Harris wins $38M contract to provide radios to alliance partners

Harris Corp. will provide military communications and field assistance to U.S. Southern Command partner nations under a four-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with a potential total value of $38 million.

The contract from the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command is a Harris’ vehicle to provide radios, accessories, communication systems and services to the unnamed SOUTHCOM partners, a Nov. 9 company announcement explained.

Harris received delivery orders worth $7.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 to supply Falcon tactical radios for the program.

The contract covers an expansive sustainment program with certified Harris trainers and engineers providing operator and maintenance support throughout the region, the announcement said.

It also provides a logistics backbone to support the inventory of existing Falcon II radios as well as a path to upgrade to Falcon III radios.

The contract is part of the federal government's program to counter illicit trafficking, which focuses on collaboration and interoperability by providing defense equipment, training and services.

SOUTHCOM, composed of 19 nations, is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations and security cooperation for Central America, South America and the Caribbean. It also is responsible for ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal and canal area.

Harris Corp., of Melbourne, Fla., ranks No. 13 on Washington Technology’s 2011 Top 100 list of the largest federal government contractors.