Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly - HSDL

JPM-BD Contractor Logistics Support, Ready to Support the Warfighter 24/7

Assessing the Net-Centricity of the JPEO-CBD Programs of Record

The Unified Command Suite Increment 1 Roll-Out, Taking Communication Interoperability for the

First Responders to the Next Level

JPM-BD Contractor Logistics Support, Ready to Support the Warfighter 24/7

Assessing the Net-Centricity of the JPEO-CBD Programs of Record

The Unified Command Suite Increment 1 Roll-Out, Taking Communication Interoperability for the

First Responders to the Next Level

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Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly

Staff Sgt. Karlo Arenivas (left) and Airman 1st Class James Gould demonstrate how the Raven B, a small unmanned aerial vehicle, is readied for a new mission Oct. 6. Following a mission, when the Raven lands it often breaks into pieces. It is then recovered, repaired and readied for a new mission. The Airmen are force protection airborne surveillance system specialists with the 380th Expeditionary Security Force Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ruby Zarzyczny).

Cover: Joint Project Manager Biological Detection equipment and Warfighter wearing the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JLIST) and Joint Service General Purpose Mask (JSGPM).

Back Cover: A Soldier at Fort Leonard Wood, MO prepares to demonstrate operation of the Joint Biological Point Detection System during a static display at the Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Conference in June 2006.

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CONTENTS 4 Guest Columnist Col. Daniel Berry

Joint Project Manager Biological Defense

5 JPM-BD Contractor Logistics Support, Ready to Support the Warfighter 24/7

8 CBRN Data Model Implementation Process, Net-Centric Assessment Compliance

10 Assessing the Net-Centricity of the JPEO-CBD Programs of Record

12 CMA’s ‘Lewisite Ladies’ Breaking Bonds, Gender Barriers

14 Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly Readership Survey

16 Joint Biological Tactical Detection System: Biological Detection for the Expeditionary Warfighter

18 Joint Portal Shield Biological Detection

20 The Unified Command Suite Increment 1 Roll-Out, Taking Communication Interoperability for the First Responders to the Next Level

24 The Expeditionary Biological Detector System (EBD): a Program of Firsts

26 Pre-Planned Product Improvement Biological Integrated Detection System Parts Obsolescence Mitigation

28 Information at Your Fingertips

30 ‘The Reason for Our Success is Our People’

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Col. Kyle BurkeUSA

Col. Mark MalatestaUSA

Mr. Will HartzellUSMC

Mr. Scott WhiteUSN

Col. David WilliamsUSA

Mr. Rudolf OlszykUSMC

Mr. Stan EnatskyUSN

Col. Daniel BerryUSAF

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The Joint Project Manager Biological Detection (JPM-BD) is developing and fielding several biological detection systems, including the Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS), the Joint Biological Stand-off Detection System (JBSDS), and the Joint Biological Tactical Detection system (JBTDS). These products form the cornerstone of the Joint Services’ current and future biological defense (BD) strategy. This issue of Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly highlights JPM-BD’s office’s efforts in BD. In April 2007, we celebrated our two-year anniversary, and as such, reevaluated our strengths and weaknesses and reorganized into three product lines to better service the Joint Services’ needs for future, current and fielded systems. The first product line is the Joint Project Director – Advanced Detection Systems (JPD-ADS) which focuses on future systems. The JPD-ADS manages projects

that are pre-milestone B, such as the JBTDS, as well as Limited Objective Experiments (LOEs), Foreign Comparative Tests, and the evaluation of future technologies. The second product line is the Joint Product Manager – Biological Detection Systems (JPM-BDS), and focuses on systems currently in system development and demonstration, as well as production. The JPM-BDS programs include the JBPDS, JBSDS, and the M31E2 Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS). The third product line is the Joint Product Director – System Support (JPD-SS), which manages fielded systems, including the Joint Portal Shield (JPS) and the M31A1 BIDS, as well as Contractor Logistics Support (CLS). This organizational structure balances the JPM’s workload, and focuses our resources, core competencies, and management on efforts that are critical to the warfighter. My JPM-BD staff has gained invaluable experience through the development and fielding of systems. They have worked closely with users, scientists and testers to ensure our biological defense technology appropriately transitions from the technology base to system development and demonstration. During development and demonstration, our biological defense product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure the products that go to Warfighters, are effective, suitable and survivable. My staff has prepared several articles to relate their experiences with these processes and our BD products and services. The JPMs newest biological detection programs are set to provide Commanders a first ever detect-to-warn capability. The article “JBTDS: Biological Detection for the Expeditionary Warfighter” describes the Services’ requirement, desired capability, and employment scheme for a tactical system. The JBTDS will detect, warn and provide samples for internal and follow-on confirmatory analysis, at multiple echelons on the battlefield as far forward as the battalion equivalent level. The JPM-BD continues to field, deploy and support JBPDS and Joint Portal Shield (JPS) systems to conduct biological surveillance for a variety of Service users across the global mission space. They offer Commanders a detect-to-treat capability that is both reliable and affordable. They automatically detect, sample and presumptively identify up to 10 biological warfare agents (BWAs) simultaneously. The Joint Portal Shield (JPS), which are deployed at fixed sites, are supported and in some instance, operated by Contract Logistics Support (CLS) personnel. The article entitled “Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for JPS” provides insight on how effective and efficient this support has been over the recent pact, and how well it serves our Warfighter. The authors for these and other articles for this issue of Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly provide a unique perspective on work we undertake to acquire, develop, field and support Biological Defense systems. I trust that you will enjoy reading the articles, and that information contained will help in your job.

Maj. Gen. Stephen V. Reeves

Joint Program Executive Officer

Mr. Douglas Bryce Deputy Joint Program Executive Officer

Mr. Scott Paris Chief of Staff

Col. Jonathan Newmark Assistant JPEO-CBD for Medical Affairs

Ms. Brenda Besore Director, Knowledge Management

Mr. Charlie Cutshall Director, Resource Management

Ms. Susan Hubbard Director, Management Support

Mr. Gary Olejniczak Director, Current Acquisition

Mr. Edward Wack Director, Future Acquisition

Mr. Darrell McCarthy Director, Human Resources

Mr. Larry Wakefield Special Assistant for External Affairs

Ms. Patricia Estep Webmaster

[email protected]

Editor, Chem-Bio Defense Magazine

Mr. Julius L. Evans [email protected]

Contractor Support Provided by Kalman & Co., Inc. and Camber Corporation

Mr. Stephen Gude Assistant Editor

[email protected]

Mr. Steven Lusher Senior Graphic Designer

[email protected]

Ms. Tonya Maust Graphic Designer

[email protected]

Ms. Ashlee Burns Graphic Designer

[email protected]

Ms. Jacqueline Grosser Distribution

[email protected]

Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly magazine is published quarterly by the Joint Program Executive

Office for Chemical and Biological Defense. Articles reflect the views of the authors and do

not necessarily represent the views of Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly, the Department of the Army or

the Department of Defense.

To contact the editorial office:

Call: (703) 681-0701 DSN: 588-9600

Fax: (703) 681-3439 Email: [email protected]

Articles should be submitted to:

Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly 5203 Leesburg Pike

Skyline 2, Suite 1609 Falls Church, VA 22041

www.jpeocbd.osd.mil

Guest Columnist: Col. Daniel Berry Joint Program Executive Office

Col. Daniel Berry Joint Project Manager,

Biological Defense

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“Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week” is a common phrase used in

the military. It conjures images of our military personnel protecting us here and abroad, with no break in the action. That is also the kind of support the Con-tractor Logistics Support (CLS) provides to the Biological Detection Systems (BDS) and the people who use them, worldwide. The JPM’s CLS contrac-tors have been doing just that for a long time.

Not only does CLS provide support to many U.S. Army active and reserve Chemical Companies across the Conti-nental United States (CONUS), they also provide support to the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Navy Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) in Korea, Ger-many, and South West Asia (SWA).

The systems currently supported by CLS include the Joint Portal Shield (JPS) and the M31A1 and M31E2 Biological Integrated Detection Systems (BIDS). The JPS is a stationary point detection system designed to provide protection to a large area such as a mili-tary base or installation. They are used extensively across the Korean Peninsula and in SWA. Joint Portal Shield was first deployed during Operation Desert Thunder, in 1998. Follow-on deploy-ments resumed in 1999 and continued through 2006.

The Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS) is also a point detec-tion system, but is mounted on a tactical vehicle that allows for rapid movement to various areas of operations, as the mission dictates. They are currently fielded in Korea, Germany, and to active and reserve units in CONUS. Immedi-ately following the terrorist attacks on

September 11, 2001, the M31A1 BIDS were deployed to the National Capital Region (NCR) to provide biological defense around the Pentagon. During Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the M31A1 BIDS were deployed to Afghan-

istan, Pakistan, and other countries in the area. Through both of these deploy-ments, CLS was an integral part of the operations, and the personnel who were involved, ate, slept, and worked side by side with Warfighters.

