AS&E Wins Contract To Develop Cargo Inspection System For Detection Of Nuclear Threats

Billerica, MA - American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E®), a company specializing in X-ray detection technology, has been selected by U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) to develop and deliver a next-generation cargo inspection system designed to meet the requirements of the CAARS Program (Cargo Advanced Automated Radiography System) to automatically detect shielded nuclear threats at the nation's points of entry. The total two-year development phase is valued at $28.8M with a guaranteed minimum dollar value of $4.3M, according to AS&E. A substantial procurement could follow successful performance of the development phase, potentially increasing the total contract value up to $450M, adds the company.

After a competitive procurement process, DNDO selected AS&E, who with its partner, Passport Systems, Inc., adopted an advanced system concept that combines high energy X-ray radiography with a 3-D X-ray interrogation technique, according to AS&E. The EZ Radiograph system will combine 9 MeV transmission imaging radiography with automatic identification of high atomic number materials such as tungsten, lead, uranium, or plutonium. The system will be dual-use, in that it will meet both the needs of DNDO in detecting nuclear materials, as well as the traditional needs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in detecting contraband such as illegal drugs, adds the company.

SOURCE: American Science and Engineering, Inc.