I.D. Systems lands TSA tracking system grant

I.D. Systems Inc., Hackensack, N.J., has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration to beef up the company's equipment-tracking products being used in commercial airports, the company announced July 15.

Under this grant, I.D. Systems will develop new capabilities for its Wireless Asset Net fleet management technology. At the request of the FAA, the specific details of the system enhancements to be developed are being withheld as a security measure.

For commercial airports, the I.D. Systems solution prevents unauthorized use of aircraft ground support equipment. With this technology, an individual must have an identification badge and appropriate PIN code to operate a vehicle.

The system ensures that equipment can only be activated at appropriate times and locations, and that it can be deactivated at any time.

"With the new hardware and software functionality developed under this FAA grant, our system will provide many important additional security benefits for major airlines, airport authorities and government transportation agencies in the United States and throughout the world," said Kenneth Ehrman, president and chief operating officer of I.D. Systems.