Raytheon fights back against contract lost to Leidos

In another case of an incumbent fighting to keep a contract, Raytheon has filed a protest over DISA’s decision to award Leidos a $100 million contract for the modernization of a tactical data system.

Raytheon has held the contract for the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System since at least 2009. But Leidos won the contract on Dec. 29. Raytheon then filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office on Jan. 11. The contract is worth $98.1 million over five years, according to Deltek.

The data system provides automated fire support and coordination from the firing unit through the theater level. The Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force all use the system, according to solicitation documents.

The government is looking to modernize the data systems architecture as well as redesign its front end to a fully web and role based interface. It also will integrate with the Army’s Common Operating Environment and incorporate advanced embedded training technologies.

The winning contractor is expected to provide systems architecture design and analysis, software interface support, design and system engineering, and systems integration.

The system also will need to work in areas with reliable network connections, in which case users will connect via a web browser. In areas without reliable network connections, the system will be hosted on a local end-user device.

Integrated tactical systems are a line of business for Leidos under its national security solutions business.

Raytheon also lists these types of systems as a core capability and has sold Advanced Field Artillery Data Systems to Australian and the United Kingdom as well as the U.S.

A decision from GAO on the protest is expected April 21.