ATS nabs Homeland Security border patrol network deal

Advanced Technology Systems Inc. won a five-year, $11.9 million contract from the Homeland Security Department to support the development of an integrated network for border patrol field agents.

The McLean, Va., company will assist in setting up the experimental Border and Transportation Security Network, or BTSnet, demonstration project in Arizona as part of the department's advanced research projects agency, the company said in a news release.

The network is designed to give border patrol connectivity and situational awareness, with interaction among field agents, field officers, sector commands, control centers and national level agencies, as well as links with state and local agencies. The field agents use laptops and other devices to connect with other agents and with field stations.

ATS will support the introduction of the initial BTSNet pilot developed by DHS in the network's first phase, and also will design, develop and demonstrate the network's second phase. Additional software will be created to link with personal digital assistants, mobile data terminals, station operations and sector operations, the company said in a news release.

Additionally, ATS will incorporate emerging technologies into the system.

ATS is a privately held company with annual revenues of about $117 million, according to Hoover's Online.