ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md., 6 June 2013. U.S. Army chemical defense experts needed additional chemical-detection devices to help protects troops or emergency responders from chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. They found their solution from Smiths Detection in Edgewood, Md.
The Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., awarded a $7 million contract modification to Smiths Detection this week for M41A Joint Chemical Agent Detectors (JCADs) and M4A1 Communications Adapters. Smiths Detection is a Part of Smiths Group plc.
The M4A1 JCAD is based on the Smiths Detection LCD 3.3 detect-to-warn device that protects troops or emergency responders by sampling the air for chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals.
The unit weighs less than two pounds, can be worn or carried by troops without obstructing their primary duties. The handheld detector automatically detects, identifies, and alarms to chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemical vapors.
The services can use the system on vehicles, at fixed sites, and on individuals designated to operate in chemical threat areas. The system can operate in a general chemical warfare environment, and can undergo conventional decontamination procedures.
The unit offers instant feedback of hazards and real-time detection of nerve, blister, and blood agents. It is network-ready with the common chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear standard interface.
Procurement of the JCAD began in 2008, and procurements of the relatively new unit based on the Smiths Detection LCD 3.3 began in 2011. The cumulative total face value of this contract, based on the LCD 3.3 is $108.7 million. Total JCAD orders are worth more than $350 million.
For more information contact Smiths Detection online at www.smithsdetection.com, or the Army Contracting Command at www.army.mil/acc.
