“Many companies that explore the idea to get a facility clearance become intimidated by the process or aren’t aware of the details and potential pitfalls,” says Kevin Lothridge, CEO. “We can leverage our experience to guide them through the process at any level.  It can build a lot of confidence in a newly cleared company and provide our government with knowledgeable and qualified contractors for our country’s security.” 

David Touchton, NFSTC’s FSO and coordinator of this new initiative, has received recognition as an Industrial Security Professional (ISP) from the National Classification Management Society.

“It’s so important to get it right with your facility clearance details,” says Touchton. “An organization’s clearance can be revoked if it is not carefully maintained. That can affect not only the company, but our country’s access to great technology and innovation.”

For more information, contact us at ask@the-fic.com.

Read the full story here: http://www.floridainnovationhub.ufl.edu/

NFSTC and the Forensic Innovation Center provide opportunities for companies to work together to provide effecient and effective forensic services to Federal, State and local stakeholders across the country.

NFSTC and the Forensic Innovation Center honor those lost in the tragedy of 9/11, the victims, the heroes and the families and friends left to wonder why.  We rededicate our organization to increasing public safety for all Americans through science and teamwork. Take a moment on Sunday, September 11, to remember.

Alakai, located in Largo, Fla., is a high-technology, veteran-owned small business engaged in science & technology and research & development of advanced laser and electro-optical sensors for the defense and security sectors. Their instruments detect explosives and Improvised Explosive Devices, the number one killer of soldiers today. They have expanded into detection of chemical warfare agents, biological agents, radiological and nuclear materials.

See the whole story here: http://madduxpress.com/2010/11/16/tampa-bay-technology-forum-announces-winners-of-the-7th-annual-industry-achievement-awards-14715

Congratulations to the Alakai team for their acheivement!

Read more at http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/pinellas/explosive-detectors-to-help-fight-air-cargo-bombs-110510.

The FIC is a new concept that will redefine forensic intelligence services and centralize innovative direction for the industry. The Center is already successful as an informal business cluster, having attracted a variety of partners to the area to work together in providing strong project delivery for homeland security, defense and justice community stakeholders and clients.

 “This is an exciting time for us,” says Kevin Lothridge, CEO of NFSTC. “With this expansion, we’ll clarify the different activities the NFSTC will do in the grant and cooperative agreement arena and the contract work the FIC will do in the for-profit sector, raising the bar on innovation and building a 40-person workforce over the next several years.”

Forensic science tools and technologies are becoming increasingly important to national security at all levels. Initial FIC service offerings include:

• Scientific and professional consulting services for public organizations and business customers
• Prime contracting to the government for procurement, delivery, training and technology integration
• Cluster development and support to recruit like partners for the strategic growth of the Center
• Forensic science consulting
• Biometric  technologies, including DNA
• Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) of advanced forensic intelligence tools including processes and systems, hardware, software, analytical reagents and sensors for the collection and analysis of forensic materials

“By establishing the FIC as a small, for-profit arm of the organization, the focus and integrity of NFSTC can be preserved, allowing it to remain truly mission-oriented and supportive of our stakeholders,” says Kevin Lothridge, CEO of NFSTC.

In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development (OTTED), Enterprise Florida and Pinellas County Economic Development, NFSTC has received and will use Florida’s Qualified Target Industry (QTI) tax refund program to relieve some of the cost of developing the FIC. The QTI program allows new and expanding Florida businesses in targeted, high-growth industries to receive tax refunds for every new, high-paying job they create. The tax incentives have been awarded up to $260,000 over the organization’s first three years as new jobs are added.

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The National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Largo, Florida. NFSTC provides training, assessment, technology assistance and evaluation to the justice and forensic communities to ensure quality forensic services nationwide. The organization receives funding from the National Institute of Justice and other federal agencies. www.nfstc.org