Accelrys to Provide Contract Research for Homeland Security Project
Accelrys, Inc. announced a subcontract agreement with the Northrop Grumman Corp. to assist in the research and development of bioagent detectors for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Under the agreement, Accelrys will employ its proprietary technology in statistical modeling and analysis to help determine the anticipated sensitivity and selectivity of the detection tools, which will be used to monitor for the presence of bacteria, viruses and toxin-proteins. Accelrys software applications that may be utilized include those that employ mathematical algorithms to predict a substance’s activity based on its structural and genetic properties.
Northrop Grumman was one of 14 companies and universities contracted by the Homeland Security Advance Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) to research and develop measures for defending against biological threats. During the initial 18-month phase of this project, $48 million will be awarded to the contracted teams. Northrop Grumman will be participating in the effort to develop Bioagent Autonomous Networked Detectors (BAND), which will be used to continuously monitor for bioagents in outdoor urban areas.
“Accelrys is pleased to be a part of this important research endeavor,” Katie Hollister, Accelrys’ VP client services, commented. “The award of the contract is a significant milestone for Accelrys’ contract research services division. We look forward to working closely with Northrop Grumman and the rest of the team for the duration of this HSARPA project.”
