Network-centric programs underway

<FONT SIZE=2>Warfighter Information Network - Tactical</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Army Communications Electronics Command</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Value: </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>$6.6 billion</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Awarded: </FONT><FONT SIZE=2>Lockheed Martin Corp. and General Dynamics Corp. both won contracts Aug. 9 that will develop the architecture and start initial production of systems for testing. The Army will then pick between the two for full production.</FONT>

Special report on new defense opportunities

Warfighter Information Network - Tactical

Army Communications Electronics Command

Value: $6.6 billion

Awarded: Lockheed Martin Corp. and General Dynamics Corp. both won contracts Aug. 9 that will develop the architecture and start initial production of systems for testing. The Army will then pick between the two for full production.

Purpose: WIN-T will be a high-speed and high-capacity backbone communications network that will move information among commanders, staffs and units on the battlefield. The network will enable the Army to plan, prepare and execute multiple missions and tasks simultaneously.

 

Future Combat System

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Value: $154 million

Awarded: The Boeing Co. won the contract for the technology development phase of the project, which will develop network-centric concepts for a multimission combat system that includes tanks and other armored vehicles that are linked with network communications capabilities.

 

Defense Information Infrastructure

Common Operating Environment


Defense Information Systems Agency

Value: $47.5 million

Awarded: International Research Institute, later bought by Northrop Grumman Corp., won the contract in March 1999 to develop the architecture for a defense information infrastructure to enhance interoperability of a variety of systems. The infrastructure is not a single program, but an integration of individual information management programs within the Department of Defense. Programs that will build off of it include the Global Command and Control System and the Global Combat Support System.

 

Cooperative Engagement Capability

Navy Sea Systems Command

Value: Not available

Awarded: Raytheon has been working on this program for several years and won a sole-source $50.9 million contract in April. When the program goes into full production, a competitive award will be made.

Purpose: The Cooperative Engagement Capability is an air and missile defense system that coordinates data from sensors into a single picture. Eventually, the Navy wants 256 CEC systems.

NEXT STORY: 'No bombs without Comms'