Raytheon wins radiation detection contract

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TEWKSBURY, Mass., Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Raytheon has won a radiation detection contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon said in a statement Wednesday that it had "been awarded a $2.9 million contract to develop a Stand-Off Radiation Detection System -- SORDS -- for the Department of Homeland Security."

"In developing a SORDS solution for DHS, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems -- IDS -- is utilizing its OpenAIR business model, leveraging the best of large and small businesses, as well as academia, to drive the best solution. Raytheon IDS is working with Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, N.M.; Bubble Technology Industries, Chalk River, Ontario; Radiation Monitoring Devices, Watertown, Mass.; Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Mass.; and experts from MIT and the University of Michigan," the company said.

"SORDS is a 6-month contract managed by DHS' Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. It represents the first of a four-phase program to develop advanced nuclear detectors that can determine the type and location of radiation sources at much greater distances than current technologies. If all four options are exercised, the research and development contract could grow to $9.8 million," Raytheon said.

"Raytheon will bring together this world-class team of experts to develop a reliable solution for SORDS," said Mark Russell, vice president of Engineering at Raytheon IDS. "We will continue to drive innovation and creativity to deliver an affordable, next- generation system capable of sensing radiation type and intensity at a safe distance from a contaminated area."

Raytheon described its Integrated Defense Systems unit as the company's leader in "joint battle-space Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security."