GIG-a-Bite: Lockheed Takes $4.6 Billion Contract from SAIC

GIG concept

In June 2012, Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems & Global Solutions Division in Manassas, VA won a competition, transferring the keystone GSM-O IT services contract away from SAIC, a 15-year incumbent. GSM-O pays for the worldwide support services necessary to carry out day-to-day operations of the US military’s Global Information Grid networks and related services, and to update them with new technologies. The contract could be worth up to $4.6 billion over 7 years, making it a major win for Lockheed Martin, and a big loss for SAIC.

So, what is the USA’s Global Information Grid? And how will this contract work?

Rapid Fire Oct. 3, 2012: DoD Sequestered from Sequestration

• The Pentagon continues to pretend it is not planning for sequestration. Showing their newfound social media savvy, the Department even created a Facebook community for that.

• Congressional Republicans are apoplectic to have been outmaneuvered – at last for now – by the Administration on the use of WARN Act notifications – or lack thereof – by defense contractors in anticipation of sequestration. Some senators question the legality of the White House’s position, while others say they will block the payment of legal fees to contractors as envisioned by OMB. Stuck in the crossfire: defense contractor employees.

• BAE/EADS drama of the day: