U.S. Department of Homeland Security Selects Thermo for Rapid and Accurate Detection of Radiological Threats
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Implementation of Thermo's Most Advanced Radiation Detection Portals at Security Checkpoints Strengthens National Security
WALTHAM, MA (July 14, 2006) - Thermo Electron Corporation, the world leader in analytical instruments, today announced it has been selected to deliver high performance, Advanced Spectroscopic Portal (ASP) monitors for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO). As part of this national security initiative, Thermo's ASP monitors will be used to detect and halt the entry of illicit nuclear weapons and radiological materials from entering the United States at border and port locations across the country.
In support of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's mission to protect the homeland from terrorist attacks, the Advanced Spectroscopic Portal Program serves as an integral component of the country's nuclear detection infrastructure. After successfully testing an Advanced Spectroscopic Portal monitor prototype at the government's Nevada test site, Thermo demonstrated its ability to meet the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office's performance requirements for a next-generation, state-of-the-art radiation detection system. After a highly competitive selection process, the DNDO selected Thermo's Advanced Spectroscopic Portal monitors to help manage the threat of nuclear weapons and radiological materials at security checkpoints.
Each day about 64,000 containers arrive in the U.S. via ships, trucks and rail. By optimizing selectivity, sensitivity, probability of detection and false alarm rates, Thermo's ASP monitors will enable homeland protection personnel to make the most informed decisions to protect national security. Under the direction of the Advanced Spectroscopic Portal Program, the government plans to deploy radiation detection equipment to more than 380 port and border sites over the next few years. Also, on a daily basis, more than 365,000 vehicles pass through America's border sites daily, and Thermo's ASP detection equipment will arm homeland protection personnel with the technology they need to rapidly weed out false-positives from real-life radiation threats.
"Our partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is a testament to Thermo's strategic commitment to providing the most advanced radiation measurement and detection solutions for our nation's current and future security needs," said Marc Casper, senior vice president of Thermo. "Thermo's ability to leverage a seasoned work force and its experience in radiation portal production means the company is well positioned to support the government's large-scale deployment plans, which could result in more than $200 million in revenue over the next five years." The first release under the contract totals $14.6 million.
Having deployed more than 3,000 radiation detection portals worldwide, Thermo is committed to protecting people and property from radiological threats. Thermo has more than 50 years of experience in the nucleonics field, including the design, manufacture, deployment, servicing and continuous improvement of thousands of radiation portals. Thermo has invented and commercialized industry-leading radiation detection instruments and systems, including portal, portable and mobile variants that are recognized as best in class, demonstrating its commitment and track record in serving the needs of the nuclear power, defense, medical and security markets worldwide.
For more information on Thermo's radiation management products, please visit www.thermo.com/rmp.
About Thermo Electron Corporation
Thermo Electron Corporation is the world leader in analytical instruments. Our instrument solutions enable our customers to make the world a healthier, cleaner and safer place. Thermo's Life and Laboratory Sciences segment provides analytical instruments, scientific equipment, services and software solutions for life science, drug discovery, clinical, environmental and industrial laboratories. Thermo's Measurement and Control segment is dedicated to providing analytical instruments used in a variety of manufacturing processes and in-the-field applications, including those associated with safety and homeland security.
