BETHESDA, Md. and SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleet Management Solutions, Inc. (FMS) and Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) announce that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Detention and Removal (DRO) has selected FMS Iridium-based vehicle tracking and mobile resource management systems for deployment under a major initiative to optimize efficiency.

The FMS tracking equipment and hosted Web software will improve asset readiness, enhance mission effectiveness, reduce fleet costs and coordinate compliance with Federal Property Management Regulations (FPMR). DRO is installing in its vehicles a GPS tracking device, which transmits position, direction and speed and other telematic data for user-specified events and reporting. Data is sent through the Iridium satellite network to the FMS Fleet Central Web server, permitting dispatch centers to closely monitor the vehicles' location, movements and status.

As part of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), DRO operates more than 4,000 specialty law enforcement and administrative vehicles. Accurate and timely accountability of fleet assets is critical to mission success. 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.

DRO promotes public safety and national security by ensuring the departure of all removable aliens from the U.S. through the fair and effective enforcement of the nation's immigration laws. During recent budget testimony before the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano identified 16 efficiency initiatives, which included electronic fleet-tracking tools to optimize fleet management and to heighten vigilance over fraud, waste or abuse.

"Managing a motor vehicle fleet is like counting ants in an ant farm," said Charles "Chuck" Welke, who is tasked with deployment of the FMS tracking systems for the DRO Fleet Inventory and Communications Unit. "It cannot be done effectively without the latest technologies, which FMS provides."

FMS vehicle tracking systems also integrate well with existing enterprise applications currently in use by DRO. FMS Web services enhance real-time situational awareness, and permit more effective execution of missions in the field.

"FMS combined with Iridium-based communications continues to prove their value where high security and mobile resource management requirements demand visibility and data transmission from anywhere, regardless of telecommunications infrastructure or geography," said Cliff Henley, CEO of FMS. "With the increasing importance of operations efficiency in Federal fleets, FMS all-satellite GPS tracking systems will be a vital tool in meeting the challenges."

"This FMS client is a great example of how large organizations are taking advantage of Iridium's universal global coverage, high network reliability and low-latency, two-way short-burst data links to manage widely scattered assets," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, Global Distribution Channels, Iridium. "With Iridium, the vehicles are never out of range, even when operating in remote areas beyond the coverage of cellular networks."

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 Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering pole-to-pole 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's subscriber growth has been driven by increasing demand for reliable, secure, global communications. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of hundreds 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, which will result in continued and new Iridium MSS offerings. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., U.S., and is currently privately held.

SOURCE Iridium Satellite LLC

Web site: http://www.iridium.com/