Transportation

AS&E received $4.2 million CBP order for backscatter vans
Deal just a small triumph in a seties of successes in the federal sector; ZBV vans have a unique “drive-by” capability that security planners adore; device was recently deployed to protect the Dalai Lama; radiation detectors useful for border screening
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RFID suggested as solution for airport passenger tracking
A British research center is testing a method of attaching tracking devices to airline passengers; cards or tags, not implants, envisioned; system would be networked with cameras to provide comprehensive security awareness
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California creates Maritime Security Council
Comprised of federal, state, and local officials, as well as business and union interests, the council will help coordinate recovery and communications efforts; with $4.5 billion in annual cargo, state is extremely vulnerable to economic disruption
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National retailers applaud SAFE Port Act
Signed into law last week, the final language excludes foreign port screening requirement; retailers feared increased costs without a measurable increase in security; compromise that mandates U.S. port screening welcomed by trade association
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BearingPoint completes Irish e-passport project
Effort involved modifying existing Automated Passport System to accomodate facial recognition biometrics; project completed by 26 October U.S. visa waiver deadline
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New analytical technique for detecting liquid explosives
ASU professor set out to develop a more sensitive enzymatic detector for better management of diabetics, and realized that the technology may be used for quick and accurate detection of liquid explosives; and a good thing, too, as terrorists show a greater tendency to move away from commercial explosives toward home-made ones
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Raytheon wins $3.7 million phase 1 STIP contract
Award follows news of Rapsican success; company will help integrate Threat Image Projection Ready X-ray systems into STIP network; when complete, approximately 1200 TRX systems will be on-line at eighty airports nationwide.
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Elephant and mariachi band join forces to shame CBP
As part of a political stunt to highlight immigration issues, an enterprising congressional candidate tries to immitate Alexander the Great by crossing the Rio Grande with a herd of elephants; CBP fails to respond
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TSA no-fly list under scrutiny for over-enrollment
More than 30,000 people have asked to be removed due to error, yet TSA often fails to do so; DOJ is currently working to develop better procedures; linking the list to relevant biometric systems may be the best solution, if an enterprising company steps in to help
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Savi Technology to manage Virginia's cargo tracking services
Company’s SaviTrak RFID technology a growing favorite among port authorities worldwide; open technology platform can process barcodes and EPC-compliant passive and DPS systems
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Texas virtual surveillance plan is delayed
Intended to debut in June, the governor now says it will be soliciting bids shortly; plan will allow citizens to monitor surveillance cameras over the Internet; officials say at least four firms will be hired to handle the networking and infrastructure issues involved
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Smiths Detection, RedXDefense partner to create mass transit EDS
In Congress they debate whether or not to mandatory 100 percent inspection of U.S.-bound cargo containers; two explosive detection leaders are joining hands to produce a system which will make sure that 100 percent of subway passengers in the U.S. are screened for explosives
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Rapsican Systems wins $13 million phase two STIP contract
Following succesful tests, company will install its security networking software at airports nationwide; system monitors X-ray machines and metal and explosives detectors for maintenance and performance analysis; deal puts Rapsican in an enviable position for future security roll-outs
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SAIC announces roll-out of new port radiation detector
News comes at same time Congress demands widespread adoption of such technology; VACIS P 7500 ideal for ports and other infrastructure with limited space; system requires a lane only twenty-seven feet wide
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UAVs get congressional support in latest budget
Customs and Border Protection will receive $20 million for the acquisition of UAVs and related support systems; Coast Guard will get $5 million to supplement the ongoing Eagle Eye effort with Bell Helicopter
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