Blackline Safety Corp, a global leader in connected safety technology with a hardware-enabled software-as-a-service (HeSaaS) business model, today announced a $4.3 million deal with a US-based energy ​company with extensive onshore natural gas and unconventional oil operations across the middle and eastern United States.

Under the terms of the contract, the customer will use Blackline Safety’s professional 24/7 live monitoring services to protect their lone workers. They’ve also purchased over 500 G7x cloud-connected wearable safety devices with an accompanying G7 Bridge for each. The satellite-based technology ensures reliable connectivity to keep the company’s workforce always in reach, even across their most remote worksites.

The company selected Blackline Safety after a competitive review of technology vendors as they sought to upgrade their fleet to ensure the most comprehensive protection for their lone workers.

“This four-year commitment shows not only the growing importance of cloud-connected devices and real-time visibility to protect workers, but also reflects Blackline Safety’s position as a leader in the industry,” said Cody Slater, CEO, Blackline Safety.

“We’re uniquely equipped to provide not only the hardware but also data analytics and emergency response to ensure every worker gets the job done and returns home safe every day.”

About Blackline Safety

Blackline Safety is a global connected safety leader that helps to ensure every worker gets their job done and returns home safely each day. Blackline provides wearable safety technology, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software and data analytics to meet demanding safety challenges and increase productivity of organizations with coverage in more than 100 countries. Blackline Safety wearables provide a lifeline to tens of thousands of people, having reported over 165 billion data-points and initiated over five million emergency responses. Armed with cellular and satellite connectivity, we ensure that help is never too far away. For more information, visit BlacklineSafety.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded the European leading robotics and autonomous systems (RAS) developer and system integrator Milrem Robotics a contract to provide RAS Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) Services to the Italian Army.

The scope of the multi-year campaign is to explore RAS technology in order to update the Italian army’s RAS strategy and outline an implementation roadmap for the introduction of unmanned systems and related technology into service.

Milrem Robotics will support the Italian army in developing a clear path to how RAS technology, systems and architectures can generate operational advantages and ground armed forces benefits when operating in urbanized environments.

“Milrem is proud to be selected as the partner for supporting the Italian Armed Forces in one of the most advanced and challenging RAS CD&E initiatives in the world. This program is well in line with our core competencies as a system integrator for autonomous and robotic technologies,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

The Italian CD&E level of ambition is to exploit prototyping skills and technological capabilities to demonstrate future operational benefits and finally, to identify short to mid-term (5-15 years) transformational initiatives for the development of operational RAS capabilities.

The scope of the cooperation is to capture, analyse and deliver decision support data from all stages of the experimentation process, stemming from field activities, war-gaming, modelling and simulation, innovative technologies, etc., that will respond to the challenges set forth by the problem statement.

The deliverables of the contract include a Command and Control (C2) System, an autonomy engine, systems integration of 3rd party capabilities, several unmanned ground and air vehicles and a variety of sensors and effectors.

ilrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope Unmanned Ground Vehicles and the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle. The THeMIS supports dismounted troops while the Multiscope is intended for civilian use such as forestry and firefighting.  The Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle is a wingman for mechanized units.

Milrem Robotics is the leader of a consortium that was recently awarded 30.6M (EUR) from the European Commission’s European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP) to develop a European standardized unmanned ground system (UGS).

During the project, titled iMUGS, modular and scalable architecture for hybrid manned-unmanned systems will be developed to standardize a European wide ecosystem.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has released a series of grpahic novels about disinformation, with the aim of communicating the dangers and risks associated with dis- and misinformation through fictional stories that are inspired by real-world events.

CISA encourages everyone to use care when consuming information they receive or come across. Practicing media literacy—including verifying sources, seeking alternative viewpoints, and finding trusted sources of information—is the most effective strategy in limiting the effect of disinformation. The Resilience Series highlights the importance of evaluating information sources to help individuals understand the risks from foreign influence operations on society. 

First in the series, Real Fake demonstrates how threat actors capitalize on political and social issues (especially around election cycles) to stealthily plant doubt in the minds of targeted audiences and steer their opinion.

Readers follow protagonists Rachel and Andre as they discover that a command center in Russia is using a network of troll farms to spread false narratives about elections to American voters. With the elections coming up, Rachel and Andre follow the trail of synthetic media and stop the cyber assailants from causing chaos, confusion, and division.