By Michael E. Busch, Logisitics Management Specialist, Joint Product Director, Systems Support

AAI Services’ Trent Cotton performing maintenance on an LRU.

Typical CLS supply storage.

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Oct - Dec �007

Given the two distinct employment strategies for JPS and BIDS, CLS deployments are conducted differ-ently; however, the type of support that is provided is very similar. The JPS deployments are generally a result of an Urgent Operational Needs State-ment (ONS) requiring a fixed site biological detection capability at a high threat location. Once a site is identi-fied and approved for receiving JPS, CLS is involved very early in the site preparations so that workspace, stor-

age, housing, and all other necessary requirements can be established.

During contingency operations, the BIDS Chemical Company/Combat-ant Commander must ensure that the functions performed by the contrac-tors are integrated in the Operations Plans (OPLAN) and Operations Orders (OPORD). This includes such things as providing transportation to/from/around the deployment site, housing, mess, workspace, and transporting all the

tools, equipment, spares, and repair parts CLS needs to perform their mission. An important aspect of CLS is that the con-tractors are non-combatants. They are civilians accompanying the force and are not required to carry weapons or engage in force protection.

The support provided by the contractors can be broken down into two basic ele-ments: Supply Support and Maintenance. The contractor “carries” a set of spare Line Replaceable Units (LRU) for rapid replacement of any Non-Mission Capable (NMC) commercial items. The CLS is responsible for ordering, stocking, and maintaining all commercial component spare/repair parts and consumables. A commercial component is defined as any item that is used on BDS that does not have a National Stock Number assigned.

The CLS maintenance concept consists of two levels for JPS and BIDS. The JPS CLS technician is responsible for either repairing a component on system, or removing and replacing the NMC component and repairing it in their maintenance shop. They also perform Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) on the system, as well as the LRUs. The BIDS CLS technician, on the other hand, is not responsible for removing/replacing NMC components. The Unit level maintainer (organic BIDS operator) removes the faulty component and turns it in to CLS for a replace-ment. The BIDS technician will then perform Direct Support/General Support (DS/GS) maintenance to repair the LRU and return it to the shelf. In the event the LRU cannot be repaired on site, the LRU will be evacuated to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) vendor for Depot level repair. The BIDS tech-nician is also responsible for conducting PMCS on the spare LRUs to ensure they are ready to be used at any time.

The JPM’s current CLS contractor AAI Services recently participated in a Joint Chemical, Biological, Radiologi-cal, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Training Exercise with the United States

CLS and Unit discussing upcoming events.

Typical maintenance workstation.

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Army Reserve’s (USAR) 472nd Chemi-cal Battalion, 379th Chemical Company, and the 342nd Chemical Company (BIDS). The exercise conducted on 4 May 2007 and was sponsored by the city of North Chicago, Ill., and included several other local, state, and national agencies. The CLS provided techni-cal support, equipment, personnel, and supplies to support the 342nd CM CO during the exercise. Mr. Walter Jackson, AAI Site Lead, provided advice to the commander on the status of equipment and materials during the operations. The scenario was a two phased terrorist attack on North Chicago’s Howard A. Yeager School and civilians in the area, using a school bus loaded with high-explosives, chemical, and biological munitions. The exercise was conducted with the intent to test the capabilities of the Reserve units to rapidly respond to a CBRNE incident and the units’ ability to execute follow-on support or replace-ment operations.

It is these types of training exer-cises that units around the world use to sharpen their skills, exercise their equipment, and practice their Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Conducting training exercises similar to this also builds the type of relationship between the unit and the CLS contractor that is needed to achieve a successful mission. When a unit has to deploy to another high threat are, CLS will be prepared to provide the support necessary, 24/7.

342nd CM CO M31E2 BIDS rolling out to support training exercise.

M31E2 BIDS set up during training mission.

Acknowledgements for providing technical information:

Mr. Jonathan “Jake” Keech, Camber, JPD-SS, BIDSMr. Marvin Atkins, Camber, JPD-SS, JPSMr. Lee Anderson, JPD-SS, JPS AAI Services, Hunt Valley, MD, CLS Contractor

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In support of the Department of Defense (DoD) Net-Centric Operations and Warfare Reference Model, DoD Directive 8320.2 “Data Sharing in a Net-Centric Department of Defense” states

that data should be made accessible, understandable, visible, and discoverable. In addition, DoD Direc-tive 8320.02G “Guidance for Imple-menting Net-Centric Data Sharing” provides guidance and direction to help accomplish the DoD’s data strategy. To achieve these goals, the DoD and the Chemical, Biological, Radiologi-cal, and Nuclear (CBRN) community need to implement a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). A SOA is one that provides modular services or capa-bilities which are available to a broad community of users. The services do not know, or need to know, who will be using them. An example of SOA-like interactions is found in most offices. Typically, there are several different types of printers available on the office network. By having a common printer interface and a common method for dif-ferent types of computers to communi-cate with the printer interface, different printers and computers can interact without developing specific one-to-one interfaces. This modular approach is a huge cost saver and allows for differing systems to find one another, connect, and exchange data. Data is a foundational piece of SOA interoperability. For the CBRN Community of Interest (COI), the key specification for data representation is the CBRN Data Model. The data model defines the semantics and syntax for CBRN data. Semantics means that all data elements, or terms that we use, have a common definition. Obvi-ously, to achieve interoperability, it is important for any community to agree on the definitions. Syntax can be easily thought of as what format the data will take. Having a common syntax is important and makes interoperability easier to achieve. For example, with numeric values, it would be good to exchange data using the same units of measure and the same level of precision. In other words, how many decimal places is that number and is that in feet or meters? Syntax

also helps to ensure clear communications. Another example can be shown when passing information about a sensor type. Different systems may have different codes for representing a sensor type, such as “B”, “Bio” or “Biological”, but by having common syntax the community can agree on a common representation. Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD) systems and services that develop to the CBRN Data

Model will have the common seman-tics and syntax foundation when they exchange data. In summary, the CBRN Data Model will help to ensure that we are all speaking the same language and allow us to provide a common language when talking to people, organizations, systems and services outside of JPEO-CBD.

Since the CBRN Data Model provides common syntax and semantics as well as key domain

relationships for data exchange and data repositories within the CBRN COI, a common implementation approach was needed. The JPEO-CBD SSA Data Management Team has responsibility for developing the CBRN Data Model, the CBRN Extensible Markup Lan-guage (XML) Schema, and providing implementation support. Part of that support comes in the form of imple-mentation guidance entitled “CBRN Data Model Implementation Process”.

This approach was developed to support interoperability at the data transmission level between various legacy, research and develop-ment programs, established Programs of Record (POR), and other communities. The “CBRN Data Model Implementation Process”, depicted in Figure 1, describes the cooperative process between the SSA Data Management Team and the POR. The intent of the process is to describe a method that will ensure alignment of the POR data requirements with the CBRN Data Model. Its overall focus is to provide guidance to POR Program Managers, Technical Leads, and Data Leads regarding what steps should be taken to achieve data model compliance. It should be noted that the technical details of

By William Snee, Software Support Activity (SSA) Data Management Lead

DoD Data Strategy and Service Oriented Architectures

CBRN Data Model Implementation Process

Common Semantics and Syntax are Crucial to Mis-sion Success - “Failure to convert English measure to metric values was the root cause of the loss of the Mars Climate Orbiter, a spacecraft that smashed into the planet instead of reaching a safe orbit, a NASA investigation concluded.” (CNN, 1999)

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data model compliance will be published in another document. The “CBRN Data Model Implementation Process” is a living document that will evolve to include lessons learned as more programs imple-ment the CBRN Data Model.

The JPEO-CBD is currently assessing its programs with respect to DoD and JPEO-CBD net-centric requirements. The paper “Guidance On The Assessment And Reporting Of

The Net-Centric Status Of JPEO-CBD Programs” defines the Net-Centric Assessment (NCA) process being used to assess and report on how well programs are doing at implementing net-centricity. The NCA measure for CBRN Data Model compliance is: Program Has Implemented All Data Exchange Requirements Compliant With The CBRN Data Model. Program Data Storage Is Highly Recom-mended To Be Compliant With The CBRN Data Model. Compliance with the CBRN Data Model will be assessed in a number of different ways. The SSA Data Management Team will support programs by participating in Preliminary Design Reviews (PDR), Critical Design Reviews (CDR), and the development and Test and Evaluation (T&E) phases to verify and validate the data model implementation. Additionally, the SSA Data Management Team will review: • Design and Database documenta-

tion • Department of Defense Archi-

tectural Framework (DoDAF) architecture artifacts

• Documented Database Creation and Load Scripts

• Interface Requirement Specifica-tion (IRS)

• Web Service Description Lan-guage (WSDL) that describes the Program’s web services

• Extensible Markup Language (XML) documents produced by the Program’s data exchanges or web services

By supporting the program’s data exchange needs, the SSA Data Management Team will be able to provide insight and guidance prior to determining data model compliance.

