Gillibrand Announces Full Funding For Hudson Valley Company's I.E.D. Technology Program

Press Release

Gillibrand Pushed For Crucial Period-Of-Performance Extension, Allowing For Continued Funding Of Advanced Reconnaissance Corp.'s Potentially Lifesaving Technology

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) will fully fund the second phase of the Fisher Program, which is administered and managed by the Army Geospatial center on behalf of JIEDDO. It is in the process of developing technology through the Fishkill-based Advanced Reconnaissance Corp. that would allow troops on the ground to detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and could potentially save lives. Senator Gillibrand successfully pushed for a crucial period-of-performance extension this past April which gave JIEDDO the additional time needed to make a final decision on whether to fund the program.

"I applaud the decision by JIEDDO to continue funding the Fisher Program," Senator Gillibrand said. "IEDs pose a serious threat to the brave men and women serving in Afghanistan. The research that Advanced Reconnaissance Corp. conducts through the Fisher Program has the potential to save lives, and greatly reduce the trauma imposed on American troops."

The Fisher Program completed their first phase in developing technology that, if successful, will improve the military's capability to detect IEDs buried in the ground. The second phase of the program was put on hold due to the FY 2011 appropriations process. At Senator Gillibrand's urging, the Department of Defense extended the period-of-performance past its initial April 30 deadline. This extension gave JIEDDO the opportunity to review and make its final decision to fully fund the program.

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