According to the official reports, the U. S. Homeland Security Department has awarded a follow-on contract to Morpho Detection to deliver its explosives detection units for screening applications.

It will deliver an additional 1,200 of its Itemiser DX explosives detection technologies for deployment by the Transportation Security Administration for checkpoint, cargo and checked baggage screening at U. S. airports, California's Morpho Detection has announced.

Dennis Cooke, Morpho president and chief executive officer, said in a statement, "We take great pride in the confidence Transportation Security Administration has demonstrated in Itemiser DX's ability to help protect air travelers by placing this second major order in one year's time."

The Itemiser DX units, designed with ion trap mobility spectroscopy technology capable of detecting trace elements of illicit explosives materials, are a portable screening system also featured on the TSA's Qualified Products List for checkpoint and cargo screening applications.

The Itemiser DX order follows an approximately $15 million delivery contract also placed in 2010, officials have said.

Awarded through a competitive process, the new contract is worth more than $35 million. (With Inputs from Agencies)