Specifically, by following the “CBRN Data Model Implementation Process”, the program can achieve CBRN Data Model compliance. Additionally, the SSA Data Management Team will be creating a “CBRN Data Model Compliance” document that will address the detailed requirements of what it means to be CBRN Data Model compliant. To test CBRN Data Model compliance, a software suite will be developed to review XML data exchange documents against the semantics, syntax, and structure specified by the CBRN Data Model.

Anyone interested in more information should contact, Wil-liam Snee, SSA Data Management Lead, [email protected], or Tom Johnson, SSA Data Technical Director,

[email protected]. Anyone wishing to be added to the CBRN Data Model distribution list should have their government sponsor send a request to Tom Johnson and Sheila Vachher, [email protected].

Assessing Data Model Compliance

Additional Information

Figure 1: CBRN Data Model Implementation Process

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By Dick Brimson, SSA Deputy Project Manager

“As a general rule the most successful man in life is the man who has the best information.“

- Benjamin Disraeli

D israeli’s 19th century observation remains valid for the 21st century warfighter: as a general rule the most

successful warfighter is the one who has the best information. Realizing this, the Department of Defense (DoD) is driving the transformation of military information technology (IT) systems from providing parochial information through stovepiped programs to providing universal information through net-centric programs. In support of this transformation, Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical

and Biological

Defense (JPEO-CBD), Maj. Gen. Stephen Reeves,

tasked the JPEO-CBD Software Support Activity

(SSA) to put into action a process to assess and report

the status of implementing net-centricity in JPEO-CBD Programs

of Record (PORs). The first of these assessments was conducted in May

2007 on the Joint Project Manager (JPM) Information Systems’ Joint Effects Model (JEM) Increment 1. Initial research and planning for this effort entailed identifying the net-centric PORs and then gathering schedule information to enable prioritizing initial assessments. The SSA reviewed program capability and requirements documentation for all JPEO-CBD PORs in development to determine which had a formal requirement for net-centricity. This was done at the program increment level. While doing this research it was determined that some programs without a formal net-centric requirement have been implementing net-centricity as a design decision, and these are being treated as net-centric programs for the purpose of assessment. The SSA identified five key measures necessary for a program to be net-centric within the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) enterprise: 1. Program has achieved Information Integration Division (J6) validation.2. Program has produced DoD

Architecture Frame-work (DoDAF) Architecture Views consistent with the Joint Chemical, Biological, Radio-logical, and Nuclear

Defense (JCBRND) Warfighter Enterprise

Architecture (WEA).3. Program has defined

loosely coupled services within a Service Oriented

Architecture (SOA).4. Program has implemented

all data exchange requirements compliant with the CBRN Data

Model.5. Program has achieved Authority To Operate (ATO). The SSA developed and documented a Net-Centric Assessment (NCA) process designed to assess and report the progress of net-centric programs toward meeting these five measures. Figure 1 provides an overview of the NCA process. Currently SSA plans to conduct this process on a semi-annual basis for each net-centric program in development, until the program successfully achieves Milestone C. NCA process is initiated by notifying a program of an upcoming assessment using the Task Management System (TMS) on the JPEO-CBD Integrated Digital Environment (IDE) web site. A checklist is provided identifying the documents that the program needs to provide to the SSA to conduct the assessment. SSA conducts assessments by reviewing the provided program documentation, looking for appropriate indicators of net-centricity for each measure. To guide the assessor and to make the assessment as objective as possible, criteria and guidance are documented in an assessment checklist for each measure. The criteria that are applied to determine whether a measure is met by a program vary depending on where the program is in the acquisition cycle. This is reflected in the assessment checklists in the “Assessment Point” column. So, for example, a program approaching Milestone A might be expected to demon-strate awareness of the measure and their project plans should reflect the actions that will be necessary to meet it, whereas a program approaching Milestone C would be expected to demonstrate full

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implementation of the measure. The assessment of each measure is documented in a report which the assessor provides to the SSA Technical Director for consolidation. The possible assessments, and their associated stoplight chart colors, are:1. Complete (Green, with a checkmark) – the criteria for the measure have been fully satisfied by the program2. In Progress – Satisfactory (Green) – the program is aware of the criteria for the measure and is making timely progress toward meeting them3. In Progress – Problems (Yellow) – the program is aware of the criteria for the measure and is working toward them but is experiencing a problem that raises concern that the criteria might not be met by the Milestone date4. Non-compliant (Red) – the program is aware of the measure but has given a reason why they cannot or will not comply with it

After assessments are complete for all five measures, the assessments are reviewed with the JPM and program to gain concurrence. For any measure that is assessed as In Progress – Problems, SSA works with the program and the JPM to develop a recovery plan. Subsequent assessments track the progress of the recovery plan. Any measure assessed as Non-compliant becomes a matter of discussion and decision between the JPM and JPEO-CBD. Once the SSA, JPM, and program have reached concurrence on the assessments, they are reported to the JPEO-CBD at the Monthly Acquisition Status Review (MASR). SSA reports the status of all assessed programs and each program reports its own most recent assessment. Assessment artifacts and information on the assessment process are maintained in a Net-Centric Assessment Repository on the JPEO-CBD Integrated Digital Environment (IDE) web site (https://

jpeocbd.altess.army.mil). The IDE requires a user account for access. The JPEO-CBD has further tasked SSA to provide JPEO-CBD net-centric policy, Request For Proposal (RFP) and contracts language for reuse in net-centric procurements, and a list of current and future JPEO-CBD programs which have a logical, as opposed to formal, net-centric requirement. The SSA is currently working to provide these. The Net-Centric Assessment process will help bring about net-centricity within the JPEO-CBD family of systems, meeting the DoD vision and providing the information that will ensure the success of our warfighters. If you have questions about the SSA Net-Centric Assessment process or the implementation of net-centricity, please contact the SSA Technical Director, Josh Pressnell, at [email protected].

Figure 1: The Net-Centric Assessment (NCA) Process

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CMA’sGlass ceilings and stereotypes

mean little to two chemists from the U.S. Army Chemi-cal Materials Agency. Lucy

Forrest and mechanical engineer Mary (Trish) Weiss, career federal employ-ees, recently were awarded a U.S. National Patent for developing a tech-nology that improves the detoxification of blister agents in mobile disposal systems. The patent title, “Chemical Detoxi-fication of Vesicants and Related Chemical in Mobile Disposal Systems,” sounds complicated enough to make anyone’s head spin, but not for Forrest

and Weiss. For four years, they worked on a four-person team to develop a patented process to break down the stub-born chemical blister agent lewisite and other arsenic-based compounds. Their co-recipients of the patent are Dr. Dupont Durst of the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, and Kevin Morrissey with government contrac-tor Science Applications International Corporation. As employees at CMA’s Non-Stock-pile Chemical Materiel Project, Weiss and Forest sought safe, cost-effective and environmentally sound ways to dis-

Photo courtesy of CMA Chemist Lucy Forrest, left, and mechanical engineer Mary (Trish) Weiss, examine the Explosive Destruction System, a treatment technology developed by the Non-Stockpile Chemical Materiel Proj-ect, part of the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency, headquartered at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. The two women were recently awarded a U.S. National Patent on the detoxification of blister agents. The EDS is a transportable system designed to treat recovered chemi-cal warfare materiel.

