Boeing gets contract extension from DHS

Boeing Co. won a contract extension from the Homeland Security Department to continue its work on aviation security measures. The follow-on contact is worth $198 million, the company said.

The award, which is managed by the Transportation Security Administration, extends the original airport security contract Boeing won in April 2002. Boeing was hired to install and maintain explosives detection systems at 429 commercial airports.

"This follow-on contract allows Boeing to continue enhancing the security of our nation's aviation system," said Ron Prosser, vice president and general manager of Boeing Homeland Security and Services.

After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Congress passed legislation requiring such detection systems for checked baggage. By the end of last year, Boeing had installed more than 1,100 explosives detection systems and more than 6,000 explosives trace detection systems, according to the company. It also trained more than 25,000 checked-baggage screeners.

Boeing said it is working with the commercial aviation industry and government agencies to study the business and operational impact of heightened homeland security efforts.

With 2003 revenue of $50.5 million, Boeing ranked No. 4 on Washington Technology's 2003 Top 100 list, which measures federal contracting revenue.