Weekly GEOINT Community News

Leidos Awarded Contract to Advance U.S. Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Ground Control System

The General Services Administration (GSA) awarded Leidos a new prime contract to develop and refresh software as well as upgrade capabilities for the Army’s Unmanned Aircraft System Ground Control Station – Version 4 (UASGCS-V4). The single award, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract has a one-year base period of performance and three one-year option years. If all options are exercised, the contract holds a total value of approximately $53 million. Work will primarily be performed in Huntsville, Alabama. Under this contract, Leidos will provide engineering services for technical and logistics support, including software development. The company will also support integration of this design solution into the Universal Ground Control Station (UGCS) as well as system qualification, certification, and operational testing for multiple UAS platforms. It will deliver a software solution compatible with the common baseline that maximizes reusable efficiencies for the existing unmanned aircraft system, as well as U.S. Army, Department of Defense, and commercially-available software. This software solution will result in a simplified, efficient, and integrated system that is easier to operate, reduces the burden of training, and provides the warfighting commander with maximum concept of operations (CONOP) flexibility. This solution is essential for unmanned aircraft ground control station operators to see where they need to go, locate enemies, and execute their mission.

Esri Provides Free Mapping Software for Women in GIS

Esri will make its software available to Women in GIS (WiGIS). The company is offering WiGIS members a free, one-year, home-use subscription to ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Pro. WiGIS is a nonprofit organization comprised of a global network of women helping each other start and navigate their geospatial careers. Esri seeks to foster a diverse and inclusive geospatial community where people of all backgrounds are empowered to solve the world’s greatest challenges using GIS. It is committed to increasing representation in the geospatial field and supporting organizations like Women in GIS, which helps underrepresented groups overcome barriers to thrive.

Parsons Developing Digital Coronavirus Detector

Parsons has partnered with Fraunhofer USA to develop and commercialize a diamond electrode biosensor for direct and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19. Parsons combines its expertise in infectious disease research and pathogen detection for public health and national security, and its microelectronics packaging, fabrication, and testing capabilities, with Fraunhofer USA’s technology and expertise with boron-doped diamond electrode technology for applications in electrochemical technology, biological threat detection, and environmental sensing. Initial testing and development of the prototype is anticipated this summer, in time to help mitigate concerns of a lingering pandemic or a possible rebound.

BAE Systems Wins $26.7M Systems Integration Contract

The U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s Aircraft Prototyping Systems Division has awarded BAE Systems a prime position on a $26.7 million task order to install, integrate, and test the Department of the Navy (DoN) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system on KC-130J aerial transport and refueling aircraft. The DoN LAIRCM advanced missile warning system improves aircraft capability and survivability by countering advanced infrared missile system threats. The BAE Systems turnkey solution provides program management, inventory control, engineering support, installation, and system testing of the DoN LAIRCM upgrade. Aircraft maintenance and support activities will also be provided as required. This is the second task order awarded to BAE Systems under the Prototyping and Limited Production indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract. The DoN LAIRCM installation will be performed on up to 19 KC-130J aircraft over the next five years. The work will take place in Crestview, Florida, in partnership with Vertex Aerospace Aircraft Integration and Sustainment Division.

Carahsoft Awarded ESC Contract through OMNIA Partners

Carahsoft has been awarded a Region 4 Education Service Center (ESC) contract for Educational Software Solutions and Services available now through OMNIA Partners. The ESC contract makes these solutions available to state and local government agencies, educational institutions, non-profits, municipalities, and additional public sector organizations through Carahsoft and authorized reseller partners. All solutions on this contract are offered at special discounts off their manufacturer list price, and additional price reductions can be provided on a deal-by-deal basis. To support this contract and all public sector customers, Carahsoft has designated program and account managers to facilitate the procurement process and ensure the quality of all products and services delivered. The company will also conduct regular training webinars covering contract terms, new software and updates, as well as provide a dedicated resource page for the contract and dedicated support lines.

Peer Intel

Ball Aerospace named Deirdre M. Walsh, former chief operating officer of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, to serve as vice president of Washington Operations, effective late June. Walsh will lead the creation and execution of government relations strategies to enhance the company’s reputation and strategic positioning in the industry as a trusted mission partner.

Featured Image: Digital Coronavirus Detector | Photo Credit: Parsons