Block MEMS, has been selected to participate in an $8,276,161,000 contract for Joint Enterprise Research, Development, Acquisition, Production and Procurement (JE-RDAP) program to support research, development and sale of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN), and high-yield explosives defense systems, capabilities, equipment, supplies and material.
The JE-RDAP is an enterprise-wide omnibus Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle awarded by the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD) and will be used to execute activities related to their mission to protect the nation against Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Block’s products are based on the use of Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy for detection of Chemical Threats and fit well within the scope of the JE-RDAP.
They include:
PORTHOS™, a long (5 km), standoff detection, passive FTIR system
PORTHOS is a small, rugged, lightweight, highly sensitive multiple chemical agent detector and identification system. PORTHOS incorporates Block’s M140 sensor along with MESH’s recognition software and has detection capabilities comparable to the Northrop Grumman MCAD system.
LaserWarn™, a Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) based chemical detection system for large, critical infrastructure monitoring
Block Engineering’s LaserWarn is an open path gas detection system based on patented quantum cascade laser technology. LaserWarn detects chemical threats, leaks, and fugitive emissions over a coverage area of thousands of square feet, and can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications.
LaserSense™, a QCL-based, point sensor that can detect gaseous/vapor threats
Block Engineering’s LaserSense-ML is a hydrocarbon (C1-C5) gas analyzer for mudlogging and related oil and gas applications. The Quantum Cascade Laser-based system measures hydrocarbon gases from ppm level to percent level, allowing for both sensitive detection and a large dynamic measurement range.
LaserTune™, a QCL-based Mid-Infrared Source for development of new chemical detection technologies
Block Engineering’s next generation LaserTune represents a significant leap forward in offering the ultimate mid-IR, pulsed Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) source to meet the ever challenging requirements of the research community.
The fully integrated “single box” concept has been taken to new extremes with a significant reduction in footprint size, saving considerable laboratory bench space.
This single box also offers the widest gap-free tuning range available on the market of 5.4 – 12.8 microns. No external power supply or control peripherals are required.
“Block is very pleased to receive the JE-RDAP Award and be selected as one of the providers of Chemical Detection Solutions,” commented Dr. Petros Kotidis, Block’s CEO.
“We feel that this award is a recognition of the significant value offered by our products, which are deployed to protect our warfighters, assist our intelligence community and save the lives of our fellow citizens.”
“Block has been supporting the Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for decades and we are committed to continue serving our customers in the future under the JE-RDAP Program.”
(See an overview of QCL based applications, presented by Dr. Petros Kotidis, CEO of Block Engineering. Courtesy of Leslie Pembroke and YouTube)
“Weapons of Mass Destruction are proliferating and the threats are becoming more and more complex every day, as put forth in the President’s recent National Security Strategy,” added Dr. Dan Cavicchio, Block’s Executive Chairman and Co-Owner.
“Block has significant technical capabilities and decades long experience with sophisticated instruments for protection against such threats.
“We are honored to be awarded the JE-RDAP and we look forward to working with the JPEO-CBD.”
Block MEMS has been awarded numerous government contracts over the past decade for the application of its technologies toward the detection of explosives, buried IEDs, chemical warfare agents, toxic industrial materials and chemical clouds.
