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 that last line could be very interesting if it prods investment in certain alternatives.