Block MEMS has received a $3.5M contract to help SRI International develop a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive detection system for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
It will contribute its standoff sensing technology for the creation of a CBRNE early detection system under the Localization and Characterization of Chemical Anomalies in Urban Settings program, the company said Tuesday.
The system would work to detect CBRN threats across cities and regions. SRI's point sensing will work with Block MEMS' quantum cascade laser technology to provide a ruggedized, real-time detection tool.
Block MEMS’ collaboration with SRI supports DARPA's larger SIGMA+ program that continues the agency's efforts to address weapons of mass destruction through the development of detection technologies.
“The SIGMA+ contract extends Block’s standoff, chemical detection capabilities to the real-time, monitoring and mapping of urban environments," said Anish Goyal, Block’s vice president of technology.
Block MEMS focuses on infrared-based sensing technologies.