Sypris picked for rugged security device

An unnamed government agency that deals in homeland security recently selected Sypris Electronics LLC to produce a ruggedized system to be the primary interface with secure communications equipment used by the military and other federal agencies.

The system is composed of a handheld host computer and integrated PCMCIA security card, both of which Sypris Electronics designed under government contract. The two-year base contract is valued at $20.2 million, but the deal could be worth up to $43 million with options, according to a company spokesman.

Jeffrey Gill, president and chief executive officer of Sypris Solutions, said the system "will play a critical role in the security of the communication systems of our armed services and the government agencies charged with homeland security."

Sypris has completed the planning and development of the security system, and production will begin later this year, according to the spokesman. He added that the contract was awarded last month, but declined to name the funding agency.

In February, Tampa, Fla.-based Sypris Electronics was awarded a $6.2 million contract to design and deliver prototypes of a next-generation cryptographic fill device to be known as the Secure Data Transfer Device 2000 System.

It is unclear whether the two awards are related or were made by the same government agency.

Sypris Electronics is a subsidiary of Sypris Solutions Inc., a provider of technology-based outsourced services and specialty products.