DataPath to help Guard respond faster

DataPath Inc. will help establish a nationwide Joint Incident Site Communications Capability for the Army National Guard under a new $16.7 million contract from the Communications-Electronics Command in Fort Monmouth, N.J.

In partnership with Applied Global Technologies, DataPath's communications networks will enable federal, state and military first responders to establish full command and control capabilities at the site of a man-made or natural disaster within hours, anywhere in the United States.

The system will use DataPath satellite communications base units to deliver high bandwidth to voice-over-IP telephones, video teleconferencing systems and an interoperable, handheld radio solution for deployed National Guard teams and other first responders.

A complete communications suite will be transportable via military C-130 aircraft and other means for extremely rapid deployment.

The contract was awarded through the Worldwide Satellite Systems contract vehicle. DataPath will deliver 32 systems based on the company's ET 2000 Portable, a rugged fly-away satcom terminal.

DataPath developed a customized version of the DataPath 2000 by incorporating a 1.2-meter fly-away antenna developed by AvL Technologies. AGT will provide the integrated land mobile radio solution as well as video teleconferencing systems for the program.

In addition to the fly-away terminals, the communications solution will include engineering and training services, MaxView network control software, base-band systems and 24/7 support from DataPath's Systems Management Center.

DataPath of Duluth, Ga., ranks No. 47 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.