TEWKSBURY, Mass., March 26, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Homeland Security has awarded Raytheon Company a phase 3 contract to continue development of a Stand-Off Radiation Detection System (SORDS).

Phase 3 is an eight-month contract for $2.3 million managed by DHS' Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO); it includes the construction of a prototype. This is the third of a four-phase development program worth a potential $9.9 million if all four options are exercised.

"The purpose of SORDS is to develop an advanced nuclear sensor that can determine the type and location of radiation sources at much greater distances than current systems. We are excited about helping DNDO accomplish its mission to protect the homeland," said Michael Del Checcolo, vice president of Engineering for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems.

In developing a reliable and affordable SORDS solution for DHS, Raytheon is teaming with experts from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, N.M.; Bubble Technology Industries, Chalk River, Ontario; Radiation Monitoring Devices, Watertown, Mass.; Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Mass.; MIT, Cambridge, Mass.; and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.

Integrated Defense Systems is Raytheon's leader in Global Capabilities Integration providing affordable, integrated solutions to a broad international and domestic customer base, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Homeland Security.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

    Contact:
    Michele Lemos
    978.858.5850

SOURCE: Raytheon Company

Web site: http://www.raytheon.com//

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