BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin Corp. has won a $70 million contract to supply high-tech identification cards at U.S. ports, it was reported Thursday.
The Transportation Security Administration contract to issue ID cards to 850,000 maritime workers also positions the Bethesda, Md., defense contractor for other, related deals, The Washington Post said.
"It is fundamental to our nation's security that individuals who pose a security threat do not gain access to our nation's ports," TSA spokesman Darrin Kayser said. The contract, to be announced imminently, "allows us to move forward and begin enrollment at selected ports in March."
The program, a key element of the government's attempts to secure the nation's ports, was supposed to start in 2003, but got bogged down with technology glitches and privacy concerns.
Lockheed will have 18 months to provide transportation workers with ID cards embedded with microchips, the Post said.
Separately, Lockheed's fourth-quarter net income jumped 28 percent, with strong profits in its information-technology businesses. The company also boosted its 2007 earnings forecast.
