Military biometrics sensors and database technology to be provided by Northrop Grumman and IntegenX
Oct. 16, 2011
MCLEAN, Va., 16 Oct. 2011.Biometrics identification experts at the Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:NOC) Information Systems segment in McLean, Va., and teammate IntegenX Inc. in Pleasanton, Calif., will supply the IntegenX RapidHIT 200 Human DNA Identification System to the U.S. Army Biometrics Identity Management Agency in Washington as part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Biometrics Operations and Support Services -- Unrestricted (BOSS-U) contract, which the companies won this month.The RapidHIT 200 automates how DOD standardizes DNA profiles from cheek swabs, objects, and other human tissue samples. DOD officials use DNA profiles from the RapidHIT 200 to match collected samples with existing DNA records in domestic and international databases. Local, federal, and international law enforcement use this database to make arrests, protect national borders, and to analyze crime scene evidence.Northrop Grumman produces the Automated Biometric Identification System biometric repository for DOD, as well as the Biometric Identification System for Access system for DOD base access control. Northrop Grumman also provides IDENT1 crime scene biometric repository system for the United Kingdom's National Policing Improvement Agency.The RapidHIT 200 is a self-contained, automated system for human DNA identification, providing automatic sample to DNA profile processing and evaluation in the field. The sample-to-answer system can process as many as eight samples, including controls, with short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, in less than two hours for human identity testing. The system is based on microfluidic chip prototyping.
Users load as many as eight samples in disposable cartridges. The system extracts DNA from the samples and performs STR amplifications, electrophoretic separations, and software analysis to generate profiles, compatible with CODIS and international databases, in less than two hours, company officials say.
"Our solution combines IntegenX's expertise in DNA processing with Northrop Grumman's DNA-based detection and identification systems and manufacturing of military-grade electronics to bring rapid DNA processing to the field," says Alan Leckenby, vice president of identity and business solutions for Northrop Grumman Information Systems.
For more information contact Northrop Grumman Information Systems online at www.is.northropgrumman.com, or IntegenX at http://integenx.com.
John Keller is editor-in-chief of Military & Aerospace Electronics magazine, which provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronic and optoelectronic technologies in military, space, and commercial aviation applications. A member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since the magazine's founding in 1989, Mr. Keller took over as chief editor in 1995.
