National Urban Security 

Technology Laboratory 

Annual Report 

Fiscal Year 2017 

M-AR-5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

This Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 Annual Report contains a summary of the National 

Urban Security Technology Laboratory’s (NUSTL’s) completed program 

and project milestones, collaboration and outreach, mission and services, 

laboratory operations, and organizational successes. 

As a federal laboratory organized within the U.S. Department of Homeland 

Security Science and Technology Directorate, NUSTL is dedicated to making 

sure first responders have better technologies and the right tools to do their 

jobs more effectively—a potentially life-saving asset. By partnering with 

end users to understand their most pressing needs and challenges, NUSTL 

validates requirements, evaluates technologies for operational readiness 

and works to strengthen the capabilities of our nation’s first responders. 

NUSTL’s notable achievements in test and evaluation include: 

▪ Testing 754 pieces of new equipment including personal

radiation detectors and radiation isotope identifier detectors;

▪ Operational field assessments, tests and evaluations of

technologies such as counter-unmanned aerial systems,

the smoke and particulate resistant turnout ensemble, and

Mutualink and datacasting communications systems;

▪ Provisioning radiation sources and technical expertise

to support more than 15 days of responder training and

exercise events for over 360 first responders; and

▪ Publishing 30+ technical reports and new knowledge products

to communicate assessment results and facilitate first responder

technology acquisition and deployment decisions.

This report also contains information on NUSTL’s research and development 

investments, which led to the development of new tools and guidance 

that support local and state emergency managers, incident commanders 

and decision-makers during radiological or nuclear emergencies. NUSTL 

completed research and testing of preventative radiological/nuclear 

detection equipment, developed new modeling products and piloted 

training materials designed specifically for response workers.

Additionally, NUSTL achieved its International Standard for Quality 

Management Systems–ISO 9001:2015 certification. These highlights, among

many other accomplishments from FY2017, are showcased in this annual report. 

1 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Introduction 3 

A 71-Year History of Service through Science 4 

We are NUSTL 8 

Organizational Successes 8 

Awards and Acknowledgements 11 

Subject Matter Expert Panels and Presentations 14 

Staff Member Expertise - Fast Facts 16 

Partnering and Collaborating with the Homeland Security Community 18 

NUSTL Establishes New Partnership Agreement 20 

New York Area Science and Technology Forums 20 

Consumer Reports for First Responders 24 

System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders 24 

Operational Assessment and Experimentation of First Responder Technologies 28 

Responder Technologies Testing and Evaluation Support 29 

Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Testing and Evaluation Support 32 

Test Agent for the Next Generation First Responder Program 34 

Laboratory Testing of Radiation Detection Equipment for First Responders 38 

Performance Testing and Evaluation at NUSTL 39 

Equipping Law Enforcement during Radiation Detection Training Events 42 

Responder Training and Exercise Support 43 

Research and Development for Improving Response and Recovery to Rad/Nuc Incidents 46

Preventative Rad/Nuc Detection Equipment for Responder and Recovery Missions 47 

New Modeling Products for the DHS-Led Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center 49 

Hazard Awareness through Training and Guidance 51 

Managing the NUSTL Facility 52 

Delivering Quality in Every Product and Service 53 

Ensuring Safety Throughout All Operations 54 

Safeguarding Equipment 54 

Information Technology 55 

Promoting Environmental Sustainability 55 

Look Ahead 56 

2 
INTRODUCTION 

Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 marked 71 years of service to the nation for the 

National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL). A federal 

laboratory organized within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), NUSTL has locations 

in downtown New York City and the Chicago metropolitan area. The 

laboratory’s mission is devoted to advancing the research and development 

(R&D) and test and evaluation (T&E) of homeland security technologies and 

tools that prepare and protect our nation. 

NUSTL is the only national laboratory focused exclusively on supporting 

the capabilities of state and local first responders to make the nation more 

secure and resilient to terrorism and catastrophic incidents. NUSTL serves 

first responders and emergency managers throughout the most populous 

metropolitan areas in the country—solving the complex challenges faced by 

urban responders and protecting American communities at large. 

The laboratory’s T&E and R&D mission activities aim to help first responders 

prepare, protect and respond to homeland security threats. Staff members 

work side-by-side with first responders to conduct T&E that can influence 

technology development and inform acquisition and deployment decisions. 

By investing in R&D efforts to characterize and manage radiological 

incidents, NUSTL can minimize the impacts on communities and ultimately 

save lives. NUSTL’s Radiological/Nuclear Response and Recovery (RNRR) 

Team has managed a portfolio ranging from $2 to $5 million annually since its 

creation—a small investment that would prevent more than $3 trillion in costs if 

a post-radiological event cleanup occurred and was not performed properly. 

The mission work and accomplishments detailed in this annual report were 

made possible because of our talented, hardworking, dedicated staff. 

3 
A 71-YEAR 

HISTORY OF SERVICE 

THROUGH SCIENCE 

“Our last 70 years in service acknowledges the significant importance of science and 

technology in critical areas of national security. NUSTL provides research, testing and 

evaluation capabilities that are essential to the Homeland Security Enterprise and to solving 

the challenges faced by the nation’s first responders. We are proud of our longstanding history 

and the impact our services have made— and we expect to be celebrating our successes for 

many years to come.”

 – Dr. Adam Hutter, Laboratory Director 

4 
For 71 years, the laboratory has supported the nation as a federal resource. The laboratory has 

prospered through seven decades of remarkable history—from measuring radioactive fallout during 

the Cold War, to conducting operational assessments of first responder technologies today. While 

much has changed since the laboratory’s establishment, the heart of NUSTL’s mission still focuses on 

the safety and security of the American people. 

The laboratory formed in 1947 under the Medical Division of the Atomic Energy Commission to 

serve the massive research effort that led to the development of the atomic bomb. In the 1950s, 

the newly named Health and Safety Laboratory shifted its focus to a growing national concern of 

radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons tests, and used its network of monitoring stations for 

fallout assessments. The laboratory soon earned its reputation as a world leader in environmental 

radiation measurements. Its network of air monitoring stations expanded to assess, soil and water 

samples, air filter samples at the surface and in the stratosphere, and biological samples and 

measurements of wet and dry fallout. In 1977, the laboratory’s name changed to the Environmental 

Measurements Laboratory (EML), and it realigned to the newly created U.S. Department of Energy 

(DOE). The laboratory’s primary focus was to support environmental monitoring, decommissioning, 

decontamination and remediation efforts. Following nuclear accidents at Three Mile Island 

and Chernobyl, EML took immediate measurements that provided the ability to accurately and 

comprehensively reconstruct the environmental contamination that resulted from these events. 

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, President George W. Bush signed 

legislation to create DHS. EML became part of DHS S&T in 2003 to support homeland security 

activities. The final name change occurred in 2009 when EML became the National Urban Security 

Technology Laboratory—or NUSTL—as it is well known today. Four years later, the laboratory moved 

from its former space to the ninth floor within the same federal building, which offered a new, 

modern work environment to support the increasing need to collaborate with first responders. More 

than one hundred representatives from DHS, local police and fire departments, other agencies, and 

longtime friends attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Today, NUSTL is home to a vast range of capabilities that serve the first responder community, 

including the testing and evaluation of technologies to better understand and mitigate current and 

future homeland security threats. Its laboratory staff members provide a critical scientific interface 

with myriad first responders and end users in the field for the accelerated delivery and successful 

end-user deployment of technologies and systems, not just in New York, but also across the country. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 5 
6 
7 
WE ARE

NUSTL

ORGANIZATIONAL 

SUCCESSES 

NUSTL launched its new logo 

in 2016, and it was designed to 

represent the laboratory’s role 

as a national resource to first 

responders. The logo graphically 

depicts iconic buildings from 

across the country to capture 

the national direction of NUSTL’s 

mission, while not losing sight 

of its roots in New York City. To 

develop the new logo, NUSTL 

held a laboratory-wide contest to 

solicit creative ideas and designs 

from staff members. The design concepts submitted throughout 

the contest were used to design three logo options, which were 

later voted on by NUSTL staff to finalize the logo selection.

The launch of the new logo synchronized with NUSTL’s 

participation in the 2016 National Trademark Expo sponsored by 

the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. NUSTL received trademark

protection for the logo less than a year after its creation. 

Staff members collected written testimony from the laboratory’s 

partners and customers, which resulted in an overwhelming 

number of accolades that were used to describe NUSTL’s products, 

services and staff interactions. The outstanding record of feedback 

from dozens of first responder customers and partners from

federal, state and local entities represented NUSTL’s superior level 

of customer satisfaction and quality performance. The evaluation 

of customer satisfaction is part of the laboratory’s Quality 

Management System, which requires the continual assessment and 

improvement of products and services. 

8 
“We rely on our partnership with [NUSTL] to provide further guidance on acquisition, 

evaluation and operational deployment on technologies.”

 – New York City Police Department 

“...helpful in not only providing guidance and connections to experts, but also in taking 

feedback from state and local responders in order to ensure that we get guidance that helps 

us effectively manage rad events.”

 – Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection 

“...Through their tireless efforts and consummate professionalism, the Port Authority Police 

Academy staff was successful in training an additional 260 police recruits on personal 

radiological detection.”

 – Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 

“Many thanks [to NUSTL] for inspiring the students to continue in their career paths as 

prospective engineers and scientists.”

 – Stevens Insitute of Technology, Center of Excellence for Maritime Security 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 9 
Staff members are photographed with Congressman Donovan (center) at NUSTL. 

On August 1, 2017, NUSTL hosted U.S. Representative Daniel Donovan, Chairman of the 

Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response and Communications of the House 

Committee on Homeland Security; representing the 11 Congressional District of New York. Three 

congressional staffers accompanied Congressman Donovan for a guided tour of NUSTL and an 

overview of the laboratory’s capabilities, mission, programs and projects. Staff members led the 

tour, which included a series of briefings and demonstrations that showcased NUSTL’s operational 

fieldwork and technology assessments. Nearly 20 first responders showed their support by attending 

the congressional visit and sharing notable examples of the impact and contributions NUSTL’s 

services and products have brought to their organizations. 

Staff members show Congressman Donovan a sampling of technologies 

and prototypes tested by NUSTL with first responder partners.

NUSTL would like to thank all 

of the partners who attended 

from the DOE’s Brookhaven 

National Laboratory (BNL), Fire 

Department of New York City’s 

HazMat Operations, New York City 

Emergency Management, New 

York City Police Department’s 

(NYPD’s) Counterterrorism Division 

and Harbor Unit, as well as the 

Metropolitan Transportation 

Authority (MTA) Police Department, 

MTA’s Metro-North Railroad and 

MTA’s Triborough Bridge and 

Tunnel Authority. 

10 
WE ARE NUSTL 

AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 

NUSTL staff members received three awards at the 2017 DHS S&T Under Secretary’s Award Ceremony: 

Adam Hutter 

Laboratory Director 

Matt Monetti 

Test Manager 

Abby Hooper 

Support Contractor 

▪ Laboratory Director Adam Hutter was recognized for his outstanding leadership and his 

unwavering dedication and commitment to first responder technology testing. Hutter has 

“transformed NUSTL to serve as a research, development, test and evaluation lead for first 

responders, while forging strong partnerships with federal, state and local government agencies.” 

▪ Test Manager Matt Monetti was recognized for his unprecedented collaboration with 

more than 300 partner agencies for the 2017 First Responder Electronic Jamming Exercise. 

The award for outstanding collaboration was presented to the exercise team for their 

exemplary efforts in planning and conducting the exercise. Monetti volunteered with 

the Surge Capacity Force to support hurricane relief efforts and was unable to attend 

the Under Secretary Award Ceremony in person. However, he was recognized for his 

“tireless dedication, steadfast resolve and visionary leadership during the planning and 

execution of the First Responder Electronic Jamming Exercise,” at the First Responders 

Group’s (FRG) Office for Interoperability and Compatibility Award Ceremony.

▪ Support Contractor Abby Hooper was also recognized for improving communications 

at NUSTL and for her leadership in establishing office camaraderie and cohesion.

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 11 
Physical Scientist Sam Lee received the “Inspiration Award” 

and the “Division Goal Buster Award” from the New York 

City Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) at their annual 

awards ceremony. As the CFC Loaned Executive for Division 

3, which includes DHS and U.S. Department of Defense 

(DOD) agencies, as well as uniformed services located in New 

York City, Lee surpassed the fundraising goal of $449,526, 

set forth by the Local Federal Coordinating Committee, by 

raising $469,056 for the campaign. 

Support Contractor Kris Dooley received her second DHS 

S&T Plain Language Award for her Enhanced Law Enforcement 

Uniforms Market Survey Report. This distinguished 

achievement recognizes the importance of clear and concise 

writing. DHS Plain Language enthusiast Kathryn Catania 

of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services kicked off the 

event by reiterating the importance for clear, jargon-free 

communications that put the reader first.

Physicists Paul Goldhagen and Gladys Klemic are active 

members of a working group that produced a new version 

of the U.S. standard for a type of radiation detector widely 

used by first responders. The revised standard, American

National Standards Institute (ANSI) N42.32-2016, American 

National Standard Performance Criteria for Alarming 

Personal Radiation Detectors for Homeland Security, 

describes minimum performance requirements and test 

methods for evaluating the performance of alarming 

personal radiation detectors (PRDs) for homeland security 

applications. The standard is available at no cost to DHS 

employees at the following URL: 

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?.arnumber=7755718 

12 
WE ARE NUSTL 

Support Contractor Hasan Shahid received the International 

Council on Systems Engineering, Associate Systems Engineering 

Professional Certification, dedicated to the advancement of systems

engineering. Shahid supports the development of high-level test 

strategies and requirements for the DHS S&T Next Generation 

First Responder (NGFR) Apex program and the First Responder 

Electronic Jamming Exercise, where he is involved in the test 

design of systems that are integrated with a significant amount of

existing equipment. This distinguished achievement recognizes the 

importance of systems engineering in test and evaluation. 

NUSTL staff members showed their support to help put an end to human trafficking by wearing 

the color blue and holding campaign signs to raise awareness. January 2018 was declared National 

Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month by Presidential Proclamation and DHS designated a 

department-wide “Wear Blue Day.”

NUSTL staff members join together for a group photograph to support National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 13 
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS 

PANELS AND PRESENTATIONS 

Laboratory Director Adam Hutter, Physicist Gladys Klemic 

and Test and Evaluation Division Director (acting) Ben 

Stevenson participated in the 2017 National Council 

on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP)

Annual Meeting and Council Members’ Dinner. This 

year’s NCRP meeting focused on the topic of “Emergency 

Preparedness for Nuclear Terrorism: What are Remaining

Gaps and is there Need for Realignment of National 

Efforts.” Hutter served as a keynote speaker at the dinner 

with approximately 100 council members in attendance, 

many of whom came to know NUSTL by its predecessor 

name, the Environmental Measurements Laboratory (EML) 

and even as the Health and Safety Laboratory more than 

50 years ago. 

Additionally, Hutter served on a subject matter expert panel 

at the 11th Annual Homeland Security Week, a conference 

focused on the response to a nuclear attack. As a panelist, 

Hutter discussed NUSTL’s research and development 

activities in the area of radiological and nuclear incident 

response and recovery with more than 350 federal, state and 

local government representatives in attendance. 

Stevenson presented at the 2016 State and Local 

Stakeholder Working Group Meeting hosted by the 

Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). Stevenson

represented DHS S&T during the interagency event, which 

focused on research and technical approaches to preparing 

for and mitigating the hazards associated with radiological 

dispersal devices (RDDs). Stevenson introduced the 

science-based Planning Guidance for the First 100 

Minutes of the Response to a Radiological Dispersal 

Device (RDD) Detonation, a tool jointly developed by 

NUSTL and DOE, which offers recommendations on 

how local response agencies can be successful early in 

a response. Additionally, Stevenson presented with the 

Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency 

Management Preparedness Program Manager, Fran 

Santagata, on the piloting of the RDD guidance tool and 

materials in Fort Collins, Colorado. 

Director Adam Hutter (middle) holds his “Sidekicks to

the Heroes: How Science & Technology Supports First 

Responders” plaque at the NCRP Members’ Dinner.

Test and Evaluation Division Director (acting) 

Ben Stevenson presents the RDD guidance tool 

in Fort Collins, Colorado. 

14 
WE ARE NUSTL 

The RNRR team hosts NUSTL’s booth at the 2017

Homeland Security Conference in Buffalo, New York.

Stevenson also spoke at the Federal Emergency 

Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) 7th Annual 

Logistics, Operations and Planning Workshop, 

primarily designed to provide senior logisticians, 

operators and planners from the FEMA Region 

V States with an opportunity to collaborate and 

share information and best practices. Stevenson 

presented an executive overview of NUSTL to 

the state partners in attendance, including the 

Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Indiana 

Department of Homeland Security, Michigan 

State Police—Emergency Management and 

Homeland Security, Minnesota Homeland Security 

and Emergency Management, Ohio Emergency 

Management Agency, and Wisconsin Emergency 

Management Agency. 

Klemic spoke at the Midwest Chapter Health

Physics Society (HPS) Technical Symposium on the 

topic of pedestrian radiation portal studies at the 

Illinois Institute of Technology. The HPS is a scientific

and professional organization whose members 

specialize in occupational and environmental 

radiation safety. Klemic presented information 

related to the analysis and characterization studies 

conducted through NUSTL’s project entitled 

Optimizing Radiation Contamination Screening 

at Community Reception Centers for the Fire 

Department of New York City and the New York City 

Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to HPS 

members and health physicists in the audience. 

NUSTL’s RNRR team participated in a panel discussion, “Whole Community Preparedness,” at the

2017 Homeland Security Conference in Buffalo, New York. The panel focused on NUSTL’s jointly 

developed science-based Response Planning Guidance for the First 100 Minutes of the Response

to a Radiological Dispersal Device Detonation. First responders and partners from the New York 

City Emergency Management, New York City Fire Department, Philadelphia Office of Emergency

Management and the Philadelphia Police Department accompanied NUSTL at the panel discussions to 

speak to the operational implementation of the guidance tool and its adoption by key stakeholders. 

