The award will be presented, in a June 18 ceremony at the Pentagon, by Pete Aldridge, Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.

The David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award is established to recognize Department of Defense (DOD) civilian and/or military organization groups, or teams who have made highly significant contributions that demonstrated exemplary innovation and best acquisition practices. The JBPDS team was selected for its achievement in setting up an integrated system of biological and chemical sensors, including the JBPDS itself, to protect a large installation in Washington, D.C. The system was developed and deployed in record time and has demonstrated high reliability and availability since going online in December.

"We are tremendously proud to be recognized in this manner," said Bill Altman, Battelle Program Manager. "This achievement has been made possible by the efforts of all who designed, procured, inspected, built, tested, contracted and managed the JBPDS at Battelle and its government and contractor team members."

"The Packard Award recognizes those acquisition teams that are able to break through the confines of traditional acquisition models, and respond to urgent needs with rapid, innovative solutions. The JBPDS team did just that," said Lt. Col. Tim Moshier, JBPDS Program Manager for the Army. "We were faced with a new set of requirements in the wake of 9-11, and an overriding urgency to deploy systems immediately. Battelle's unhesitating support and technical excellence were crucial to our success during the deployment, and in the continuing support of our mission."

The Packard award is bestowed upon organizations, groups or teams that have exhibited superior accomplishments significantly contributing to defense acquisition excellence initiatives and acquisition programs. Previous winners have included the Army Small Computer Program; Joint Stars; National Reconnaissance Office and Joint Strike Fighter.

Battelle serves industry and government in the areas of technology development, laboratory management, and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle has annual revenues of $1 billion, has operations at more than 100 locations and clients in 30 countries. It counts as its successes the development of the office copier machine (Xerox), pioneering work on the compact disc, medical technology breakthroughs, and fiber optic advancements for telecommunications.

For more information contact Battelle Media Relations Manager Katy Delaney at (614) 424-5544 or at delaneyk@battelle.org.