WASHINGTON -Boeing Co. has won a multibillion-dollar contract to revamp how the United States guards about 6,000 miles of border in an attempt to curb illegal immigration, congressional sources said Tuesday.
Boeing’s proposal relied heavily on a network of 1,800 towers – some of which already exist, but most of which would be erected along the borders with Mexico and Canada. Each tower would be equipped with sensors, including cameras and heat and motion detectors.
Boeing sold its plan to the Homeland Security Department as less risky and less expensive than competing proposals that would have relied heavily on drones for routine surveillance work. Boeing plans only limited use of small unmanned aerial vehicles that could be launched from the backs of Border Patrol trucks when needed to help pursue suspects.
The system is to be installed first along the Mexican border in an area south of Tucson known as a key crossing point for illegal immigrants. The company has said it can deploy the system along both borders within three years.
The public announcement of the award is planned for Thursday. The contract is estimated to be worth about $2.5 billion over the next four years.
Several congressional and industry sources Tuesday confirmed that Boeing had beaten four other companies in one of the most closely watched and intensely fought contract competitions this year. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the competition.
Homeland Security spokesman Larry Orluskie said the department is “really close” to making an award.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
