Jan 21 2015
Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a provider of DNA-based product authentication solutions, supply chain security and anti-counterfeiting technology, announced today that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) DNA marking lab in Columbus, Ohio has now been open for over a month. On-site and on-time, the lab was fully operational on December 15, 2014 with microcircuits beginning to work their way through the administrative system and get to the Product Test Center (PTC).
Since December 15, all new orders for microcircuits flow directly to the DLA lab. Most orders issued prior to December 15 will be satisfied in accordance with current contracts (between APDN and DLA-qualified suppliers) that will expire over the course of 2015. As these expirations happen, all product flow will transition fully to the DLA lab. Based on historical data, the new lab will be the hub of approximately 85,000 microcircuits annually. Full traceability documentation and/or test reports will be reviewed, components will be inspected and (when satisfied), a SigNature® DNA Provenance mark will be applied. These practices will be enforced to ensure the integrity of the items that become DNA marked.
DLA Land and Maritime Commander, Navy Rear Admiral John King, declared, "Adopting this DNA marking capability will enable DLA to intensify its fight against counterfeit parts entering and negatively impacting our supply chain, and ultimately, our customers."
Janice Meraglia, Vice President of APDN's Government and Military Programs, said, "The evolution of this program is logical: R&D was initiated under Vice Admiral Thompson. The industry requirement was put forth by Vice Admiral Harnitchek and now the internal operational direction will be led by Rear Admiral King. It is an honor to support the customization of this program under Rear Admiral King's leadership."
Director of the DLA PTC, Keith Robinette, stated that the on-site lab will "strengthen supply chain controls, enhance quality assurance and establish the capability to expand DNA marking to other parts deemed a high risk of counterfeiting."
In August 2014, APDN won a competitive Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) award. The goal of this RIF is to demonstrate the capability to mark and authenticate a diverse range of products, well beyond microcircuits. APDN will be working with manufacturers and suppliers of items in up to 66 additional federal supply classes who will be participating in this RIF and other federally funded programs.
APDN CEO and President James Hayward commented, "The internalization of the DNA program, together with the RIF award represent an exciting time ripe with opportunities for expansion. We are confident we can provide comprehensive supply chain solutions which will form a forensic barricade against counterfeits."
Source: http://www.adnas.com/