GD to refine Navy network interface

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems will continue developing software that improves situational awareness for Navy expeditionary strike group commanders under a five-year contract with a potential value of $28.9 million.

Under the contract, the defense and information technology contractor will provide engineering, design and integrated logistics services in support of the Common Network Interface program, company officials said.

The CNI program provides the surface Navy community with frequent software upgrades and capability improvements, they said.

"CNI is an example of how General Dynamics is using open architecture to quickly and efficiently bring improved situational awareness and warfighting capability to the fleet," said Mike Tweed-Kent, vice president and general manager of integrated combat systems at General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, in a statement.

The Navy has used the same approach to upgrade software and enhance capabilities for its submarine fleet.

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, of Fairfax, Va., is a unit of General Dynamics, based in Fairfax, Va. The parent company ranks No. 6 on Washington Technology's 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.