.5 million award supports process development and non-clinical activities. Additional non-clinical studies, as well as manufacturing of clinical material and Phase 2 clinical trials in the United States and Africa, may be supported by $107.5 million in additional funding.

This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract No. 75A50119C000555.

 [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection), [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological), [R&D](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/r-d), [Funding ](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/funding)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/SIGA-Technologies-Inc.-logo.png#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1429:siga-completes-clinical-studies-for-iv-formulation-of-tpoxx-nda-to-be-submitted-in-2020&catid=12)

##  [SIGA Completes Clinical Studies for IV Formulation of TPOXX, NDA to be Submitted in 2020](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1429:siga-completes-clinical-studies-for-iv-formulation-of-tpoxx-nda-to-be-submitted-in-2020&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 04 October 2019.

SIGA Technologies, Inc. announced on October 3rd that it has reached concurrence with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that no further clinical studies will be required for the IV formulation of TPOXX (tecovirimat), and SIGA anticipates filing the New Drug Application (NDA) for this formulation in 2020.

Given that the efficacy of TPOXX was previously established in animal models used to support the development and approval of the oral formulation, the FDA will not require additional efficacy data to support the NDA for the IV formulation. The IV formulation of TPOXX is an important option for the treatment of smallpox in those who may be too sick or unable to swallow the oral capsule formulation.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) emphasized the importance of this option in the 2018 contract award to SIGA, which specifies the delivery of 20,000 courses of the IV formulation of TPOXX and contains options for the purchase of up to an additional 192,000 courses of the formulation.

“We are pleased to reach this milestone with the FDA in the development of the IV formulation of TPOXX,” said Phil Gomez, CEO of SIGA Technologies. “We will now focus on finalizing the commercial production capability for IV TPOXX and submitting the NDA in 2020.” SIGA anticipates that the FDA will approve the IV formulation of TPOXX in 2021.

On July 13, 2018, the FDA approved the oral formulation of TPOXX (oral TPOXX) for the treatment of smallpox to mitigate the impact of a potential outbreak or bioterror attack. TPOXX, a small-molecule antiviral treatment for smallpox, is the first therapy specifically approved for this indication, and was developed through funding and collaboration with BARDA at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as well as early stage development supported by the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Department of Defense.

 [CBRNe](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/cbrne), [Protection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/protection), [Biological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/biological)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/72/University_of_Manchester-727f44f0.jpeg)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1428:research-developing-sensors-for-worm-robots-to-be-used-after-disasters&catid=12)

##  [Research developing sensors for ‘worm robots’ to be used after disasters ](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1428:research-developing-sensors-for-worm-robots-to-be-used-after-disasters&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 04 October 2019.

Researchers from The University of Manchester are developing chemical sensors that can be mounted on to ‘worm robots’, as part of a project involving partners in four European countries to improve detection of people trapped under debris after a disaster.

 In the face of natural or man-made disaster, urban search and rescue teams and other first responders like police, medical units or civil protection race against the clock to locate survivors within a critical 72-hour timeframe, often at their own peril due to the presence of unstable structures or hazardous environments.

 In order to speed up the detection of survivors trapped in collapsed buildings and to improve working conditions for the first responders, a new Europe-wide project is devising novel technologies using drones, miniaturised robotic equipment and advanced sensors.

 The innovative CURSOR Search and Rescue Kit features robots equipped with chemical sensors that detect a wide range of chemical substances indicating human presence, which are carried from operational headquarters to a disaster site by a drone. On site, the robots work independently in clusters searching for survivors.

 Additionally, the Mothership UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) acts as an aerial hub that produces high-definition imaging for accurate visualisation of the disaster zone, and allows communication with the control centre.

 Researchers from The University of Manchester’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science are developing chemical sensors for small ‘worm robots’ which can enter through small crevices in debris, and send a signal to people above ground if live persons are detected.

