National Security

FFBS: Forward Deployed Identification of Known and Novel Biothreats

When your mission and personal safety depend on your understanding of the potential biothreats present in an operational environment, you need a simple-to-use tool that delivers clear answers, quickly. While there are many tactical biological surveillance tools capable of identifying known threats, FFBS arms the operator with the ability to collect, prepare, sequence, and report biological threat agents across a broad spectrum, whether the agent is known or unknown.

Soldier in protective mask looking over desolate war zone. Logo on the right side that shows FFBS

The FFBS Difference

Signature Science has optimized our innovative bioinformatics software tools to run on the small, portable, battery-powered FFBS sequencing and analysis console. The ruggedized console includes an integrated docking station for the sequencer, a computing device with GPU for onboard base calling, bioinformatic threat analysis software, a custom-tailored threat database, and a graphical user interface for communicating sequencing information, and alarm status. If FFBS determines a biological is present, it also provides details about the identified targets including common name, type, threat level, and basic information on transmission and symptoms. The FFBS components are packaged within a lightweight, ruggedized field kit that provides all the tools necessary to perform on-target sample preparation and on-the-move sequencing.

Photo preview of the linked flyer
Rendering of FFBS console. Lid is open to reveal the touch screen and stylus and the sequencer
Designed to be simple to use, FFBS offers users far forward field confirmatory capabilities.
Image depticts scalability of the device, including an image of the sequencer, a tablet, and a laptop with the same threat warning displayed
FFBS is optimized for use in multiple modalities and configurations, allowing your team to scale its computing power and maximizing your operational flexibility.
Stephanie Elsberry, CQA
Quality Assurance Biologist, Deputy Program Manager