American Science and Engineering [ASEI] has received a potential $67 million contract from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to provide low-energy, drive-through Z Portal vehicle inspection systems that will be deployed at U.S. border crossings. The first task order is for $29.5 million. The contract was awarded using Recovery Act funds. The order marks the first significant purchase of the Z Portal system by CBP, which previously purchased and deployed a system to the San Ysidro, Calif., port of entry in 2008. The low-energy system emits a low radiation dosage, allowing the occupants of a vehicle to remain in their car or truck while it is being scanned, thereby improving convenience of the travelers and increasing throughput. Benchmark Company security analyst Josephine Millward says in a note to clients that the order adds AS&E’s already strong $254 million backlog. She also cites her “Washington sources” as saying that the two-year pilot of the Z Portal has had tremendous success in finding illegal contraband such as drugs and weapons.