PRINCETON, N.J., July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orchid Cellmark Inc. (Nasdaq: ORCH), a leading worldwide provider of identity DNA testing services, today announced that the State of Florida's Department of Revenue has upheld the contract award to the company to conduct all publicly-funded paternity testing for the State of Florida.

The contract was originally awarded to Orchid Cellmark late last year, but was delayed when Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp), a former State of Florida DNA paternity testing provider, protested the award. The award of the entire contract to Orchid Cellmark was upheld by the Department of Revenue based on the findings of the administrative law judge in Florida who presided over a three-day trial in April 2008.

The new, multi-year contract begins September 1, 2008 and is extendable for an additional three years beyond its expiration in 2011. Under the terms of the contract, Orchid Cellmark will provide DNA paternity testing services for the Division of Child Support Enforcement of Florida's Department of Revenue throughout the whole state. Orchid Cellmark previously provided DNA testing services for approximately one-third of the State of Florida, while LabCorp serviced the remaining two-thirds of the state.

Thomas Bologna, Orchid Cellmark's President and Chief Executive Officer said, "We could not be happier with this decision by the judge and the State of Florida's Department of Revenue. We look forward to providing critical support to the Department of Revenue's ongoing efforts to enforce the collection of mandated, child support payments. This contract has a potential revenue value to the company of approximately $1.2 million annually."

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. In the agriculture field, the company provides DNA testing services for selective trait breeding. Orchid Cellmark's strong market positions in these areas reflect the company's accredited laboratories in the U.S. and U.K., its innovative genetic analysis technologies and expertise, and the company's reputation for exceptional quality, reliability and customer service for nearly two decades. More information on Orchid Cellmark can be found at www.orchidcellmark.com

All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward- looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the expectation that the new contract with the State of Florida will begin on September 1, 2008; and our belief that the contract with the State of Florida has a potential revenue value of approximately $1.2 million annually. Such statements are subject to the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties relating to technologies, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, cost and pricing of Orchid Cellmark's products and services, dependence on government funding and collaborations, regulatory approvals, competition, intellectual property of others, patent protection, litigation, the timing of release of federal funds, the timing and amount of contracts put up for bid, and Orchid Cellmark's ability to successfully offer its services directly to U.K. police forces. These risks and other additional factors affecting these forward-looking statements and Orchid Cellmark's business are discussed under the headings "Risks Related to Our Business" and "Risks Associated with Our Common Stock" in Orchid Cellmark's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in other filings made by Orchid Cellmark with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Orchid Cellmark expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Orchid Cellmark's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based, except as may be required by law.



    Contact:
    Investors:                Media:
    Mary Bashore              Rick Anderson
    Orchid Cellmark Inc.      The Torrenzano Group
    (609) 750-2324            (212) 681-1700
    ir@orchid.com             randerson@torrenzano.com

SOURCE Orchid Cellmark Inc.