Grants awarded for bomb detection

Department of Homeland Security

The Transportation Security Administration announced today five cooperative agreements for the development of next-generation explosives detection systems to protect the nation's airports.

TSA, a branch of the Homeland Security Department, awarded $9.44 million in grants through its Office of Security Technologies to Lockheed Martin Corp., Reveal Technologies Inc., Analogic Corp. and InVision Technologies Inc.

The awards were made under the Phoenix Project, which was established to deliver deployment-ready, checked-baggage inspection systems for aviation in two to five years.

"TSA must constantly update its equipment to meet new challenges," said TSA Administrator Admiral James Loy. "These agreements will allow TSA to partner with private industry to develop the next-generation EDS systems. We will continue to work with private industry to ensure we stay on the cutting edge of technology."

Lockheed Martin received the largest allocation, $3.87 million. Reveal Technologies received $2.38 million, while Analogic was granted $1.15 million. InVision Technologies received two grants, totaling $2.04 million.

The Phoenix Project's goals include enhancing existing systems, optimizing detection and efficiency and investing in long-term integrated solutions that will improve the overall luggage inspection process.