·      SCENIHR report finds that the radiation levels emitted by the Secure 1000 are well below accepted minimum levels

·      Scientific research once again confirms the safety and effectiveness of Rapiscan’s backscatter technology

·      No scientific basis for opposition to backscatter x-ray body scanners

Torrance, CA –Rapiscan Systems, a leading supplier of security inspection systems, today announced that the latest report published by the European Union’s Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR), confirms that the use of backscatter X-ray technology in body scanners is safe to use at security checkpoints. This report was written by an independent committee of top European scientists and supports previous studies carried out by the UK Government and the French Government in 2011, as well as several reports conducted by the United States Government; all these studies have concluded that the technology used in Rapiscan’s body scanners poses no measurable risk to the public, to operators or to aviation employees..

The SCENIHR reports states that, with respect to the Secure 1000:

·      The doses delivered by backscatter X-ray scanners are too low to cause any observable effects on the human body

·      The dose levels are too low to form a scientific basis for making any quantitative risk estimates

The SCENIHR committee report was written by scientific experts from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the University of Oxford, the Paul Scherrer Institute, the University of Sofia, Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Santé Publique, the UK Health Protection Agency, St James Hospital, Dublin and the Helmholtz Zentrum (Munich, Germany).

“The SCENIHR report’s conclusions are consistent with the findings of every independent expert that has assessed the actual technology and the evidence:  backscatter X-ray scanners are safe for use at airports and all other high-traffic, high-security public venues,” said Peter Kant, executive vice president for Rapiscan Systems. “After repeated tests, studies and assessments by independent and federal authorities across the globe, the conclusion remains the same: backscatter X-ray machines are completely safe for people screening.  Rapiscan’s Secure 1000 is the most effective people screening technology currently available, with both a high detection and low false alarm rate; perhaps most importantly of all, the technology is, once again, completely safe.”

Mr. Kant continued: “Given the report’s unambiguous findings, we believe there is no scientific basis for opposition to the deployment of backscatter-based body scanners.  In fact, considering the demonstrated superiority of backscatter technology in terms of passenger throughput, privacy protection and threat detection, we believe the Secure 1000 is an essential component of a layered and risk-based approach to aviation security.”

The Secure 1000 uses advanced backscatter technology and proprietary image processing software to rapidly detect potential threats that may be concealed on individuals at security checkpoints. Following rigorous testing, the Secure 1000 has been approved for use by multiple regulators, including the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and the United Kingdom Department for Transport and complies with U.S. and international health and safety requirements.      

For the full report, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/emerging/docs/scenihr_o_036.pdf

About Rapiscan Systems

Rapiscan Systems, a division of OSI Systems, Inc. is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments; Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network.  As the world’s leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers’ most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency. 

For additional information about Rapiscan and its advanced scanning technologies please visit, www.rapiscansystems.com. 

• Revolutionary Solid-State CT Achieves ECAC Standard 3
• Meets Highest European Threat Detection Standards at Speeds Faster than Legacy-Design CT Systems

Torrance, CA – Rapiscan Systems, Inc., a leading global supplier of security inspection systems, today announced that its RTT^® (Real Time Tomography) baggage screening solution has become the first ultra-high speed system to pass the European Civil Aviation Conference’s (ECAC) Standard 3 threat detection test. The RTT^®, designed to inspect checked baggage at airports (“hold baggage screening”, or “HBS”), is capable of screening baggage at speeds of up to 1,800 bags an hour, which is significantly faster than the CT based hold baggage systems currently installed at airports. Until now, baggage screening systems have been unable to achieve this high rate of throughput while also meeting ECAC Standard 3 threat detection standards, the highest standard set by ECAC for the detection of baggage-borne explosive threats. With this certification, RTT establishes Rapiscan as a leader in the baggage screening market.  