 “First responders have practical experience on the field and developers the technical know-how,” said project coordinator Klaus Dieter Büttgen, of the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief. “Through this unique collaboration between technical partners, industry, academics and first responders, expertise will be transformed into a novel technology that contributes to locating buried victims more swiftly and with less risk for the people conducting the research operation.”

 “One of the problems in coping with disaster situations is the people may be buried under debris or rubble, and it can be difficult to locate them,” said Professor Krishna Persaud of The University of Manchester. “It is also urgent to prioritise the recovery of people who may be alive from those who have sadly passed away.”

 “The new technologies developed will add an arsenal of tools to those teams involved in search and rescue operations worldwide.”

 The European Commission granted €7M to the CURSOR research proposal under the Horizon 2020 funding scheme. The project was officially launched in September, and will run for three years.

 [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical), [R&D](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/r-d), [Robotics](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/robotics)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/Qinetiq_Logo.png#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1427:qinetiq-aquires-mteq&catid=12)

##  [QinetiQ aquires MTEQ](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1427:qinetiq-aquires-mteq&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 04 October 2019.

**QinetiQ has more than doubled the size of its US operations with acquisition of MTEQ.**

QinetiQ announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Manufacturing Techniques Inc. (MTEQ) on a cash-free, debt-free basis for $105 million to be paid in cash on completion and an earn-out of up to $20 million payable in cash and shares dependent on delivering stretching financial targets over three years.

MTEQ is a leading US provider of advanced sensing solutions with a strong reputation for mission-led innovation, rapidly developing and fielding operationally relevant solutions to deliver information advantage to the warfighter. In the 12 months to 31 August 2019, MTEQ generated $167.4 million of revenue, $11.4 million of EBITDA, and $11.0m of EBITA on an unaudited basis.

MTEQ employs 360 people in Virginia and has strong customer relationships, particularly with the US Army, supporting a number of its modernisation priority programmes. The business develops next generation sensing solutions, including integrating outputs from multiple sensors, to provide information that enables operational advantage in the modern battlespace. MTEQ is renowned for disruptive and agile innovation across the full cycle of sensor solutions development and use, including design, development, integration, low-volume production, deployment and analytics. Following completion, the business will continue to be led by its existing management team.

**Strategic rationale**

- MTEQ has a strong track record and further growth potential in an expanding sensors market
    - Delivers next-generation sensor solutions, which are in increasing demand to counter emerging threats in the modern battlespace
    - Drives a customer-centric approach to rapidly innovate and field new capabilities
    - Investing to improve profitability and win longer-term programmes

- Accelerates our growth in the US, the world’s largest defence and security market
    - Creates a US operation of c.$300m and c.750 employees, which will deliver solutions critical to next generation warfighting capability through the combination of MTEQ’s expertise in advanced sensors with our existing capabilities in robotics and autonomy
    - Transitions MTEQ’s sensors solutions into larger production programmes, leveraging our manufacturing capabilities in the US
    - Deepens our US Army relationship and broadens our US customer base

- Strengthens implementation of our international growth and innovation strategy across the Group
    - Increases our US home country to c.25% of Group revenue
    - Builds our rapid development capability to rapidly create and field new products and services
    - Creates further growth opportunities by leveraging QinetiQ’s technical capabilities into the US, and routes to UK and international markets

**Financial highlights**

- Delivered double digit revenue growth each year over the past three financial years
- Revenue of $167.4 million and EBITDA of $11.4 million in the 12 months to 31 August 2019, unaudited
- Revenue of $131.0 million and EBITDA of $8.4 million in the year to 31 December 2018, audited
- Will enhance QinetiQ’s earnings per share in the first full financial year
- Acquisition evaluated through our rigorous capital allocation methodology; returns expected to exceed QinetiQ’s cost of capital in year three
- Funded from QinetiQ’s available cash resources with the balance sheet expected to remain in a net cash position post completion providing further capacity to invest in growth

Steve Wadey, QinetiQ CEO, said:

“The acquisition of MTEQ is a significant step towards achieving our ambition to build an integrated global defence and security company, more than doubling the size of our operations in the largest defence and security market in the world.”

