General Dynamics Awarded $30 Million for Joint Biological Point Detection Systems Production and Support

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has been awarded a $30 million contract by the U.S. Army for production and field support of Joint Biological Point Detection Systems (JBPDS). General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).

The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., awarded the six-year, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract on August 13, as the result of a competitive solicitation. This contract has a potential value of up to $300 million if all options are exercised. General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products has supported the Army's JBPDS program since 2001, delivering over 700 units to date.

The JBPDS is a self-contained instrument suite that rapidly detects and identifies biological warfare agents. Available in man-portable, shelter-based, ship-based and trailer-mounted variants, the JBPDS can be configured to meet the operational requirements of the U.S. Army and Navy. Under the new contract, production of the JBPDS units will begin in April 2011. Work will be performed at General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products' detection production facility in Charlotte, N.C., which employs approximately 120 people.

According to Vice President of Detection Systems Bill Gural, "General Dynamics has and continues to deliver innovations that protect our troops and our country from evolving chemical, biological, and explosive threats. We look forward to continuing our work with the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center for production of JBPDS."

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., provides a broad range of system solutions for military and commercial applications. The company designs, develops and produces high-performance armament systems, mobile shelter systems, and is a leading U.S. producer of biological and chemical detection systems. More information about General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products can be found on the Internet at www.gdatp.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, VA., employs approximately 91,000 people worldwide.  The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies.  More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products