To showcase technological advances that have been developed in Oak Ridge, Congressman Zach Wamp (R-TN) has invited Homeland Security Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY) to the "Atomic City" for an informal hearing.  The June 16th briefing will showcase Oak Ridge homeland security technology and equipment that could protect our country from future terrorist attacks.

"We have an impressive list of demonstrations and presenters that will give Chairman Rogers a feel for the exciting technology.  Together we will take this knowledge back to the full Appropriations Committee and share it with our colleagues," said Wamp, who is also a Member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.

Demonstrations:

Remotec -   

Remotec is the leading producer of mobile robotic systems for use military or law enforcement officers in hazardous situations, reducing the risk to human life.

* Explosive Detection Boarding Pass Technology Program

This ORNL technology uses a passenger's ticket as a sampling device to detect even the smallest amount of explosives, such as nitroglycerine and TNT.  As passengers board a plane, this procedure takes just a few seconds and allows all passengers to be sampled with no increase in manpower.   

NUCSAFE -

NUCSAFE builds nuclear and radiological detection systems that are used to search for harmful or dangerous substances at ports of

entry, seaports, airports, border crossing, and public buildings and embassies.

SensorNet technology -

SensorNet, developed at ORNL, strategically locates chemical and biological detection sensors throughout the United States that can detect harmful agents in "real-time."  This critical information can be sent to a national command center within minutes of an event.

Y-12/UT's CAPTURE program-

The Corridor Access Police Tracking Uniform Records Exchange (CAPTURE) program promotes the sharing of important information, such as criminal activity, between local law enforcement agencies for better coordination.  

Homeland Defense Equipment Reuse Program -

This innovative program created by local Department of Energy employees redeploys excess government radiation safety and security equipment to first responder agencies that need it.

Panelist:

Dr. Robin White, Executive Director for the UT/ORNL Center for Homeland Security and Counter Proliferation.

The center was created by the University of Tennessee and ORNL to leverage the assets of both institutions and the Tennessee Valley Corridor to solve homeland security problems.  

Dave Southard, Senior Vice President for Business Development for iPIX 

iPix developed a Video Surveillance System that is ideal for the military and law enforcement.  The system provides complete 360-degree-by-360-degree video coverage of an area in real time using only one camera with no moving parts.

* Major General Jerry D. Humble, Director of Tennessee?s Office of Homeland Security.

In January 2002, General Humble was appointed by then Governor-elect Bredesen to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to secure the state of Tennessee from terrorist attacks.

Dan Upp, Business Element Manager of ORTEC

ORTEC is recognized world-wide as a top-notch manufacturer of highly sensitive portable radiological detection equipment.  This US-owned company is located in Oak Ridge and the base technology originated from federally funded research and development programs.

Will Pendergrass, Physical Scientist with the Oak Ridge office for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Air Resources Laboratory (U.S. Department of Commerce). 

NOAA was created in 1970 under the direction of President Richard Nixon to observe, predict and protect our environment. Mr. Pendergrass is an expert at the Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division in Oak Ridge.  Mr Pendergrass is an expert at the Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division (ATDD) in Oak Ridge and will be discussing the DCNet program and meteorological predicting capabilities.

The demonstrations will be open from 8:30 AM until 10:15 AM with the testimony beginning promptly at 10:30 AM in the Wigner Auditorium at ORNL.  All attendees must be seated by 10:15 AM in the auditorium.

Due to security requirements at the Oak Ridge National Lab, reservations must be made in advance for the briefing.  Anyone interested in attending the briefing with Chairman Rogers must email hs-briefing@ornl.gov or contact Brenda Hackworth at 865-241-7249.

The following is a list of requirements for attending this important Homeland Security meeting:

-Advanced registration required.

-U.S. citizenship required.

-Photo Identification required.

-No firearms will be allowed.

-All persons and vehicles will be subject to search.

-All persons are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 AM.

-Attendees must present a copy of email/fax confirmation of registration from ORNL.

Due to the increased automobile traffic on June 16th, two portals will be open to expedite entry into ORNL.  The following information is required to gain entry:

-Full name of attendee (please have photo identification ready)

-U.S. Citizenship confirmation

-Corporate affiliation

-vehicle license number

-Make/Model of vehicle

-Email address, fax number and telephone number