LINTHICUM, Md., Aug. 27, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Security Systems LLC unit today announced that its automated Biohazard Detection System (BDS), in use nationwide with the U.S. Postal Service, recently performed its eight millionth test without a false positive test result.
"Prior to the BDS deployment, there were doubts that automated bio-detection technology could be successfully deployed on a national scale," said Dave Tilles, vice president of Homeland Defense Programs for the company's Electronic Systems sector. "Working closely with our customer, the U.S. Postal Service, we have clearly proven that it is possible."
Northrop Grumman has been a major supplier to the Postal Service for its mail automation program for 20 years. In October 2001, the nation was faced with the mailing of letters containing the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which causes the disease anthrax. Northrop Grumman responded to this national crisis by initiating a rapid technology development effort resulting in prototypes fielded in six months. A national deployment program was completed in less than three years.
"The program illustrates the company's ability to provide technologically advanced, cost effective biosecurity solutions and support services, strengthening the nation's bio-surveillance capabilities. Since we've fielded the BDS, it has reliably operated day-in and day-out. It continues to enhance the safety and security not only of Postal Service employees but also of the American people at large," Tilles added.
Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor and systems integrator of the BDS, which has screened tens of billions of pieces of mail for anthrax over the past five years. It is the only network of autonomous bio-detectors deployed nationwide. The BDS has full turn-key logistics and is integrated into a mature central monitoring system. More than 1,000 systems have been delivered to hundreds of postal mail processing facilities.
Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.