Northrop Grumman's Biohazard Detection System Performs Eight Millionth Test

Northrop Grumman's Biohazard Detection System Performs Eight Millionth Test
August 27, 2009

LINTHICUM, Md. - Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE:NOC) Security Systems LLC unit today announced that its automated Biohazard Detection System (BDS), in use nationwide with the U.S. Postal Service, recently performed its eight millionth test without a false positive test result.

"Prior to the BDS deployment, there were doubts that automated
bio-detection technology could be successfully deployed on a national
scale," said Dave Tilles, vice president of Homeland Defense Programs
for the company's Electronic Systems sector. "Working closely with our
customer, the U.S. Postal Service, we have clearly proven that it is
possible."

Northrop Grumman has been a major supplier to the Postal
Service for its mail automation program for 20 years. In October 2001,
the nation was faced with the mailing of letters containing the
bacteria Bacillus anthracis, which causes the disease anthrax.
Northrop Grumman responded to this national crisis by initiating a
rapid technology development effort resulting in prototypes fielded in
six months. A national deployment program was completed in less than
three years.

"The program illustrates the company's ability to provide
technologically advanced, cost effective biosecurity solutions and
support services, strengthening the nation's bio-surveillance
capabilities. Since we've fielded the BDS, it has reliably operated
day-in and day-out. It continues to enhance the safety and security
not only of Postal Service employees but also of the American people at
large," Tilles added.

Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor and systems integrator
of the BDS, which has screened tens of billions of pieces of mail for
anthrax over the past five years. It is the only network of autonomous
bio-detectors deployed nationwide. The BDS has full turn-key logistics
and is integrated into a mature central monitoring system. More than
1,000 systems have been delivered to hundreds of postal mail processing
facilities.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology
company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products,
and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and
shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

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