FAIRFAX, Va., Sept. 29, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Under a major, 5-year contract with the U.S. Army, SoBran, Inc. will test and certify the large majority of brands and types of critical breathing devices produced for the military and other first responders. This contract marks a major milestone in how the government certifies the crucial devices that are the lifeline for hundreds of thousands of soldiers, firefighters and hazmat teams worldwide.
SoBran, a private company working in concert with the U.S. Army, is entrusted to control all aspects of this highly sensitive work, and certify that the complex self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and crucial components meet the highest safety standards.
SoBran is widely known for its expertise in preventing and containing chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threats. SoBran's deep, field-proven knowledge and processes quickly contain -- and proactively prevent -- damage from potential attacks in a vast variety of environments, including dense offices, highly-secured facilities and remote battlefields.
The Army has always mandated extensive testing of emergency equipment. SoBran improves the operational efficiency of this complex system, and brings the industry's deepest expertise to a constantly evolving set of chemical challenges. The National Institute for Occupational and Safety Health will continue to certify all equipment before it is deployed.
A Complex and Evolving Threat Environment
Today's threats encompass more than anthrax and sarin. SoBran implements robust detection and prevention processes to safeguard thousands of facilities, individuals, and businesses from today's growing list of real-world CBRNE threats.
SoBran's scientists and technicians will test both facemasks and fabrication material, examining how they interact with all of the most highly toxic chemicals, in various combinations and potency, including sarin and phosgene. Additional tests will evaluate the gear across a range of simulated environments, including terrorist attacks, military conflict, chemical spills and fire prevention.
This multi-million-dollar contract win builds on SoBran's leading CBRNE prevention and detection services, widely used by the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and other leading government and commercial organizations.
"This is a zero-tolerance program," said Donald Shanks, Director of the Engineering and Logistics Division at SoBran. "Even the smallest exposure to materials tested against, like, sarin and can be fatal. Our job is to keep every single solider and first responder safe."
All work will be conducted at the U.S. Army's Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), the nation's leading research and developmental center for chemical and biological defense strategies.
About SoBran, Inc.
SoBran is a mature technical and professional services company, serving government and industry for more than 20 years. We partner with customers to solve problems affecting critical missions in defense, homeland security, CBRNE security, environmental protection, national energy policy, and biomedical research. As an ISO 9001:2000-certified and experienced business process outsourcing company, SoBran brings process orientation and rigorous quality standards to all our projects. We offer services through the GSA IT, PES and LOGWORLD schedules and several GWAC contract vehicles.
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, SoBran has major offices in Fairfax, Virginia; Burtonsville, Maryland; and Jacksonville, Florida, with additional field offices providing direct support for federal and commercial clients.
For more information, including opportunities to join the SoBran team, please visit www.sobran-inc.com or call (301) 476-9077.