IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug. 13, 2002–SSP-Litronic, the Government Enterprise Division of information assurance provider SSP Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq:SSPX), today announced an estimated $9,990,000 multiple award from the Department of Defense (DoD) for a firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of Common Access Card (CAC) Middleware, to include software licenses, media and maintenance, to function with the DoD Common Access Card.

This contract is part of the DoD Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI).

Middleware is the software that allows an application running on a PC to communicate with the Common Access Card (smart card) being issued to all DoD ID card holders. The CAC, combined with SSP-Litronic’s NetSign middleware, allows the user to digitally sign and encrypt e-mail, logon to their PC, and perform other cryptographic functions.

NetSign CAC also supports SSP-Litronic’s series of ISO smart card readers, as well as industry compliant PC/SC smart cards readers. In the future, the SSP-Litronic Middleware will enable DoD applications to also communicate with SSP-Litronic’s next-generation Forte smart card token.

“We are very pleased to have been selected by the DoD to supply Common Access Card program middleware. SSP-Litronic has a long history of providing leading-edge information assurance products to the DoD and we are proud to have the opportunity to again demonstrate that our information security solutions are the trusted choice of the U.S. Government,” according to Kris Shah, co-chairman, SSP Solutions.

Under the terms of the contract, any DoD organization will be able to order SSP-Litronic Middleware. The cumulative maximum amount to be expended over the program period is $26 million. Work performed by SSP-Litronic for this three-year program will be completed by August 2005. This contract was competitively procured through the Navy Inventory Control Point, Mechanicsburg, Pa.

About the DoD Enterprise Software Initiative

The DoD Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) is a joint initiative to maximize DoD buying power and take advantage of the significant cost savings and management efficiencies that result from acquiring and managing commercially available software on a DoD-wide basis.

The ESI is an approved initiative under the DoD Business Initiative Council (BIC). Additional information about the ESI can be located at www.don-imit.navy.mil/esi.

About SSP Solutions Inc.

SSP Solutions develops and distributes the SSP(TM) Solution Suite of services, hardware, software and embedded security products designed as the Trusted Symbol of the Digital Economy(TM). The company’s SSP-Litronic Division, based in Reston, Va., has a 30-year history of leading-edge technology and data security solutions for government communications.

SSP products embed security and trust throughout the transaction chain, protecting electronic communications and financial transactions, physical and electronic access, and the exchange of copyrighted digital content.

By combining its own technology with a range of partners’ technologies and intellectual properties, SSP products represent the first open embedded security architecture simultaneously supporting public key infrastructure (PKI) and multiple standards of digital rights management.

SSP’s enterprise security solutions address digital rights management, financial services, government and entertainment. For additional company information, visit http://www.sspsolutions.com/ or call 949/851-1085. For more information about the company’s SSP-Litronic Division call 703/905-9700.

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation

Reform Act of 1995

With the exception of historical information, matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements involving a number of risks and uncertainties and may not be achieved due to factors beyond the company’s control, including changing regulatory and technological environments, the company’s ability to obtain key components from suppliers, technological difficulties, increased competition, and changing customer demands. Other risks inherent in the company’s business are described in Securities and Exchange Commission filings. SSP Solutions Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.



CONTACT: SSP Solutions Inc., Irvine Thomas E. Schiff (investors), 949/851-1085 tom.schiff@sspsolutions.com

or Richard M. Depew (editorial), 949/851-1085 richard.depew@sspsolutions.co