NUSTL’s RNRR team also hosted a conference booth exhibit with materials on programs and projects, 

the RDD guidance tool, and information on NUSTL’s program work. NUSTL’s dialogue with government 

leaders, homeland security professionals, emergency managers, public safety representatives and the 

first responders in attendance provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the end users that

NUSTL’s products and services support. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 15 
STAFF MEMBER EXPERTISE: 

FAST FACTS 

The diversity of NUSTL staff members’ educational backgrounds, particularly those with 

science and engineering focus areas, uniquely positions NUSTL to provide 

support to federal, state and local stakeholders and first responders.

EDUCATIONAL 

BACKGROUNDS 

16 
WE ARE NUSTL 

DEGREES OF 

HIGHER EDUCATION 

38 total staff members at NUSTL collectively hold 62 degrees. 

ENGINEERING SCIENCE 

FOCUS AREAS FOCUS AREAS 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 17 
- 

PARTNERING AND 

COLLABORATING 

WITH THE 

HOMELAND 

SECURITY 

COMMUNITY 

Academia: Columbia University (NY), Massachusetts Institute 

of Technology, North Carolina State University, Stanford 

University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of 

Chicago (IL), University of Kentucky, 

University of Michigan 

DHS: Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, 

Federal Emergency Management Agency, Immigrations and 

Customs Enforcement, National Protection and Programs 

Directorate, Office of Intelligence & Analysis, Transportation 

Security Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and 

Border Protection 

Federal: Department of Commerce National Oceanic 

and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Defense 

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Department 

of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental 

Protection Agency, Department of Transportation Federal 

Aviation Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 

General Services Administration, National Institute of Health, 

National Nuclear Security Administration, United States Army 

Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center 

International: Centre for Aerial Robotics Research and 

Education, International Atomic Energy Agency, International 

Forum to Advance First Responder Innovation, International 

Police Organization, NovAtel Inc., Public Health England 

National Laboratories: Argonne National Laboratory, 

Brookhaven National Laboratory, Idaho National 

Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, 

Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory, Pacific Northwest 

National Laboratory, Remote Sensing Laboratory, Sandia 

National Laboratories, Savannah River National Laboratory, 

Transportation Security Laboratory 

Responder Agencies: Boston Police Department (MA), 

Connecticut State Police Department, Fire Department 

of New York, Frederick County Division of Fire & Rescue 

Services (MD), Grant County Sheriff’s Department (WA), 

Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (TX), Metropolitan 

Transportation Authority, Nassau County Police Department 

(NY), New Mexico State Police, New York City Department of 

Environmental Protection, New York City Police Department, 

New York State Police, Port Authority of New York and New 

Jersey, Philadelphia Police Department (PA), Torrance Fire 

Department (CA) 

Stakeholder Groups: Association of Public Safety 

Communications Officials, Conference on Radiation Control 

Program Directors, Federal Radiological Preparedness 

Coordinating Committee, InterAgency Board, International 

Association of Fire Fighters, First Responder Resource 

Group, NYPD’s SHIELD 

Note: This listing is not all inclusive. 

18 
 

NUSTL collaborates and strategically partners with organizations from across the United States to 

test and evaluate first responder technologies, implement tools and resources for state and local 

emergency planning, and maximize the laboratory’s overall mission impact. NUSTL’s partnerships 

and collaborations have consistently increased year after year. In FY2017 alone, NUSTL collaborated 

with 464 organizations. Laboratory staff worked with a broad range of representatives from a total 

of 101 private industry organizations, 16 academic institutions, 167 federal, and 162 state and local 

agencies, in addition to 18 international organizations. 

NUSTL’s broad range of partnerships and collaborators are comprised of first responder key 

customers, project performers, stakeholders and government agency representatives from federal, 

state and local levels, who contribute to the laboratory’s products and services either through direct 

program or project participation, cooperative research or attendance at laboratory events such as 

meetings and technology assessments. The collaborator listing (shown to the left) outlines some of 

the organizations that NUSTL worked with throughout this fiscal year.

NUSTL’s mission focuses on ensuring first responders have better equipment and technology to do 

their jobs more efficiently. NUSTL’s programs and projects collectively work together to achieve this 

mission by working directly with first responder and government agency representatives during a 

variety of testing and evaluation events, meetings, workshops, presentations, trainings, and other 

laboratory-based events. 

Highlights from NUSTL’s program and project collaborations are listed below: 

▪ NUSTL collaborated with 54 different organizations to evaluate commercial and 

emerging first responder technologies through the System Assessment and Validation 

for Emergency Responders (SAVER) and Responder Technologies (R-Tech) programs. 

▪ The RNRR team at NUSTL has worked with 133 organizations to maximize 

the value of government investment in R&D funding. 

▪ Through S&T’s NGFR program and First Responder Electronic Jamming Exercise, NUSTL 

collaborated with 108 stakeholder organizations to assess technologies, raise awareness of 

risks and share recommendations on improving long-term communications resiliency. 

▪ NUSTL’s Urban Operational Experimentation event facilitated connections 

between technology developers and the national end user community, which 

brought together 70 participants from federal, state and local first responder 

agencies, as well as private industry and academia partners. 

This report also contains information on NUSTL’s research and development investments, which led 

to the development of new tools and guidance that support local and state emergency managers, 

incident commanders and decision-makers during radiological or nuclear emergencies. NUSTL 

completed research and testing of preventative radiological/nuclear detection equipment, developed 

new modeling products and piloted training materials designed specifically for response workers.

Additionally, NUSTL achieved its International Standard for Quality Management Systems–ISO 

9001:2015 certification. These highlights, among many other accomplishments from FY2017, are

showcased in this annual report. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 19 
NUSTL ESTABLISHES 

NEW PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 

NUSTL executed a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) between DHS S&T and the New York 

City Fire Department (FDNY) to improve the development of technologies and knowledge products 

for the safety and effectiveness of first responders. The new MOA further substantiates the strong 

partnership between NUSTL and its first responder partners.

Speakers brief the NYAST audience on UAS threats and projections of terrorist and criminal acts

caused by UAS operations, based on the trends and forecasts seen today. 

NEW YORK AREA 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FORUMS 

NUSTL’s New York Area Science and Technology (NYAST) Forums provide a platform for crosscollaboration and information exchanges with a focus on first responder-specific science and 

technology applications. NUSTL’s NYAST membership—comprised of first responders, emergency 

response professionals, federal, state and local agency representatives, as well as academia and 

private sector groups—grew by nearly 80 members in FY2017. NUSTL hosted two forums in 

FY2017, which attracted attendance from a total of 125 NYAST members representing 62 unique 

organizations across 21 cities in seven different states. 

20 
PARTNERING AND COLLABORATING WITH THE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMUNITY 

Law enforcement officers try on backpack and vest-mounted prototypes of the WIND during the interactive portion of NYAST.

NYAST 40 focused on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Criminal, Terrorist and Military Threats: 

UAS Challenges and Countermeasures. NYAST 40 members heard presentations by subject matter 

experts from the Aerospace Corporation, Robert Bunker and Matthew Begert, who provided a 

threat brief with up-to-the-minute information on UAS operations that led to productive discussions 

on current and emerging threats. The speakers highlighted the ever-evolving technical capabilities 

of UAS and the increasing use of the systems as they become more available and affordable in the 

commercial marketplace. 

NYAST 41 focused on Improving Radiological/Nuclear (R/N) Detection Technologies featuring 

the Wearable Intelligent Nuclear Detection (WIND), addressing the latest advancements of next 

generation man-portable R/N search equipment, which can be worn by first responders in many 

operational search environments including (vehicle-inaccessible) wide areas, indoor venues, public 

transportation and maritime vessels. Discussions on the evolving capabilities of R/N detection 

technologies were led by two subject matter experts, Valentin Novikov, Joint Project Leader for 

Radiological and Nuclear Defense, DOD, and Stephen Luke, Program Manager for the WIND 

Advanced Technology Demonstration, DHS DNDO. 

To learn more about the NYAST forums, please register for membership at the 

First Responder Communities of Practice website: 

http://communities.firstresponder.gov, or contact NUSTL@hq.dhs.gov. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 21 
In FY2017, NUSTL 

collaborated with 

464 ORGANIZATIONS 

located in 306 CITIES 

across 41 STATES, 

expanding NUSTL’s

outreach to 

216 NEW CITIES. 

22 
PARTNERING AND COLLABORATING WITH THE HOMELAND SECURITY COMMUNITY 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 23 
CONSUMER REPORTS

FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

SYSTEM ASSESSMENT 

AND VALIDATION FOR 

EMERGENCY RESPONDERS 

NUSTL’s System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders 

(SAVER) program, also known as the “Consumer Reports for First 

Responders,” was established to assist responders with procurement 

decisions. Through SAVER, NUSTL conducts impartial, practitioner-relevant, 

operationally oriented assessments and validations of commercial offthe-shelf (COTS) equipment that falls within the categories listed in the 

DHS Authorized Equipment List (AEL). Results are shared with responders 

through the publication of various reports or knowledge products, 

including focus group, market survey and assessment reports, which enable 

responders to better select, procure, use and maintain emergency response 

equipment. Reports are delivered to the responder community through 

publication on the SAVER section of the DHS S&T website. 

