Morpho Detection Receives Fourth TSA Order for Next-Gen Itemiser® DX Explosives Trace Detection System

December 20, 2010

Tools

Thousand-plus systems will bring to nearly 3,000 the number of desktop trace detection units supporting U.S. airport checkpoint, checked bag and cargo screening

NEWARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, Safran group’s security business, today announced the fourth delivery order awarded under the Itemiser DX^® Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) base contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for more than 1,200 additional Itemiser DX desktop explosives trace detection (ETD) systems.

Morpho Detection's Itemiser DX is the first trace detector in the world to simultaneously detect positive and negative ions. Simultaneous detection enables the Itemiser DX to detect a broad range of explosives that meet current market threats. It delivers fast, simultaneous explosives and narcotics detection in a package that is ergonomic and portable. (Photo: Business Wire)

The TSA delivery order, valued at more than $32 million, follows the largest single unit order in company history received last summer. Morpho Detection was awarded the base contract as a result of a competitive solicitation and evaluation process.This delivery order under the IDIQ base contract brings the total number of Itemiser DX units purchased by TSA to more than 2,800 for a total value of more than $80 million.

“We are very pleased by the confidence TSA has demonstrated in Itemiser DX’s ability to help protect air travel across the U.S.,” said Dennis Cooke, president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc. “We are confident in Itemiser DX’ ability to deliver the most advanced explosives detection possible to checkpoint, air cargo and checked bag screening at the nation’s airports.”

Placed on TSA’s Qualified Products List for checkpoint and cargo screening in March 2009, the Itemiser DX is one of the next-generation explosives detection solutions at U.S. airports.

The desktop Itemiser DX is reliable, cost effective and easy to use. Utilizing Ion Trap Mobility Spectroscopy (ITMS™) to provide unparalleled threat detection, the Itemiser DX is optimal for checkpoint, air cargo and checked baggage screening.

A lightweight, effective, and user-friendly detection unit, the Itemiser DX meets TSA’s strict detection standards and has also been certified for use outside the U.S. by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, the United Kingdom Department for Transport and the UK Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB), as well as certifications and pending certifications in other countries.

In addition to use by TSA at U.S. airports, the Itemiser DX is available in a commercial version to protect transportation, industrial and high-risk facilities and locations around the world. It is the ideal complement to CT-based CTX 5800 and 9800 explosives detection systems for break-bulk and larger air cargo screening.

For more information on Itemiser DX or other products, visit www.morphodetection.com.

About Morpho Detection, Inc.

Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, a business of the Safran group (PAR:SAF), is a leading supplier of explosives and narcotics and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection systems for government, military, air and ground transportation, first responder, critical infrastructure and other high-risk organizations. Following Safran Group’s 2009 acquisition of GE Security’s GE Homeland Protection, Inc. business, Morpho Detection integrates computed tomography (CT), Raman Spectroscopy, trace (ITMS™ technology), X-ray and X-ray Diffraction technologies into solutions that can make security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. With industry-leading products such as the Itemiser® DX trace detection system, the CTX line of explosive detection systems (EDS), and the StreetLab® Mobile hand-held chemical and biological substance identification unit, Morpho Detection’s solutions are deployed to help protect people and property in some of the most important and sensitive world locations.

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