Ciber charts course for Texas port security deal

Ciber Inc. has won a contract to install a harbor management and security solution in Port Freeport, Texas.

Under the $2.3 million contract, Ciber of Denver will install a system that addresses port management, security and safety, and maritime domain awareness.

Maritime domain awareness is an effort to develop and use accurate information, intelligence and knowledge of vessels, cargo, crews and passengers for national security purposes.

Ciber's solution will create at the port an integrated and shared regional system that will capitalize on its technologies, said Rick Benavidez, Port Freeport's security manager.

The port's video surveillance system and wireless network will be integrated with new technologies from Ciber, such as intelligent radar, three modes of secure command and control, situational displays, automatic identification system base stations, patrol boat tracking, interoperable communications and Web services, he said.

"All this?will be shared across local, state and federal agencies in the port region," Benavidez said.

In addition to the port's security needs, Ciber's harbor management and security system also includes business process improvements that will assist with increased commerce at the facility, officials said.

Ciber recently completed similar projects for the Port of Lake Charles, La., and the Transportation Security Administration.

Port Freeport is an autonomous government entity established by the Texas legislature and governed by a board of six commissioners. It is the 13th largest port in the United States in foreign cargo tonnage, and 23rd in total tonnage, employing 11,000 people and accommodating 33.9 million tons of cargo per year.

Ciber has about 8,000 employees and annual revenue of nearly $1 billion.