USCG, DHS open R&D facility

The US Coast Guard (USCG) Research and Development Center (RDC) and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have jointly opened a research facility at Fort Trumbull, USCG announced on 11 May.

The new Coast Guard Science and Technology Innovation Center (CG-STIC) will make use of prototyping, innovation and rapid integration of high-technology solutions to resolve operational challenges of the DHS and USCG.

The CG-STIC will assess ideas for rapid improvements of existing products as well, such as mass rescue systems and ice cages for oil skimmers.

Andrew Niccolai, lead scientist for the CG-STIC, said: ‘The general mission of the CG-STIC is to make DHS’ and the coast guard’s fielding of emerging technology more rapid and nimble. Instead of taking two to three years to research and develop a solution, we can look to commercial off-the-shelf solutions or tailor some fast-tracked solution.’

Capt Dennis Evans, RDC commanding officer, said, ‘We recognise our collaboration is critical in transitioning technology and innovation to meet the needs of the department, the Coast Guard and the American public at strong value to the taxpayer.’

The CG-STIC is currently prototyping a Maritime Object Tracking Technology, which enables tracking and recovery of objects thrown by suspect vessels. The technology then makes use of the Automatic Identification System to mark derelict vessels and other hazards to navigation. This helps prevent multiple re-reporting and reduces the money and time spent on responses.