In FY2017, SAVER assessed 21 products and published 14 knowledge 

products, including two focus group reports, four market survey reports, 

three assessment reports and five TechNotes. Additionally, two SAVER-onDemand (SoD) reports were completed. During this period, 28 emergency 

responders from 12 states—Illinois, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, 

Washington, South Carolina, Florida, Colorado, New York, New Mexico and 

Maryland—participated in SAVER focus groups and assessments. 

24 
▪ Asset Tracking and Inventory Systems Market Survey Report 

▪ Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor for Women TechNote

▪ Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Air 

Purifying Respirators Assessment Report 

▪ Continuous Air Monitor SAVER-on-Demand Report1 

▪ Emergency Manager and First Responder Use 

of Social Media Updates TechNote 

▪ Handheld Explosive Trace Detectors Focus Group Report 

▪ Handheld Explosive Trace Detectors TechNote 

▪ Handheld Radiation Survey Meters Market Survey Report 

▪ Handheld Thermal Imagers for Law 

Enforcement Assessment Report 

▪ Hearing Protection with Integrated Radio 

Communications Assessment Report 

▪ Personal Decontamination Kits Market Survey Report 

▪ Personal Physiological Monitoring Systems TechNote 

▪ Personal Radiation Detectors (PRDs) and 

Spectroscopic PRDs Market Survey Report 

▪ Portable Radiation Portal Monitors Focus Group Report 

▪ Portable Infrared Spectroscopy Chemical Detectors for 

Identification of Unknown Liquids and Solids TechNote

▪ Validation Testing of Radiation Dosimeters 

SAVER-on-Demand Report2 

1,2 SAVER-on-Demand reports are not for distribution outside the requesting agency.

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 25 
Evaluators use respirator gear during an operational scenario overseen by NUSTL. 

SAVER is a responder-driven program. Emergency responders inform project selection and 

prioritization, and participate in focus groups and assessments. Responders develop evaluation 

criteria and operational scenarios, and select equipment they evaluate in SAVER assessments. 

Responders can also make direct requests to assess specific equipment and technology.

Responders use a radionuclide identification device to

detect shielded radiation from a source located 

behind the wall during the assessment. 

ALLOWING RESPONDERS TO 

MAKE DIRECT REQUESTS 

TO NUSTL FOR ASSESSMENT 

NUSTL has established itself as a trusted 

and neutral advisor to emergency 

responders. Because of its reputation, 

NUSTL frequently receives direct requests 

from emergency response agencies to 

assess specific technologies that can 

include emerging technologies as well 

as COTS. In response to these requests, 

NUSTL tailored an “on-demand” approach 

to distinguish direct agency requests from 

traditional SAVER activities. 

26 
 

CONSUMER REPORTS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS 

A source handler walks through a PRPM while

evaluators observe alerts and alarms. 

Through SAVER-on-Demand, or SoD, NUSTL provides 

testing and evaluation services to address requirements 

specific to the requesting agency. During FY2017, one

SoD request came from the New York City Department 

of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Office of Emergency

Preparedness and Response to assess the use of a 

continuous air monitor as a radiological air monitoring 

device by New York City first responder organizations

involved in response and recovery operations during a 

radiological emergency. In a second SoD request, NUSTL 

conducted laboratory testing to characterize radiation 

dosimeters for the New York Police Department. SAVER 

offers a mechanism for communicating the results of SoD 

work to a wide audience; however, knowledge products

that result from SoD requests are published only with the 

express permission of the requesting agency. 

SAVER is planning to conduct new projects on topics of high 

importance to first responders. These topics include body

armor for women, less than lethal mitigation equipment, 

in-suit communications equipment for firefighters, gas

chromatograph mass spectrometers for hazardous materials 

detection/identification and tourniquets.

COLLABORATING WITH INTERAGENCY PARTNERS 

TO EXPAND SAVER’S REACH 

In addition to enlisting emergency responders to participate in SAVER, NUSTL partners with other 

laboratories and agencies. These partnerships enable SAVER to leverage partners’ facilities at which 

SAVER assessments can be conducted and increase the range of subject matter expertise from which 

the program can draw, thus expanding the breadth of emergency response equipment that the 

program can effectively evaluate. Partnerships also help ensure geographic diversity of emergency 

responder participants. 

In FY2017, NUSTL partnered with LLNL and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) on 

assessments of handheld thermal imagers for law enforcement and chemical, biological, 

radiological, nuclear and explosive air-purifying respirators, respectively, and with BNL on 

assessments of portable radiation portal monitors and radionuclide identification devices. 

NUSTL also collaborated with the Transportation Security Laboratory on a focus group for handheld 

explosive trace detectors and will conduct an assessment of this technology in FY2018. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 27 
OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT 

AND EXPERIMENTATION OF 

FIRST RESPONDER 

TECHNOLOGIES 

28 
RESPONDER TECHNOLOGIES 

TESTING AND EVALUATION SUPPORT 

Through S&T’s Responder Technologies (R-Tech) 

program, NUSTL conducts operational field 

assessments (OFAs) of S&T developed prototype 

technologies before they are transitioned to the 

commercial market. During OFAs, emergency 

responders use the technology under realistic 

conditions to assess its capabilities and operational 

suitability, and to verify that the project goals were met. 

During FY2017, NUSTL conducted OFAs for two 

technologies intended to address firefighter safety— 

the Smoke and Particulate Resistant Turnout Ensemble 

(SRT) and the Wireless Physiological and Environmental

Monitoring System (WiPEM). The firefighters who served

as evaluators found value in participating in these 

assessments. One participant stated, 

A fire hydrant hose was used to wet the SRT. Evaluators

opted to include this because they noted that their 

gear typically gets soaked during routine operations.

“The opportunity to come out and test the equipment is a once in a lifetime opportunity and 

just a great experience to be in on the ground floor of the testing.”

NUSTL conducted the SRT OFA at the FEMA National Fire Academy (NFA) in Emmitsburg, Maryland. 

SRT is intended to reduce turnout gear infiltration of combustion products and aerosolized particles 

that could expose firefighters’ skin to toxicants and carcinogens. SRT was developed by North 

Carolina State University’s Textile Protection and Comfort Center in partnership with LION First 

Responder PPE Inc. It uses a particulate filtration material to supplement wrist, ankle and waist 

interfaces and garment closures on firefighter turnout ensembles.

Three firefighters (from Chicago, Illinois; Montgomery County, Maryland; and San Diego, California)

participated in the OFA, performing typical firefighting activities in simulated operational scenarios to

assess the SRT’s comfort and usability. These scenarios entailed using a fire hose, swinging a sledge

hammer, dragging a weighted mannequin, climbing and carrying ladders, and crawling through a 

previously burned structure containing soot, debris and the scorched remains of household furnishings. 

Subject matter experts from the International Association of Fire Chiefs, FEMA NFA and a county-level 

fire and rescue service observed the OFA and participated in discussions.

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 29 
The evaluators indicated the SRT was acceptable for use and comparable to their currently issued turnout 

gear in range of motion, comfort and usability. Some suggestions for enhancements to increase comfort 

and flexibility were provided, while overall the evaluators were satisfied with the SRT and thought that it

would be an asset to the firefighting community. The Smoke and Particulate Resistant Structural Turnout 

Ensemble Operational Field Assessment Report is available from the DHS website. 

During the post operational scenario debrief session, the first responder 

evaluators discussed their experiences using the WiPEM throughout the 

OFA with NUSTL’s data collectors.

Torrance Fire Department firefighter wearing

an SCBA face mask equipped with WiPEM

prior to beginning the OFA. 

NUSTL conducted the WiPEM OFA at a local fire station in Torrance, California. Developed by the 

Physical Optics Corporation, WiPEM consists of an array of sensors that measure a firefighter’s heart 

rate, respiration rate, skin temperature and blood oxygenation level. The sensors are designed 

to be integrated into a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) face mask and to transmit the 

physiological data to an incident commander. WiPEM’s software calculates the wearer’s physical 

strain index, and displays results as a color-coded indicator to warn the incident commander if the 

wearer is near exhaustion or already exhausted. In addition, the air pressure and time remaining in 

the wearer’s SCBA air tank and external environmental gases detected by a separate multi-gas meter 

are transmitted to the incident commander. 

Six firefighters from the Torrance Fire Department used the WiPEM prototype in various activities. 

They provided valuable feedback indicating that the additional development and testing is required 

before the system could be used by firefighters, and they offered specific suggestions to improve 

the system. The Wireless Physiological and Environmental Monitoring System Operational Field 

Assessment Report is published at the DHS website. 

In addition to conducting OFAs during FY2017, NUSTL developed and implemented a system of 

process improvements to streamline and enhance the quality of the R-Tech OFA program (as seen 

on page 31). In FY2018, NUSTL will conduct OFAs of several prototype technologies for the law 

enforcement and firefighting communities, including a system to automatically activate body-worn 

police cameras and a device for firefighter respiratory protection during overhaul operations. 

