C$ 30M for Biological Agent Detectors
On April 11, 2007, Canadian Minister of Gordon O’Connor announced a $30 million (currently about $26.3 million) contract award to General Dynamics Canada for Vital Point Biological Agent Detection, Sampling and Identification (VP Bio Sentry) systems. The General Dynamics system has been designed to detect aerosolized biological agents within seconds, providing soldiers time to don protective equipment, as well as providing critical identification information to help mitigate the effects of exposure.
It’s based on leading-edge, real-time detection technology developed in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Canada in Suffield, Alberta, and combined with rapid identification technology…
4WARN VP Bio Sentry is reportedly capable of operating in various extreme climatic conditions, and be easily transported to operational areas. Earlier versions of this detection technology have been deployed for over 6 years on Canadian Forces ships, utilized in urban operations, and, according to the General Dynamics Canada release, “sold to a number of international military customers.”
In total, General Dynamics Canada will provide the Canadian Forces with 6 full systems that include alarming, sampling and identification capabilities using multiple detectors. They will also supply 23 partial systems that provide these capabilities using only one detector, for use on ships and for training purposes. Initial delivery of the equipment will commence in 2008, with final delivery anticipated for 2010. Funding will also be provided for technical support, training, documentation, and the first 2 years of operation and maintenance support.
The project will be executed at the facilities in Calgary and Ottawa along with contributions from team member SIL in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and “a key supplier in Quebec.” This matters because under the Industrial and Regional Benefits Policy, the bid winner had to generate one dollar of economic activity in Canada for every dollar it received. Looks like that total is already covered.
Additional Readings
- 8th International Symposium on Protection against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents (June 2004) – The Challenges of Effective Biological Agent Detection in Homeland Security
- 7th International NBC Symposium, Defence Academy of the UK (November 2003) – The Benefits of Real Time Biological Agent Detection
