Cdex, Inc. (fka CDEX)

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Ahura Scientific’s FirstDefender Available through DHS Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP)
FirstDefender and Sirius Multigas Detector Bundled in Comprehensive CEDAP Chemical Detection Kit


Wilmington , MA —April 25, 2007— Ahura Scientific, Inc, award-winning manufacturer of handheld instruments for chemical identification, today announced that FirstDefenderTM is available through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). Designed to complement DHS grant programs such as the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) and the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), CEDAP assists state and local communities in the acquisition of equipment to prevent, deter, and respond to terrorist attacks. The CEDAP 2007 application period is open from April 25, 2007 through May 29, 2007.
FirstDefender is offered with MSA’s Sirius Multigas Detector as the CEDAP Chemical Detection Kit, providing a comprehensive solution for identification of unknown chemicals, whether liquid, solid or gas.

FirstDefender is a light-weight, rugged instrument for the immediate identification of unknown solids, liquids and mixtures, including narcotics, explosives, toxic industrial chemicals and more. Using Raman spectroscopy, it enables responders to immediately identify chemicals in the field without contacting the material in question. As an optical instrument, the FirstDefender can analyze materials through glass and plastic containers. Designed with first responders in mind, FirstDefender meets MIL-STD 810 F standards for ruggedness and can be easily operated in full Level A gear.


MSA’s Sirius Multigas Detector allows users to simultaneously monitor for volatile organic compounds while measuring for combustible, toxic and oxygen deficient atmospheres with one reliable, easy-to-use, durable unit. It offers interchangeable lithium-ion and alkaline battery packs, easy calibration and compatibility with MSA’s Galaxy® Automated Test System. The Sirius Multigas Detector uses PID technology to provide response speed and detection of very low levels of gas concentrations.

“We’re pleased to have been selected to participate in CEDAP. This important program will help bring the benefits of the FirstDefender to smaller communities across the United States ,” said Douglas Kahn, chairman and CEO of Ahura Scientific, Inc. “In addition to serving their local constituents, local and state agencies are often called upon to assist in regional response for large homeland security missions. CEDAP provides these agencies with access to state-of-the-art equipment, which can otherwise be difficult to acquire and is vitally important to the accomplishment of these missions”, said Kahn.

FirstDefender is deployed across numerous federal agencies including the U.S. Army, U.S. Customs and Immigration, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Hazmat teams across the country ranging from the Fire Departments of New York , Washington DC , Orlando and Seattle are actively using the product, along with law enforcement agencies from the State Police of New Jersey to the Los Angeles Police Department. Independently tested by the U.S. Army’s Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC), FirstDefender is available via federal and state grants, the New York State HIRE contract, the GSA schedule and CEDAP.

Interested state and local agencies can submit equipment requests using the Responder Knowledge Base (RKB) at www.rkb.mipt.org. Please contact Ahura Scientific at [e-mail] or 978-642-1132 for application assistance or visit www.ahurascientific.com/cedap.

About Ahura Scientific, Inc.

Ahura Scientific, Inc. develops rugged, ultra-compact, field-enabled optical systems for the immediate identification and authentication of liquid and solid chemical substances. Customers include the homeland security, life sciences, industrial and medical markets. Manufactured in the USA in an ISO 9001-certified facility, the company’s products offer exceptional portability and unparalleled performance.

http://www.ahuracorp.com/press/pr_20070425.html