Press Release Library

Ahura FirstDefender™ Handheld Chemical ID System Now Listed on the Responder Knowledge Base

May be eligible for grant funding under several DHS programs.

Wilmington MA – Ahura Corporation’s FirstDefender is now listed on the Responder Knowledge Base (RKB), a DHS-funded website designed to support the emergency responder community. The FirstDefender uses Raman infrared detection technology for instantaneous identification of unknown solids and liquids, which is a critical part of today’s emergency response preparedness.

The FirstDefender has also been linked to the Standardized Equipment List (SEL). The SEL is issued annually to promote interoperability and standardization across the response community at the local, state, and federal levels by offering a standard reference and a common set of terminology. It is provided to the responder community by the InterAgency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability (IAB). The SEL contains a list of generic equipment recommended by the IAB to local, state, and federal government organizations in preparing for and responding to Terrorist Incidents and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Events. Linkage to the SEL indicates that the FirstDefender fits the operational description of at least one of these key items.

The FY2006 Authorized Equipment List (AEL) used by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Grants and Training (G&T) also contains an item under which the FirstDefender may qualify for purchase using grant funds. This item applies to the following major grant programs:

  • State Homeland Security Program 
  • Urban Areas Security Initiative 
  • Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) 
  • Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) 
  • Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) 
  • Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) 
  • Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) 

Allowability of specific products under these grant programs is determined by each State Administrative Agency and appropriate DHS G&T Preparedness Officer. Detailed information about the FirstDefender, the SEL, and the AEL is available on the Responder Knowledge Base at www.rkb.mipt.org.

First Defender is a rugged handheld Raman instrument used for the instantaneous identification of unknown liquids and solids. It is designed to the rigorous requirements of the military and optimized to the needs of civilian first responders. The First Defender Handheld Chemical Identification System is being used across America by police and fire departments every day. Its portability and ruggedness make it ideal for on-site applications including: forensics, narcotics, hazardous materials and “white powders”. The vast library of substances and mixture analysis capability enable First Defender to accurately identify billions of combinations of materials, making it ideal for “real world” situations.

About Ahura Scientific, Inc.

Ahura Scientific, Inc. develops rugged, ultra-compact, field-enabled optical systems for the immediate identification and authentication of liquid and solid chemical substances. Customers include the homeland security, life sciences, industrial and medical markets. Manufactured in the USA in an ISO 9001-certified facility, the company’s products offer exceptional portability and unparalleled performance. 

More information at www.ahurascientific.com.

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Media Contacts:

Kerstin Barr, Ahura Scientific, Inc.

978-642-2547 phone
kbarr@ahurascientific.com