Orchid Cellmark awarded two-year extensions to forensic testing contracts

Orchid Cellmark Inc. (Nasdaq:ORCH), a leading international provider of identity DNA testing and other forensic services, today announced it has been awarded two-year extensions to contracts previously awarded under the North West/South West and Wales regional forensic tender process in the U.K. Total estimated annual value of the combined contracts is approximately (U.S.) $10 million (at the current foreign exchange rate).

These forensic testing contracts encompass three areas:  Delivery of a comprehensive casework service involving the provision of a range of forensic analytical techniques; DNA testing of crime scene samples for submission to the National DNA Database; and DNA testing of samples taken from arrestees (PACE samples – taken under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act). 

In total, Orchid Cellmark was awarded work from nine U.K. police forces involved in this tender: Avon & Somerset, Cumbria, Devon & Cornwall, Dorset, Dyfed Powys, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and North Wales police. The contracts, initially awarded in April 2008 for three years, now extend until 2013.

Thomas Bologna, Orchid Cellmark president and chief executive officer, said, "We are pleased our hard work has been rewarded by these contract extensions. The past two years have seen a significant expansion of the company's operations to deliver the work awarded by these police forces, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the years ahead."