Smiths Detection Receives $7.2 Million U.S. Air Force Contracts For Hazardous Materials Identification Equipment

Follow-on Orders for HazMatIDs and APD2000s which Enable AFCESA Teams to Identify Potential Hazardous Materials at Air Force Facilities Worldwide

Smiths Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today announces it has received follow-on contracts from the United States Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency (AFCESA), totalling $7.2 million for hazardous materials identification equipment. The new contracts expand the original $4.5 million order placed in 2007. They further position Smiths Detection's HazMatIDâ„¢ and APD 2000â„¢ as key components in the continued technology upgrade of equipment available to Air Force Emergency Response teams across the world.

Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection said: "This follow-on order is strong validation for our emergency response portable solutions that rapidly and reliably identify hazardous chemicals. Our investment strategy in light-weight detection technologies has positioned the company as a provider of unique solutions to civil and military emergency response teams around the world."

The USAF's Civil Engineering Readiness & Emergency Management teams will use the advanced detection equipment supplied by Smiths Detection primarily to identify Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs), Toxic Industrial Materials (TIMs) and other unknown threats whether liquids, solids or vapors.

Mark Laustra, Vice President and General Manager, Smiths Detection's Homeland Security said: "Our team has done an outstanding job, delivering ahead of schedule, the advanced HazMat identification units which were ordered in March 2007. We are pleased to have received additional contracts for our advanced detection technology and we will continue to make delivery and support a top priority. This follow-on order will enable the USAF emergency response teams to utilize state-of-the-art tools that have the potential to save lives and bring quick peace of mind on white powder runs.�

• Widely accepted as a primary tool by thousands of federal, state, local first response teams the HazMatID, is a portable solids and liquids identifier for white powders,WMDs, explosives and toxic chemicals. It utilizes infrared technology and an easy-to-use interface to identify over 5,000 unknown chemicals, on the scene.

• The APD 2000 is also a primary tool for first responders, HAZMAT teams and law enforcement agencies. Utilizing IMS technology, the APD is a hand-held chemical identifier for chemical warfare agents, pepper spray, mace, and gamma radiation.

Unparalleled 24/7/356 Reachbackâ„¢ Support Service
As part of the follow-on contract, Smiths Detection will provide its unparalleled 24/7/356 ReachBack support program for the HazMatID. The service includes training, library updates, next-day loaner equipment and regular maintenance as well as around-the-clock access to Smiths Detection specialists who can help with operational, technical or analytical issues.