The RTT^® represents a generational leap over historical CT designs that are currently deployed in HBS applications. In place of the historical approach of a mechanically-rotated gantry, the RTT^® employs a proprietary and unprecedented solid-state approach, producing ultra-high speed imaging and lower maintenance requirements. The RTT’s unique design allows the RTT to inspect hold baggage at up to 1,800 bags per hour, which matches the speed of airport baggage handling systems, allowing RTT to be installed “in-line” in airports’ existing baggage handling systems without the need to slow down the baggage handling systems, or to operate multiple parallel inspection systems.

“By passing ECAC Standard 3, RTT is positioned to change the aviation security screening industry and sets a new bar for HBSproducts worldwide,” said Ajay Mehra, president, Rapiscan Systems. “All industries and businesses that process baggage, not just airports, now have access to superior threat detection technology that dramatically improves operational efficiency, offers a clear and concise return on investment and does not sacrifice any measure of security…and only Rapiscan can provide this complete solution.” Mr. Mehra continued: “Rapiscan has invested significant research and development resources to develop this product. We are pleased to now be able to offer customers this state-of-the art security screening technology that meets one of the world’s most demanding standards for threat detection.”

The ECAC Common Evaluation Process (CEP) for Security Equipment applies to HBS, Liquid Explosive Detection System (LEDS), and Security Scanners. Laboratory tests are conducted at various Participating Test Centers located in ECAC Member States with the objective of determining whether the tested equipment meets the required ECAC performance standards. The CEP Management Group, which consists of national authorities contributing to the Process, analyzes the test reports provided by the Participating Test Centers; where the equipment is evaluated as meeting an ECAC performance standard, the test reports are communicated to the ECAC Member State signatories to the CEP Administrative Arrangements. Forty-three ECAC Member States are signatories to these Arrangements. ECAC test results are used by many countries outside Europe as the basis for approving HBS solutions for their airports.

###

About Rapiscan Systems

Rapiscan Systems, Inc., a division of OSI Systems, Inc. is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments; Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network. As the world’s leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers’ most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency.  

For additional information, please visit, www.rapiscansystems.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements relate to the Company’s current expectations, beliefs, projections and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts and are not guarantees of future performance, including, without limitation, the sales, performance and reliability potential of any product, and the potential value of such products to prospective customers.  Forward-looking statements involve uncertainties, risks, assumptions and contingencies, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that may cause actual results may differ materially from those described in or implied by any forward-looking statement.  All forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and speak only as of the date on which they are made.  The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement made in this press release that becomes untrue because of subsequent events, new information or otherwise, except to the extent it is required to do so in connection with its ongoing requirements under Federal securities laws.  For a further discussion of these and other factors that could cause the Company’s future results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2011 and other risks described in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Footballing legend, Sir Bobby Charlton is challenging conventional thinking to come up with a better way to rid the world of landmines.

In his first filmed interview since the launch of his new charity, Find A Better Way, Sir Bobby gives an emotional account of how the sight of seeing children not being able to play football due to the loss of limbs from unexploded landmines, led him to question what was being done about the problem.

In the film, Sir Bobby talks passionately about his love of football and draws on similarities with the charity he founded. “I love my football and I wouldn’t miss it for anything, but I do get wrapped up in this project. Unfortunately if you want to have a really good football team you have to have money and it’s the same with Find A Better Way,” he explains.

Sir Bobby explains how, following trips to Bosnia, Cambodia and Vietnam, where he witnessed first hand the devastation unexploded landmines cause to local communities, he galvanised a group of local experts to challenge the current estimate of 1,000 years needed to find and detect unexploded landmines.

The result has seen some of the brightest minds in the industry join forces. Experts such as mine advisory group, MAG and security scanning specialists, Rapiscan, as well as Manchester and Lancaster Universities are now all working together to find new and innovative solutions to speed up and improve the process of landmine detection.

It’s an inspirational story of how one man’s skills and organisation once used so brilliantly on the football pitch is now being used to help others.

