DHS launches vendor information site for it products and services
Officials at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have created a Vendor Information Site at www.vendors.dhs.gov to invite businesses in the emerging homeland security industry to submit details about information technology (IT) products and services for enhancing the security of the homeland. The department is launching this site to invite the submission of IT product and service descriptions with the potential to broaden the invitation to include all products and services, DHS officials say. DHS will retain the information for reference purposes to understand IT products and services that may meet emerging requirements through procurements undertaken in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations and other applicable laws. At the appropriate time, the DHS may ask for clarification or for further information using the contacts that vendors provide in their submissions. Any acceptance of vendor submissions does not expressly or implicitly represent any commitment to procure a product or service, DHS officials say. Department officials say they consider vendor submissions to be voluntary and, as a matter of general policy, consider the information to be confidential for internal federal government use only. The submission of any information for which the vendor would first have to request that the department enter into a nondisclosure agreement before submitting such information is discouraged. DHS officials also say they would prefer that vendors make the process easier by entering their company information in the Central Contractor Registration at www.ccr.gov.
RAE Systems to acquire majority interest in Beijing-based KLH
Officials at RAE Systems in Sunnyvale, Calif., a developer and manufacturer of chemical and radiation detection monitors and networks, recently announced that they have signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 64 percent interest in KLH (Ke Li Heng), a privately held company in Beijing, China, for $9 million. KLH is a manufacturer and distributor of security, environmental, and personal safety monitors and equipment. With the acquisition of KLH, RAE Systems officials say they can expand their presence in personal security and safety markets in China and gain access to an established distribution channel. In addition, the acquisition adds a number of patented technologies and fixed systems to the company's portfolio, including sensing solutions for oxygen, LEL, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and chlorine. The transaction, which is subject to certain closing conditions as well as Chinese government approval, is expected to be completed by mid-2004 and is expected to be accretive to RAE Systems' 2004 earnings. Additionally, company officials say they expect approximately $3 million to $4 million in additional revenue from this transaction in 2004. The combined companies expect to capitalize on significant growth opportunities resulting from complementary products, technologies, distribution channels, and geographic presence in China. According to the U.S. Commerce Department, China is expected to invest more than $300 billion to build their infrastructure during the coming decade, including $23 billion in infrastructure, security, and safety spending related to the 2008 Beijing Olympics and other similar events. For more information on KLH, visit www.klh-sps.com/index_e.htm and for more on RAE Systems go to www.raesystems.com.
