28 July 1998

N E W S
OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
(PUBLIC AFFAIRS)
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301
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No. 392-98
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 1998

(703) 695-0192(media)
(703) 697-5737(public/industry)

### SECOND FORCE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT DEMONSTRATION ANNOUNCED

The Department of Defense announced today that a second Force Protection Equipment Demonstration is scheduled May 3-6, 1999 at Quantico Marine Corps Base, Va. This event is part of an ongoing initiative to engage industry in Department of Defense antiterrorism and force protection efforts.

The demonstration showcases state-of-the-art, commercial off-the-shelf antiterrorism and force protection equipment to DOD and other federal government decision-makers. The first demonstration occurred in September 1997.

The event is sponsored by Joint Staff's Deputy Directorate of Operations for Combating Terrorism, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology (OUSD(A&T)), the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate, and the Department of Justice. The U.S. Army Product Manager-Physical Security Equipment Office is coordinating and managing the demonstration.

Project coordinator Mike Toscano, OUSD(A&T), said this demonstration will be bigger than last year's. Toscano noted that while last year's demonstration was highly successful with positive comments from more than 2,000 visitors during the four-day period, this one is projected to have even greater value.

Concerning the 1999 demonstration Toscano said "it will include more vendors from foreign countries and an even greater array of equipment and products. The number of potential customers from the Defense Department and other federal, state and local agencies is also expected to increase dramatically."

Various types of force protection equipment will be demonstrated, according to Toscano. They include barriers, sensors, detectors, access control systems, protective gear, and non-lethal weapons. Vendor applications are carefully screened to ensure applicability to current and projected force protection needs.

Lt. Col. Bruce Swagler, product manager in the Army's Physical Security Equipment Office, said the most important aspect of this event is the requirement for vendors to actually demonstrate their products. This is what sets this demonstration apart from other shows or exhibitions," Swagler said. "Visitors can expect to see real equipment in operation."

In addition to equipment demonstrations, there will be live-firing against blast-resistant or ballistic-resistant equipment, as well as demonstrations of non-lethal weapons and night vision devices. Transportation will be provided to firing ranges so visitors can observe the live-fire events.

This event is open to the media. For further information please contact Mr. Mike Toscano at 703-697-0854. Details on vendor submissions and application forms are available on the World Wide Web at http://www.csc.com/fped.

-END-

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