The film can be viewed on youtube.com through this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAzorKDlt6U

Sir Bobby’s Charity Find A Better Way www.findabetterway.org.uk

Rapiscan Systems is proud to support the Find A Better Way Charity

About Rapiscan Systems

Rapiscan Systems, a division of OSI Systems, Inc. is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments; Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network.  As the world’s leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers’ most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency.

The 620XR, an x-ray screening solution for checkpoints, provides outstanding threat detection and a low total cost of ownership. Used predominantly for the screening of small to medium parcels and baggage, the 620XR’s innovative design allows for bi-directional operation make it easy to operate. Built on a standardised platform that makes it easy to install and maintain, the 620XR comes with features such as dual-energy detection, a streamlined, ergonomic design, and Rapiscan’s feature-rich OS600 system software.

In addition to the 620XR X-Ray machines the authorities have also selected the Metor 28 handheld metal detector and theMetor 6M, a multi-purpose, multi-zone walk-through metal detector that is used primarily for weapons detection and has automated sensitivity and floor sensitivity functions to make the calibration process easier, eliminating the time consuming trial and error method.  

In total, more than 150 systems will be in operation at the Baku Crystal Hall to help ensure the safety of up to 16,000 people that will be able to attend each of the three Eurovision Song Contest live shows in May. Rapiscan Systems were chosen to provide the equipment due to its extensive experience of providing reliable and effective x-ray and security screening equipment to large scale, international events. 

Mr. David Kent, Vice President Sales EMEA , Rapiscan Systems, commented: “When securing a global event such as the Eurovision Song Contest, it is vital that the organisers are able to screen the visitors of the event for prohibited items efficiently and effectively, minimising the risk to all attendees. This deployment of our equipment is another testament of our ability to secure large scale events using our renowned screening solutions and we are looking forward to working in partnership with the contest organisers so that the thousands of visitors, and viewing audience, can safely enjoy this exciting competition.”

About Rapiscan Systems

Rapiscan Systems, a division of OSI Systems, Inc. is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments; Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network.  As the world’s leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers’ most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency.

The Civil Aviation Authority in Rwanda has selected Rapiscan Local Distribution Partner KGT (UK) LTD to supply a Rapiscan Systems Secure 1000 Single Pose body scanner, and to purchase multiple baggage screening systems in order to upgrade to Rapiscan Dual View technology. Kigali International airport is set to become the first African airport to screen 100% passengers bags using advanced Dual View technology and one of the very few to have a Body scanner. Supplied by KGT (UK) LTD, shipping is expected in March 2012 and installation will be completed in April.

Following a directive issued by Kenya Civil Aviation Authority that 100% of air cargo should be security scanned by January 31st 2012, all of the four main air cargo companies in Kenya have selected Rapiscan air cargo screening solutions to be supplied by KGT (UK) Limited. All of the units have now been delivered and installation is currently underway.

In Tanzania, the largest air cargo forwarder has ordered multiple Dual-View air cargo screening solutions from Rapiscan Systems; the Civil Aviation Authority has chosen Rapiscan check-in baggage screening solutions, and the country’s Revenue Authority has selected Rapiscan technology to screen incoming passengers bags which has been delivered and installed by KGT (UK) LTD.

Ajay Mehra, President of Rapiscan Systems, stated, "I am happy to report that there is a rapid acceleration in the purchase and deployment of the latest security screening technology in Africa. These recent contracts demonstrate that there is significant momentum in the deployment of the latest dual view air cargo and baggage security screening solutions by African countries.In my view this is just the beginning of many upcoming opportunities to grow our business on the African continent."

About Rapiscan Systems

Rapiscan Systems, Inc., a division of OSI Systems, Inc., is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments: Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network. As the world's leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers' most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include information regarding the company's expectations, goals or intentions about the future, including, the Company's contracts to deliver a broad range of solutions to customers in the healthcare industry.The actual results may differ materially from those described in or implied by any forward-looking statement.