• Download and share the Real Fake graphic novel
• Download the Real Fake transcript
• Check out the Real Fake trailer

Second in the series, Bug Bytes demonstrates how threat actors use social media and other communication platforms to spread inaccurate information for the sole purpose of planting doubt in the minds of targeted audiences to steer their opinion.

Readers follow protagonist Ava, a graduate, who uses her wits and journalism skills to uncover a disinformation campaign set to damage Fifth Generation (5G) critical communications infrastructure in the United States. 

• Download and share the Bug Bytes graphic novel
• Download the Bug Bytes transcript
• Check out the Bug Bytes trailer

If you have any questions or comments, please email 

FEMA will be holding webinars to gather feedback on the latest Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation on January 6, 2022 from  20:00 - 20:30 EST

National Engagement Seminars for Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation will provide an overview for considerations, planning factors, and available resources, to craft a successful response plan for nuclear detonations. We’ll provide updates on guidance for a wider range of nuclear detonations, including larger detonations and air bursts.

Primary Audience

• Planners: Fire response, emergency medical service, HAZMAT response, utili
• Mass care providers
• ty service, public works emergency, transportation, public health, medical provider
• Local & regional private sector industries capable of supporting immediate response
• Other organizations that represent disciplines that conduct emergency response activities.

For more information click here

The U.S. Army has awarded two spots on its potential five-year, $298.8 million contract that provides for 21 chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear filters and related assembly components.

Design West Technologies and HDT Global‘s expeditionary systems business will compete for each order of the Army’s firm-fixed-price contract, the Department of Defense said Wednesday.

The order will determine work locations and funding. Contract deliverables are expected to be met by Dec. 22, 2026.

Army Contracting Command, the contracting activity, launched an online solicitation for the contract and received two bids.

DWT is a Tustin, California-based manufacturer that specializes in CBRN products and holds several government contracts involving weapons systems. Meanwhile, HDT operates from its Solon, Ohio headquarters and expeditionary shelter systems and other products in support of its military, government and commercial market customers.

908 Devices, a pioneer of purpose-built handheld and desktop mass spec devices for chemical and biomolecular analysis, today announced it is teaming with Guardian Centers of Georgia, a world-renowned training facility that specializes in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) programs.

Trusted by thousands of first responders, Guardian Centers of Georgia educates clientele with classroom-based courses and realistic practicum experience to identify, analyze and respond to new and evolving threats. Guardian Centers of Georgia’s use of 908 Devices MX908 has been integral to this training, particularly given the MX908’s trace detection capabilities that identify hazardous materials in real-time.

“Our programs seek to give trainees critical information quickly so they can make sound decisions in high-stress environments,” said Tim Maloney, EVP of Operations and Training at the Guardian Centers of Georgia. “The MX908 gives us a level of confidence that can affect change, which isn’t possible with other tools. That, in turn, increases speed, efficacy and accuracy, which are essential for highly sensitive field work, and ensures first responders are safe no matter the threat they encounter. We look forward to growing our relationship with 908 Devices and continuing to serve as the premier training facility for CBRNE and disaster preparedness.”

The MX908 is a handheld device that identifies trace elements of solid, liquid, vapor or aerosol in seconds. Its portability, speed and ease of use make it an ideal tool to use in the field, replacing other technologies that aren’t as accurate or intuitive. Users simply prepare their sample, input it in the MX908 and receive an on-screen alert with the substance makeup as well as more details to understand the scope of the threat. As a critical-to-life device, the MX908 is used in the Guardian Centers’ training program – both the classroom portion and field scenarios – to quickly identify chemicals and drugs.

“Our MX908 device is used by government agencies, police departments and specialized teams to quickly detect hazardous materials and keep the public safe,” said John Kenneweg, Vice President of Government at 908 Devices. “Given the extensive training Guardian Centers of Georgia conducts, it has been a natural evolution to team with them as they educate thousands of global first responders on the tactics, techniques and procedures to successfully execute downrange operations safely and effectively. It’s yet another part of our journey to democratize mass spec and we’re proud to support Guardian Centers of Georgia in their training efforts.”

To learn more about the MX908 and 908 Devices, visit: 908devices.com. To learn more about Guardian Centers of Georgia and their CBRNE programs, visit guardiancenters.com.

