WASHINGTON (May 5, 2008) — ICx Technologies, a developer of advanced sensor technologies for homeland security, force protection and commercial applications, announced today that the U.S. military had awarded it a contract worth $4.8 million for explosives detectors and related technical services.
Under an award from the Robotics System Joint Program Office in Warren, Mich., ICx has been contracted to deliver Fido XT handheld systems for use in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
Fido is an advanced, ultra-sensitive explosives sensor with sensitivity levels comparable to specially trained canines, which are the gold standard for bomb detection. Fido has become the detector-of-choice at entry-control points, and is also being used for military patrols and operations dedicated to identify insurgents. The Fido handheld was named "U.S. Army Top 10 Invention of the Year" in 2005, and again in 2006 for the robotic-based system.
According to Colin Cumming, president of ICx Detection and the chief technology officer of ICx, "This is a major win for the company. We are extremely proud of the ability of Fido to help make a difference in the fight against improvised explosive devices. This award is yet another vote of confidence from the armed forces using our systems."
In addition to hardware, a portion of the award is for training services at the ICx test and training range. This 40-acre facility, in a remote and undisclosed location, is fully licensed for controlled storage and use of explosives. The range is specially equipped for training troops and law enforcement personnel in advanced, trace-detection techniques.
