Contract Win

Smiths Group PLC
31 October 2006

News Release
London

    Smiths wins $222 million US Government contract for radiation detectors
                                        
  Hand-held and backpack detectors to help protect the United States from the
                            threat of a 'dirty bomb'


SMITHS Detection, part of the global technology business Smiths Group, today
announces it has been awarded a contract with a potential total value of $222
million, including options, for radiation detection and identification systems.


The contract was awarded by the US Department of Homeland Security's (DHS)
Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) under the Human Portable Radiation
Detection System (HPRDS).


The DHS has been tasked to ensure that the US remains safe from the threat of
illicit importation, development or procurement of a nuclear or radiological
device.


Smiths Detection will supply its handheld and backpack Human Portable Radiation
Detection System (HPRDS) to the DNDO for use by emergency responders, border
patrol agents, customs and coast guard officers and other law enforcement
officers.


The detectors can identify and determine the location of incoming radiation and
will reliably discriminate between normally-occurring radioactive materials and
potential threats.


Stephen Phipson, Group Managing Director of Smiths Detection, said: 'We are
pleased to be working with the DNDO on this important programme.


'It has always been our intention to add radiation detection to our existing
capabilities against chemical, biological and explosive threats. This programme
gives us that capability.


'Smiths Detection is a leader in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and
explosive (CBRNE) security systems. Over the past 30 years, our team has
developed, delivered and supported a variety of high performance hand-held and
portable security screening systems in use by military and security
professionals worldwide.


'Our understanding of radiological and nuclear detection science and technology
enables us rapidly to innovate solutions to new threat situations.'


Smiths Detection developed this technology through its relationship with
Symetrica, a start-up company that originated at the Department of Physics and
Astronomy at the University of Southampton.


Smiths Detection has also been awarded a $7.5 million contract for development
and demonstration of personal radiation identifiers under the DNDO Intelligent
Personal Radiation Locator (IPRL) programme.


Vayl S. Oxford, DNDO Director, said: 'IPRL systems show real promise for the
security and safety of first responders, border patrol agents, customs and coast
guard officers and other law enforcement personnel.


'Homeland security personnel and first responders will know in real time if they
confront a security or safety risk from a device that fits in the palm of their
hand.'


DNDO is a jointly staffed, national office established to improve America's
capability to detect and report unauthorised attempts to import, possess, store,
develop or transport nuclear or radiological material.

ENDS

Smiths Group

Smiths is a global technology business, listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Smiths Group is a world leader in the practical application of advanced
technologies.  Our products and services make the world safer, healthier and
more productive. Smiths Group has four divisions: Aerospace, Detection, Medical
and Specialty. It employs 32,000 people and has over 250 major facilities in 50
countries. For more information visit www.smiths-group.com


About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection is part of the global technology business Smiths Group. It
offers advanced integrated security solutions for customers in civil and
military markets worldwide and is a leading technology developer and
manufacturer of sensors that detect and identify explosives, chemical and
biological agents, weapons, and contraband. Its advanced technology security
solutions also include Smiths Heimann x-ray imaging systems, millimeter-wave
technology and a specialist software supply business for the management of large
sensor and video surveillance networks. Separate business units focus on related
products for the life sciences, and food manufacturing industries. For more
information visit www.smithsdetection.com


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