Description
Analysis from the Downing Report on the bombing of Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia on 25 June 1996 identified the need for awareness of COTS security solutions for protection against terrorist forces intent on harming US personnel and interests. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed the Services to investigate COTS equipment solutions for force protection needs. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (OUSD [AT&L]) identified the Department of Defense Physical Security Equipment Action Group (PSEAG) as the primary sponsor who then selected the Office of the US Army Product Manager, Force Protection Systems (PM-FPS), to coordinate and facilitate an FPED to showcase and demonstrate available appropriate COTS equipment.
During the period 15-18 September 1997, the PM-FPS conducted the first FPED. Building on the success of the first demonstration, six additional demonstrations were conducted every two years with the last demonstration, FPED VII, taking place from 19-21 May 2009 at the Stafford Regional Airport, Stafford, VA. Over 7,500 participants from the Department of Defense (DOD), Federal, state, local, and foreign governments were in attendance. More than 600 equipment vendors and manufacturers displayed 3,200 pieces of physical security and force protection equipment. Due to continuing and increased sophistication of terrorist activity, constant advancements in technology to reduce vulnerabilities to terrorism, and the success of the past demonstrations, planning for FPED VIII is under way.
Visitors profile
All US Uniformed service personnel, military contractors, defense contractors
Attendance at the FPED is free; however, the FPED is not open to the general public, requires attendees to be 18 years of age or older, and is by invitation only.
