Department Of Homeland Security Selects Ametek To Supply Portable Radiation Detection System
Paoli, PA, October 26, 2006 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded a contract to AMETEK (NYSE:AME) for the design, development and production of a high-resolution portable radiation detection system. The system will be used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, public safety officials and other first responders to screen vehicles and search public facilities for potentially harmful nuclear materials.
The contract calls for a base year award of $2.4 million for research and development. As well, the contract contains option years for both research and development and production. If all option years are exercised by the government, the total value of the contract will range from approximately $5 million to $50 million over a five year period.
"AMETEK is pleased to be selected as the only high-resolution germanium supplier for this important program. We believe our system represents the best technology for quickly, accurately and reliably identifying nuclear material and determining whether or not it poses a threat," noted AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frank S. Hermance.
"Our Detective® family of high-resolution radiation detection systems represents a substantial advance in system performance and significantly improves the ability to detect potentially harmful radioactive material without interfering with the normal flow of commerce.
"These systems employ a unique class of high-purity germanium-based gamma ray detectors that offer the best available combination of resolution and sensitivity for the rapid, positive identification of nuclear materials. These detectors can identify nuclear material which can be used in a nuclear weapon, an improvised nuclear device or a dirty bomb," added Mr. Hermance.
This award from DHS follows a number of recent wins for AMETEK's radiation detection systems. In recent months, AMETEK has been awarded contracts totaling more than $12 million by the US Departments of Defense and Energy and the UK Ministry of Defence. These include standard handheld Detective radiation identifiers, a backpack version of the Detective, and a transportable portal system.
For more information, contact ORTEC Products Group, 801 South Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0895. Telephone: 865-482-4411, Toll free: 800-251-9750. Fax: 865-483-0396. Website: www.ortec-online.com
AMETEK, Inc., is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annualized sales of nearly $1.8 billion.
