Applied Research Associates to Manufacture Wireless Sensors for Army

 

Defense contractor Applied Research Associates (ARA), which has a manufacturing plant in Randolph, Vermont, has reportedly received two U.S. Army contracts worth a total of more than $9 million for wireless sensors.

According to a press release from the office of U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), ARA will produce its Expendable Unattended Ground Sensors for the Army. The devices, which feature long-life batteries, are used to monitor the perimeter at Army bases, the release noted.

The expendable sensors, which cost much less than other similar devices on the market, can detect vehicle traffic or footsteps in the toughest of conditions, including wind and rain. Leahy said that the majority of the work will be completed in Vermont.

"This contract ensures that ARA will stay in the forefront of providing a superb product that helps save the lives of our men and women in the field," he said in the release. "It also supports high-skill jobs in Vermont at a time when we need them more than ever."

Such defense jobs, which are expected to be added by the company, will likely require personnel who have undergone a lifestyle polygraph test and obtained security clearance.