Latest Northwest Regional Technology Center News
Latest newsletter (April 2013 edition)
Welcome to the Northwest Regional Technology Center website. The Center is a virtual resource, operated by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), to support local and regional preparedness, resiliency, response, and recovery. The Center enables homeland security solutions for emergency responder communities; federal, state, and local agencies; and private sector stakeholders in the Northwest. This website summarizes current activities related to homeland security in the region, and highlights:
Handheld Biodetection: Needs, Testing, and National Guidance
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) directs programs to enable First Responders to effectively counter a potential threat to our Nation. PNNL, in collaboration with DHS S&T, is working to identify the technology needs and optimal Concept of Operations (CONOPS) critical to First Responders addressing a biological event, and evaluating currently available biodetection technologies.
CONOPS Development for Real-time Airborne Management System
at PNNL have been working with Los Angeles County Fire and Emergency Management to develop a regional concept of operations (CONOPS) for utilizing the Real-Time Airborne Management System (RAMS). Developed by DHS S&T, RAMS is an airborne platform that provides near-real-time imagery for use in disaster situations.
Situation Assessment Mapper
In collaboration with DHS S&T, the NWRTC has developed a tool which enables law enforcement gang units to track regional gang movement by digitally capturing and tracking graffiti. A modification of this capability, called the Situational Assessment Mapper (SA Mapper) was recently developed and tested for potential applications in emergency management.