“MTEQ is a growing business that is thriving because of its ability to apply state-of-the-art sensing technology to enhance information and intelligence that are so critical to modern warfare. I am excited that MTEQ will be joining QinetiQ as its core proposition of rapidly creating new and disruptive capabilities to respond to emerging threats is so well aligned to our own. I look forward to welcoming MTEQ expert employees and high quality leadership team to QinetiQ.”

Mary Williams, MTEQ President and CEO, said:

“We are excited to be joining QinetiQ, a company renowned for its technical expertise. The combined businesses will have a leading position in technologies that are critical to next generation warfighting capabilities, enabling us to offer solutions to evermore complex and challenging customer requirements. Most importantly for me, QinetiQ and MTEQ share a common philosophy of partnership and collaboration with our customers, which will continue to be the foundation for our future success.”

 [Security](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/security), [Defense](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/defense), [UGV](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/ugv)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/JPEO_Logo.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1420:jpeo-cbrnd-streamlines-organization-to-meet-warfighter-needs&catid=12)

##  [JPEO-CBRND Streamlines Organization To Meet Warfighter Needs](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1420:jpeo-cbrnd-streamlines-organization-to-meet-warfighter-needs&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 01 October 2019.

The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) recently reorganized to a portfolio-based structure to focus on CBRN Protection, Medical and Sensors. These core focus areas contribute to building a more lethal force, a priority in the National Defense Strategy, and streamline JPEO-CBRND efforts to meet the Joint Service’s needs in combatting chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats.

Three Joint Project Managers (JPM) will provide oversight for the portfolios, including JPM CBRN Protection, JPM CBRN Medical and JPM CBRN Sensors. Four Joint Project Leads (JPL) will focus on CBRN special operations forces, information management/information technology, portfolio resources and enabling biotechnologies. The JPLs will also provide portfolio-wide enabling support across the JPEO-CBRND.

“Restructuring under a portfolio-based construct allows us to be more flexible in aligning investments to goals and priorities, and balancing risk against performance in order to enable mission success,” said Mr. Douglas Bryce, the Joint Program Executive Officer. “The future of defense acquisition is fast and agile, and we will continue to work closely with our partners and end users every step of the way to deliver capabilities faster and at the right cost.”

JPM CBRN Protection will develop, field and sustain CBRN protection and increase mitigation capabilities for the Nation. Their focus in coordination with JPL CBRN Special Operations Forces will be to unencumber the warfighter by developing a next-generation protective ensemble that reduces the physiological burden on the user and enhances protection to emerging threats. They will also focus on developing contamination mitigation technologies including decontamination systems, protective coatings and barriers to significantly decrease the time required to decontaminate and reset personnel and equipment in CBRN environments.

JPM CBRN Medical will facilitate the advanced development and acquisition of medical solutions to combat CBRN and emerging threats. Their focus in coordination with JPL Enabling Biotechnologies will be to provide new and improved medical countermeasures to enable treatment for many threats, rapid medical countermeasure responses, genomic sequencing and the capability to diagnose CBRN threats before the onset of symptoms.

JPM CBRN Sensors will develop, field and sustain CBRN sensors, reconnaissance systems, mobile laboratory systems and obscuration capabilities for the Army. Their focus in coordination with JPL Information Management/Information Technology will be to provide integrated early warning by bringing together the products in its portfolio along with robotics and autonomous systems, decision support tools, machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide situational awareness and understanding of CBRN threats.

“A lot of work has been done across the federal government in partnership with industry and academia to better understand new and emerging CBRN threats. Our job at JPEO-CBRND is to ensure warfighters have the capabilities they need to fight and win against today’s threats, and that they will have the capabilities they’re going to need to fight and win against future threats,” said Dr. Jason Roos, Deputy JPEO-CBRND. “Reorganizing allows us to accomplish that mission more quickly and more efficiently.”

In an environment of constantly evolving CBRN threats, United States’ warfighters need advanced capabilities for protection to carry out their missions. JPEO-CBRND can develop, field and deliver capabilities faster and more efficiently through the reorganized portfolio to better equip the warfighter.

