Liberty Defense, a leading concealed weapons detection company recognized in the 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, is pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the Israel-US Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation.
The BIRD Foundation, which was established in 1977 by the governments of the United States and Israel, is an organization that provides capital for joint industrial research and development between American and Israeli companies.
“We have been working very closely with our Israeli partner, Levitection, on a multi-sensor, contactless public safety security solution to identify covert threats,” explained Bill Frain, CEO of Liberty Defense.
The grant will support the development of a detection solution based on electromagnetic imaging and artificial intelligence to detect threats and concealed items in wide-open areas.
Liberty and Levitection will split the award evenly.
Levitection is a scientific research and development company operating in the field of advanced electromagnetic imaging, specifically focused on the development of revolutionary Near Field Threat Detection (NFTD) systems for concealed weapon detection in public safety applications.
“The threat of terrorism, both domestic and international, is on the rise, and we are focused on developing those next-generation technologies that will provide the necessary level of sophistication to thwart these modern threats,” added Frain.
“This includes taking a layered approach to security. The fusion of Liberty and Levitection technologies will provide additional capabilities to achieve this in environments with high foot traffic.”
(With the serious nature of violent crime and acts of terrorism changing, along with the threat from concealed weapons on the rise, Liberty Defense is working hard to deliver a safer, more secure future for all of us. See here, 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winner for Best Metal/Weapons Detection Solution, the HEXWAVE Concealed Weapon Active Imaging Detection Technology. HEXWAVE can provide early warning of threats to security staff before the threat is carried out. It detects metallic and non-metallic threat objects such as: guns, assault rifles, knives and explosives, and can be used both indoor and outdoor. Courtesy of Liberty Defense and YouTube.)
BIRD awarded funding earlier this year to two homeland security projects that are being developed by collaborations between U.S. and Israeli companies, selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), which was recognized for Excellence in Homeland Security in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, the Ministry of Public Security (MOPS) of the State of Israel, and approved by the BIRD Foundation’s Board of Governors, to advance technologies for homeland security.
The other 2020 project grant recipients were Ception Technologies (based in Jerusalem, Israel) and Hivemapper (based in Burlingame, California), which will develop a Fused Air and Ground 3D Mapping System.
DHS announced earlier, “The BIRD HLS program gives us the opportunity to bring some of the best U.S. and Israeli technology companies together to address our broad homeland security needs.”
“These strategic partnerships will develop innovative solutions that will enhance safety and security around the globe,” added Dr. Eitan Yudilevich, Executive Director of the BIRD Foundation.
“BIRD HLS attracts innovative American and Israeli companies and encourages synergistic partnerships to develop solutions that will fulfill critical homeland security needs in both countries.”
“We look forward to continuing our work with DHS and the Israel Ministry of Public Security and to the next cycle in 2021.”
Since 2016, DHS S&T and MOPS have partnered to fund technology collaborations between U.S. and Israeli partners that address Homeland Security (HLS) needs of both countries and have significant commercial potential.
This joint research effort currently supports the development of technologies in the following areas: Cyber Crime; Critical Infrastructure and Public Facilities; Safe and Secure Cities; Border Protection; Unmanned Aerial Systems; Advanced Technologies for First Responders.
The BIRD Foundation promotes collaboration between U.S. and Israeli companies in various technological fields for the purpose of joint product development.
In addition to providing conditional grants of up to $1 million for approved projects, the Foundation assists by working with companies to identify potential strategic partners and facilitate introductions.
“The 2020 selections reflect DHS S&T’s and MOPS’ important and broad homeland security interest areas,” said Megan Mahle, DHS S&T Industry Partnership Director.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the impact of these new strategic collaborations.”
Dr. Gad Frishman, Chief Scientist, Israel Ministry of Public Security added, “BIRD HLS enables us to enhance public safety in Israel and in the United States by supporting the development of innovative technologies to support law enforcement, prevent crime and violence, and by developing new rescue tools and methods for fire and emergency cases, all for the benefit of both countries.”
“We are pleased to announce the newly selected BIRD Homeland Security projects that will fulfill critical homeland security needs in both countries,” concluded Dr. Yudilevich.
“This is the fifth year of the program that was initiated to develop new technologies for first responders, and was expanded to respond to additional needs that will secure public safety.”
“We look forward to continuing our work with the DHS and the Israel Ministry of Public Security.”
DHS S&T Directorate Recognized in 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is now in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
2020 was a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC had to be canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.
However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The COVID-19 pandemic is a global threat with life and death consequences, the enormity of which many of us have never seen before.
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It is also a scientific challenge in need of innovative solutions and S&T is using every tool at its disposal to join the fight; including harnessing the knowledge of it’s experts on technology deployments, international collaboration, scientific breakthroughs, and support for America’s frontline workers.
