American Science and Engineering gains $14.3 million service, maintenance order for ZBVs

BILLERICA, Mass., 30 April 2008.American Science and Engineering Inc. (AS&E), maker of x-ray detection technology, won a $14.3 million order from the U.S. government for service, support, and spare parts for Z Backscatter Vans (ZBV).

AS&E was awarded the initial base year of the contract in September of 2006 valued at $11 million and was awarded Option year one of the contract in March 2007, valued at $17.5 million. This latest award brings the total funded amount to $42.8 million with a potential value of up to $46.2 million.

AS&E's ZBV is a highly mobile screening system built into a commercially available delivery van. The ZBV allows for immediate deployment in response to security threats, and its high throughput capability facilitates rapid inspections. The system's unique "drive-by" capability allows one or two operators to conduct x-ray imaging while the ZBV drives past suspect vehicles and objects.