Breaking Bonds, Gender Barriers‘Lewisite Ladies’

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pose of old chemical warfare materiel. Before their work, the Army struggled with disposal of lewisite and other arsenical compounds. “This technology reduces operational time, which saves the government money,” Forrest explained, noting that finding the most efficient solution to break down lewisite took patience. “It really took a lot of coordination to find the reagent suitable for lewisite and the destruction device. We had to find something that worked in the field as well as in the laboratory.” Weiss was responsible for applying the chemistry to a real-life disposal application. As the system manager for the Explosive Destruction System, a transportable technology NSCMP developed to destroy recovered chemi-cal warfare materiel in a safe and environmentally sound manner, Weiss needed to prove that laboratory results translated into reality for on-site treat-ment. Weiss and her colleagues success-fully tested and treated lewisite and a World War II era German arsenic-based compound in the EDS, then began a mission at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Ark., in

June 2006. Among the munitions awaiting destruction, are items whose safe dis-posal will rely on Weiss’s engineering and Forrest’s chemistry innovations. According to a National Science Foundation report, women account for only 9 percent of the engineering population. Statistics like this do not intimidate Weiss, the only female in her graduating class of 130 at North Caro-lina State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, with honors, in mechanical engineering. “I couldn’t hide among my class-mates. I stuck out like a sore thumb,”

Weiss recalled. “It was always a struggle to be taken seriously by my professors and peers, but I was never intimidated. I’ve always welcomed a challenge.” She continued to challenge herself academically, graduating last year from the Naval Postgraduate School, in the top 10 percent of her class, with a master’s in program management. A mechanical drafting class in high school sparked her interest in a techni-cal career. “I wanted to be an architect, but couldn’t get into the architecture school of my choice,” Weiss said. “So I decided to try mechanical engineering, and I’m glad I did.” Weiss has nearly 23 years of chemi-cal-biological defense hardware acqui-sition experience with the Army. When not finding more effective ways to destroy arsenic-based compounds, she gardens, and works with the Bel Air Kiwanis Club she helped co-found. In addition to engineering, chemistry played a vital role in developing the patented process, which Weiss said she leaves up to Forrest. “I try not to get too involved with

all that chemistry stuff,” Weiss joked. “Chemists and engineers speak very different technical languages. The biggest challenge for us was learning to effectively communicate our ideas, questions and concerns to each other to integrate the laboratory work with the real-world application to the EDS. It was a great collaborative effort, but I have to admit that Lucy runs circles around me with her chemical exper-tise.” Forrest likes the chemical work and it shows. She serves as the task man-ager for monitoring, laboratory and decontamination research support for

NSCMP programs, and explained why she enjoys science and chemistry. “I love the technical part of my job, all aspects: research and monitoring, technology reviews, quality control,” Forrest said. “It is such an interesting job because nothing is the same every day and there is always something to investigate.” According to the American Chemical Society, women make up a quarter of the chemists working within the federal government. Like Weiss, Forrest wel-comes a challenge. Forrest earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Lebanon Valley College and a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry from Drexel University. She brings 23 years of experience in acqui-sition and research and development activities with the U.S. Army to her current position. Forrest was a member of the Women’s Army Corps for two and a half years and then served as a chemical corps officer in the Army Reserve, until she retired in 1997. Forrest occupies her personal time with Family and two dogs that keep her on her toes. A sci-fi fan, she enjoys reading, playing the piano and traveling

in her limited spare time. Weiss recently moved to another Army organization to lead a develop-ment team working on indoor and outdoor smoke devices. Forrest plans to stay at CMA and is looking forward to retirement in the next few years. Despite being the minority in their professional fields, both women will continue to follow their passions, dispel stereotypes and serve as role models to other women aspiring to earn academic degrees and work in engi-neering and chemistry.

“Chemists and engineers speak very different technical languages. The biggest challenge for us was

learning to effectively communicate our ideas...”

14 Oct - Dec �007


1. How has reading this publication helped you to discuss JPEO business with people outside the organization?

2. How has reading the publication helped you do your job more effectively?

3. In what areas in the chemical and biological defense community have you gained a better understanding by reading this publication?

4. How has the publication helped you better understand the JPEO’s overall objectives?

5. This publication has been considered a strategic communications asset. How has it been an asset from your perspective?

6. How has the publication helped you better understand the JPEO’s important external audiences (customers, shareholders, etc.)?

7. Are there any topics you have expected to read about but have yet to see?

8. Name three articles that you read that were an immediate asset as reference material.

9. How has reading this magazine made a difference for you professionally?

10. Do you have any additional comments to share about the Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly?

Please take a moment to complete this simple readership survey. To respond, either:

- Email your responses to [email protected]. - Write you answers on the form and fax them to (703) 681-3439

Mail to: Editor - JPEO-CBD5203 Leesburg PikeSkyline #2, Suite 1609Falls Church, VA 22041-3203

www.jpeocbd.osd.mil

JPEO-CBD

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IP/CP/Decon Conference

October 22-24, 2007Virginia Beach, VA

The challenge of combating existing and emerging world threats is to ensure our Warfighters and state/local first responders are adequately equipped to overcome any terrorist threat on the battlefield, at fixed sites and in our communities. Participation is welcome from state, local and federal government agencies; industry, academia, foreign representatives, first responders and warfighters. Join the program offices that develop protection and decontamination equipment to enable sustainable operations. Vir-ginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. (757) 385-2000 www.ndia.org/meetings/8460.

US Coast Guard Expo

October 29-November 2, 2007New Orleans, LA

The Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continue to redefine and improve business processes with an infusion of innovation and technology designed to meet ever-changing mission requirements. The Coast Guard and industry will display innovative solutions as well as present and discuss the many challenges faced in Maritime Homeland Secu-rity. See and discuss emerging Coast Guard innovations, meet Coast Guard and industry innovators who are making a differ-ence, and discuss opportunities to meet DHS, Search & Rescue, Law Enforcement, Environmental Protection and other mission requirements. Highlights include discussions with prominent government and industry leaders on critical DHS issues, col-laboration opportunities to see and discuss Coast Guard and DHS emerging requirements and innovative Coast Guard and DHS initiatives to resolve organizational challenges on display.

Special Ops Conference

November 12-14, 2007Fayetteville, NC

Today’s Special Operations Warfighters are filling ever-increas-

ing roles and missions and they deserve the best tools of the trade to ensure success. The SpecOps East Symposium and Expo at the Crown Expo Center, November 12-14, 2007, will highlight products and ideas to help increase the mission effectiveness of the nation’s Special Operations forces. SpecOps East 2007 will attract key military personnel from all services, industry and academia/research agencies involved in developing solutions and products for the Warfighter worldwide. For more information, visit www.SpecOpsEast.com.

AUSA Winter Symposium and Expo

February 27-29, 2008Ft Lauderdale, FL

The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Winter Symposium and Exposition is an annual event, held this year in Ft. Lauderdale, FL at the Broward County Convention Center. Featuring prominent guest speakers and numerous forums and symposium topics, the AUSA Winter Symposium and Expo will provide attendees with a broad range of information and knowl-edge to use throughout their tours and careers.

Navy League Sea Air Space

March 18-20, 2008Washington, DC

The Navy League Sea-Air-Space exposition is the largest maritime show of its kind. Experience the latest in sea power technology and learn about up-to-the-minute developments in the maritime services from top military and defense industry officials during the professional seminars. The exhibit and seminars are free and open to all qualified attendees and meets Department of Defense approval. The expo showcases more than 100 leading defense companies exhibiting weapons and sea power technolo-gies for the 21st century. The event will be held at the Marriot Wardman Park hotel.

JPEO-CBD Conferences - 2007

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Oct - Dec �007

As the battlefield requirements of the expeditionary force continue to evolve with the lighter, faster and more agile nature of the United States’ fighting forces, so too must the equipment needed to defend the Sol-

diers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines against the threat of biological warfare evolve. The Joint Biological Tactical Detection System (JBTDS) is envisioned to be the solution to this problem. As the threat of biological agents is likely to become more complex over the next 10 years, low cost, ease of concealment, and enormous potential for harm make biological agents attrac-tive to enemy personnel. Numerous countries have mature or developing biological weapons programs, having researched, developed and produced a growing variety of agents. Biologi-cal agents may be dispersed from practically any munitions, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), military or commercial sprayers mounted on ground vehicles, watercraft or aircraft and ballistic missiles. Counter-proliferation efforts and active defense measures will make large-scale conventional biological attacks less likely, but still possible. Adversaries will seek to attack U.S. forces and citizens through asymmetrical means using unconventional biological warfare (BW) dissemi-nation techniques. It is these types of asymmetrical threats that the JBTDS is intended to combat. The employment plan of the JBTDS is organically at the wing, battalion, squadron and lower levels by non-Chemical, Biologi-cal, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) personnel in tactical environments across multiple operational locations (e.g. forward operating bases, operationally engaged units, amphibious land-ing sites, air base operations and more). The role of the JBTDS is to provide near real-time detection of biological attacks and notification to personnel in the potential hazard area. JBTDS will ultimately support force protection and maximize combat effectiveness by enhancing medical response decision making. When networked, JBTDS augments biological detection systems to provide a theater-wide, seamless array capable of detection, identification and warning. The design of the JBTDS is a lightweight (one-man portable, not exceeding 37 pounds; no more than one cubic foot in size), battery operable (utilizing military standard batteries or available future power supply systems) biological agent detector system that will detect, warn and then provide samples for internal and follow-on confirmatory analysis, at multiple echelons on the

battlefield as far forward as the battalion equivalent level. The JBTDS components are envisioned to be comprised of:

