Ericsson joins race for SBINet

Ericsson Inc. is the fourth major contractor to submit a proposal this week to build the anticipated $2 billion Secure Border Initiative Network for the Homeland Security Department. Bids were due May 30, and the award is expected in September.

Ericsson's team, called America's Border Security Group, includes Computer Sciences Corp., Fluor Corp., Sycoleman Corp. (a division of L-3 Communications Corp.), MTC Technologies Inc., Camber Corp., AEP Networks Inc., Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Other teams that have submitted proposals for SBINet are led by Boeing Co., Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp., and Raytheon Co.

Officials at the Plano, Texas-based company said their team has developed a border security solution based on commercial, high-speed, mobile broadband technology and IP applications. It will integrate personnel, infrastructure and technology to create the Secure Border network.

Ericsson's border security system is in use in the European Union as part of the Schengen secure border surveillance project.

The Texas unit is a subsidiary of the Stockholm parent company.

SBINet will be a comprehensive surveillance system that will combine sensors and cameras with communications systems to assist agents in maintaining operational control of the borders.