Smiths Detection’s X-ray inspection systems to provide security in US government buildings

Smiths Detection Inc. (SDI) has been awarded a contract to provide its X-ray inspection systems and maintenance to help protect US Federal Government buildings across the country.

Under the $65m, five-year agreement with Federal Protective Service (FPS), an arm of the US Department of Homeland Security, SDI’s X-ray systems will assist the agency in identifying potential threat objects entering into federal premises.

SDI’s X-ray inspection systems will be used to screen visitors, employees’ personal bags and other belongings before entering federal facilities.

Deliveries and installation under the contract will be carried through 2021, and a service team will maintain these systems until 2026.

In 2009, SDI received a similar national lease agreement from FPS.

FPS is spread across 11 regions in the country and is responsible to protect 9,000 federal facilities.

SDI Security Systems vice-president Robert Ledenko said: "Federal Protective Service’s mission to protect more than 9,000 government buildings is a tremendous responsibility. Thanks to our long-time working relationship, FPS knows SDI as a trusted partner and has confidence in our technology and industry-leading service and support, which ensures mission continuity.

"It is an honour to help protect these critical structures and the lives of everyone who uses them by providing our state-of-the-art technology."

The company manufactures a broad range of screening equipment for mail, baggage, freight, and explosives detection, which play a vital role in aviation security, customs inspections and in protecting national critical infrastructure.