- the biological aerosol agent detector, providing “bio/ non-bio” discrimination of the four major classes of BW agents (vegetative and spore bacteria, viruses, and toxins)- an aerosol sampler to collect a requisite amount of suspected agent for evaluation- a hand held identification capability (providing increased sensitivity and ability to discriminate a BW within the specific class type) to conduct the “silver standard” presumptive identification of the collected sample, which is a process that is currently conducted at the theater level or higher echelon of capability and forces

With the application of all the key components into an inte-grated system, the JBTDS will be designed to reduce the prob-ability of false alarms of the detection system, a major concern of the current biological detection systems fielded in the material inventory. With the addition of a networking communications module known as the Joint Warning And Reporting Network (JWARN) Communications Interface Device (JCID) the JBTDS will utilize network array algorithms to confirm detections within the local area. In support of the development of the JBTDS is the fiscal year (FY) 2007 Expeditionary Biological Detection (EBD) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD), sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and led by representatives of the Marine Corps System Command fulfilling the role of the Demon-stration Manager for the ATD. Representation from the Marine Corps Combat Development Command and the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (specifi-cally the Joint Project Manager for Biological Defense and Joint Product Director for Advanced Detection Systems) fulfill the roles respectively as the Operational Manager and the Transi-tion Manager for the demonstration. The EBD ATD supports the JBTDS program by assisting in the development of the Concepts of Operation for the use of portable biological detectors and samplers and to provide a Military Utility Assessment (MUA) of current and emerging technologies being evaluated. Based on the MUA, the JBTDS program is poised to exploit these tech-

By Maj. James Edwards, Assistant Product Manager, JBTDS

www.jpeocbd.osd.mil

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nologies and accelerate the fielding of an applicable product to the war fighter sooner. Feedback from the ATD will aid in the system engineering trade studies and in the development of the JBTDS Capabilities Development Document (CDD) scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter, FY08. As the JBTDS enters its acquisition cycle, it will follow an evolutionary development strategy to spiral in upgrades/improve-ments until the requirements are met. The Technology Devel-opment (TD) phase will run through FY08 to develop system

concepts and prepare Milestone B documentation and reduce risk. The TD phase will encompass conduct of multiple market surveys, technology demonstrations, modeling and simulation efforts, data fusion network demonstrations, and evaluation of the most promising government and commercial technology in a Technology Readiness Evaluation. The System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase will commence with the successful execution of Milestone B. The SDD phase will finalize system designs and procure devices to test and demonstrate device capa-bilities against requirements.

18 Oct - Dec �007


Many around the biological defense community have had some affiliation with or at least heard the name

“Portal Shield.” It has been part of bio-defense/Force Protection strategy since its inception as an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) and first deployed during Operation Desert Thunder in April 1998. The Portal Shield ACTD had quite a lot of visibility during its early development. It was DoD’s first attempt at a fully automated biological warfare agent detection and identification system. It was produced under the con-cept to develop a system that could trigger

on suspicious aerosol particles, collect those particles, create a liquid sample, analyze the sample, read and determine the results, and report those results over a network to a centralized command post computer (CPC). Portal Shield was a new capability des-perately needed by the Services. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) ordered a Directed Buy of Portal Shield in May 1998, based on the results of testing up to that date and its successful deployment during Operation Desert Thunder, which provided military support, presence and capability as the United Nations and Iraq negotiated. This was a stopgap measure intended to

provide an interim biological detection capability until such time as the Joint Bio-logical Point Detection System (JBPDS) could be fielded. Delays in follow-on programs left Portal Shield virtually alone to provide this fixed-site capability as Urgent Opera-tional Needs Statements (ONS) began to appear for Biological Detection at high-threat locations. In 1999 the now ‘Joint’ Portal Shield (JPS) was deployed to four sites as part of the ACTD. In response to numerous ONS, JPS production started and continued through 2003, with deployments as recent as June 2006. JPS is currently operating at

By Lee Anderson, Joint Portal Shield Systems Manager

www.jpeocbd.osd.mil

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18 sites in six countries worldwide but it is not the same old Portal Shield. In 2002, with the JPS ‘interim’ mis-sion now extended indefinitely, the Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO) initiated a system upgrade for the JPS. Leveraging technologies from programs such as the Joint Biological Remote Early Warning Sensor (JBREWS) and JBPDS, the JPS Mark IV was developed. It incorporates an ultraviolet trigger, higher concentrated samples, a digital camera assay reader device and the ability to detect and pre-sumptively identify up to 10 biological warfare (BW) agents simultaneously. Due to the modular design of the JPS sensor, upgrades were easily applied through-out the entire fleet via a simple module change-out. The JPS upgrade effort merged the JPS and JBPDS technologies to meet a single performance standard and parts commonality that permit these two systems to coexist and provide virtually identical capabilities, performance and levels of protection. Prior to deployment of the system upgrades, the JPS Mark IV was tested in

both an ambient breeze tunnel (ABT) and in open field trials. These tests had Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) oversight and the resulting report declared the JPS Mark IV “Effective and Suitable.” When the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD) received ATEC’s final report dated February 2004, the JPEO autho-rized the deployment of the JPS system upgrades. The upgrade effort took nine months with the last site in Eskan Village, Saudi Arabia, completed in October 2004. The JPS Mark IV has been in the field for nearly three years and has proven to be reliable, accurate and easily supportable. The JPS systems are lifecycle contractor logistic supported (CLS) meaning, all of the maintenance and repairs to the system are performed by on-site CLS personnel. All biological detection systems (BDS) under the Joint Project Manager for Bio-logical Defense (JPM-BD) requiring CLS are currently consolidated under one CLS umbrella contract managed by JPM-BD. Not only has the JPS improved its ability to detect biological warfare agents, it now interfaces and networks chemical and

radiological sensors, giving the system a true CBRN detection capability.The JPS has received network certifica-tions and authorizations that permit the CPC to provide information over con-trolled networks to systems like Signal Fire and JWARN. This information provides commanders with real-time situ-ational awareness, aids in decision making and is a vital part of consequence manage-ment and downwind hazard predictions.The JPS has a specific mission. It is not tactical, it is not mobile and it is not intended for shipboard operations. It began as the “Air Base/Port Biologi-cal Detection ACTD” and has continued to focus on and has provided fixed-site biological detection for more than nine years. The JPS Mark IV is well-suited for this mission and with the inclusion of new and expanded technologies will continue to meet this mission, defending our troops against CBRN threats.

POC: Lee Anderson, Joint Portal Shield System Manager, JPM-BD/[email protected].

The Joint Portal Shield (JPS) was deployed to four sites in 1999, part of an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration.

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Oct - Dec �007

On 19 July 2007, the Naval Air Systems Command’s Special Communications Requirements Division (NAVAIR SCRD) in St.

Inigoes, MD officially rolled out the Uni-fied Command Suite, Increment 1 to eager National Guard Civil Support Teams across the country. The ceremony, held at SCRD’s integra-tion facility at St. Inigoes, was hosted by Mr. Randy Morris, Director, Ship and Shore Based Electronic Systems, NAVAIR, and included guest speakers: COL Mark Malatesta, Joint Program Manager-Guardian, MGEN Timothy Wright, Director, National Guard Bureau-J3/Domestic Operations, RADM Stephen Eastburg, Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), and Delegate John L. Bohanan, Jr., Maryland House of Delegates. Each commended the hard work of the SCRD

team involved in the success of the roll out, as well as the team work among the stakeholders in the program, including the Joint Product Manager-Consequence Management (JPM-CM) LTC Jay Smith and the NGB Advocacy Manager J35, Lt. Col. Keith Bauder, who worked to ensure the National Guard Civil Support Teams received the right equipment to meet mis-sion goals. The UCS Increment 1 has many new features and enhancements which will improve the CST’s ability to respond to WMD events as well as domestic natural disasters. The most noticeable new piece of gear on the vehicle is the auto-deployed satellite dish. It will have the same throughput—1.544 MBPS, the equivalent of a T-1 communications pipe—as the previous dish. However, this dish can be deployed with the push of a button. The new satellite system allows the team to set up their communications

system much faster. What once took two people 35 minutes to setup, now only takes 5 minutes and is automatically

configured. This Time Division Mul-tiple Access, or TDMA solution was

designed for the UCS system and installed as part of the US Army

Information Systems and Secu-rity Command (INSCOM) Trojan network. UCS leads the way for INSCOM and now they are looking implement the same solu-tion across other Trojan programs. This elimi-nates the need for circuit provisioning that was required with Increment 0, and bandwidth is provided on an as-needed basis for voice, video, or data. The new IP-centric

