The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is funding General Dynamics to develop a prototype of “quantum sensors” paired with an artificial intelligence database. This system is intended to identify illegal items and substances, including fentanyl, within vehicles, containers, and other objects. This initiative was detailed in a contract justification released in a federal register recently.
According to the justification document, this project aims to combine advanced quantum and classical sensing technologies with AI. The goal is to deploy these proven concepts and products across CBP operations. The initiative is expected to improve CBP’s detection capabilities, thereby reducing the entry of illegal contraband into the United States and strengthening national security.
While the document initially redacted the developer’s name, public contract details in the federal register confirm that the justification pertains to a $2.4 million contract awarded to General Dynamics, which has been publicly known since December 2025.
Neither CBP nor General Dynamics provided comments when contacted.
CBP’s pursuit of quantum sensors with an AI database aligns with a broader initiative within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A strategy memorandum from last year highlighted DHS’s commitment to adopting and expanding AI technologies, indicating that this sensor project is part of an active and expanding field of scientific and technological inquiry.
The recent justification document did not specify the exact methods the “quantum sensors” would employ or the type of data the AI database would collect and process. Nevertheless, it offered clues regarding potential detection techniques under consideration by the agency.
CBP reportedly conducted market research between April and October 2025. In July of that year, the agency issued an information request for a vendor to supply 35 handheld “Gemini” analyzers. These devices, manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific, are designed for identifying various unknown chemicals and narcotics.
Reports from 2021 and 2023 indicate that DHS previously tested the Gemini devices. The July request specified that these devices would be used to identify substances such as fentanyl, ketamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, diazepam, and MDMA, but it did not reference artificial intelligence or a database.
The request stated that CBP Officers would utilize the detection equipment for non-intrusive testing to identify various narcotics, controlled substances, unknown materials, and organic compounds. It also highlighted the agency’s ongoing increase in opioid seizures at national borders.
