Astrix Technology Group and A-TEK Inc. won the Department of Homeland Security’s “BioWatch laboratory staffing support services contract,” the two firms announced. The five-year contract includes a base period and four option years, and it represents a total award of more than $75 million.

The BioWatch program maintains an air monitoring system in large metropolitan areas and coordinates with state and local public health communities to prepare for possible bioterrorist events, according to A-TEK.

“As the incumbent on this contract for the past eight years, we are pleased to partner with Astrix Technology Group to continue our long-term commitment to the Department of Homeland Security BioWatch program,” said A-TEK CEO Kathryn Freeland.