U.S. Department of Homeland Security Awards Boeing Follow-on Airport Security Program Funding
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recent awarded a contract extension worth an estimated $198 million to Boeing [NYSE:BA].
The contract is part of a continued effort to improve efficiencies in airport operations and further enhance the aviation security, and was awarded under the existing terms of a contract initiated in October 2003.
The award, managed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), is a continuation to the original airport security contract Boeing won in April 2002 to install and maintain explosives detection systems at 429 U.S. airports serving commercial aviation.
Beyond the TSA contract effort, Boeing also is funding an initiative aimed at working with the key commercial aviation industry and government stakeholders focused on establishing a better understanding of the business relationships and impact homeland security initiatives have on all the stakeholders in order to enhance security while improving operational efficiency.
"This follow on contract allows Boeing to continue enhancing the security of our nation's aviation system," said Ron Prosser, vice president and general manager of Boeing Homeland Security and Services. "We are committed to supporting the safety, security and integrity of the U.S. airline industry and the traveling public."
Legislation enacted by Congress in response to the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks mandated the installation of explosives detection systems for checked baggage at the nation's commercial airports by Dec. 31, 2002. The Boeing team installed more than 1,100 explosives detection systems and more than 6,000 explosives trace detection systems at more than 400 U.S. airports by the end of last year. Boeing also trained more than 25,000 checked baggage screeners for the TSA.
"Many thought the job was impossible but we accomplished the goal by building a world-class team and working hand-in-hand with TSA and the aviation industry," said Tony Swansson, director of Boeing Airport Security Programs. "We will continue the same focus and commitment in this next phase of the project because we have a vested interest in a secure and efficient aviation system."
Homeland Security & Services, a business unit of Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, is integrating numerous advanced technologies to create a highly sophisticated and multi-layered system that analyzes intelligence, detects and prevents terrorist threats, protects critical infrastructure and coordinates a response in the event of an emergency. More information about Boeing's homeland security activities can be found at the Homeland Security website.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $27 billion business. It provides systems solutions to its global military, government and commercial customers. It is a leading provider of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; the world's largest military aircraft manufacturer; the world's largest satellite manufacturer and a leading provider of space-based communications; the primary systems integrator for U.S. missile defense; NASA's largest contractor; and a global leader in launch services.
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