Join Hazard3 and Safeware for an update on emerging threats and trends affecting the HazMat/CBRN community in 2022. This complimentary webinar will highlight threats and solutions that response teams should watch in 2022 ranging from domestic terrorism to technological hazards

Topics include threat trends ranging from rising domestic terrorism to growing technological hazards and updates to response equipment, tactics, and PPE that are available.

Not only is the webnar Free, it is also delivered by the inimitable Christina Baxter and Gary Sharp, two most excellent and authoritative speakers. 

The webinar will be held 12 Jan. 2022, 3:30 PM EST

REGISTER HERE https://bit.ly/3mnjPCk

Decon7 Systems is soon to begin operating one of RedLine Gear Cleaning's state-of-the-art Mobile Extraction Units, which acts as a fully self-contained decontamination station that uses D7 solution to clean large amounts of firefighter turnout gear directly at a fire station.

The new high-tech mobile cleaning services will leverage the power and strength of D7 solution for on-site decontamination of firefighter gear. 

This 100% unique patented process is able to provide NFPA 1851 verified advanced and specialized cleanings on-site of up to (30) sets of turnout gear, boots, helmets, and gloves all within the same day. Compared to the 2-4 week turnaround time for the alternative off-site cleaning options, this is a major time saver. 

All gear is pretreated with D7, which effectively removes or inactivates heavy metals, semi-volatile organic compounds, and microorganisms. 

To find out more visit Decon7

In a time of daily confusion in the public discourse on the current pandemic, the Janne E. Nolan Center on Strategic Weapons, an institute of the Council on Strategic Risks (CSR), is releasing A Handbook For Ending Catastrophic Biological Risks [councilonstrategicrisks.org]: How The United States Can Prevent Future Pandemics and Deter Biological Weapons. Authored by some of the nation’s top experts in combating biological risks, this unique guide presents a “clear, viable and improved path” toward addressing them. It calls for a U.S. government surge of investments in addressing biological threats of all origins, with detailed recommendations for improving U.S. government programs and cooperative partnerships. 

The Handbook for Ending Catastrophic Biological Risks starts with a bold, moonshot-level vision that can drive transformative changes---not the incremental improvements the U.S. government has often pursued in the past. That vision has two critical parts: . 

1.  The Handbook promotes an ideal yet achievable vision on naturally-arising biological risks: preventing future pandemics - moving beyond simply enduring them and accepting the lives lost and damage to health security, national security, and the economy that pandemics can cause.
2. The Handbook also details a complementary vision regarding deliberate biological risks (one which will require far more significant shifts in the nation’s goals and policies), asserting that: : The United States should lead the world in making biological weapons the first category of weapons of mass destruction to be effectively eliminated or rendered obsolete. To advance this vision, the report recommends that national security leaders adopt a deterrence by denial strategy that focuses on denying an attacker success in their likely aims regarding biological weapons, such as causing mass casualties, mass confusion, and erosion of operational capabilities. 

As the authors describe, efforts to pursue these goals will often complement and accelerate one another. Moreover, pursuing this vision will help meet the pressing need to reduce the risks of biological accidents.

In order to align investments to implement the vision outlined in this report, the authors propose that the U.S. federal government adopt a resourcing plan that they call 10+10 over 10: investments of $10 billion per year for ten years for deterring and addressing biological weapons threats, plus $10 billion per year for ten years for global health security and direct pandemic prevention initiatives. 

The Handbook provides dozens of specific recommendations to advance the nation toward the two-part vision outlined above. This includes:

The U.S. Department of Defense should:

• Develop & implement a “deterrence by denial” strategy regarding biological weapons threats, and, as such, expand missions of key programs to include deterrence
• Implement an annual exercise program to enhance early warning & rapid response capabilities
• Expand the Chemical and Biological Defense Program significantly
• Use the Biological Threat Reduction program to deploy new technologies for pathogen early warning
• Broaden the mission of USAMRIID & grant the institute more independence through restructuring

The Department of Health and Human Services should:

• Re-envision the Strategic National Stockpile as an asset for a healthy bio-industrial base and rapid response to crises
• Expand programs that have shown incredible value during COVID-19, such as RADx 
• Fund research with high impact potential, especially platform technologies & pathogen-agnostic tools

• Provide stronger and clearer guidance on gain-of-function research

The Department of Energy should:

• Make the National Laboratories leaders in engineering biology for the nation
• Create a Biosecurity Reserve Corps in which non-governmental experts sign on for a period of service & can be easily called on in crises
• Rededicate the National Nuclear Security Administration to the biosecurity mission

The Handbook provides additional recommendations for these and other agencies, including the Departments of State and Homeland Security. It also makes several suggestions that cut across many U.S. government agencies, such as creating the role of Chief Biotechnology Officers in all key agencies and ensuring a strong medical countermeasures manufacturing base supported by various government agencies. 

