Key Takeaways:
- The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) co-hosted the second annual EOD Technology and Bombing Prevention Summit with the United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA).
- The event brought together hundreds of government, industry, law enforcement, and international EOD leaders and partners to discuss current and future states of the bomb disposal community and real-time threat information.
- The summit featured sessions, an exhibit floor with 47 industry leaders, and networking opportunities to share best practices and EOD resources.
- NSWC IHD and USBTA signed a public-private partnership agreement to provide test, evaluation, and demonstration and assessment services for energetics and energetic systems.
- The partnership aims to generate tangible advantage for operators and enhance public safety by integrating the EOD community, communicating and aligning strategy, and leveraging technology, training, and policy.
Introduction to the EOD Technology and Bombing Prevention Summit
The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) and the United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA) co-hosted the second annual EOD Technology and Bombing Prevention Summit at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The event took place from December 2-4 and brought together hundreds of government, industry, law enforcement, and international EOD leaders and partners. The summit aimed to integrate the critically important EOD community, communicate and align strategy at the tactical and operational level, and generate tangible advantage for operators.
Event Objectives and Outcomes
The goal of the summit was to provide a platform for EOD leaders and partners to discuss current and future states of the bomb disposal community and share real-time threat information. The event featured sessions, an exhibit floor with 47 industry leaders in the latest state-of-the-art EOD equipment and technology, and networking opportunities to share best practices and EOD resources. With over 700 registered attendees, 47 exhibiting organizations, and more than 100 speakers, the summit was a huge success. NSWC IHD Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Duba emphasized the importance of the event, stating that it takes everyone coming together to defeat current and future threats and enhance public safety.
Partnership between NSWC IHD and USBTA
NSWC IHD and USBTA signed a public-private partnership agreement in December 2024 under the command’s Center for Industrial and Technical Excellence designation. The 10-year agreement aims to provide test, evaluation, and demonstration and assessment services for energetics and energetic systems. The partnership is expected to take the collaboration between NSWC IHD and USBTA to the next level, with USBTA CEO Sean Dennis stating that the collaboration has flourished over the last nine years. The partnership will enable the two organizations to work together to provide innovative solutions to the EOD community and enhance public safety.
NSWC IHD’s Role in EOD Solutions
NSWC IHD is the leader in ordnance, energetics, and EOD solutions, focusing on energetics research, development, testing, evaluation, in-service support, manufacturing, and disposal. The Division provides warfighters with solutions to detect, locate, access, identify, render safe, recover, exploit, and dispose of explosive ordnance threats. As a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command and part of the Navy’s Science and Engineering Establishment, NSWC IHD plays a critical role in supporting the EOD community and enhancing public safety.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The EOD Technology and Bombing Prevention Summit was a significant event that brought together the EOD community to discuss current and future challenges and opportunities. The partnership between NSWC IHD and USBTA is expected to generate tangible advantage for operators and enhance public safety. As the EOD community continues to evolve, it is essential to integrate the community, communicate and align strategy, and leverage technology, training, and policy to defeat current and future threats. The success of the summit and the partnership between NSWC IHD and USBTA demonstrates the commitment of the EOD community to enhancing public safety and supporting warfighters.
