EDGE Innovation Network Opens Online Portal for Quick Access to Off-the-shelf Solutions for Department of Homeland Security

General Dynamics News Release:

March 27, 2014

EDGE Innovation Network Opens Online Portal for Quick Access to Off-the-shelf Solutions for Department of Homeland Security
The EDGE concept is proven to deliver cost savings, technology awareness and enhanced relationships among government entities and EDGE members.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) will use the EDGE® Innovation Network’s Knowledge Management System (KMS) to exchange information and discuss technical solutions to the Department’s capability gaps. The KMS is a technology portal provided by General Dynamics C4 Systems, a leading technology partner with the EDGE Innovation Network.

“The EDGE concept is proven to deliver cost savings, technology awareness and enhanced relationships among government entities, industry, academia and non-profit organizations,” said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics C4 Systems. “With the KMS portal, the Department of Homeland Security will have quick access to vast stores of innovative technology and products that may fit their immediate needs.”

With more than 400 members nationwide, including 253 certified small businesses, the EDGE Innovation Network creates and maintains an open, collaborative environment where members and customers can characterize, nurture, develop and deliver current and emerging technologies and capabilities to equip a more mobile, better-connected and informed end-user.

Highlighting the power of collaboration among EDGE Innovation Network members and lead technology partner General Dynamics C4 Systems, the members have demonstrated 4G/LTE broadband networks for public safety organizations including the Boston Police Department during the 2012 Saint Patrick’s Day parade and the Sheriff’s Department of Suffolk County, Va., during the 2013 Harborfest event. 

The most recent public safety network demonstration took place at Texas A&M’s Disaster City® where public safety professionals from Texas used the General Dynamics C4 Systems’ 4G/LTE public safety network to coordinate simulated search and rescue effort during a tornado recovery effort. During the four-day event, the network securely connected more than 25 participants, two area command centers and an incident commander over an eight-mile geographical area.

“The power of a 4G/LTE network, like those demonstrated by the EDGE Innovation Network in collaboration with General Dynamics C4 Systems, helps law enforcement and first responders see how this next generation communications network will help them be more efficient and effective as well as safer, particularly in emergency response situations,” said Dr. Walt Magnussen, Director for the Internet2 Technology Evaluation Center at Texas A&M University. “It’s amazing what you can learn when you put the new technology in the hands of first responders. Texas A&M University is proud to have been a part of this event.”

Government organizations currently using the EDGE include the Joint IED Task Force, U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force, Air Force Research Laboratories, Brigade Modernization Command and U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence.

More information about the EDGE Innovation Network is available at www.edge-innovation.com.

General Dynamics C4 Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). More information about C4 Systems is available online at www.gdc4s.com.

Information about General Dynamics is available at www.generaldynamics.com.