 [CBRNe](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/cbrne)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/templates/yootheme/cache/37/Milrem_THeMIS_UGV-37260d4c.png)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1418:estonian-infantry-platoon-deploys-milrem-robotics-themis-ugv-on-patrol-for-the-first-time-in-mali&catid=12)

##  [Estonian infantry platoon deploys Milrem Robotics’ THeMIS UGV on patrol for the first time in Mali](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1418:estonian-infantry-platoon-deploys-milrem-robotics-themis-ugv-on-patrol-for-the-first-time-in-mali&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 01 October 2019.

The Estpla-32 infantry platoon currently serving in Mali deployed for the first time the Milrem Robotics THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) during a military operation, testing its implementation in support of infantry in the conflict area from both a tactical and a technical viewpoint.

“Deploying an unmanned vehicle will allow units to increase their combat power, as it reduces the physical load to soldiers and allows additional supplies to be included in an operation such as heavy weaponry, additional water and ammunition that could not be transported without the vehicle,” said 2nd Lieutenant Madis Pärnpuu, the second-in-command of Estpla-32. “We are currently using the UGV on patrols to identify and eliminate both technical and procedural bottlenecks, and test different ways of using it and integrating it into our tactics,” he added.

In the past, THeMIS has been used to transport equipment needed by the unit in Mali both at and near their base.

Mali is one of the toughest regions in the world with lava rock soil, loose sand and high temperatures that can reach 50 degrees in the shade. Such conditions test the capabilities of the THeMIS but also other technology available to units like radio stations, GPS equipment, etc. Despite the difficult circumstances, the THeMIS has proven itself reliable.

“Mali is the perfect place to test new technology. In addition to supporting our troops, we have received a great deal of valuable feedback from Operation Barkhane on the reliability, ease of use and tactical use of the vehicle,” said General (Ret) Riho Terras, President of the Defence Division of Milrem Robotics. The company will use the information collected from Mali for further development to improve the UGV and make it an even better tool for dismounted units.

Milrem Robotics' THeMIS is currently the only tracked UGV of its size class deployed in the operational area. Milrem Robotics’ UGVs will also support the Mali mission in 2020.

THeMIS is a multi-purpose tracked vehicle that can be equipped with a range of different combat systems. The THeMIS in Mali can be used for support and observation. The vehicle can transport equipment such as water and ammunition and thanks to its cameras increase situational awareness and allow for an overview of dangerous areas without endangering soldiers.

You can find the video [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY23yMZHBUc) and pictures [here](https://pildid.mil.ee/index.php?/category/59593).

 [Equipment](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/equipment), [UGV](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/ugv)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/News-Images/Platelet_Biogenesis_Logo.png#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1417:platelet-biogenesis-receives-56-million-contract-to-develop-human-stem-cell-derived-platelets-as-a-medical-countermeasure-to-radiological-and-nuclear-exposure&catid=12)

##  [Platelet BioGenesis Receives $56 Million Contract to Develop Human Stem Cell-Derived Platelets as MCM to Radiological and Nuclear Exposure](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1417:platelet-biogenesis-receives-56-million-contract-to-develop-human-stem-cell-derived-platelets-as-a-medical-countermeasure-to-radiological-and-nuclear-exposure&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 30 September 2019.

Platelet BioGenesis, Inc. (PBG), the leader in stem cell-derived, on-demand human platelets (PLTs+™) and genetically engineered platelet based therapeutics, announced today that it has signed a $56 million contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), an agency of the US government's Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. PBG will use the funding to develop and establish donorindependent platelets as a medical countermeasure for treating victims of a nuclear or radiological event.

As part of national biodefense preparedness, BARDA has prioritized the development and procurement of therapies for trauma resulting from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense threats, including exposure to high doses of radiation. BARDA, with its extensive experience working with organizations focused on blood-related therapies, has evaluated PBG’s technology platform and determined that donor-independent platelets could be a critical medical countermeasure in case of a national threat.

