Parsons, V2X form venture to chase $8B NSF Antarctica research contract

Parsons and V2X have established a joint venture to go after a potential $8 billion National Science Foundation contract for research support services in Antarctica.

NSF has maintained a significant U.S. presence on the continent since 1959 through the U.S. Antarctic Program, which manages all scientific research and related logistics in that region.

In unveiling Polar Science Alliance on Tuesday, Parsons and V2X are touting their venture as bringing more than their collective experience in global logistics and operations.

Parsons has 55 years of polar experience dating back to 1970 on the North Slope of Alaska, while V2X is the prime contractor supporting Space Force’s presence in Greenland.

The new Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract will have a performance period of 20 years and continue NSF’s ongoing efforts to understand the region’s impact on climate and other global processes. NSF leans on Antarctica’s unique features for scientific studies.

Leidos is the incumbent on the current contract, which was awarded in 2011 and is slated to expire on Sept. 30, 2025. NSF has obligated $2.8 billion against the contract, according to GovTribe data.