TDMA architecture allows IP phones, and IP based KG-

175 secure communication capability to be added to the

UCS, effectively replacing the legacy wire-line encryption technol-

ogy utilized by the Increment 0 UCS. The additional phones deployed with the

UCS allow the team to provide additional communications lines when responding to national and state incidents, an enhance-ment influenced by the CSTs experience during Hurricane Katrina. The new wire-less phones allow the team to move in and around the incident site while staying in constant communication. This greatly increases the flexibility of the team to respond at an incident. The upgraded secure communication capability ensures the team can adapt to changing commu-nication security requirements throughout the incident response. The Increment 1 also brings a wire-less video capability to the CSTs. The wireless Down Range Camera and digital receiver are now able to transmit near real-time what our teams see down range allowing critical decisions to be made sooner at all levels. The 100% digital signal used in the camera, originally developed by industry for NASCAR, allows for increased clarity and range, and it is ruggedized and able to be decon-taminated for re-use. The camera has a line-of-sight range of over four miles, as demonstrated by the CST in Arizona. The data collected by the camera can be trans-mitted over the UCS’ new Video Telecon-

By Lt. Col. Jay Smith, Joint Product Manager for Consequence Management, and Brian Kunes, UCS Systems Manager

www.jpeocbd.osd.mil

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ferencing System, which is interoperable with all VTCs. This capability will enhance Common Operating Picture for all first responders, allowing for more coordinated actions by all parties. Also enhancing the common operating picture, the UCS has been equipped with a Mobile Tracking System GPS receiver.

As the UCS moves, the position, speed, and direction is updated automatically. There is also a messaging feature that can be used to communicate real time while the UCS is in transit to the inci-dent. The ability to track the assets in transit enables first responders to better plan for their arrival, and gives them the

ability to re-direct the asset quickly if needed. Additionally, the CST now has a secure cell-phone for redundant encrypted communications. The Secure Cell Phone allows for the transmission of classified information either in route or while on scene. In addition to the upgrades to the UCS, the Advanced Echelon, or ADVON, which is a Chevy Suburban, was outfitted with an enhanced communications pack-age as part of the Increment 1 capabil-ity. The larger satellite dish utilizes a flexible IP architecture that allows for rapid changes to meet the challenges of an evolving incident. It utilizes INMARSAT for voice and data communication on the move. The UCS Increment 1 is a significant improvement to the communications suite found on the UCS and ADVON Incre-ment 0. These changes were the direct result of the feedback received from the CSTs and teamwork exercised by the Pro-gram Offices who delivered this enhanced capability. The true beneficiaries of this delivery are the first responders and the American people who will experience the increased responsiveness brought to an event because of the increased ability to communicate effectively.

Delegate John L. Bohanan Jr., Maryland House of Delegates, speaks during the roll-out ceremony of the United Command Suite (UCS) Increment 1, at St. Inigoes, MD

The UCS Increment 1 features several upgrades and enhancements, improving Civil Support Teams’ ability to respond to Weapons of Mass Destruction events as well as domestic natural disasters.

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Oct - Dec �007

The Fox M93A1 Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Reconnaissance System (NBCRS) is a mobile labora-tory that takes air and ground samples and immediately analyzes them for signs of weapons of mass destruc-

tion. The mission of the wheeled NBCRS is to detect, identify, mark, sample, and report chemical and radiological contamina-tion on the battlefield. The Fox improves the survivability and mobility of U.S. ground forces by providing increased situational awareness and information superiority to headquarters and combat maneuver elements. With the ability to provide rapid, accurate chemical and radiological contamination information to these elements, the NBCRS vehicle forms a key portion of the full-dimensional protection concept.

Soldiers on the front lines are sleeping easier now thanks to the cooperative efforts of U.S. Army Government civilian and Contractor personnel based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Mary-land. In response to a request from the field, the Aberdeen-based personnel made a significant contribution to improve safety

and operational capabilities of the warfighter through armor enhancements to the Fox M93A1, resulting in the Fox M93A1P1 Survivability vehicle. The expertise of the Survivability/Vulner-ability Information Analysis Center (SURVIAC) personnel was fundamental to the success of the program. In just 2 ½ years, the support team successfully designed, tested, trained personnel, and fielded the improved equipment to Central Command (CENT-COM) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. To add to the suc-cess, forward-deployed soldiers have already noted the benefits of the upgraded vehicle in their missions.

The call for assistance

In June 2004, the Joint Project Manager for Nuclear Biological Chemical Contamination Avoidance (JPM NBC CA) received an Operational Need Statement (ONS) from the field requesting various upgrades to the existing Fox M93A1 vehicles in Iraq. Survivability upgrades allow the crew to better withstand hostile

By David R. Rickard, Acquisition Logistics Specialist, Booz Allen Hamilton

www.jpeocbd.osd.mil

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threats, consisting of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), without suffering an abortive impairment of its ability to accomplish its designated mission, as well as adding additional firepower. These upgrades include improvements in IED protection (plate armor) and protection against RPGs (Slat armor). Slat armor has already proved to be quite successful with other vehicles in Iraq in defeating attacks from RPGs. In addition to the IED and Slat armor protection, the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), consisting of an upgrade from an M240B, 7.62mm machine gun, to a .50 cal machine gun, was also installed. The CROWS provides the M93A1P1 the capability to remotely operate crew served weapons and improves system accuracy and operational response time by integrating state of the art drives, controls and sensors. The system upgrades to the M93A1 Fox Vehicle created the M93A1P1 Fox Survivability Vehicle.

Taking action – Testing and Fielding

The Operational Need Statement call for assistance initiated a series of actions from the Joint Project Manager for Nuclear Biological Chemical Contamination Avoidance (JPM NBC CA), SURVIAC and General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). The cooperative effort between JPM NBC CA, GDLS and SUR-VIAC resulted in a 2 ½ year turnaround of the M93A1P1 Fox Survivability Vehicle, from design through implementation and subsequent fielding. The tailored acquisition process began with a prototype design followed by focused testing and revision of technical manual documentation. It culminated in coordination with multiple troop units at numerous locations to meet fluid deployment timelines.

As the welfare of the soldier is of paramount concern, develop-ment and test agencies documented various safety assessments

and confirmations during the testing of the upgraded systems. This documentation included: the Developmental Test Command Safety Confirmation, U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Arma-ments Command Safety Assessment, and an engineering analysis conducted by Edgewood Chemical Biological Center.

In July 2006, the JPM NBC CA fielded 8 systems to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, during which time the JPM conducted slat installation, CROWS operation and driver’s training. In October 2006, the JPM flew 3 upgraded vehicles to Camp Anaconda, Iraq and sent a team to conduct the fielding and training mission. In November 2006, upon successful completion of the fielding mission in Iraq, the team moved south to conduct operations in Kuwait where it fielded the final 6 vehicles and trained the gaining unit. In the spring of 2007, the JPM com-pleted the 18th Survivability vehicle which HQDA G-8 identified as a training system for the United States Army Chemical School.

Making a big impact

In a 6 month timeframe, troops on the ground were benefiting from the Fox M93A1P1 Survivability upgrades. Thanks to the perseverance of the SURVIAC and partnering agency personnel, the improved safety and efficiency of the vehicle brought added comfort to the soldiers reaffirming the commitment of the Depart-ment of Defense, as well as the US Army itself, to provide the utmost support and capabilities to the modern warfighter.

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Oct - Dec �007

ated by an organized Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC)

platoon, as opposed to non-special-ized, tactical forces. They are roughly 2,000

pounds including generator and trailer, and they require a dedicated crew to operate. This logistical

footprint is often impractical for many Marine missions, which often require speed and maneuverability in battlefields that are not yet well established. Maj. Dan Davis, the JSTO EBD project officer, said, “The Marines are very enthusiastic and excited to be part of the development of a new biological defense project from the ground up.” He noted the importance of MAR-CORSYSCOM, which is taking the lead on this effort with input from other services. The EBD ATD is assessing five separate aerosol detector technologies whose development has been funded by industry, government, and government-industry partnerships. Each system is capable of continuous automated operation for at least 8 hours on a single military standard battery and weighs less than 24 lbs. If developed and integrated in concert, they would provide the capability to discriminate between biological particles and non-biological particles; classify the biological particles as a spore, toxin, vegetative bacteria, or virus; and then identify up to eight known biological pathogens. Three of the technologies are bio-logical/non-biological discriminators. The other two technologies are a classifier and an identifier, respectively. The EBD ATD is also assessing five separate aerosol samplers, including dry samplers and wet-wall samplers. Wet wall samplers tend to be more sensitive and provide a ready-made, wet sample for follow-on analysis ; dry samplers require a user to manually extract the sample into a liquid solution prior to analysis. How-ever, unlike dry samplers, wet-wall samplers have limitations when operating in lower temperatures. “There are always trade-offs like this,” said Becker, citing sampler ease-of-use versus operational flexibility as just one example. Many of these issues are illuminated by computer-based simu-lations that project battlefield casualties based on the technologies in place to protect troops. Another example of a tradeoff is that portability and low unit cost comes with a tradeoff in sensitiv-ity for current technologies. When compared to the larger, more sophisticated point detection systems in use, the EBD is far less sensitive but can be more widely disseminated and placed further forward on the battlefield. This sensor density versus sensor sen-