Updates to contract increase value to $900 million 

Rapiscan Systems, a global provider of security inspection solutions, today announced that Mexico’s tax and customs authority, Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) has exercised contractual options under the six-year turnkey screening services agreement with the company. The total value of the SAT agreement is currently approximately $900 million, which is at the upper end of the program’s original maximum scope.  Rapiscan had previously announced the minimum obligated value of $400 million for this program, the duration of which is six years.

“We are gratified by SAT’s confidence in us for this important program, and we look forward to moving rapidly to the implementation phase,” said Deepak Chopra, CEO of OSI Systems, Rapiscan’s parent company. “We are delighted to work with SAT to support this critical program. Our extensive experience in implementing leading edge inspection solutions and our operations expertise make us highly qualified to manage comprehensive programs with rigorous requirements. We stand to benefit from adding significant recurring revenues as we will manage the daily operations under this agreement.”

Under the program, Rapiscan Systems will provide complete operations of inspection sites utilizing x-ray screening technology.  Rapiscan will incorporate staffing, systems integration, data management, and maintenance support at these sites networked throughout Mexico, including ports of entry as well as inland checkpoints and airports, enhancing the Mexican government authorities’ capability to interdict contraband, undeclared, and illegal materials.

Ajay Mehra, President of Rapiscan Systems, stated, “We are gratified by SAT’s confidence in us for this important program, and we look forward to moving rapidly to the implementation phase.”

# # #

About Rapiscan Systems, Inc. 

Rapiscan Systems, Inc., a division of OSI Systems, Inc., is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments: Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network. As the world's leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers' most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency. 

"We are very pleased that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has selected Rapiscan Systems to implement security screening systems for the new World Trade Center," said Deepak Chopra, CEO of OSI Systems, Rapiscan’s parent company. "As shown by this partnership, Rapiscan is far more than simply a technology company, going beyond hardware to include logistics, project management, and more, to meet the exact specifications of customer security needs."

The new World Trade Center will utilize Rapiscan's Eagle® series of high-energy cargo inspection equipment, which use Rapiscan's proprietary transmission X-ray technology to detect potential threats. The Rapiscan Eagle inspection equipment will also include integrated radiation and nuclear detection capabilities, allowing Rapiscan to provide a complete screening solution to address all possible cargo-borne threats.

Ajay Mehra, President of Rapiscan Systems, commented: "We believe that this important contract demonstrates that when customers have critical security screening requirements, Rapiscan is uniquely well positioned to support them, given our ability to integrate, manage and support complex screening systems in challenging operational conditions."

# # #

About Rapiscan Systems, Inc. 

Rapiscan Systems, Inc., a division of OSI Systems, Inc., is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments: Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network. As the world's leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers' most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency. 

The Rapiscan Eagle® R60 high speed rail scanner will efficiently scan around two hundred thousand cargo containers per annum as they travel at speeds of up to sixty kilometers per hour through the Eagle R60 into the Port of Rotterdam.

The Eagle®R60HS has been designed to help detect and identify a wide range of threats and suspect materials including contraband goods such as drugs and cigarettes. Using a high power 6 MeV X-Ray source, a clear and unambiguous x-image of even the densest rail cargo is produced, with a forty foot container x-rayed in 0.8 of a second.

Offering a high speed, efficient solution to cargo screening, containers do not have to be unloaded or diverted individually to a cargo inspection facility; instead they are screened during the normal movement of cargo, vastly increasing the speed of cargo throughput. Trains can be diesel, electric (overhead or rail).

Communications technology means that the R60 system is a fully automated operation without inspectors positioned on site, the resulting X-Ray image analysis is performed by trained operators, within an Inspection Office, in the heart of the Port some kilometres away from the scanner. The system requires only one person to monitor the screening process, with sophisticated operational and safety systems’ guaranteeing the solution is safe for the rail crew and drivers. This array of failsafe systems ensures that only cargo containers are scanned.

