Vehicle scanners ordered for border

BILLERICA, Mass., Dec. 8 (UPI) -- More Z Portal vehicle screening systems will be deployed at U.S. border crossings under a government contract worth up to $67 million.

American Science and Engineering Inc. said the first task order under the multiyear indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity awarded has been funded for $29.5 million and follows the system's installation along southwest border crossings in 2008.

"These additional Z Portal systems will provide homeland security officials with advanced detection technology," said Anthony Fabiano, AS&E's president and chief executive officer.

"The Z Portal offers a high-throughput security solution to safely and effectively screen vehicles for explosive threats, drugs and other contraband. We continue to receive outstanding field performance reports of AS&E systems deployed on the border and we are proud to support the U.S. government's critical counter-drug and anti-terrorism missions."

Z Portal is a multi-view, drive-through screening system that scans vehicles for concealed threats and contraband. The Z Portal system provides comprehensive screening of three sides of vehicles and highlights organic contraband, such as explosives, drugs and other contraband.