We are pleased to announce that in July 2025, we completed the successful development of the Realistic Experimentation Capability (REC) prototype project under Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) CWMD 1910. JRAD worked extensively with the Joint Project Manager (JPM) for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Protection (JPM CBRN P), the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction OTA Consortium, and Army Contracting Command-New Jersey to develop and test the prototype system. The REC enhances the Department of Defense Chemical Biological Defense Program’s (CBDP) ability to develop relevant capabilities through operationally realistic events that incorporate Warfighters operating in simulated threat informed chemical/biological environments. These test environments enable simultaneous assessments of current and emerging materiel and non-materiel CBDP solutions under conditions that replicate real-world operations. We look forward to identifying additional opportunities to employ and enhance the REC for interested clients and Agencies.
JRAD is expanding opportunities for operational testing… “TEST HOW WE FIGHT”
Through our work on the Realistic Experimentation Capability (REC), we are supporting the improvement of operationally realistic chemical and biological testing. Awarded an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with JPM CBRN Protection through our membership in the CWMD Consortium, we are focusing on achieving the DoD’s OTA Fundamentals by:
Supplying new key technology or products:
- Incorporating emerging data collection capabilities
- Developing unique test methodologies
Accomplishing a significant amount of the effort:
- Developing operationally relevant vignettes & scenarios
- Working with the User and Warfighter community to ensure operational realism
- Testing, validating, verifying, and integrating
Causing a material reduction in the cost or schedule and an increase in performance:
- Incorporating modeling and simulation (M&S)
- Making use of existing test and evaluation infrastructure, while expanding capabilities
- Reducing testing during a program’s life-cycle while still providing the data necessary for leadership to make informed decisions
Our friend and colleague, Dr. Timothy Burgin, passed away suddenly in July 2025. Dr. Burgin had more than 30 years of research experience in organic/materials chemistry. Through a combination of careful analysis and the conceptualization and implementation of innovative solutions, he achieved success in furthering the fields of chemical and biological defense, superabsorbent polymers, gelation, carbon nanotube research, surface functionalization, molecular electronics, and organic metals. We will honor his contributions to our company and to science for many years to come.
JRAD is pioneering science and technology
JRAD chemist, Dr. Timothy Burgin, has spent more than 30 years conducting research in the field of organic/materials chemistry incorporating a broad range of areas including nanotechnology, surface chemistry, chemical synthesis, and physical/chemical measurements. Through a combination of careful analysis and the conceptualization and implementation of innovative solutions, he has achieved success in furthering the fields of chemical and biological defense, superabsorbent polymers, gelation, carbon nanotube research, surface functionalization, molecular electronics, and organic metals including Self-sealing fabrics for protection against chemical agents, Semi-empirical model for prediction of the enthalpy of metal-metal interactions, Low temperature synthesis of active gold-titania nanoclusters, Catalyzed self-degradation of HD, Semi-empirical model for prediction of molecular interaction enthalpies and entropy of liquids, development of depolymerizable polymeric surfactant for placement of nanoparticles. He has authored 10 patents and over 40 publications, resulting in over 4,000 citations in scientific literature.
Dr. Burgin has recently been working in partnership between JRAD, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC)– Dahlgren Division and Indian Head, Arizona State University (ASU), and other Industry partners to revolutionize Chemical and Biological Defense:
Co-developed a concept for an autonomous bioaerosol sampling and detection system/method to provide real-time detection and identification of bio-organisms in aerosols without human intervention with Cody Youngbull (University of Montana). This work resulted in U.S. Patent 11639934: Apparatus and Method for the Detection of Bioaerosols.
Established a proof of concept with ASU and NSWC for a stimuli responsive fabric that seals on contact with target organic liquids, preventing chemical penetration through the fabric. This research resulted in U.S. Patent 10711393: Self-Sealing and Self-Decontaminating Materials, Methods of Making, and Methods of Use.
Under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between JRAD, NSWC Indian Head Division (NSWC-IH) and First Line Technology, captured, consolidated, and published critical data associated with the development, test, and evaluation of the Dahlgren Decon product [a three-component decontamination solution that incorporates PES-Solid (Peracetyl borate)] which can quickly decontaminate most chemical warfare agents, toxic materials, and other emerging threats including fentanyl, ricin, meth and more, to complete the technology transfer to the current product manufacturer, First Line Technology. This task established First Line Technology as a repository of all technical data associated with the development of this product and enabled effective manufacturing, future development, and future business.
Developed a group additive value (GAV) model with NSWC-IH for the accurate calculation of molecular ionization energies based on molecular structure. The simple semi-empirical model outperforms state of the art quantum mechanical calculations and is applicable to a broad range of organic compounds. Longer term, the model will form part of a methodology for the calculation of molecular interaction energies from 2-body interaction terms, which has already been demonstrated for compounds whose interaction is dominated by dispersion forces.
