Smiths Detection Wins 219M US Contract for Portable Liquid Scanners

Smiths Detection today announces a $21.9 million delivery order from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to supply portable liquid detection scanners for its Bottle Liquid Scanner (BLS) programme. The RespondeR BLS detectors are tailored to meet specific TSA requirements.

Following a competitive evaluation by TSA, this order was awarded under an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract and funded by the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act of 2009.

Stephen Phipson, President of Smiths Detection, said: "We are delighted that TSA has chosen our portable liquid detector, again underlining our ability to provide the most advanced technologies for vital airport security. Smiths Detection is committed to developing state-of-the-art solutions that increase public safety."

The RespondeR BLS uses Raman spectroscopy to penetrate containers without opening or damaging them in order to detect and distinguish threat liquids from benign liquids. In less than 20 seconds, advanced spectrometry content analysis compares the results to a propriety library of threat substances that can be tailored to include toxic or hazardous chemicals and explosives.

The scanners are manufactured in the U.S. at Smiths Detection's Danbury, Conn., facility, one of several Smiths Detection manufacturing facilities based in the U.S. The Danbury facility also houses Smith Detection's 24/7 support and service centre, providing security professionals and first responders around the globe with constant access to expert scientists and technicians.