SAIC, Northrop to enhance Navy integrated security system

Science Applications International Corp. and Northrop Grumman Corp. will provide the Navy with technical and engineering services and software enhancements under a five-year contract that could be worth a combined total of about $38 million for the two awardees.

The contract from the Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic (SPAWAR Atlantic) in Charleston, S.C., supports the Enhanced Tactical Automated Security System.

ETASS is a command-and-control platform that integrates a wide range of sensors and other technologies. It is a deployable, integrated security system designed for a variety of force-protection missions, according to an SAIC announcement released today.

The system includes standoff- and perimeter-detection technology, immediate visual assessment, command-and-control display equipment, and supporting power and communications infrastructures.

Those elements are enhanced through the integration of ground surveillance radars, fiber-optic sensors, thermal imagers and closed-circuit TV cameras.

Under the contract, SAIC will help enhance the system by connecting a wider range of sensors and assessment devices, as well as command and control display systems, into a more tightly integrated security framework.

The company will also provide upgrades to ensure seamless integration and interoperability.

Under its ETASS indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity award from SPAWAR Atlantic, Northrop Grumman will compete for delivery orders for software enhancements, hardware, design, installation and support.

The award is a follow-on to a sole-source contract Northrop Grumman won in September 2007 for $9 million, the contractor said in a separate announcement.

It calls for Northrop Grumman to design, deploy and support integrated security solutions at Marine Corps and other Defense Department locations where security is of vital interest.

Northrop Grumman, of Los Angeles, ranks No. 2 on Washington Technology’s 2010 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors. SAIC, of McLean, Va., ranks No. 5.