Difference betweenROPS and FOPS

At the Sasol Laboratory for Structureal Mechanics, we possess the infrastructure to perform Roll-over Protective Structure (ROPS) testing as well as Falling Object Protective Structure (FOPS) testing. At the centre of our capabilities is our pneumatically susupended testing floor, which allows us to securely bolt any structure down for testing. Complementing this is a wide range of fixtures, a 5 tonne overhead crane, an array of load cells as well as a 70 tonne jack, with which the tesing loads are applied. FOPS tests are perfomed using our quick release mechanism, and 275kg weight and a 2.5 tonne forklift. This weight is dropped using our forklift. If neccesarry, these tests can also be performed at the premises of the client if the infrastructure is sufficient.

We are typically approached by clients developing new protective structures for mining applications or clients which have made extensive modifications to existing protective structures. Typical structures that are evaluated include:

ROPS and FOPSstandards

Homeland Security Grants can be used to fund a variety of specialized gear, equipment and vehicles, as long as you use the equipment to respond to domestic or international terrorism events or other crimes that threaten your community. Most of these federal grants are received through your state’s homeland security or emergency management agency, but decisions on the uses of these funds are based on local planning. Grant applications for equipment that will be used as a regional asset may receive more favorable consideration.

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Your agency may also qualify for Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and Port Security Operation Stonegarden depending on where you are located within the United States. Also consider FEMA’s Emergency Management Preparedness Grant (EMPG), which allows for equipment purchases in preparation for an all-hazards emergency preparation events.

Full-scale vehicle testing (depending on vehicle size).Partial vehicle testing.Guidance on test fitting design.On-site tests (depending on available infrastructure).

Smart “out-of-the-box” thinking may land you grant awards from some not-so-obvious funding sources. Consider these options:

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ROPS and FOPSmeaning

Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) offer one of the largest sources of grant funding to support law enforcement equipment purchases. Most tactical and special operations equipment and gear are eligible items under this program. But be aware that specialized vehicles and unmanned aerial systems are prohibited expenditures unless you receive an approved waiver from the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Police officers are tasked with an extremely challenging job every day to maintain public safety. In order to perform effectively, cops need the right equipment, whether tactical body armor, night vision goggles, unmanned aerial vehicles or ballistic shields. If your department is like most law enforcement agencies across the country, budgets are tight and often shrinking, with m any priorities competing for available dollars.

Here’s a summary of both the most obvious grants to consider and some not so obvious – each with their own unique requirements.

Grants are a great solution for securing funding for tactical gear and special operations equipment. There are hundreds of federal, state, corporate and private foundation grant-funding opportunities available each year that will consider supporting specialized law enforcement equipment and gear.

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These are just a few of the many grant funding sources you can pursue to cover the cost of your tactical gear or other special operations equipment needs. Research these funding sources, see if they match your needs and agency eligibility, and begin applying now. Best of luck!

Each state and U.S. territory also receives an annual JAG award for competitive funding that is available to local and state agencies that don’t qualify for the local allocations. Reach out to your State Administering Agency (SAA) representative to discuss your needs and inquire about the next application period.

ISO 3471 assessment: Roll-over protective structures – laboratory testing.ISO 3449 assessment: Falling-object protective structures — laboratory testing.Supplementary FEA assessment:

Many local municipalities across the country receive a local JAG allocation directly from the federal government based on their share of their state’s three-year violent crime average. If your county or city is a local JAG recipient, encourage your grant administrators to earmark a portion of the funding to cover your special operations and tactical equipment needs.