The Expeditionary Biological Detector (EBD) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) is a program of firsts. It has the potential to deliver the first man-portable, automated biological detector to the U.S. warfighter,

and it is the first CB Defense Program technology developed by and for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC). The EBD ATD addresses a capability gap first identified in a 2003 urgent needs statement submitted by the USMC to the Joint Requirements Office (JRO). This was followed by a proposal for an ATD in 2005, which was subsequently approved and funded by the Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) in the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Chemical and Biologi-cal Technologies Directorate (DTRA-CB). The impetus for this project grew from the development of the Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS), which was supposed to have a man-portable variant. This variant, according to Adam Becker, EBD Demonstration Manager from U.S. Marine Corps Systems Com-mand (MARCORSYSCOM), was cancelled because of technol-ogy limitations. “We couldn’t get the technology down to a truly man-portable size,” said Becker, “but by 2005, we started to recognize some advanced prototypes from industry that could be suitable for this application.” These prototypes formed the basis for the ATD submission, which was recognized for its quality and completeness. Greg Walker, Chief, DTRA-CB Applied Technologies Division, noted that “Adam’s [Becker’s] proposal for the Expeditionary Biologi-cal Detector was the first proposal in three years that we—the Joint Science and Technology Office, the Joint Program Execu-tive Office, and the Joint Requirements Office—saw that was good “as-written”, and we agreed to fund Adam as our Demon-stration Manager for this ATD.” A man-portable system is particularly important for Marine expeditionary forces, which currently do not have a capability to detect biological attacks. Current systems are typically oper-

By Christopher Joyal, DTRA-CB (Contractor), Camber Corporation

www.jpeocbd.osd.mil

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sitivity tradeoff is likely to provide enhanced coverage for asymmetric attack types. While an alarm raised by the EBD could be used to notify and protect downwind forces from being exposed (casualty avoidance), an additional benefit of the EBD is to minimize the medical response time between recognition of exposure to a biological agent and treatment (casualty mitiga-tion).. Because of current capability limitations, diagnosis of exposure to biological pathogens would most likely occur once symptoms presented. Under current doctrine, treatment would be further delayed until clinical or environmental biological samples were sent to forward-deployed laboratories and confirmed as threats to the warfighter. Said Becker, “What we have is a rapid event detection and presumptive identification technology that could reduce the time between exposure and confirmation . We could then provide med-ical treatment during the incubation period of most agents, prior to symptoms appearing, when treatments are most effective.” He also noted proposed doctrine changes that fall under Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction (CJCSI) 3112.01, which would allow treatment to begin based on an environmental detection with supporting operational context. Confirmatory analysis by a forward laboratory would then be used to decide whether to continue treatment or not. “Treating exposure to many of the known biological agents involves using relatively safe antibiotics such as cipro or doxycy-cline. The proposed doctrine recognizes that the issue is not with safety of treatment so much as timing,” said Becker. The ATD has three goals. First, the program will conduct a Military Utility Assessment (MUA) of the five detector and five sampler technologies and determine their Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Second, the USMC is developing a Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for use of man-portable biological detec-tion and sampling systems. Finally, this ATD will help clarify requirements for the Joint Biological Tactical Detection System (JBTDS) acquisition program. These requirements would help to address man-portable, manned platform, unmanned platform and unattended ground sensor applications. The JBTDS program is in the concept refinement phase (Mile-stone A), and the EBD program is providing information that will support its Concept Development Document (CDD). With this in mind, Mr. Becker points out that even though the EBD is Marine specific, it is being developed with future joint use in mind. While the focus is on Marine force protection, a Navy and Army liaison provide input into the project. “While not a joint program, we are fostering joint interest and joint cooperation,” said Becker. We have weekly meetings with our liaisons to update them and invite them to participate in the IPT meetings, and observe TTXs and demonstrations. They take that back to their respective services. According to John Hodgson, deputy operational man-ager supporting the Marine Corps Combat Develop-ment Command (MCCDC), this coordination is very important. He added, “It is important to give the Services an opportunity to help clarify their con-cepts and requirements for the JBTDS. This will feed the jointly developed CDD for JBTDS.” According to Mr. Becker, if the MUA indi-

cates that the technologies provide a significant and support-able operational capability, the most likely technology for rapid transition is the biological/non-biological discriminator. Only the first increment of JBTDS is currently funded , and of the three technologies being assessed, it is the most likely candidate for joint use. The planned field demonstration window for the EBD con-tinues through Nov. 30, 2007. This window may be extended depending on the availability of designated demonstration units. One Air Combat Element tabletop exercise (TTX) and a II MEF CBRN defense and medical CONOPS development workshop have been completed to date. An additional TTX and CONOPS workshop, two field demonstrations, and a VIP day are planned for Air Combat Elements and Ground Combat Elements during the demonstration window. In addition, the EBD candidate technologies have undergone extensive biological agent detection and interferent rejection testing and are also undergoing Military Standard-810 (MIL-STD-810) ruggedness tests.

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Oct - Dec �007

Introduction

T he useful lives of many weapon systems are being extended. Inherent with that are supportability problems

which must be addressed. Component or parts obsolescence issues will arise and must be mitigated to ensure that a system or piece of equipment will continue to operate until its intended – or extended – retirement date. The M31A1 Pre-Planned Product Improvement Biological Integrated Detec-tion System (P3I BIDS), with an extended retirement date, is impacted by parts obso-lescence. As the retirement date for the P3I BIDS has been extended, some of the biosuite components within contain parts that may no longer be available due to the loss or impending loss of manufacturer capability for those items. What follows is a description of the process to determine which parts may be affected by obso-lescence, to analyze data to project part need for the obsolete parts, and to then summarize supportability issues allowing for decision making regarding system sup-portability. After that is a brief description of the system; a summary of the analysis to identify those parts that are obsolete or that are at risk of becoming obsolete; future parts failure projections for affected components and parts and a summary of the actions taken to mitigate the associated risks.

The BIDS is comprised of multiple and complimentary Biological Warfare Agent (BWA) detection equipment mounted in a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) mounted shelter and includes the necessary collective protec-tion, power distribution, air conditioning and communication systems and work space. Its purpose is to warn and confirm that a biological agent attack has or has not occurred. Additionally, the warn-ing and/or confirmation are passed on to alert other units or headquarters through communication equipment. There is also a method to collect agent samples for later laboratory analysis.

Process to Analyze and Summarize Obsolescence

Issues

The results of a study identified poten-tial obsolescence issues impacting the biosuite components within the P3I BIDS system. The vendors who manufactured and support the biosuite components were contacted and requested to provide infor-mation relevant to support of the biosuite components. In several cases, vendors identified parts that were no longer in production or were at end-of-life. In some cases, vendors were able to offer end-of-life buy for affected parts or to ensure support through redesign of components.

The vendor contact highlighted some areas of concern, however, the next task to be undertaken was to analyze parts failure information and define the failures in the context of time between fielding the equip-ment and part failure. For parts that experienced failure and required repair or replacement, main-tenance and repair data was analyzed. Unscheduled maintenance actions were the primary consideration, with part repair or replacement needs for scheduled or pre-ventive maintenance and technical inspec-tions collected, however, categorized separately. For purposes of determining number of true failures, only unscheduled maintenance actions were counted.The failure data was then projected into the future to predict the parts and number of those parts that are needed to ensure that the P3I BIDS system will meet its retirement date. It is at this point that the need for parts in the future was determined based on historical failure data which occurred during system operation.The process and analysis as described can be done on all programs in order to pro-vide the logistician as well as the program office a supportability snapshot based on actual operation of the equipment. The information derived from this analysis can be used for many purposes. The specific examples for the BIDS is to mitigate obso-lescence issues of biosuite components and parts therein and are noted as follows:w The Biological Detector (BD) has a

By Susan Costa, Logistics Manager, BIDS

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PC104 card, which is no longer manu-factured or available otherwise. At present, there is a work-in-process to determine if an alternate board can be used to replace the PC104 card. This newer board is manufactured by the same vendor as the original PC104 card and is expected to be supported until the system retirement date.

w The original Chemical Biological Mass Spectrometer (CBMS) data sta-tions contained 486 microprocessors, which are also obsolete. Recently, three different configurations of the data station have been tested in order to determine the best replacement. The configuration to replace the 486 microprocessors has been selected and therefore, the information will be passed to Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) personnel so it can recycle the data stations with the obsolete microprocessor to the vendor and upgrade the data stations with the replacement parts.

