DigitalGlobe, Space Imaging get NIMA contract

DigitalGlobe Inc., Longmont, Colo., and Space Imaging Inc., Thornton, Colo., have each won spots on a $500 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to provide space imagery, the Department of Defense announced Jan. 16.

"This Clearview contract is a new approach to the procurement of commercial satellite imagery", said James Clapper, director of the National Imagery and Mapping Agency. "The contract enables NIMA to use commercial satellite imagery across a broad spectrum of geospatial applications."

Thus far, DigitalGlobe has been awarded a firm, fixed-price, $96 million order, and Space Imaging has been awarded $120 million in a similar agreement. Both task orders are for three years. Further work will depend on funds available. The contract calls for the delivery to the agency of high-resolution satellite imagery for Ònominal ground sampling distances equal to or less than one meter," according to NIMA.

Both DigitalGlobe and Space Imaging provide Earth imagery taken from their own satellites, as well as related geographic information system services. Major holders in Space Imaging include Lockheed Martin Corp., Bethesda, Md., and Raytheon Co., Lexington, Mass.