PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 29, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orchid Cellmark Inc. (Nasdaq:ORCH), a leading international provider of identity DNA testing services, today announced that the company has been awarded, as sole supplier, a contract providing convicted offender DNA typing services for the State of Washington, Washington State Patrol (WSP). The award is for a two-year contract with the option for three one-year renewals.

Under the terms of the contract, Orchid expects to conduct DNA analysis for a backlog of thousands of samples submitted by WSP's CODIS Crime Laboratory (CCL) over the next six to seven months with an estimated value of approximately $875,000. Orchid had previously conducted tens of thousands of DNA tests for the State of Washington under an NIJ contract awarded in 2006. That contract ended in September of 2008.

Thomas Bologna, president and chief executive officer of Orchid Cellmark, commented, "While this award is funded by the National Institute of Justice, it is significant to note that Washington State awarded the contract to Orchid Cellmark under the new rules which allow states to have the option to choose the vendor that will process their samples." Prior to 2008, the NIJ administered all federal funded CODIS awards to the participating states, including selection of the DNA testing vendor. Starting in 2008, the states were given the option to apply for grants from the NIJ and administer the awards directly.

Mr. Bologna added, "With this award we also have a contract in place to handle future outsourcing project requirements. This is particularly important because the State of Washington is currently considering the adoption of arrestee legislation which will require the DNA sampling of persons who are arrested on qualifying charges. We expect passage of this legislation would substantially increase the number of DNA samples that would be added to the state's DNA database." Mr. Bologna concluded, "With this award, we believe Orchid is well positioned to help the State of Washington prevent backlogs in the future."

About Orchid Cellmark

Orchid Cellmark (Nasdaq:ORCH) is a leading international provider of DNA testing services primarily for forensic and family relationship applications. Orchid Cellmark is one of the largest providers of forensic DNA testing services and its DNA results are used by the criminal justice system to assist with the identification of perpetrators, the exclusion of suspects and the exoneration of wrongfully convicted individuals. The company provides DNA family relationship testing to numerous child services organizations and individuals seeking to verify parentage. Orchid Cellmark also serves immigration and security authorities for DNA testing of individuals.