SAIC Scores $51.8M for WCS Tactical Comm Networking

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) Research and Development Division in San Diego, CA received a $51.8 million cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for the research, design, fabrication, and demonstration of wideband communication system (WCS) prototypes, configured for a variety of platforms to meet DoD and non-DoD U.S Government needs. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, FL (74%); San Diego, CA (13%); California, MD (5%); Newport News, VA (2%); and Johnstown, PA (2%) and is expected to be completed May 2011. This contract was not competitively procured by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division in Dahlgren, VA (N00178-06-D-3001). DefenseLINK notes that WCS “will be a communication system that networks multiple sensor nodes and sub-networks at data rates up to 70 Mbps over ranges up to 70 miles. The WCS will shorten the sensor-to-command post and command post-to-shooter timeline and allow firing units to fire on the move, a currently non-existent capability.” The system will also serve to link multiple sub-networks in its zones of coverage, no easy task. Interestingly, the release also adds that “WCS will provide the warfighter with substantial reach-back capability not tied to congested satellite channels.” This is logical, and also TSAT and Combat Skysat for why […]