“This is a significant milestone for PBG and a highly valuable and timely validation of the groundbreaking work of our scientific founder, Dr. Jonathon Thon, and the research, development and manufacturing teams at PBG, allowing us to use human induced pluripotent stem cells to manufacture platelets on-demand,” said Sam Rasty, Ph.D., President and CEO of Platelet BioGenesis. “With BARDA’s expertise in the development of blood-related therapies, their decision to award us this significant contract will further bolster the company’s resources to advance this technology into the clinic. The funding will not only help bring our unique donorindependent platelets to patients as a medical countermeasure but will also expedite the advancement of our broader donor-independent PLTs+™ platform.”

“In a radiological or nuclear emergency, impacted communities will face a significant blood product shortage,” explained BARDA Director Rick Bright, Ph.D. “We are exploring donorindependent platelet technology to increase surge capacity within the blood industry. Our nation must find innovative ways to make essential blood products available to save lives in any type of mass casualty incident.” PBG’s research, development and manufacturing activities under the contract will specifically focus on the development of PLTs+™ for the treatment of thrombocytopenia induced by exposure to nuclear radiation. In addition to the funding, BARDA will provide a comprehensive, integrated portfolio approach through mentorship, the facilitation of future partnerships and the enablement of government collaborations with agencies such as the FDA.

 [Nuclear](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/nuclear), [Radiological](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/radiological), [Contract](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/contract)

       [![](https://cbrneworld.com/images/events/sponsor_logos/Flir.jpg#thumbnail=%2C&srcset=1)](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1416:u-s-army-awards-35-1-million-contract-to-flir-systems-for-new-chemical-agent-disclosure-spray&catid=12)

##  [U.S. Army Awards $35.1 Million Contract to FLIR Systems for New Chemical Agent Disclosure Spray](https://cbrneworld.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1416:u-s-army-awards-35-1-million-contract-to-flir-systems-for-new-chemical-agent-disclosure-spray&catid=12)

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 30 September 2019.

FLIR Systems, Inc. announced today it has won an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract worth up to $35.1 million with the United States Army to deliver a new version of the company’s Agentase™ C2 chemical agent disclosure spray to detect sulfur mustard, a highly toxic chemical warfare agent.

FLIR Agentase C2 spray quickly changes color on a surface if a chemical warfare agent is present. With faster and more targeted detection, military decontamination experts can locate trace levels of contamination on surfaces and precisely mitigate the threat.

“Blister agents like sulfur mustard and nerve agents such as VX and sarin are an ongoing concern to the military,” said David Ray, President of FLIR’s Government and Defense Business Unit. “Our Agentase C2 spray technology offers unprecedented performance, enabling rapid detection of highly toxic substances while reducing the lifecycle cost of decontamination operations. This new award underscores our strategy to provide mission-critical solutions that help protect personnel on the frontline and save lives.”

The contract will support the Army’s Contamination Indicator/Decontamination Assurance System (CIDAS) program, a “program of record” within the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND). Work will be performed at FLIR’s Pittsburgh location.

The IDIQ award consists of a 30-month engineering and manufacturing development phase, followed by an 18-month low-rate initial production phase, and a 72-month full-rate production phase. Shipments are expected to begin in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

This is the second award issued to FLIR by JPEO-CBRND to support fielding of the Agentase C2 product line to the Joint Services under CIDAS. FLIR already is engaged on a $30 million contract to deliver its disclosure spray formulated for nerve agents such as VX and sarin. That effort is scheduled to enter full-rate production in first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

For more on FLIR’s chemical agent disclosure spray, visit [www.flir.com/AgentaseC2](http://www.flir.com/AgentaseC2)

 [Detection](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/detection), [CBRNe](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/cbrne), [Chemical](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/chemical), [Contract](https://cbrneworld.com/component/tags/tag/contract)

## Schema

```json
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "News", "item": "https://cbrneworld.com/news" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Subscribers", "item": "https://cbrneworld.com/news/subscribers" } ] }
```