Mr. Ajay Mehra, Rapiscan Systems President, commented: “With an increased demand for x-ray cargo inspection systems that can efficiently scan trains whilst on the move, Dutch Customs continues to assert its position as a leader worldwide in best practices for cargo and vehicle inspection with the deployment of this ground-breaking technology. The ability for rail operators and security organisations to quickly assess rail cargo is vital to protecting rail infrastructure and the global supply chain. With its ultra-high speed throughput and superior threat detection capabilities, the Eagle R60 is an example of Rapiscan’s technical leadership and its ability to meet our customers’ most demanding requirements.”

The Eagle R-Series rail scanners have been well-received in the marketplace with Eagle R60, R60 High Speed and Eagle R90 systems, including dual track solutions having been sold to the US Department of Defence and a number of European customers for inspecting cargo at border crossings. The Eagle® R-series systems are able to scan cargo of different sizes and configurations, including single or double stacked containers, single or dual tracks, making them  ideal for the mixed rail car cargo at border crossings and seaports.

About Rapiscan Systems

Rapiscan Systems, a division of OSI Systems, Inc. is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments; Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network.  As the world’s leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers’ most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency.

Ajay Mehra, President, Rapiscan Systems commented: "We are pleased to have been selected by Aeroports de Paris to help equip their terminals with the latest in advanced baggage screening solutions. By providing 24-hour maintenance support, Aeroports de Paris has the security of knowing that we and our French Partner, HTDS, are supporting their screening requirements comprehensively."

About Rapiscan Systems, Inc.                                                          

Rapiscan Systems, Inc., a division of OSI Systems, Inc., is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilizing X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments: Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network. As the world's leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers' most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency. 

Rapiscan was announced as the North West regional winner of the award in November 2011 from an entry list of over 400 companies that entered this year’s EEF awards. Throughout the judging process Rapiscan were able to demonstrate clear examples of continued business growth through export links, employee empowerment and knowledge transfer, whilst showcasing a broad CVI product portfolio, strong implementation of a business plan and extensive partnerships within the local community that has led to its success.

The EEF is the UK’s manufacturing organisation, which is dedicated to helping manufacturing businesses evolve, innovate and compete within the world. With manufacturing industry being central to the UK’s economic future, the EFF provides a combination of business services, government representation and industry intelligence to give the skills, knowledge and networks that businesses need to thrive. Working with manufacturers and policy makers to help ensure that the industry continues to flourish and meet the demands for innovative and responsibly-produced manufactured goods, around a quarter of all of the UK’s manufacturing businesses are member of the EEF.

Ajay Mehra, President of Rapiscan Systems, commented: “This is an exciting accolade for Rapiscan Systems and is a testament of the hard work from the CVI team and our commitment to UK Manufacturing. We constantly strive to meet the growing needs of our customers and will continue to develop our manufacturing processes and presence as our business continues to grow.”

Rapiscan’s Cargo and Vehicle Inspection Unit (CVI) manufactures and develops innovative stationary and mobile inspection technologies to offer customers superior threat detection in complex of security scanning environments, including seaports, border crossings and critical facilities. The solutions, which can be customised to adapt to changing operational requirements, provide superior x-ray images to combat smuggling and find hidden contraband, including explosives, weapons, narcotics and weapons of mass destruction. With customers in the aviation, government, customs and border control and events industries, Rapiscan’s CVI solutions are renowned for the exceptional threat detection, speed, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and ease-of-use provided, all backed with a global support network.

About Rapiscan Systems

Rapiscan Systems, Inc., a division of OSI Systems, Inc. is a leading global supplier of security inspection solutions utilising X-ray and gamma-ray imaging, and advanced threat identification techniques such as neutron and diffraction analysis. The company's products are sold into four market segments; Baggage and Parcel Inspection, Cargo and Vehicle Inspection, Hold Baggage Screening and People Screening. The company has an installed base globally of more than 70,000 security and inspection systems. The Rapiscan Systems product line is manufactured at four locations and supported by a global support service network.  As the world’s leading security screening provider, Rapiscan Systems provides state of the art products, solutions and services that meet our customers’ most demanding threat detection needs --- while improving their operational efficiency.