SAIC adds advanced sensor technologies with SET acquisition

Science Applications International Corp. today closed its acquisition of Science, Engineering and Technology Associates.

Known as SET, the company was founded in 2002 by a group of former Defense Advanced Research Project Agency scientists. The company worked on commercializing technologies such as video and radar systems that detect human behaviors and advanced data analytics.

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. SET's approximately 80 employees will join the Technology and Advanced Systems Business Unit led by John Fratamico.

SAIC bought the company to enhance its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, SAIC said. Among the capabilities that attracted SAIC are forward processing of sensor dta, advanced processing, exploitation and dissemination tools, and real-time information integration. SET also brings sensor technologies for detection and tracking and target identification. The company developed the CounterBomber production, which can automatically detect suicide bombers at ranges beyond the blast radius of the bomb, SAIC said.

“This acquisition brings a team of highly talented staff and thought leaders in core domains to SAIC, as well as intellectual property and resources that will enable us to support multiple ISR programs simultaneously,” Fratamico said.

The investment bank Houlihan Lokey served as an adivser to SET.

SAIC is ranked No. 7 on Washington Technology’s 2009 Top 100 list of the largest government contractors.