SAIC to support Special Operations Command

Science Applications International Corp. will assist the Air Force with data distribution and communications support under a 40-month contract that could be worth as much as $39 million.

The Air Force Special Operations Command contract calls for SAIC to provide operations and maintenance support to Dragon Operations Centers at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., and Nellis AFB, Nev. The contractor also will provide support to the 3rd Special Operations Squadron at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., and its associated Air Force Reserve unit's MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle operations.

In addition to operations and maintenance support, SAIC also will provide organizational maintenance support of the ground control stations, including aircraft maintenance management; command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems; and environmental, safety and health programs.

Dragon Operations Centers use and distribute data from Predator and Reaper aircraft, and interface with ground control station crews, forward aircraft and Command and Control centers worldwide. The centers provide critical information and command and control voice connectivity for Predator and Reaper missions.

The contract has a four-month base period and three one-year options. The company will perform the work primarily at Cannon and Nellis Air Force bases.

SAIC, of San Diego, ranks No. 5 on Washington Technology's 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.