SAIC acquires Spectrum San Diego

SAN DIEGO—Science Applications International Corporation announced this week it has completed the acquisition of Spectrum San Diego, a high-technology security firm specializing in ultra-low-dose X-ray scanning systems. Under the agreement, SAIC acquired Spectrum's CarScan product line, which scans cars and vans in the normal flow of traffic at vehicle checkpoints such as borders and high security government facilities. CarScan's X-ray images enable security personnel to look for weapons, drugs, currency, stowaways, and other hidden contraband. Spectrum's customers include U.S. government, law enforcement and military organizations. Terms of the deal were not released.

CarScan is designed for high throughput and operational flexibility, minimizing its impact on traffic. In typical operations, the driver and passengers remain inside the vehicle as they drive through the system at a vehicle checkpoint.

Spectrum's CarScan product will be integrated into SAIC's Security and Transportation Technology Business Unit, led by Alex Preston. The business unit develops X-ray and gamma-ray inspection systems, radiation-detection systems, and other products for scanning vehicles and cargo containers. CarScan expands SAIC's capabilities for scanning light vehicles.

“We're very pleased to add CarScan to our product portfolio,” said Preston, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager, in a statement. “It fits our philosophy of 'security in the flow of commerce.' As we're seeing on our southern border, weapons, drugs, cash and stowaways in light vehicles are a growing challenge. CarScan is a cost-effective way to help stem the tide without slowing traffic."

Prior to the acquisition, Spectrum's other product lines (including CastScope and SentryScope), residual assets and liabilities were transferred to a new company, Tek84 Engineering Group, LLC, owned by Spectrum's former security holders.