U.S. Department of Homeland Security Announces Operational Success of Fleet GPS Tracking and Mobile Resource Management

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The GPS Fleet Tracking equipment and online application deployed during the last 12 months by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Detention and Removal (DRO) has been deemed a success, announces Fleet Management Solutions, Inc. (FMS). DRO has implemented the system to reduce costs, improve officer safety, enhance mission execution and streamline fleet maintenance. Over 2000 of the 4500+ vehicles are being tracked in real time, providing operational insight not previously available and enabling DRO to make more efficient use of its valuable fleet and personnel resources.

"Implementation of the FMS GPS tracking equipment and web services integration of FMS' Fleet Central with DRO enterprise applications are delivering the operational readiness, mission effectiveness and cost reductions anticipated," says Charles "Chuck" Welke, DRO Fleet Inventory and Communications Unit. "We're very pleased at the progress that's been made to enhance our role in homeland security."

DRO uses FMS to monitor its fleet of buses, specialty vans and law enforcement sedans used to acquire and remove detainees. The FMS intelligent vehicle tracking devices transmit position, direction, speed and other telematic data for user-specified events and reporting. Data is sent via the Iridium satellite network to the FMS Fleet Central Web server, permitting dispatch centers to securely login and closely monitor the vehicles' location, movements and status.

With the annual cost of fuel and maintenance for the fleet at more than $30 million, it is an important area of efficiency improvement for DHS. In addition, the XML feed from FMS Fleet Central provides critical location data to the DRO Flytecomm application and consolidates the visual location of all fixed and mobile DRO assets on a map.

Federal Prison Industries, known as UNICOR, installs and commissions the FMS mobile devices under an inter-agency agreement to provide life-cycle management for the fleet.  

"With DRO remote operations, real time information requirements and high-value cargo and assets, it is critical to have an all-satellite GPS fleet tracking system in place," said Cliff Henley, CEO of FMS. "FMS mobile resource management systems are a vital tool in meeting the challenges of fleets operating in rugged and hazardous regions across industries and around the world."

"FMS' innovative fleet tracking solutions leverage Iridium's global coverage and low-latency, two-way, short-burst data connections to ensure reliable tracking and monitoring of the DRO vehicles across wide areas where mobile wireless networks are not available," said Patrick Shay, vice president for data services, Iridium Communications.

About the Department of Homeland Security Office of Detention and Removal

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Detention and Removal (DRO) (www.ice.gov/pi/dro/index.htm) is the primary enforcement arm within ICE for the identification, apprehension and removal of illegal aliens from the U.S. The resources and expertise of DRO are utilized to identify and apprehend illegal aliens, fugitive aliens and criminal aliens; to manage them while in custody; and to enforce orders of removal from the U.S. DRO is committed to enforcing our nation's immigration laws in a fair, effective and professional manner.

About Fleet Management Solutions

Fleet Management Solutions, Inc. (FMS) (www.fmsgps.com) combines GPS technology with two-way satellite communications, intelligent modems and its Web-hosted application, Fleet Central, to deliver all-satellite, mobile fleet management and GPS tracking systems. FMS solutions deliver measurable improvements in asset utilization, safety and security, and productivity with rapid ROI. FMS serves customers in government, military, energy, construction, mining and logistics industries. FMS is located in more than 75 countries, providing solutions for use in rugged and remote environments.

About Iridium

Iridium Communications Inc. (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO) cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The company is headquartered in McLean, Va., USA and trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock), IRDMW ($7.00 warrants), IRDMZ ($11.50 warrants) and IRDMU (units).

SOURCE Fleet Management Solutions, Inc.