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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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Extensive testing behind new TSA liquid container rules
Officials attempted to replicate London bomb plot; by testing various quantities of explosive liquids, TSA officials found the level where damage could be done without imperiling an airplane; plastic-bag regulations to continue indefinitely
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TSA considers replacing airport X-rays with EDSs
Move prompted by spate of recent problems; ability to detect liquid explosives a key requirement, but technology is immature; cost an issue as well; recent TSA purchases include orders from Analogic and Reveal Imaging
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3M to supply new CARICOM visas
Cricket World Cup spurs Carribean nations to adopt more secure visas; IDIS system will manage everything from enrollment to printing; roll-out speed a major factor in contracting decision
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South Korea unveils armed guard robot for border, critical infrastructure sentry missions
Wait ‘til Representatives Steve King and Tom Tancredo hear about this: A South Korean consortium develops an armed robot for guard mission along border and around critical infrastructure facilities; the robot can identify moving targets from as far as a mile, and it has ‘ears” which understand passwords
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Smiths Detection to deploy chemical detectors at New York's Penn Station
$4 million deal follows 2004 installation at Grand Central; planners say reliability problems concerning dust and cleaning chemicals have been overcome; MTA considers further deployment at other heavily-trafficked stations
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The long view
Calls Grow for U.S. to Counter Chinese Control, Influence in Western Ports
Experts say Washington should consider buying back some ports, offer incentives to allies to decouple from China.