30 
OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND EXPERIMENTATION OF FIRST RESPONDER TECHNOLOGIES 

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NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 31 
The Instrumentation Van, built and operated 

by the Stevens Institute, is a mobile test bed 

that supports the DHS PEO and NUSTL’s data 

collection efforts, including at TACTIC, OpEx 

and other test activities. 

COUNTERUNMANNED 

AERIAL SYSTEMS 

TESTING AND 

EVALUATION 

SUPPORT 

NUSTL’s Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) 

Testing and Evaluation Team continued to support the 

directorate’s focus on providing technical assistance 

and guidance to the Homeland Security Enterprise 

on detecting, tracking and identifying malicious or 

nefarious small UAS, or drones. During FY2017, in 

coordination with DHS S&T’s Program Executive 

Office (PEO) UAS, two events were held to assess 

C-UAS under operational scenarios applicable to DHS 

components and first responders, including:

▪ Urban Operational Experimentation (OpEx); and;

▪ 2017 Technical Assessment of C-UAS 

Technologies in Cities (TACTIC) Part One. 

URBAN OPEX 

In November 2016, NUSTL led an experimentation to 

assess the capabilities of a radio frequency finding

UAS detection system with first responders and

DHS components. The experimentation was held at 

the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development 

and Engineering Center (ARDEC) at their Homeland 

Defense Technology Center and Army National Guard 

Building located in Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, 

and executed collaboratively with the U.S. Coast 

Guard (USCG) Research and Development Center. 

The Stevens Institute of Technology, a DHS S&T 

performer, provided data collection support during 

the experimentation. 

32 
OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND EXPERIMENTATION OF FIRST RESPONDER TECHNOLOGIES 

Observers and evaluators included first responders and

representatives from various divisions of the NYPD, Port 

Authority of New York and New Jersey, USCG, DOD and DOE. 

After evaluators had an opportunity to operate the system, 

NUSTL conducted a question-and-answer session with end 

users to help inform DHS on C-UAS technology requirements. 

2017 TACTIC PART ONE 

As the number of available C-UAS technologies has 

increased, the homeland security community needs to 

understand how such technologies perform under various 

conditions, such as in dense urban areas, and in different 

operational scenarios to make informed procurement 

decisions. To meet this need, NUSTL led a technical 

assessment, called the Technical Assessment of Counter UAS 

Technologies in Cities, or TACTIC, in FY2017. 

The objectives of the 2017 TACTIC were to: 

▪ Provide DHS components and first responders 

with an understanding of the state of 

C-UAS technology performance;

▪ Develop and validate modeling and simulation 

programs to predict system performance 

in various environments; and

▪ Build an interagency compendium of C-UAS 

solutions that will be updated semi-annually 

for the National Security Council. 

The 2017 TACTIC was designed as a two part-assessment. 

Part one was held from July 23-July 28, 2017, at Marine 

Corps Base Quantico in conjunction with the Marine Corps 

Warfighting Laboratory. It was designed by NUSTL to be a

familiarization assessment for C-UAS technology developers 

that were selected through an open request-for-informationor-participation process. Part one offered the participating 

technology developers the opportunity to understand DHS 

requirements and the test environment. It also offered NUSTL 

an opportunity to determine appropriate flight paths, hone data

collection procedures and better understand how to build an 

operationally relevant environment for future assessments. 

Part two, planned for FY2018, will be a quantitative assessment 

designed to collect performance data on the C-UAS technologies. 

A member of the United States Coast Guard

serves as an evaluator of the C-UAS technology.

A rotary quadcopter UAS conducting low 

altitude flights through an “Urban Canyon” 

during TACTIC part one.

NUSTL Engineers Bhargav Patel and Cecilia 

Murtagh conduct a site survey at Quantico.

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 33 
TEST AGENT FOR THE 

NEXT GENERATION FIRST 

RESPONDER PROGRAM 

NUSTL serves as the Test Agent to the DHS S&T NGFR Apex program. This five-year program, 

ending in FY2020, has the goal to help tomorrow’s first responder be more protected, connected 

and fully aware. NUSTL’s role entails working with the program leads to develop test strategies and 

overseeing its implementation. NUSTL has lead roles in test events in many cases, while in others 

NUSTL provides review and oversight. 

In FY2017, NUSTL supported the planning and execution of two NGFR test events: the Boston 

Components Communication Experiment and the Grant County – Technology Experiment (TechEx). 

Both screens show the video feeds transmitted from a camera installed on the USCG response vessel during the exercise.

A map of the Boston Harbor is shown on the right screen depicting the location of the vessel. 

BOSTON COMPONENTS COMMUNICATION EXPERIMENT 

At the Boston Components Communication Experiment, NUSTL assisted with the evaluation of 

two communications systems—Mutualink and datacasting—to address requirements defined in 

the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015. This law requires the execution of a pilot of three or 

more DHS components to assess the effectiveness of commercially available systems certified by 

the DOD Joint Interoperability Test Center. These systems would allow multiagency collaboration 

and interoperability, and wide-area, secure and peer-invitation-and-acceptance-based multimedia 

communications. The experiment focused on the movement of voice, video and data information 

among the participants by integrating Mutualink and datacasting networks into existing first 

responder communication systems. 

34 
OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND EXPERIMENTATION OF FIRST RESPONDER TECHNOLOGIES 

The two communication systems provided interoperability and enhanced communication capabilities 

during a realistic operational response scenario in which the USCG was activated to interdict a vessel 

four nautical miles offshore that was suspected of importing illicit materials. Voice communication 

integration and interoperability were accomplished utilizing Mutualink. Data (text, file sharing and 

video) interoperability was accomplished using datacasting. Video feeds from devices at the incident 

scene were shared over both the Mutualink and datacasting networks. The information was made 

available to several command centers in the Boston region and other east coast regions, including: 

▪ USCG (Boston, Massachusetts) 

▪ Boston Police Department (Boston, Massachusetts) 

▪ FEMA, Region I (Washington, D.C.)

▪ Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (Framingham, Massachusetts) 

▪ U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Boston, Massachusetts) 

▪ USCG (Washington, D.C.)

▪ USCG (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) 

▪ DHS S&T (Washington, D.C.)

▪ DHS Transportation Security Administration (Orlando, Florida) 

▪ DHS Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (Glynco, Georgia) 

NUSTL supported the data collection and analysis where feedback on the two communications 

systems provided an assessment of their performance and capabilities, as well as insight into how 

they could be improved or integrated into current operations. It was determined there was merit 

and interest in the use of each technology as they proved to be operationally functional, useful and 

accepted by users, but more importantly, the experiment revealed obstacles that would need to 

be addressed before the technologies could be integrated into operations. The obstacles included 

issues with the bandwidth impeding the transmission quality and other administrative challenges for 

integrating the technologies into existing systems. responder communication systems. 

GRANT COUNTY - TECHNOLOGY EXPERIMENT (TECHEX) 

The TechEx was conducted by S&T with first responders at the Gorge Amphitheater near George, 

Washington, located in Grant County from June 6-7, 2017, to assess the capabilities of 15 NGFR 

technologies to support their public safety operations. TechEx focused on identifying capability 

gaps from participating Grant County first responder groups, evaluating the operational deployment 

and effectiveness of potential technology solutions in a simulated scenario, and developing an after 

action report detailing the outcomes of the experiment and feedback from first responders.

Various technologies, including deployable communications networks, situational awareness user 

interfaces, physiological sensors and video streaming applications, were used to improve core 

capability areas of operational communications, responder health and safety, situational awareness, 

and operational coordination. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 35 
Surrounded by canyons, a participating first responder tests sensors and communications devices during the

TechEx aimed to help address the challenges faced by rural responders. 

The scenario for the TechEx was comprised of three vignettes, which involved over 40 first responder

participants from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Grant County Fire Districts 3 and 5, Grant County

Multi-Agency Communications Center, Grant County Technology Services, and Moses Lake Regional 

Tactical Response Team preparing for simulated incidents at the Gorge Amphitheatre to prompt 

response efforts and use of the NGFR technologies. The first vignette was a roll call, which provided all

participants an opportunity to confirm the technologies were operational; the second was a response

to a missing person with subsequent rescue; and the third was a response to a fire down the ravine

behind the amphitheater and simultaneously an altercation in an adjoining campground. 

The technology suite, a systems of systems, included in the TechEx was to facilitate: 

▪ Geolocation—first responder units and personnel locations displayed on a map at the Grant 

County Multi-Agency Communications Center (MACC), command posts and smartphones. 

▪ Wireless data service—various broadband technologies, including cellular broadband 

(Long Term Evolution (LTE)), Wi-Fi and digital TV datacasting created networks at the 

Gorge Amphitheatre concert venue, campgrounds and along the Columbia River valley. 

▪ Real-time video—streaming and viewing of UAS video at the MACC, command posts, 

emergency management and other destinations from UAS and smartphones. 

▪ Physiological data—monitoring and transmission of first responders’ physiological data to 

the MACC and/or command posts for viewing using a video dashboard on a monitor. 

