The LA Times reports that the Department of Homeland Security has “quietly postponed” the rollout of the $3.1 billion upgrade of the BioWatch program meant to detect biological threats. 

“[I]n a three-sentence posting to a government website late last month, Homeland Security said it had shifted the time frame for soliciting final proposals to the final quarter of the year. The posting provided no explanation for the delay.

“Scientists familiar with the matter said the development reflects a lack of confidence in the new technology, known as Generation 3.

“A department spokesman, Peter Boogaard, declined to comment.

“The postponement comes as Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and her aides are facing pointed questions about BioWatch from lawmakers of both parties in Congress. The program has cost taxpayers about $1 billion so far.”

Two House subcommittees are scheduled to discuss BioWatch this week. 

The Times has reported on a series of false alarms with BioWatch and said “due to insufficient sensitivity, BioWatch would be unlikely to detect an actual attack.” DHS calls those reports of false alarms “unsubstantiated.”  → Full Story