The U.S. Navy has awarded Harris Corporation an eight-year contract valued at up to $133 million to provide shipboard terminals that give crews access to high-bandwidth voice and data communications.
Under the agreement, Harris will provide up to 120 terminals in addition to the 70 terminals already delivered since 2008 under the indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity Commercial Broadband Satellite Program (CBSP) Unit Level Variant (ULV) contract. The new award brings the total potential value of CBSP ULV and Force Level Variant contract awards to Harris to more than $250 million through 2022.
The program provides worldwide, commercial, end-to-end telecommunications services to the Navy. The 1.3-meter Harris terminals offer X-band operation over existing military satellites, and the option of military/commercial Ka-band operation for future deployed satellite systems. They support essential mission requirements and provide high-speed Internet access and video communications on small combatant and support ships. Harris terminals also are used onboard Navy amphibious assault ships.
“These Harris terminals provide the Navy with access to the high-bandwidth services essential to mission-critical communications and to morale,” said Ed Zoiss, vice president and general manager, Defense Programs, Harris Government Communications Systems. “Harris is delivering the next generation of military and commercial satellite capabilities to the Navy fleet.”
[mappress] Press Release, April 23, 2014; Image: Harris