Boyd nets $12.4M for defense research at FAMU

Once again, the U.S. Department of Defense is relying on FAMU to help it protect America’s citizens and soldiers. Next year, thanks to Congressman Allen Boyd (D-Monticello), FAMU professors will conduct $12.4 million-worth of research to develop cutting-edge military technology.

Boyd secured the grants as part of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act of 2009 (HR 2638), which is expected to pass the Senate next week and receive President George W. Bush’s signature before October 1.

According to Tallahassee’s WCTV-6, FAMU will receive:

$6.4 million for Future Affordable Multi-Utility Materials for the Army Future Combat Systems. FAMU will use this funding to continue researching and developing advanced process sensors to be used by the U.S. Army’s unmanned vehicles, which gather intelligence and carry out various missions on the land and in the air.

$4.8 million for the Standoff Improvised Explosive Device Detection Program. FAMU will use this funding to continue researching and developing advanced sensors and imaging systems for the detection of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), helping service members in the field identify IEDs without having to be near them.

$1.2 million for the Advance Standoff Technologies for National Security. FAMU will use this funding to research and develop advanced sensor systems capable of detections of nuclear, chemical, or biological attacks.

Boyd, who sits on the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, has championed numerous defense-related research projects at FAMU throughout his 11-year tenure in Congress. His name continues to circulate as a possible candidate for either U.S. Senator or Florida commissioner of agricultural and consumer services in 2010.

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