NEWARK, CA--(Marketwire - Jul 10, 2012) - Morpho Detection, Inc. (MDI), the explosives and narcotics detection business of Morpho, Safran group's security unit, today announced it has received an order from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for maintenance of its deployed Itemiser^® DX desktop explosives trace detection (ETD) units. 

Under terms of the order, which extends the two-year original equipment manufacturer (OEM) warranty for one-year with annual renewal options, Morpho Detection will continue to provide preventative and corrective maintenance services for TSA's Itemiser DX fleet deployed at U.S. airports beginning in November 2009. Previously, TSA had procured post-warranty maintenance services for ETDs from a third-party service provider.

In awarding this sole source order, potentially worth up to $13 million annually during the order period, TSA cited "significant savings" in extending the OEM warranty as opposed to outsourcing to a third-party contractor. 

"Morpho Detection welcomes the opportunity to continue our maintenance services with TSA to help protect travelers and streamline the security screening process," said Brad Buswell, president and CEO, Morpho Detection, Inc. "Morpho Detection is committed to helping TSA meet their high standards for equipment maintenance and service by driving continuous system improvements, enhancing system reliability and delivering operational cost savings."

Since its introduction in 2009, Morpho Detection's Itemiser DX has been approved by five global regulatory agencies. Morpho Detection's latest trace detection solution, Itemiser DX, is deployed at airport checkpoints, checked baggage and air cargo screening facilities, critical infrastructure and secure locations around the world. 

To date, TSA has ordered more than 2,800 Itemiser DX units with a total Morpho Detection contract value of more than $83 million.

For more information on Morpho's detection products, visit [ www.morphodetection.com ].

About Morpho Detection, Inc.
Morpho Detection, Inc., part of Morpho, a security business of the Safran group (PARIS: [ SAF ]), is a leading supplier of explosives and narcotics and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection systems for government, military, air and ground transportation, first responder, critical infrastructure and other high-risk organizations. Morpho Detection integrates computed tomography, Raman spectroscopy, trace (ITMS™), mass spectrometry, X-ray and X-ray Diffraction technologies into solutions that can make security activities more accurate, productive and efficient. Morpho Detection's solutions are deployed to help protect people and property the world over.