It’s tough patrolling on the U.S.-Mexico border–extreme weather conditions, rugged terrain, and thousands of miles of it. That’s why DHS Customs and Border Protection needs mobile, next-generation reconnaissance and surveillance solutions like Relocatable-Remote Video Surveillance System (R-RVSS). And, GDIT just completed a successful R-RVSS pilot program with CBP in Laredo and McAllen, Texas.

So, what is an R-RVSS? Good question. It’s a multi-sensor electro-optical and infrared array mounted on an 80 foot relocatable tower. Think of this as an information gathering artillery piece to complement airborne drones. R-RVSS provide real-time situational awareness, empowering CBP to detect, track, and resolve threats in remote locations.

An R-RVSS tower patrolling the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo: GDIT)

Yes, it does look like a prop from Stranger Things. If you’re looking for a close encounter, GDIT hopes to expand deployment across the Rio Grande Valley in 2018.

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Steve O'Keeffe
Steve O'Keeffe
The most connected executive in the government technology community – O'Keeffe is an accomplished entrepreneur and tech-policy expert, with 30 years’ experience as an innovator at the crossroads of government and industry. He founded MeriTalk, O'Keeffe & Company, 300Brand, among other entities. O'Keeffe is a fixture on the Hill, in both the House and Senate, testifying on IT, budget, government workforce, and the requirement to modernize government IT to enhance outcomes for the American people and government employees. He is a champion for change, simplification, transparency, and clear communication of IT value without jargon. A committed philanthropist, O'Keeffe has served for 15 years on the USO-Metro Board of Directors – Vice Chairman of the Board and Chair of the Annual Awards Dinner. He started his career as a journalist – O'Keeffe has contributed to The Economist, Government Executive, Signal Magazine, The Washington Post, and, of course, MeriTalk.
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