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S&T has focused its efforts on laboratory research and providing valuable resources to inform the broader response community and help keep front line responders safe.
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Highlights of S&T’s response efforts can be found in our Battling the Invisible Enemy report.
DHS S&T Chemical Security Analysis Center (CSAC)
Excellence in Homeland Security
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CARD, a chemical synthesis and chemical informatics centric data system (e.g. boiling point, melting point, toxicity, or spectroscopic information) containing both unclassified and classified data, is accessible from a classified website maintained on a server hosted by the Department of Defense.
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The website is available to appropriately cleared personnel from DHS, Department of Justice (e.g. FBI), other United States Government interagency offices, and state and local agencies, and provides information on how chemicals of interest could be produced.
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There is a detailed description of how each chemical is prepared to include information relevant to each step, the reagents and reactants that are needed and the conditions necessary for the reactions to take place, such as time, temperature, mixing—like a recipe.
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If law enforcement were to discover a table full of labeled chemicals in a clandestine laboratory, they would put these names as a list in CARD to find out what the suspects are making – illicit drugs, poisons, or warfare agents.
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CARD can be used the other way around. If police find an illicit drug or a warfare agent, they can search in the website to see what chemicals can be used to make it.
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For example, if police capture a suspect with a vial of sarin gas (a nerve agent that can kill in minutes after inhalation), they can use CARD to determine which chemicals are used to make it. Police can then search the suspect’s illicit lab for those chemicals and obtain further evidence of wrongdoing.
DHS S&T National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL)
Excellence in Public Safety
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Hoist Rescue Gloves for Aerial Rescue
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Rescue helicopter hoist operators need gloves to protect the hand that guides the hoist cable during rescue descents and ascents, using a significant amount of force to mitigate the cable swinging for situations from hurricane evacuations and dive rescues to rescuing stranded hikers on a mountain side, missions vary and no two are ever alike.
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A partnership between S&T and Higher Dimension Materials, Inc. (HDM) resulted in an enhanced rescue hoist glove with increased flexibility, durability, and dexterity.
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The glove design uses cushioning materials offering protection to the thumb crotch (purlicue) area, the index and little finger, and a leather guard to alleviate inconsistent glove performance when wet,” said Jones-Holt.
(See the enhanced Hoist Rescue Glove in action. Courtesy of DHS Science and Technology Directorate and YouTube.)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate
Excellence in Homeland Security
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The Slash CameraPole is a self-triggering platform with wireless data retrieval to detect and give warning of suspicious activities at the U.S.-Canada border, specifically a cleared stretch of land at the border that is approximately 20-feet wide, 1,349 miles long, and is referred to as the “Slash.”
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This man-made, treeless zone is mandated by the International Boundary Commission and presents a formidable surveillance challenge, against such threats as illegal crossings, drug and illegal contraband smuggling and human trafficking.
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Using the Slash CameraPole system, Border Patrol has been able to establish an advanced border surveillance capability where none existed before.
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Partnering with MIT Lincoln Laboratory and several private companies to create the Slash CameraPole with numerous ingenious features, such as solar panels and a back-up fuel cell system make it independent of the power grid, multiple infrared cameras (two long-range, one foreground, and one base imager with a fisheye lens) mean it doesn’t miss a thing.
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An in-ground cement foundation and electrical enclosure ensures it can withstand brutal winter conditions. Should its unobtrusive appearance manage to draw the attention of would-be vandals, the Slash CameraPole is resistant to small arms fire and other tampering.
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The Slash CameraPole also employs advanced motion detection algorithms and automated alerts designed to improve classification of targets and lower the chance of false alarms from factors such as wild animals or vegetation moving in the wind.
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*DHS S&T Programs have now been recognized in their Fifth Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
Liberty Defense Wins Platinum in 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
Liberty Defense
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Best Metal/Weapons Detection Solution
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HEXWAVE
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Liberty Defense provides advanced security solutions for concealed weapons detection in high volume foot traffic areas.
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Liberty secured an exclusive license from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as a technology transfer agreement, for patents related to active 3D radar imaging technology, which is packaged into Liberty’s HEXWAVE product.
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HEXWAVE is discrete, modular and scalable, and provides layered defense with stand-off detection capability, and is intended to provide a means to proactively counter evolving threats.
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HEXWAVE uses active 3D radar imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan crowds to detect metal and non-metal firearms, knives, explosives and other threats, at a “stand-off” detection depth to counter evolving threat environments.
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To Learn More, please visit LibertyDefense.com.
The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, Desktop Alert, X.Labs and Reed Exhibitions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2020, 2019 and More.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
| COVID Innovations | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
