SAIC scoops up airport security company

Acquisition brings SAIC more technology to automatically screen luggage for explosives.

Science Applications International Corp. is buying Reveal Imaging Technologies Inc., a Bedford, Mass.-based threat detection company. The purchase price and other terms of the deal were not released.

Since 2002, Reveal has been providing aviation security screening technology to airports throughout the world. The company’s product automatically inspects baggage for explosives and is one of the few that has been certified by the Transportation Security Administration to provide this technology. Reveal has a $30 million contract with TSA to provide its detection product.

The acquisition of Reveal, a privately-held, venture capital-backed company, is expected to enhance SAIC’s homeland security solutions portfolio. The McLean, Va.,-based company has a passenger and cargo inspection system used by customs, military and other security organizations to detect illicit items hidden inside vehicles and cargo containers.

“This acquisition will provide us with technology to help build on our existing foundation of solution-focused products,” said Joe Craver, who leads SAIC’s Infrastructure, Energy, Health and Product Solutions group.

SAIC is ranked No. 5 on Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest government contractors.