▪ Communications support—a combination of county-owned land mobile radios (800-MHz P25), 

commercial mobile networks and a deployable government-band public safety broadband 

LTE network (Band Class 14) network for data communications enhanced communications. 

NUSTL led the T&E subcommittee for TechEx, including the planning of technology evaluations and the 

review and support of related planning needs. As part of this effort, NUSTL supported integration testing in 

Boulder, Colorado, in April, and a dry test run in May at the Gorge Amphitheatre. Twelve operational NGFR 

requirements were associated with the technologies and 23 tests were developed to determine whether 

technologies met the requirements. The event was successfully executed and NUSTL provided contributions 

on the results for the publicly available Grant County DHS Science and Technology Directorate Next 

Generation First Responder Apex Program Technology Experiment (TechEx) After Action Report. 

36 
OPERATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND EXPERIMENTATION OF FIRST RESPONDER TECHNOLOGIES 

DHS S&T FRG and NUSTL’s support was highly lauded by the participating first responders.

“Our first responder community very much appreciated the efforts put forth by DHS to ensure 

our voices were heard, our guidance considered and our input utilized... overall, the Grant 

County TechEx was a positive experience that provided our public safety with insight as well as 

new capabilities to improve our preparedness and response.” 

– Grant County Chief Deputy 

In FY2018, NUSTL plans to work on at least three events that are being planned for NGFR. Chronologically, 

the first is called PlugTest, which will evaluate the joint integration of several selected technologies per

guidelines documented in the NGFR Handbook. The PlugTest will be conducted in February 2018 at the 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. The next 

event will be Spiral 3 in Harris County, Texas, where the integration of several technologies will be the focal 

point of the assessment. NUSTL will also be leading the test planning for an operational experimentation 

that addresses the incorporation of an artificial intelligence technology and possibly a patient monitoring

technology into emergency medical services in Hastings County, Ontario, Canada. A large portion of the 

planning will take place in FY2018, but the actual event will be in FY2019. 

The antenna array is set up for the DHS 2017 First Responder Electronic Jamming Exercise (JamX 17) to detect and reject 

GPS interference. NUSTL Test Manager Matt Monetti and Support Contractor Hasan Shahid participated in the planning 

and execution of the DHS 2017 First Responder Electronic Jamming Exercise (JamX 17) at the Department of Energy’s Idaho 

National Laboratory, which focused on characterizing the impact of illegal commercial-grade jamming devices on federal law 

enforcement and public safety communications systems and critical infrastructure. 

NUSTL Provides Test and Evaluation Management at

S&T’S ELECTRONIC JAMMING EXERCISE 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 37 
LABORATORY TESTING OF 

RADIATION 

DETECTION 

EQUIPMENT 

FOR FIRST RESPONDERS 

38 
39

PERFORMANCE TESTING 

AND EVALUATION AT NUSTL 

Through the Performance Test and Evaluation at NUSTL (PTEN) program, NUSTL helps first responders 

to better detect radiological and nuclear threats by conducting functional testing of radiation 

detection equipment prior to their field deployment. PTEN ensures that equipment supplied to the 

first responders works as intended, and that all equipment accessories, guides and electronic display 

devices are present and functional. Since 2009, NUSTL has tested more than 20,000 radiation 

detectors through PTEN. 

In FY2017, PTEN’s goal was to balance and maintain service to multiple customer bases, and this 

was achieved by ensuring that NUSTL staff were trained and scheduled to meet customer needs. 

This year for Securing the Cities (STC) equipment, all shipments were tested and delivered within 

two months of delivery. This timeframe includes returning equipment to vendors and receiving 

replacement units. For the FDNY electronic dosimeter project, units were scheduled so that the 

turnaround time of units was one week. NUSTL works closely with all customers to ensure that their 

equipment is making it to the field as soon as possible and always with attention to mission need.

RadEyePRD GF10 PRD RIIDs 

Images of personal radiation detectors and radiation isotope identifier detectors that are tested by NUSTL.

In FY2017, NUSTL received, tested and deployed 754 pieces of new equipment including PRDs 

and radiation isotope identifier detectors for the NYPD, New York State Division of Homeland 

Security and Emergency Services, and the MTA Police Department. This equipment, which was 

purchased under the STC grant program, is provided by the DNDO. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 39 
Throughout FY2017, NUSTL continued its partnership working with the FDNY to support their use of 

electronic dosimeter equipment as a part of their personnel protection program. This support is a 

follow-on effort to the cooperation of FDNY and NUSTL to design and implement a test of electronic 

dosimeter equipment that FDNY was considering purchasing. These efforts support FDNY’s Hazmat 

Battalion, and was developed specifically for when electronic dosimeters reach their first- and 

second-year marks of service. During FY2017, PTEN tested 1,659 electronic dosimeters for the FDNY. 

This collaboration has allowed NUSTL to provide additional means of support to the FDNY. 

Additionally, PTEN initiated a new project with New York City Emergency Management to conduct 

one-time testing of their radiological detection equipment. This included testing one personnel 

screening portal and 104 PRDs to determine if the units were viable for repair, calibration and 

continued use. 

In FY2018, NUSTL through its PTEN program plans to: 

▪ Continue to service all incoming STC equipment;

▪ Maintain a one week delivery schedule for the FDNY electronic dosimeter testing; and

▪ Introduce a new work flow and data collection method for the FDNY 

testing and train additional technical staff to the project. 

“NUSTL has greatly helped the FDNY in their mission to keep the department’s radiation 

detection equipment in proper working order. Without their assistance, the FDNY would 

be hard pressed to keep up with the amount of equipment that needs to be processed. In 

addition, the quality of work done by NUSTL is equivalent, and is some aspects superior, to the 

other entities working with our equipment. In short, NUSTL has earned a job well done.”

 – FDNY 

“I greatly appreciate all of your consistent hard work in assisting the NYPD and the NYC Region. 

Yours and NUSTL’s services are crucial to the continued success of the STC NYC Program.”

 – NYPD 

40 
LABORATORY TESTING OF RADIATION DETECTION EQUIPMENT FOR FIRST RESPONDERS 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 41 
EQUIPPING LAW

ENFORCEMENT 

DURING RADIATION DETECTION 

TRAINING EVENTS 

42 
 

 

 

 

EQUIPPING LAW ENFORCEMENT DURING RADIATION DETECTION TRAINING EVENTS 

RESPONDER TRAINING 

AND EXERCISE SUPPORT 

NUSTL established its Responder Training and 

Exercise (RTE) program in 2009 to support the 

DNDO’s STC program. STC aims to prevent 

radiological or nuclear attacks on high-risk 

urban areas by helping local and state responder 

agencies to detect and interdict illicit radioactive 

and nuclear material. 

NUSTL assists first responder agencies in the

New York City metropolitan area with their 

radiation detection training sessions and 

exercises by providing licensed radiation sources, 

training materials and technical support. Since 

2009, NUSTL has supported training and

exercises for more than 2,000 first responders

from across federal, state and local 

organizations through the RTE program. 

In FY2017, NUSTL’s RTE program, led by 

Radiation Safety Officer Carl Schopfer, Ph.D.,

has supported more than 15 days of training 

for over 360 first responders at five state and

local agencies in and around the New York City 

metropolitan area, including: 

▪ Nassau County Police Department (NCPD); 

▪ NYPD’s Harbor Unit;

▪ New York State Department of 

Environmental Conservation 

Police Department;

▪ Port Authority of New York and New 

Jersey Police Department (PAPD); and

▪ Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD). 

NUSTL Engineer Norman Chiu (left) and Test and 

Evaluation Division Director (acting) Ben Stevenson (right) 

serve as source handlers during a radiation detection 

training at the PAPD. 

The instructor at SCPD demonstrates ways to recognize how

materials such as water can shield radiation from a PRD unit.

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 43 
 

 

 

In FY2017, NUSTL supported training programs to address radioactivity-related topics, including 

radiological dispersal devices, improvised nuclear devices, the use of radiation detector equipment, 

concept of operations and legal concepts. Police recruits from SCPD Academy, officers from NCPD 

and police academy students from PAPD were trained on how to use person-worn radiation detection 

devices in both classroom and interactive settings. 

NUSTL also routinely responded to technical assistance requests from state and local agencies to 

address technical questions and provide solutions that enable first responders to better use and 

maintain their radiation detection equipment. For example, NUSTL responded to a request from the 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police Department to test their marine 

mobile detection system for photon energy and neutron response. 

At the NCPD, trainees including police officers and recruits learn how to use PRDs

to recognize when a radioactive source is present inside or near a vehicle. 

Also in FY2017, NUSTL provided technical support and radiation sources for the testing of a new 

mobile radiation detection system for the SCPD and their Emergency Services Section, Homeland 

Security Section and Highway Unit. The new mobile detection system will be deployed in moving 

vehicles to search for unusual or abnormal radiation, and at local truck stops for routine screenings. 

The mobile system was also used for radiological detection training in maritime operations during 

Operation Blue Trident, a full-scale maritime exercise that brought together more than 100 personnel 

from 23 local, state and federal agencies. 

44 
55

EQUIPPING LAW ENFORCEMENT DURING RADIATION DETECTION TRAINING EVENTS 

Police officers from the NYPD Harbor Unit conduct a simulated bag search on the upper deck using NUSTL’s radiation sources.

