Leading Edge with Essex Team Wins Major Defense Contract for $57 Million.

Business Editors

SEVERN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 8, 2003

Leading Edge Design & Systems (Leading Edge), a leading provider of large-scale systems integration and technology solutions worldwide to federal and commercial clients, is part of the team that won a multi-year,

multi-million dollar award for mission-critical defense applications and services. Leading Edge was a key member of the Essex Corporation team that won this re-compete, because of its long-standing involvement and expertise in the program. Over the past 10 years, Leading Edge has helped architect and manage this complex and global effort for the customer, and it was this experience that helped win the award.

Leonard E. Moodispaw, CEO and President of Essex Corporation, said "The expertise and history that Leading Edge brought to our distinguished team of companies was a big reason why we won. We have an impressive group of companies on the team and Leading Edge stands tall among them." The contract is worth $57 million and is for the support of certain defense activities that Leading Edge has helped to architect and lead for the federal government for the last 10 years. Echoing the sentiments of his employees, Joe Gordon, Founder and President, said "We are proud to have contributed to the team and look forward to working with Essex and the rest of our team. We are honored to serve our country in a way that makes the world a safer place to live."

Leading Edge has a focused expertise in designing, deploying, and supporting visual intelligence programs. The systems the Company provides enable customers to collect, mine, manage, and distribute good information to the warfighter. The Company also provides complete lifecycle support through its expert staff by supporting our customers on a daily or as-needed basis. Leading Edge has held a majority of positions on this re-competed program and will continue to provide fulltime support and service.

With this award, the Company will gain a larger role on this program and will also grow its size and revenue significantly over the next 4 years. To accommodate this growth, the Company is currently accepting resumes for cleared technical staff. Cleared candidates can submit a resume through http://www.leds.com/careers/index.html.

About Leading Edge Design and Systems

Leading Edge Design and Systems is a veteran-owned small business that specializes in intelligence applications for defense customers. The Company is nearly 20-years old and has always been focused on helping customers develop defense applications and programs to create a safer world. Leading Edge provides systems, services, and products to deliver complete intelligence solutions and support to its customers.

For more information, please visit: www.leds.com.