CBP Reevaluates the Mobile High-Energy X-ray Proposals and Increases AS&E’s Award

BILLERICA, Mass.–American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E®) (NASDAQ: ASEI), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions, announced today the receipt of a $11.8 million order from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for multiple MobileSearch™ HE (High-Energy) cargo and vehicle inspection systems equipped with both high-energy transmission and Z Backscatter™ X-ray imaging for comprehensive threat and contraband detection including weapons, explosives, drugs, and currency.

“We are very pleased to learn that CBP has increased their contract award to AS&E to support their critical programs

In January 2010, the Company announced a deobligation of funds for a $9.1 million order from the U.S. government for MobileSearch™ HE systems. However, the U.S. government issued a reevaluation notice of the proposals, and with this order increased AS&E’s award to $11.8 million to support counter-drug and anti-terrorism programs.

“We are very pleased to learn that CBP has increased their contract award to AS&E to support their critical programs,” said Anthony Fabiano, AS&E’s President and CEO. “AS&E’s MobileSearch HE offers flexible and rapid response at seaports, border crossings, and other high threat checkpoints. The system’s combination of technologies offers the unique capability to simultaneously detect both metallic and organic threats in cargo — providing detailed information about the contents of the cargo.”

This contract was funded by the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) equipment — enhancing border security by expanding U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) capabilities to scan commercial traffic for contraband through X-ray and other imaging technologies.

AS&E’s MobileSearch HE Cargo and Vehicle Inspection System: High-Energy Inspection Plus Z Backscatter Imaging in Highly Mobile Configuration

The MobileSearch HE system offers two complementary imaging technologies integrated in one system. Its 4.5 MeV high energy transmission X-ray generates high penetration and high resolution images for the inspection of densely loaded cargo. The system also utilizes Z Backscatter X-ray imaging to assist in the identification of organics for improved detection of drugs, explosives, and other organic contraband. Z Backscatter technology offers the additional benefit of photo-like images for improved image analysis time, as well as a wide field of view with no tire cutoff unlike transmission X-rays — allowing for the effective scanning of passenger vehicles and tires.

For added flexibility, the system can operate in multiple scan modes which allow high throughput scanning of cargo and vehicles or screening of oversized or odd-shaped cargo. Z Backscatter only mode with the boom stowed allows the operational flexibility of the Z Backscatter™ Van — in either “drive-by” mode to scan stationary objects, or “portal” mode to scan vehicles as they drive past the system. The MobileSearch HE system also features a unique integrated cab design that enables the drivers and operators to be in the same spacious cabin for improved communications and comfort.

About AS&E®

American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray inspection systems. With over 50 years of experience in developing advanced X-ray security systems, the Company’s product line utilizes a combination of technologies, including patented Z Backscatter technology, Radioactive Threat Detection (RTD), high energy transmission and dual energy transmission X-ray. These technologies offer superior X-ray threat detection for plastic explosives, plastic and metal weapons, liquid explosives, dirty bombs and nuclear devices. AS&E’s complete range of products include cargo inspection systems for port and border security, baggage screening systems for facility and aviation security, and personnel and passenger screening systems. AS&E systems protect high-threat facilities and help combat terrorism and trade fraud, drug smuggling, weapon smuggling, and illegal immigration and people smuggling. AS&E customers include leading government agencies, border authorities, military bases, airports and corporations worldwide, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), HM Revenue & Customs (U.K.), Hong Kong Customs, Saudi Arabia Customs, and Abu Dhabi Customs. For more information on AS&E products and technologies, please visit www.as-e.com.