SBInet Update. Is Telephonics Ripe?

Telephonics Corporation was contracted by the CBP in early January, to provide a Mobile Surveillance System that is supposed to support a more complete Common Operating Picture for SBInet.

From the Telephonics release:

"its Eletronic Systems Division was awarded a $14.5M contract from the U.S. General Services Administration on behalf of U.S. Customs and Border Protection MSS provides, for the first time, a fully integrated system including Ground Surveillance Radar, EO/IR sensors, accurate GPS location data along with a Common Operating Picture"

Boeing is noticeably absent in the press on this award. Did DHS bypass Boeing to award this to Telephonics, or is that a mispeception?

Telephonics is owned by Griffon Corp, and appear to have been part of Boeing's SBInet plan for some time; they were one of four companies Boeing lists as contractors for short/long-range ground surveillance radar (Boeing website)

Griffon's Electronic Systems business has truly taken off over the past three years. Profits expanded from ~$18M in 2005 to nearly $46M in 2007.

It is apparent the technology is near the top of the market. Telephonics radar, electronics, and expertise have also been bought recently by the Navy (MH-60R helicopter), the Coast Guard, and the Missile Defense Agency.

Telephonics and Syracuse Research Corp have also been working together on Counter-IED technologies, adding to the company's credibility. Syracuse Research is another hot up-comer in radar and electronics.

I expect Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman are all eyeing Telephonics very closely. It appears to offer a level of technology that is facilitating net-centric operations across several different markets, and competeing for business historically owned by those larger, more traditional, radar & electronics names

Griffon (the parent company) is likely best known for it's Telephonics business. Other ventures include: "plastic films used in the baby diaper, feminine napkin, adult incontinent, surgical and patient care markets...garage doors sold to professional installing dealers and major home center retail chains"

haha, prepare to see Lockheed Martin or Raytheon logos on feminine products and garages near you!