Applied DNA Reveals Specifics of Government Contract

Applied DNA Sciences revealed earlier this week that the government agency for whom it was in April was the Defense Logistics Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense.

At the time, a company spokesperson said Applied DNA Sciences was contractually bound to not reveal the name of the agency for whom it was working. Based on the results, the Stony Brook-based developer of anti-counterfeiting products said in a statement Wednesday it has subsequently been awarded a contract of close to $1 million to complete the securing of a government microchip supply chain.

The company used its SigNature DNA markers, which have previously been used preventing cash transit losses in Europe and authenticating chips in casinos.

"Government and industry share a common interest in partnering to solve the issue of counterfeit microchips," retired U.S. vice admiral Ed Straw, the former director of the Defense Logistics Agency, said in a statement. "DNA marking represents a proactive technical step forward as a detection and prevention strategy against the growing problem of counterfeits."

The contract will incorporate multiple components of the government's microchip supply chain, from the original manufacturers of the chips to the distributors and even the Armed Forces.

The Defense Logistics Agency has described itself as the Department of Defense's largest combat support division, supplying nearly all of the vital consumable items needed by the Armed Forces during times of both peace and war. Those items include things like food, fuel, uniforms, medical supplies, and equipment.

"When it comes to protecting our government and military supply chains, this is a return on investment measured not just in dollars, but in American lives saved," James Hayward, CEO of Applied DNA Sciences, said in a statement.