AJC: Raytheon bids for border contract (I'm shocked, shocked I tell you!)

[Bozita]

It's the third item in the AJC's "Daily Briefing."


http://www.ajc.com/wednesday/content/epaper/editions/wednesday/business_44d7f142221a220200e9.html

DEFENSE: Raytheon bids for border contract

Raytheon Co. is submitting a bid to be prime contractor for a border-protection program worth potentially more than $2 billion. Raytheon, a supplier of radar, missiles and other defense systems to the Pentagon, is hoping the contract for the Strategic Border Initiative program, known as SBInet, can propel the company into a leading role in the homeland security business. The Waltham, Mass., company will be drawing on technology it has already developed for military surveillance. "We've done a lot of security integration systems," said Raymond T. Wheeler, business development director for Raytheon's SBInet program, who noted that Raytheon has lined up partners such as IBM Corp. and BAE Systems for its bid.

[Bozita]

1. details in today's WaPo: "Lockheed Among Finalists Bidding On Border Contr

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/30/AR2006053001261.html

Lockheed Among Finalists Bidding On Border Contract

By Griff Witte
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 31, 2006; Page D03


Some of the nation's largest defense contractors were among the firms yesterday that submitted bids on a multi-billion dollar Homeland Security Department contract designed to shore up the nation's porous borders and help curb illegal immigration.

The Secure Border Initiative, which has at its heart a six-year, $2 billion contract, is intended to give the United States a comprehensive solution to its persistent border problems. Homeland Security officials have said they are looking for a contractor that can bring together technology, Border Patrol staff members and barriers to keep illegal immigrants on the other side of the nearly 7,000 miles of U.S. land that borders Mexico and Canada.

While the government says it will leave the details to the contractor, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has mentioned a desire to see increased use of unmanned drones, better detection technology and expanded detention facilities, among other elements.

The competition for the job is down to teams organized by five companies -- Lockheed Martin Corp., Raytheon Co., Northrop Grumman Corp., Boeing Co. and Ericsson. Homeland Security officials are expected to pick a winner in the fall, following oral presentations from each of the competing firms.

more...

[shance]

2. "Raytheon/Lockheed compete in bids to fence in Americans."

Wake up America.

Those borders could just as easily be used to keep Americans in as much as they will be used to keep Mexicans out.

[rodeodance]

3. they will also keep the Mexican in the US.

[MADem]

4. QUICK!!!! Off to the store to buy a lawn chair and some balloons!!!

It'll be tough, but we can make the crossing if we persevere!!!!!

[Bozita]

5. kick for the night crowd