SAIC to devise corrosion lifecycle research program for DOD

Science Applications International Corp. will devise a lifecycle research program for the Defense Department under a five-year Navy award valued at more than $41 million.

The SeaPort e-contract task order, awarded by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, calls for SAIC to create a scientific research program that will help prolong the life of equipment and extend infrastructure lifecycle sustainment enhancements, according to an April 14 company announcement.

A 2009 DOD Cost of Corrosion study estimated the Navy spends more than $6 billion annually to deal with corrosion and other forms of materials degradation.

SAIC will provide DOD with an effective scientific research program that concentrates on materials degradation exploration and advanced materials development.

The contractor also will provide scientific, engineering, logistical and programmatic support of this effort in areas including environmental compliance, specification development, test and evaluation, training and education.

The understanding gained from these studies will help DOD implement lifecycle and sustainment improvements based on true total ownership cost.

"Warfighter assets degrade asymmetrically, driving the need for material readiness, supply chain optimization, and new technology development and implementation," J.T. Grumski, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager, said in the announcement.

The work will be performed primarily in Indian Head, Md.

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