SMALL BUSINESSES HUNGRY FOR A PIECE OF HOMELAND SECURITY PIE

Aug 1, 2002 12:00 PM, By PAUL ROTHMAN

The idea of Homeland security is grandiose and all-encompassing. It touches all levels of government, and the public and private sector alike. The government's challenge lies in implementing programs and technologies to achieve the ultimate goal of a secure Homeland.

For small businesses, the challenge is to ensure their technologies are not overlooked — that they are purchased and deployed by those who need them. The Small Business Homeland Security Expo, held on Capitol Hill in mid-July, gave nearly 50 companies the opportunity to showcase new product ideas, technology and research directed to Federal and state governments.

“Small business can provide complex solutions,” said Paul Talley, executive vice president of Vigilos Inc., Seattle, which demonstrated a software package designed to integrate multiple access control and physical security systems. “[The government] may realize the value of IT technology, but sometimes they just assume it's available. With IT software, making assumptions is not that easy.”

The expo, which featured an address by Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, was co-sponsored by Senators Kit Bond (R-Mo.) and John F. Kerry (D-Mass.). Participating companies were nominated by members of Congress. Products showcased ranged from the IT market to explosives detection to physical access control.

“Our nation has always been the home to innovative, pioneering entrepreneurs, and I think it's critical that we showcase their Homeland-security products and connect them with Federal decision-makers — from Tom Ridge on down — who can enlist their efforts in the war against terror,” said Kerry, chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Imaging Automation, Bedford, N.H., displayed its authentication software that scans passports and visas from more than 140 countries.

Cernium Inc., St. Louis, demonstrated a security system designed primarily for airports. It detects “wrong-way” motion and includes surveillance with real-time video playback. The company also displayed a software system capable of integrating with existing CCTV networks for event detection and notification. It attracted the attention of one of the many Federal agency procurement officials in attendance.

“I think [the expo] marked the beginning of getting into the process for small business,” Cernium CEO Sean Patty said. “You still have to get hooked up with the right agency that's looking for the right solution, but events like this one, where the agencies are there and looking for new technologies and products, should prove important.”

Biometrics, a key component of President Bush's National Strategy for Homeland Security, was also at the forefront of technologies unveiled at the expo. Viisage Technology Inc., Littleton, Mass., demonstrated a screening and surveillance system featuring face recognition. RVSI Acuity Ci-Matrix, Canton, Mass., promoted a system that translates facial and fingerprint information into a barcode that is inexpensive to produce.

“We welcomed the opportunity to educate on the benefits of face recognition and how it can play an important role in enhancing Homeland security,” said Craig Berube, chairman and acting CEO of Viisage.

Funding for such technologies is likely to be in wide supply. The Federal government is expected to spend more than $57 billion on technology for Homeland defense next year. A percentage of those funds is earmarked for small businesses.

“There is a lot of bureaucracy and many challenges in the procurement process,” Patty said. “But there is definitely a new sense of urgency, especially with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).”

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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