The lead authors of the Handbook stress that it offers an ambitious but achievable roadmap for ending catastrophic biological risks.

“We can’t end catastrophic biological risks alone,” notes CSR’s Chief Executive Officer and former senior defense official Christine Parthemore [councilonstrategicrisks.org]. “Robust international cooperation is crucial. To prevent future pandemics and effectively eliminate biological weapons, the United States should pursue a surge in diplomacy, global technology sharing, and threat reduction cooperation as a key component in future efforts to mitigate catastrophic biological risks and deter any actors who may consider biological weapons activities.” 

“Some of the nation’s top advances against biological threats have come from collaboration across multiple agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense,” says Honorable Andy Weber [councilonstrategicrisks.org], CSR Senior Fellow and former Assistant Secretary for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs. “To prevent future pandemics and render biological weapons obsolete, the nation must move to an even better-coordinated, all hands on deck approach with long-term commitments by these and other key departments and agencies.”

CSR Fellow Dr. Yong-Bee Lim [councilonstrategicrisks.org] argues, “As outlined in the Handbook, the ambition of the U.S. government should be big - ending catastrophic biological risks. A key component of that is to develop a strong bio-industrial base that can leverage new emerging tech and life sciences capabilities to do everything from developing early warning systems and strong diagnostic tools to the rapid development and deployment of safe and effective rapid medical countermeasures for future biological events.”

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has made great progress in developing capacity for testing, vaccine development, and pathogen early warning,” notes CSR Fellow Lillian Parr [councilonstrategicrisks.org]. She adds, “As we eventually move beyond this pandemic, the United States needs to ensure that this progress is built on and serves as a new baseline, helping us prevent future biological threats and making us better prepared.” 

CSR Fellow Bill Beaver [councilonstrategicrisks.org] argues, “The United States needs tools that can be used against any biological threat, whether known or unknown. The versatility of these tools needs to match the creativity of evolution and the ingenuity of malicious actors. This Handbook charts a path forward for that.”

Read the report here [councilonstrategicrisks.org].

Impertech has many years of experience in the design and manufacture of protective equipment for civilian emergencies. This includes CBRN protection for the whole family.

The CBRN pet protection tent is developed specially for the protection of household pets in times of threats of missile attacks, potentially including biological and nuclear weapons.

The Powered Respirator Tent is resilient and robust. It folds flat for storage and can be quickly opened and connected to the air blower hose. Its’ battery-powered CBRN blower is designed for 15 hours of continuous operation.

The tent is fully transparent so that you can check on the welfare of your pet, and it can be customized for his or her comfort with blankets, food and toys!

The U.S. Army Contracting Command has awarded General Dynamics a contract for demilitarization and disposal of depleted uranium.

The U.S. Department of Defense said Wednesday that the General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, part of  General Dynamics Corporation, won $27,5 million for demilitarization special ammunition that uses depleted uranium, a by-product of the uranium enrichment process.

Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 20, 2026, according to the U.S. Department of Defense contract announcements.

Depleted uranium (DU) is natural uranium that has been changed by the removal of the more radioactive isotopes, leaving it about 99.8% 238U. Depleted uranium has 40% less radioactivity than natural uranium

The military uses DU as armor to protect military tanks and their crews from enemy anti-tank munitions. DU is also used as armor-piercing projectiles because of its high density, ability to self sharpen as it penetrates a target, and propensity to ignite on impact at temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.#

The Russian Black Sea Fleet recently ran an exercise to prepare for a CBR eventr, as an elenment of their build up in Ukraine. 

During the training, the Black Sea Fleet servicemen assessed the situation and carried out sealing of the ship's hulls. Large landing, mine, anti-submarine and missile ships took part in the exercises, and  were handled by the NBC protection team. The press service of the Black Sea Fleet reports that the exercises used pre-wetting, degassing and 'special treatment.' State media claimed that these exercises are mandatory for Black Sea Fleet servicemen and are held annually according to the plan for fleet combat readiness.