Navy fires NGEN program lead

On the eve of the Navy awarding the $5 billion Next Generation Enterprise Network contract, the service has fired its program manager.

Capt. Shawn Hendricks was relieved of his duties following an investigation into an improper relationship and unprofessional behavior, according to a Navy announcement.

Philip Anderson, deputy program manager, has assumed his duties. Hendricks has been reassigned to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command’s Washington office while his case is processed.

Hendricks has been a driving force behind the development of the NGEN contract, which will replace the Navy Marine Corps Intranet. Though the awarding of NGEN has been delayed, the latest deadline is June 30.

His dismissal is not expected to delay the decision, according to a report by InformationWeek.

Navy Times reported that Hendricks is accused of having a personal relationship with a subordinate contractor.

A team led by Hewlett-Packard Co., the incumbent on NMCI, and a team led by Computer Sciences Corp. and Harris Corp. are battling for NGEN.

HP was recently awarded an extension to NMCI to cover the transition period between the two contracts.