Letter to Dr. Joesph F. Fontanella, Director of the U.S. Army Geospatial Center

Letter

Dear Dr. Fontanella,

I am writing to urgently request that you grant a period-of-performance extension for the Fisher Program, the contract for which is administered and managed by the U.S. Army Geospatial Center on behalf of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO).

As you may be aware, this program is currently under consideration by JIEDDO for funding for phase two of the program. It is my understanding the JIEDDO intended to fund phase two, but that any decisions have been delayed due to the FY2011 appropriations process and it is my understanding that JIEDDO will not be able to make a determination on whether the phase two of the Fisher Program will be funded before the current period-of-performance expires on April 30th.

The presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) poses a serious threat to our armed forces in Afghanistan. The Fisher Program is developing promising technology that has the potential to help our men and women in uniform detect the presence of IEDs on the ground using technology developed by Advanced Reconnaissance Corp in Fishkill, New York. If proven successful, this technology could help to prevent serious trauma due to IED explosions. It is my understanding that phase one, which was to test and demonstrate this technology, was considered successful. Funding for phase two would allow this technology to be fielded.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and it is my hope that you will allow JIEDDO to complete its analysis of whether this program will continue to be funded by extending the period-of-performance deadline.

Sincerely,

Kirsten E. Gillibrand

United States Senator

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