NUSTL also provided radiation sources to the NYPD Harbor Unit to test the alarm response of their 

radiation detection equipment. RTE team members helped prepare the Harbor Unit responders 

for a Red Team Exercise with DNDO by answering technical and training questions concerning the 

radiation sources and detection equipment. 

NUSTL’s committed support and admiration for the first responder community is reciprocated by 

the agencies that NUSTL supports. For the expertise and guidance that is provided during training 

courses, the lab has received words of gratitude, including: 

“Congratulations to the NUSTL group, your professionalism and commitment to assisting first 

responders has not gone unnoticed. We look forward to our continued partnership!

We couldn’t do it without you!”

 – NCPD 

In FY2018, NUSTL’s RTE team plans to continue its partnerships with NCPD, SCPD and PAPD in 

providing radioactive sources and technical expertise during PRD training events for police officers 

and recruits. In addition, specialized NUSTL staff members are scheduled to provide radioactive 

sources to the John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International airports to test the 

functionality and alarm response of radiation detection systems inside armored vehicles. NUSTL has 

also been asked by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to develop a 

field test procedure that can be used to routinely test their radiation detection system. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 45 
RESEARCH AND 

DEVELOPMENT 

FOR IMPROVING RESPONSE 

AND RECOVERY TO 

RAD/NUC INCIDENTS 

46 
 

NUSTL’s RNRR R&D program builds products that aid first responders and emergency managers in 

their preparation for, and response to, radiological and nuclear emergencies. By focusing on building 

capacity at the local and state level and bridging gaps between federal and local response, the 

RNRR R&D program has been impactful in its missions to: 

▪ Increase capability at all levels of government to manage and characterize 

complex and catastrophic radiological and nuclear incidents;

▪ Improve responder ability to save lives during the initial response 

operations of a radiological incident; and

▪ Minimize impact to community and economy through improved methods 

of incident stabilization, radiological clean-up and recovery. 

During FY2017, the RNRR R&D program invested, developed and transitioned tools and products in 

support of these goals, including: using preventative radiological/nuclear detection equipment for 

response and recovery missions; funding the development of new modeling products for the DHSled Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center; and expanding hazard awareness 

through training and guidance. 

PREVENTATIVE RAD/NUC DETECTION

EQUIPMENT FOR RESPONDER 

AND RECOVERY MISSIONS 

Over the last 15 years, first responder agencies have invested

in equipment that interdicts and detects radiological or 

nuclear materials. This type of equipment is generally referred 

to as Preventative Radiological/Nuclear Detection (PRND) 

equipment, and is fielded in jurisdictions by law enforcement, fire

department personnel, emergency medical services and other 

responders who typically have preventative operational missions. 

In 2015, NUSTL, along with partners in the DOE’s National 

Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), initiated a project to 

research and then test how this PRND equipment could be 

repurposed for use in different missions, specifically in response

and recovery from radiological or nuclear incidents. First 

responders have limited tools at their disposal for radiological 

and nuclear hazards, and providing scientific guidance on how

trained operators can use the same equipment in different ways 

to execute their operational responsibilities is critical for the 

protection of responders and the public. 

Final copies of the Operational Job Aid:

Using Preventative Radiological

Nuclear Detection Equipment for 

Consequence Management.

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 47 
4848

NUSTL’s HS-STEM Intern Lance Schaffer

measures the distance between a 

PRD and a radiological source during

laboratory testing at BNL. 

A team of scientists from across the DOE’s extensive network 

of laboratories, including BNL, LLNL, SRNL and the Remote 

Sensing Laboratory, worked collaboratively with NUSTL and 

DOE NNSA to execute this research and testing. 

The first stage of the work was to leverage NUSTL SAVER

documents to identify the array of PRND equipment that is 

available off-the-shelf and evaluate the technical specifications

of the types typically fielded by first responder agencies.

Next, the scientists determined what operational use cases 

were important in response and recovery and the technical 

requirements for safe and efficient use of detection equipment.

The capabilities they identified included: exposure rate

monitoring and radiation survey, worker exposure monitoring, 

contamination screening, and isotope identification. DOE

scientists then evaluated the PRND equipment against the 

operational capabilities to see what equipment would be 

effective for these missions. 

In the summer of 2017, testing of equipment against the 

mission needs began. This work was completed at BNL, and 

was supported by NUSTL Physicist Gladys Klemic and NUSTL 

DHS Homeland Security-Science Technology Engineering 

Mathematics (HS-STEM) Intern Lance Schaffer, who supported 

the Laboratory for 10 weeks during the summer of 2017. 

The results of this testing validated the assumption at the start of the project – that PRND equipment 

fielded by first responders can be used in support of several response and recovery missions. To 

provide this information to first responders in an easy-to-use format, the research team created a 

pocket guide of operational job aids that can be used to help local and state officials understand 

how their equipment may be repurposed. Copies of the Using Preventative Radiological Nuclear 

Detection Equipment for Consequence Management Missions Operational Job Aids were printed 

for widespread distribution to training professionals and responders in the radiological response 

community, and the electronic version is publicly available under the Radiological/Nuclear Response 

and Recovery Guidance and Tools section of DHS S&T NUSTL’s webpage. Additional instrument 

specific job aids were also developed under this project. 

A last step of this project was to provide recommendations on how to update standards for future 

PRND equipment so that the standards provide information on consequence management mission 

use. These recommendations were compiled and shared with partners, including the DNDO, FEMA, 

ANSI and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. 

48 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR IMPROVING RESPONSE AND RECOVERY TO RAD/NUC INCIDENTS 

NEW MODELING PRODUCTS FOR THE 

DHS-LED INTERAGENCY MODELING AND 

ATMOSPHERIC ASSESSMENT CENTER 

The Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center 

(IMAAC) is a FEMA-led center that brings together representatives 

from several different federal agencies to provide atmospheric 

modeling and hazard dispersion products to federal, state, local 

and tribal decision-makers. The briefing products provided 

through IMAAC enable decision-making on protective actions 

based on both measured data and projected hazard zones. The 

RNRR program is working with partners at FEMA who manage 

IMAAC to invest in additional modeling capabilities to support 

decision-makers during radiological/nuclear incidents. 

FAST RUNNING URBAN DISPERSION MODEL 

The RNRR Program is funding the DOE’s LLNL to develop enhanced modeling capabilities for the 

dispersion of radiological materials in urban areas. Characteristics of urban areas, including building 

footprints, the urban canyon effect, and other wind and weather patterns, can impact how radioactive 

materials deposit. Modeling products help first responders and decision-makers understand where

radiological contamination may be and how it is dispersed on building surfaces and other infrastructure. 

In FY2015, the RNRR initiated phase one of this work, which included investigating radiological 

source terms, modeling particle deposition for urban releases of radiological material (focusing 

initially on RDD detonations) and validating modeling results. In FY2017, phase two began and 

included integrating the enhanced modeling capabilities into the National Atmospheric Release 

Advisory Center (NARAC), a committee run by LLNL in support of the IMAAC. Upon completion 

of phase 2 work, expected at the end of FY2018, these improved modeling capabilities will allow 

operational analysts at NARAC to conduct rapid radiological contaminant modeling and analysis and 

produce urban model predictions for use by emergency responders through the IMAAC. 

RAPID RADIOLOGICAL / NUCLEAR HAZARD ASSESSMENT TOOL 

While federal, state, local and tribal decision-makers can get access to modeling and briefing 

products through the IMAAC during a radiological/nuclear incident, the initial products available 

are low fidelity models based on limit incident specific information. In the crucial minutes of an 

improvised nuclear device detonation when hundreds of thousands of lives can be saved by 

sheltering in place, it is important for emergency managers to have these low-fidelity products at 

their immediate disposal to make critical health and safety decisions. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 49 
-

-

- -

To meet this immediate need for decision-making support, in FY2014, the RNRR team funded the 

development of a prototype tool emergency mangers can use to quickly provide initial protective 

action zones from a nuclear detonation. Known as the Rapid Radiological/Nuclear Hazard 

Assessment Tool, it requires a few simple data points from users—including approximate detonation 

location, date/time of detonation and estimated detonation yield, if known—to provide estimates of 

shelter-in-place and damage zones from an improvised nuclear device detonation. 

Based on feedback from the radiological and nuclear response community as well as partners in 

DOE and FEMA on the value of the prototype, in FY2017, the RNRR program invested in the full 

development of this tool, expected to be completed in FY2019. Once complete, the tool will be 

available to emergency managers in command centers to use through a web application, but also as 

a desktop application, should communications be disrupted following a nuclear detonation. The tool 

uses the last available atmospheric weather data and the inputs provided by the user for an initial 

assessment of the nuclear hazard impacts. 

