Applied Energetics, Inc. [AERG] and L-3 Communications [LLL] Interstate Electronics Corp. (IEC) yesterday said they have entered a strategic teaming agreement to pursue Defense Department contracts related to counter-improvised explosive device (IED) systems.

The team will be led by Applied Energetics as prime contractors and the companies plan to collaborate on proposal development, marketing and other activities.

“L-3 IEC has been providing field support for our counter-IED systems and their responsiveness, professionalism and quality of personnel have been superb,” Joseph Hayden, president and chief operating officer of Applied Energetics, said in a statement.

Applied Energetics plans to focus its efforts in technical areas requiring high voltage electronics, systems integration, systems testing and development for support of advanced counter-IED technologies. L-3 is expected to contribute expertise in power electronics, systems engineering, configuration control and production management.