Wright State in running to get piece of $181M Army contract for automatic identification technologies

Vikram Sethi is director of Wright State’s Institute of Defense Studies and Education.

Wright State University’s Institute of Defense Studies and Education is part of a consortium awarded a U.S. Army contract worth up to $181 million to provide automatic-identification technologies and services that will enable the military and other agencies to track, locate and monitor parts and equipment.

The contract for the Automatic Identification Technology V (AIT-V) Project was awarded to the Fairfax, Virginia-based SRA International, Inc., a leading provider of IT solutions and professional services to government organizations.

There are no decisions yet on how much of the contract work for the Automated Movement and Identification Solutions AIT-V project might be given to the Institute of Defense Studies and Education.

“This is a high-growth opportunity for us,” said Vikram Sethi, institute director. “We will look to participate in work related to the unique expertise of our university faculty and subject matter experts and incorporating this expertise into education, training, consulting and testing/benchmarking activities.”

The institute supports the Department of Defense, commercial industry and others by employing experts from government, the military, academia and the private sector.

“We have excellent capabilities within the institute and Wright State University in the AIT and sensor space,” said Sethi. “Our faculty and subject matter experts are engaged in rigorous R and D activity, basic and applied research. We are truly excited to partner with SRA and look forward to bringing high-value projects to our university.”

The contract — valued at $181 million over three years if all options are exercised — will involve data collection, storage information, information processing and transmission of AIT data designed to enhance systems within the Defense Department, U.S. Coast Guard, NATO, coalition partners, other foreign military sales and other federal agencies. It will provide standardization among government users and throughout the DOD logistics domain.

The technologies will include bar codes, direct thermal and thermal transfer printing and radio frequency data communications. It may also include newer technologies such as biometrics, systems using satellite communications to relay data and provide position information, cellular communications and voice recognition.

The technologies are expected to be used in inventory and warehousing environments; in maintenance, repair and tracking facilities; at entry and exit points of military facilities and roadside installations; in restricted offices and laboratories; with military convoys; and in the handling of hazardous or explosive materials.

SRA and its team partners will provide commercially available AIT technology, including communications, hardware and software, technical engineering services, documentation, training, warranty and maintenance services. In addition, SRA will provide military supply chain experts to deliver best-value solutions.