PAE Wins $75.2M BioWatch Contract
PAE says it won a potential five-year, $75.2 million contract to provide laboratory support to the Department of Homeland Security’s BioWatch program. PAE unseated incumbent contractor Astrix Technology Group
for the award, which support the urban area biological threat detection program. “This new opportunity stems from our growing base of experts specializing in counter-WMD and CBRNE solutions,” says John Heller, PAE’s CEO. PAE tells HSR that its new work for the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office builds on specialized laboratory support it does for programs in the Defense Department and intelligence community. BioWatch was stood up after the 2001 anthrax attacks and include a network of aerosol collectors located throughout major urban areas of the U.S. that collect air samples that are then transported to local laboratories for analysis. PAE says that BioWatch sensors are also deployed to major public events such as the Super Bowl.
TSA Awards Smiths $50M for EDS Systems
Smiths Detection says it has received a $50 million order from the Transportation Security Administration to provide more than 40 medium-speed CTX 9800 explosives detection systems (EDS) to automatically screen checked bags for explosives at U.S. airports. The exact number of systems ordered were not disclosed. Deliveries will begin in April and extend through 2020. The order appears to be part of a larger contract awarded in Sept. 2018 that is potentially worth up to $500 million for medium-speed EDS systems and runs through 2023. Under the $50 million order, Smiths will supply CTX 9800s mostly to replace older systems and also for a few new airport terminals. “This additional order for CTX 9800 EDS will enable even more U.S. airports to protect travelers while ensuring that security screening keeps pace with the growing number of passengers,” says Shan Hood, president of Smiths Detection, Inc. Last June, Smiths received a $70 million order from TSA for CTS 9800s to be deployed at 10 airports in the U.S.
OSI Systems Nabs RTT 110 Order for Biosecurity; Separate NATO Order
OSI Systems [OSIS] has been selected to provide its Rapiscan RTT 110 computed tomography-based explosive detection system by Australia to identify contraband biosecurity materials entering the country inside passenger baggage, mail, and cargo. OSI says the Australian government is expected to use the RTT 110 in operations prior to and at the border. The value of the award wasn’t disclosed. “Since its initial introduction to the market, the RTT 110 has been successful in detecting explosives, weapons, and contraband at airports around the world,” says Deepak Chopra, OSI’s chairman and CEO. “This is the first time that the system will be used for biosecurity detection, and we are incredibly excited to demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of this unique solution as part of a comprehensive security infrastructure.” The Hon. David Littleproud, Australia’s Minister for Agriculture and Water Resource3s, says that “biosecurity screening provides critical protection for Australia’s $60 billion agricultural industries and the health of our communities, environment, and the national economy.” The company also received a $12 million contract from NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency to provide operations and maintenance services of Rapiscan cargo, vehicle, parcel and personal explosive and contraband detection systems.
Rohde & Schwarz AIT System Deployed in Canada
Rohde & Schwarz says that its QPS 201 Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) people screener has been sold for use in Canada at a high security facility to screen employees and visitors to sensitive areas of a building and entrance. The company says multiple systems were purchased but didn’t disclose the number or value of the award. R&S says systems have been integrated with walk-through metal detectors to display alarm results on one screen. “We were proud that the first R&S QPS 201 systems to be deployed in Canada will protect this important high security facility, its important public mission and employees,” says Scott Bausback, president and CEO of R&S in the U.S.