CWMD Funds Design, Construction, and Deployment of Detection Equipment to Scan Cargo for Radiological and Nuclear Threats

WASHINGTON -- Today the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) announced that its contract for Radiation Portal Monitor;(RPM) design, construction, and deployment would be awarded to K2 Construction Consultants, Inc.;(K2). A key element of protecting the Nation from potential threats is detecting and preventing them before they even clear our ports of entry. As cargo and conveyances are shipped into the U.S., RPMs provide a cost-effective means to scan incoming shipments for radiological and nuclear (rad/nuc) threats. This is achieved without slowing the steady flow of commerce through the ports. "While we work hard to research, test, procure, and deploy the latest WMD detection technologies to support our partners operating on the frontline, CWMD's portfolio of RPM programs can only be successful with close cooperation and assistance from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) program," says Julian Hill, CWMD's Large-Scale Acquisition Branch Chief'. "CBP has been scanning for rad/nuc threats since 2002 and operates approximately 1,400 RPMs across the country. This contract award helps ensure CBP has the most advanced and reliable WMD detection technology to scan for potential threats while reducing impacts to their operational missions. DHS Office of Procurement Operations awarded this contract on behalf of CWMD. The Design/Build Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Contract amount is $252,522,683 for a five-year period of performance. It allows K2 to conduct port of entry site surveys, produce designs, perform construction, conduct site management / commissioning, and manage the assigned work. The deployment contract enables CWMD to be in direct control of RPM deployments. CWMD serves as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's focal point for counter-WMD efforts. By supporting operational partners across federal, state, and local levels, CWMD coordinates and manages the detection effort for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear and health security threats. CWMD is committed to enhancing domestic law enforcement and first responder detection, interdiction, response, and reporting of CBRN threats.