Non-profits partner for homeland security

MENLO PARK, Calif., March 18 (UPI) -- Two U.S. non-profit organizations are working to foster development, testing and fielding of technology for use by public emergency first responders.

As part of the agreement, California's SRI International will work with New York's Applied Science Foundation for Homeland Security and resident research partners to create and commercialize products and to provide training capabilities to allow for easier and more effective communications during emergencies and disasters.

SRI has programs in maritime and port security, military and first responder interoperability training, cybersecurity, disaster resiliency, interoperable communications and biometrics that apply to the foundation's mission, which is accelerating the transfer of technology in support of first responders and other homeland security personnel.

"With the foundation's commitment to first response and situational awareness technologies, and SRI's maritime test facility in St. Petersburg, Fla., this agreement will strengthen the Department of Homeland Security's ability to test, evaluate and field new technologies," said retired U.S. Marines Brig. Gen. Gary Brown, director of the Center for Maritime and Port Security at SRI.

"It will allow for rapid and efficient placement of capable communications systems where they need to be in emergency situations -- in the hands of first responders and security operators."

The Applied Science Foundation for Homeland Security has created a nationally recognized entity for applied science, focused on the convergence of cutting-edge technology through collaboration of various onsite federal, state, and local first responder communities, resident and associate engineering firms, and academia. It functions as a central node of innovative networking and as a virtual location for linking research to develop and test assets with end users, enabling organizations and institutions.