AS&E contracted to develop next-generation containerized cargo inspection system for detection of nuclear threats

BILLERICA, Mass., 14 September 2006. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) has selected American Science and Engineering Inc. (AS&E), maker of x-ray detection technology, to develop and deliver a next-generation cargo inspection system. The solution will be designed to meet the requirements of the Cargo Advanced Automated Radiography System (CAARS) program to detect shielded nuclear threats at the nation's entry points.

The total two-year development phase is valued at $28.8 million with a guaranteed minimum dollar value of $4.3 million. A substantial procurement could potentially increase the total contract value to $450 million. This opportunity represents one-third of the $1.35 billion estimated by the DNDO to be spent on the CAARS Program.

DNDO executives selected AS&E who, with its partner Passport Systems Inc., adopted an advanced system concept that combines high-energy x-ray radiography with a 3D x-ray interrogation technique. The EZ Radiograph system will combine 9 MeV transmission imaging radiography with automatic identification of high atomic number materials, such as tungsten, lead, uranium, and plutonium.