Congressman Robin Hayes - 8^th District, North Carolina

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NEWS RELEASE 

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-8) today announced that Special Operations Advanced Technology Development being completed by the Fayetteville's Partnership for Defense Innovation's WiFi Test Lab will receive $1.08 million in federal funding.  This new funding will be provided as part of the FY 2007 Defense Appropriations Act Conference Report that the House passed yesterday with a bipartisan vote of 394 to 22.  Once the Senate passes this legislation, the President will sign it into law.  

"I am pleased to announce that Fayetteville's Partnership for Defense Innovation WiFi Test Lab will benefit from this critical funding for defense-related research in wireless battlefield networks," said Hayes.  "This research has immense implications for our soldiers communicating in the battlefield.  Supporting defense research creates improved equipment for our military but it also creates jobs and opportunities for Fayetteville businesses."

Kirk deViere, Chairman of the Cumberland County Business Council stated: "This was an especially tough year for federal funding and Congressman Hayes really stepped up to the plate to make sure this money came through for the Partnership for Defense Innovation.  Fayetteville and Cumberland County are rapidly becoming an important center for research and development of next-generation military equipment, and funding for the WiFi Test Lab will keep us on the cutting edge of defense and security related needs of the warfighter."

Scott Perry, General Manager, Defense and Security Technology Accelerator said: "This federal funding secured by Congressman Hayes will foster collaboration between the military and the intelligence community with North Carolina entrepreneurs and innovators to bring critically needed defense technologies to market in an 8-18 month, rapid timeline.  This WiFi Test Lab is a necessary component of the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator." 

Joan P.H. Myers, President & CEO, North Carolina Technology Association commented: "The North Carolina Technology Association commends Congressman Hayes for securing these funds.  This is a new and innovative business plan to leverage two unique assets in North Carolina - the military bases in the Fayetteville/Cumberland County area, and the world-class research and innovative technology companies in our state to drive technology business development, commercialization and job creation." 

The Partnership for Defense Innovation's WiFi Test Lab provides the capability, by incorporating elements of the Command and Control (C2) development by a number of emerging technical groups, to provide a robust tactical wireless battlefield network.  WiFi networks specifically provide a direct link for video, still imagery, and sensor information from unmanned or manned platforms to the combatants through light weight transceiver units.  These systems enable sharing of information among dismounted soldiers and other ground nodes within the tactical WiFi network.  The system enables the ground force to immediately share critical imagery or information developed during tactical operations among individuals and small units.

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130 Cannon House Office Building, Washington DC 20515  ·  137 Union Street South, Concord, NC 28025

Carolyn Hern
                Communications Director
                Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08)
                Phone: 202-225-3715
                Direct: 202-226-7486
                Fax: 202-225-4036
               carolyn.hern@mail.house.gov