Microsoft captures $479M Army personal network OTA

Microsoft has won a $479.2 million Army contract to create a personal network for soldiers in hopes of increasing their battlefield awareness and allowing them to detect and react to threats more quickly.

The company will build what is known as a “personal area network” as part of the Army’s Nett Warrior program. Army officials want a soldier-worn situational awareness and battle command system that integrates into body armor.

Soldiers in leadership positions would wear the system during combat and training operations. An electronic display includes a moving map and shows real-time updates of other soldiers with the Nett Warrior system and other relevant tactical data. The systems also exchange information.

Through an Other Transaction Authority procurement, Microsoft competed for what the Army is calling an "Integrated Visual Augmentation System" that started in August with a call for white papers.

The white papers were to address ways to accelerate development of lethal defensive and offensive capabilities for the system, according to an FBO.gov posting.

The OTA process had six steps:

• Submission of white papers
• Invitations for demonstrations
• Selection of apparent OTA awardee
• Request for prototype proposal
• Negotiations with apparent OTA awardee
• OTA award

With the award, Microsoft will build over 2,500 prototypes that will include hardware and software. The prototypes will be delivered in four increments or capability sets, according to the Army.

This OTA includes the ability to move into production.