HAZARD AWARENESS 

THROUGH TRAINING/GUIDANCE 

To support first responders understanding of the radiological hazard and the integration of

science-based RDD response operations into local and state planning, the RNRR program is 

investing FY2017 funding in the development of training materials and products designed 

specifically for response workers at the local, state and federal level. OTHER R&D ACHIEVEMENTS 

The projects in the RNRR program continue to positively impact the first

responder and emergency response community’s ability to respond to 

radiological/nuclear incidents. Some notable accomplishments in FY2017 

include the following: 

Publication of National Council of Radiation Protection and 

Measurements (NCRP) Report No. 179 Guidance for Emergency Response

Dosimetry: This RNRR funded research is a tool for the emergency planning 

and response community that bridges the dosimetry gaps between trained 

and equipped radiation workers and all other categories of responders who 

are considered emergency workers during a radiation response. It provides 

critical information that helps emergency managers and planners optimize and 

re purpose existing radiation equipment for tracking personnel doses and 

performing dose reconstruction. Follow on work to develop an operationally 

focused Commentary is underway and will be completed in FY2019. 

50 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FOR IMPROVING RESPONSE AND RECOVERY TO RAD/NUC INCIDENTS 

This includes the development of animated 

simulations of key response planning objectives 

and operational capabilities for the first 100 

minutes of a response to a RDD detonation. 

The animations put the responder into the 

RDD response by showing, for example, how 

radioactive material may disperse as fragments 

and/or smoke, dose rates and total dose for 

those executing lifesaving rescue operations, 

and the techniques for measuring and mapping 

radiological contamination. 

These animated simulations, expected to be 

completed in FY2019, will be in a usable training 

format to allow for increased understanding 

of the radiological hazard and operational 

capabilities required for an initial response. They 

will be available widely to the first responder 

community to leverage in their preparedness 

activities. Along with the development of 

the RDD animations, the RNRR program is 

sponsoring the training of federal experts 

located regionally who work closely with their 

counterparts at the state and local levels to 

support hazard awareness and operational 

planning and preparedness. 

A sample of the RDD animations that shows first 

responders conducting lifesaving rescue operations in a 

radiologically contaminated area. This animation visualizes 

for first responders that while exposure rates are high, 

accumulated dose is below the recommended levels in the 

Protective Action Guidance for response. 

Completion of initial research and bench testing of organic radiochromic compounds for first

responder use: Scientists from SRNL, with funding from the RNRR program, investigated, engineered 

and bench-tested organic radiochromic compounds that change color at specific radiation levels that

are of interest to first responders and integrate into a variety of materials such as personal protective

equipment. This initial research has the potential for further exploration and study. 

Deployment of RNRR tools in support of national-level nuclear exercise: Several products developed 

by the RNRR program were leveraged during Gotham Shield 2017, a national exercise led by FEMA and 

the DOD, in coordination with New York City, New Jersey and New York State emergency response 

organizations. Radiological Operations Support Specialists, a new emergency response position 

developed collaboratively by NUSTL with FEMA, NNSA and the Conference of Radiation Control 

Program Directors, were activated for exercise play, leveraging their training and tools developed through 

the RNRR program. In addition, RNRR -funded work on emergency dosimetry, research on repurposing 

detection and interdiction equipment for response and recovery, and tools used for estimating waste, 

were used by players in the exercise. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 51 
MANAGING 

THE NUSTL 

FACILITY 

52 
DELIVERING QUALITY IN

EVERY PRODUCT AND SERVICE 

Our nation’s first responder agencies rely on 

NUSTL’s testing and evaluation products and 

services when making purchasing decisions for its 

first responders. As such, it is critical that NUSTL’s 

products and services are of the highest quality— 

they are informative, substantive, interpretable 

and timely delivered. To ensure quality, NUSTL 

implements a quality management system 

(QMS)—the collection of policies, procedures, work 

instructions, and other planning and operational 

documents that define how NUSTL conducts 

business. This QMS includes specific procedures 

for test planning, execution and reporting, which 

ensures that all plans and reports are rigorously 

reviewed prior to delivery. 

In FY2017, NUSTL’s QMS was certified by Orion

Registrar Inc., a certifying body, that it met the 

International Standard for Quality Management 

Systems – ISO 9001:2015 certification. The 

Certificate of ISO 9001:2015 (shown to the right)

recognizes the effective management system and 

outstanding customer service delivered by NUSTL. 

Being ISO 9001 certified also means NUSTL’s customers from federal, state and local first responder 

agencies and the Homeland Security Enterprise can place their highest confidence in the products 

and services delivered by staff—from field and laboratory testing, technology assessments, 

radioactive source handling—to knowledge products, reports and guidance tools. 

NUSTL’s QMS follows a documented, process-based approach to ensure the laboratory’s ability 

to continually monitor, manage and achieve a rising standard of quality across all facets of 

our operations. The certification is valid from August 31, 2017, through August 30, 2020, and 

demonstrates the laboratory’s conformance to the internationally recognized quality standard. 

ISO Certificate

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 53 
SHEMS Coordinator Alfred Crescenzi 

monitors safety operations during the 

set-up of a radiation portal monitor on the 

laboratory’s rooftop space.

ENSURING SAFETY 

THROUGHOUT ALL 

OPERATIONS 

NUSTL developed the Safety Health and Environmental 

Management System (SHEMS) to aid in the management of 

environmental and safety related activities in accordance 

with federal, state and local regulations. Administration 

Division Director Alfred Crescenzi, who serves as the SHEMS 

Coordinator, developed, implemented and mandated the 

DHS S&T SHEMS at NUSTL. On an annual basis, SHEMS 

goes through a rigorous auditing process to ensure that the 

laboratory operates safely and efficiently, and this includes

training sessions, annual document reviews, as well as internal 

and external audits. External auditors determined NUSTL’s 

SHEMS has a great responsiveness and ownership from all 

staff evident by performing good housekeeping practices 

resulting in hazard-free work during the consolidation of 

warehouse space. It is evident that the laboratory operates 

safely and efficiently based on NUSTL’s safety metrics, which

reflect a year without an environmental release, lost work case,

Occupational Safety and Health Administration-recordable 

case or radiation exposure case. Based on this, NUSTL’s 

Director has deemed NUSTL’s SHEMS as suitable, adequate 

and effective for its intended purposes. 

SAFEGUARDING EQUIPMENT 

Crescenzi, who also serves as the laboratory’s security manager, coordinated a semi-annual Preventive 

Maintenance Inspection (PMI) of NUSTL’s security equipment. This inspection was conducted 

by Physical Security Specialist Willie Houser from the DHS Office of the Chief Security Officer

and the contracted preventive maintenance company, Abbey Services Inc. The PMI verified the

communications of NUSTL’s intrusion detection system, access control system and closed circuit 

video, and determined the communications are operating successfully with the DHS Command 

Center. Additionally, Crescenzi coordinated the installation of a new proximity card reader in NUSTL’s 

loading bay area to improve the safety and security of the garage door operations for staff. The 

proximity card reader enables staff members to operate the garage door from both sides, and an 

electronic safety stop will activate if a person or object is in the path of a closing door. 

54 
MANAGING THE NUSTL FACILITY 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

NUSTL upgraded various aspects of information technology (IT) equipment to ensure its 

collaborative facility remains state-of-the-art. Within the First Responder Training and Assessment 

Center, there is a new audio/video (A/V) system including the installation of multi-display screens 

with multi-input options to provide NUSTL and our partners with a more effective way to conduct 

trainings, operational assessments, demonstrations and exercises. 

To continue improving technology infrastructure, NUSTL replaced an outdated analog system with a 

digital A/V system in the classified discussion room, upgraded routers and printer devices, replaced 

network switches, and migrated from physical servers to virtual machines to improve the quality 

of the laboratory’s server connectivity. These IT upgrades ensure a state-of-the-art facility that 

facilitates NUSTL’s mission of providing innovative tools, resources and capabilities for collaboration. 

PROMOTING 

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 

DONATED AND SOLD PROPERTY 

▪ A canner machine for soil samples was resold to a private sector company, 

Interlab System Technologies in Allentown, Pennsylvania. 

▪ An IT server rack module was resold to a private citizen in Coram, New York. 

▪ A digital hotplate was resold to a private citizen in Granada Hills, California. 

▪ A barometer was resold to a private citizen in San Leandro, California. 

▪ Two radiation detectors were transferred to the Security Department 

of MTA’s Metro-North Railroad in New York, New York. 

▪ Ten radiation detectors were transferred to the Office of Naval Research in Washington, D.C.

▪ A Chevy Suburban outfitted with radiation detection equipment 

was transferred to the SCPD in Brentwood, New York. 

RECYCLED PROPERTY 

▪ A total of 916 pounds of metal and electronic waste was recycled. 

▪ NUSTL’s paper recycling efforts have resulted in more than 10 trees being saved. 

NUSTL ANNUAL REPORT FY17 55 
LOOK 

AHEAD 

56 
NUSTL expects FY2018 to be another successful and 

impactful year as requests for NUSTL’s T&E expertise, services 

and products continue to increase. DHS components, S&T 

offices and the national first responder community have a

high demand for NUSTL’s honest and objective assessments 

of emerging and commercially available technologies that 

can help guide their investment and acquisition decisions. In 

addition to these and other test events, NUSTL’s RNRR R&D 

Team will continue their work on existing and new projects to 

support state and local responders prepare for radiological 

and nuclear emergencies.