SAIC to help Navy explore maritime corrosion problems

Science Applications International Corp. has won a $29 million contract to support research efforts at the Naval Research Laboratory's Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering.

SAIC will work with the Navy center to assess the effects of marine-engineered systems on the natural environment. Areas to be examined include marine corrosion, materials, engineering, electrochemistry, coatings, biofouling remediation and the environmental effects on surface ships, submarines and aircraft.

The center is responsible for conducting broad scientific and engineering programs intended to lessen the damage that salt water and marine life can do to naval systems. Its Corrosion Engineering Section operates the Marine Corrosion Facility in Key West, Fla., where corrosion control problems are studied and engineering solutions are created to resolve them.

The support work under the contract will be performed primarily in Key West and Washington, D.C.

The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract has a one-year base period and four one-year options.

SAIC, based in San Diego, ranks No. 5 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.