With results derived from the process just described, the data can be better ana-lyzed to make support decisions to meet the planned retirement date. A summary of the usefulness of the data is noted in the next section.

Summary

With current reliability data having been derived by the analysis and process

described, there is increased confidence in knowing whether a system or piece of equipment can meet its retirement date. Primarily, with the obsolescence detail documented including the parts affected and those parts that are projected to be required to meet the retirement date, miti-gators or workarounds can be considered to ensure continuous operation. Work-arounds may include the identification and verification of alternate or substitute components or parts, lifetime buy of the parts in question, reclamation or refurbish-ment of components (or, generally as a last resort) redesign. Additionally, operational scenarios may change the intended use of the system or the equipment and the analysis can be used as backup for future decisions which is one purpose for the analysis done for the BIDS at the present time. Not only has the retirement date been extended affect-ing obsolescence and supportability issues, there are additional considerations to be made due to cost and other factors involv-ing BIDS biosuite component removal considerations as well.

Lessons Learned

It is apparent that the emphasis to involve logistics and support in the design phase of a program is paramount to ensure success for many reasons, and as this article briefly describes, can enable early identification of potential obsolescence/

supportability problems. Considerations that the manufacturer will be able to sup-port a part or component should be made during the design phase. Analysis such as this obsolescence study as well as frequent communication with manufacturers/vendors throughout the operational life to ensure continuous sup-port should be ongoing, with these tasks commonly done by program logisticians or other support personnel. Certainly, during a program’s course, current failure and repair data must be col-lected, reported on, and analyzed, to docu-ment and use historical data from which to base future projections on. Should retire-ment dates of a system, as in this case, the BIDS, be extended, the usefulness of the data is paramount to substantiate the likeli-hood of the BIDS fulfilling its retirement date. Most importantly, in order to miti-gate potential obsolescence/supportability issues, the earlier that they can be identi-fied and analyzed, the more likely it is that a workable solution can be found and the higher confidence can be attained that the system will meet its retirement date.

MM

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Oct - Dec �007

MMEquipment developed by the Joint Program Executive Office

for Chemical and Biological Defense (JPEO-CBD) plays a vital role in defending our nation against the unknown,

the unexpected and the unseen in the war against terror. To help accomplish this mission, a powerful tool has been developed. The JPEO-CBD, in conjunction with the Edgewood Chemical Biological Center, established the Joint Acquisition Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Knowledge System, also known as JACKS. The mission of JACKS is to provide the Warfighter and CBRN defense communities with a single effective and accurate portal of accessing CBRN defense information on procedures, material, equipment, availability and acquisition. JACKS is a web-based knowledge management system that provides information for the CBRN defense community, regardless of the agency, equipment manager or data owner. The cornerstone of JACKS is the ability to access multiple Department of Defense (DoD) databases and systems, consolidat-ing CBRN-oriented information into one focused resource to sup-port the CBRN community. Within the Department of Defense, there are a high number of CBRN supporting web sites, systems and databases usually aligned with an organization or office. In December 2006, JPEO-CBD implemented an initiative to consolidate all DoD helpdesks. The outgrowth of this initiative is the CBRN Information Resource Center (CBRN-IRC) The CBRN-IRC’s mission is the coordination and consolidation of all internal chemical and biological hotlines, to provide 24/7 operations and serve as the single point of entry for all requests for information related to the Chemical and Biological Defense program. Additionally, the CBRN-IRC synchronizes with external agencies to integrate their CBRN hotlines to ensure each customer receives the requested information. In its first seven months of operations, the CBRN-IRC received and staffed more than 1,000 inquiries from the CBRN community throughout the globe. The intent of the CBRN-IRC is to provide only the most current, relevant and accurate information available on CBRN issues. This global customer service portal to the DoD commu-nity is fully integrated into JACKS. The JACKS interface pro-

vides the warfighters, government employees and first responders a one-stop site for informational inquiries regarding CBRN defense equipment. This deployment methodology also allows US Forces to stay focused on the mission success, while the CBRN-IRC staff researches and provides the requested informa-tion. Another essential function incorporated into the CBRN-IRC structure is the capture of customer feedback on the service provided. Each CBRN-IRC customer is contacted by a customer service representative to analyze the service provided by the CBRN-IRC staff. An average of 41 percent of the customers con-tacted provided feedback on the service rendered. The following are examples of the feedback received: * “I greatly appreciate your help and for getting me the infor-

mation. Thank you. Most importantly, thank you for helping us be safe.”

* “Keep up the fine work. Other Government agencies should take note on how an IRC should be operated.”

* “I feel that my experience was excellent and I know that I am in good hands in contacting you in the future if needed.”

JACKS is an evolutionary system that is constantly being enhanced with new features, data sources and improved user interfaces. The capabilities and functions within JACKS are continuingly expanding based on user feedback captured by the CBRN-IRC and increasing CBRN community requirements. One of the many functions of the CBRN-IRC is to serve as the entry point for all recommendations, suggestions and change proposals concerning JACKS. In looking to the future, the CBRN-IRC will continue to staff and incorporate all feedback, lessons learned and CBRN commu-nity requirements to improve the timely dispersion and under-standing of CBRN information within DoD, first responders and the CBRN community. Customers can contact the CBRN-IRC by calling, 1-800-831-4408, by visiting https://jacks.jpeocbd.osd.mil/ or emailing [email protected]. The CBRN-IRC staff readily waits your inquiry.

By Katie Adams, Strategic Planner, CBRN-IRC

MM cCarthy Named Director of Human ResourcesMM

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Resources Analyst (Military) and a Lead Human Resources Analyst for the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense. As Director, Human Resources, Mr. McCarthy will be respon-sible for managing and directing the operations of the Human Resources Directorate. Responsibilities are civilian and military human resource management to include, staffing and place-ment, recruitment, classification, the National Security Person-nel System, position management, workforce development, employee benefits, management-employee relations, workforce shaping, awards and decorations program, Defense Integrated Human Resources System, military personnel accounting, Army Acquisition Corps Regionalization, Command Selection and Military Acquisition Position Lists, evaluations, selection boards, and enlisted and officer promotions. The previous Director, Human Resources, Mrs. Linda Yeck, accepted a position in Japan with the Department of the Navy. She will serve as a Site Manager responsible for the restructure of the Navy Human Resource Service Center functions.

Mr. Darrell D. McCarthy was selected as Direc-tor, Human Resources, Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense on October 1, 2007. Mr. McCarthy is a native of

Macon, Georgia. He graduated from National-Louis Univer-sity in 2004 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Manage-ment. He is currently attending National-Louis University pursuing a Masters of Science Degree in Human Resource Management and Development with an expected comple-tion date of September 2008. Mr. McCarthy has also attained Level I certification in Program Management from the Defense Acquisition University. Mr. McCarthy served on active duty in the United States Army in the Adjutant General Corps. After Basic Combat Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana, Mr. McCarthy was assigned as a Military Personnel Administra-tion Specialist with the 3rd Infantry Division’s 3rd Battalion, 1st Field Artillery, later redesignated 1st Infantry Division’s 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery in Bamberg, Germany in 1994. In 1997, Mr. McCarthy deployed with his unit to Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina for 8 months. In 1998, he served as a Military Personnel Sergeant and Deployment Officer with Headquarters, United States Army Materiel Command in Alexandria, Virginia. Mr. McCarthy also attended the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC) before being promoted to Sergeant in December 1998. In 2003, Mr. McCarthy was granted an honorable discharge from the United States Army. His military awards include: the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with 5 oak leaf clusters, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Global War on Ter-rorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal with bronze clasp and the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Develop-ment Ribbon. After leaving active duty, he served as a Military Personnel and Pay Analyst with the Army Defense Integrated Military Human Resources System’s (DIMHRS) Office with Booz Allen Hamil-ton. There he was responsible for developing the organizational roles and responsibilities database which define the Army mili-tary human resources specialists access levels and permissions in DIMHRS and assisted in drafting the Army DIMHRS communi-cations plan. Since 2004, Mr. McCarthy has served as a Human

Darrell D. McCarthy

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Oct - Dec �007

The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense took a break September 22, 2007 to unwind and have food and fun on it’s annual Organization Day. Whether it was the tug-of-war, balloon toss, horseshoes or just catching up with co-workers and their families, Organization Day was a good time for all.

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Documents

Chem-Bio Defense Quarterly - HSDL