Hazard Mitigation, Materiel and Equipment Restoration (HaMMER) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD)

Abstract

Battelle is the systems integrator on the Hazard Mitigation, Materiel and Equipment Restoration (HaMMER) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) which is demonstrating integrated systems of decontaminants, applicators, and processes for recovery after a chemical or biological (CB) attack. Solutions have been developed using live agent testing and feedback from the user community. The HaMMER ATD is funded by the DTRA Joint Science and Technology Office and sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Command. The Joint Project Manager for Protection is the Transition Manager, and the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center serves as the Technical Manager. The HaMMER ATD focuses on three areas: • Agent disclosure — to provide a visual indication of the extent of contamination • Strippable coatings — pre-applied to mitigate contact and vapor hazards • Custom decontamination solutions that provide a dial-a-decon capability To date, the work has identified technologies that, when collectively applied, reduce or eliminate CB hazards following an attack. Technologies are grouped into suites targeted for mobile, stationary, and preparatory employment. HaMMER products will be considered for transition into the Decontamination Family of Systems (DFoS), using HaMMER test results for risk reduction. Beyond testing new technologies and systems, the program also provides a test bed to introduce new test protocols and operational methods. The HaMMER FoS consists of mobile, stationary, and support suites. The mobile suites focus on technologies that can be carried and employed on-the-move, while the stationary suite focuses on technologies that can be deployed to support field operations. The support suite provides the capability to apply preparatory measures prior to mission deployment. For the military, program benefits include: • New components and technologies that may replace or supplement existing decontamination equipment under current doctrine (near-term) • New FoS employed under new Concept of Operations (CONOPS) (mid-term) • Flexible configurations to address specific problems and operational needs • Incorporation of user feedback to ensure the suitability of the products These benefits and lessons learned from the program are easily translated into similar benefits for emergency responders and other homeland security professionals.