L3 Harris Technologies wins USMC contract for manpack radio systems

L3 Harris Technologies has been awarded a contract to deliver high-frequency (HF) radio systems for the US Marine Corps (USMC).

The $383.247m contract will see the supply of L3 Harris portable HF receiver transmitters (RF-300H-MP manpack systems); RF-300H-MP-based, vehicle-based HF systems; and RF-300H-MP-based transit case HF systems.

The proposed procurement package also includes ancillary components, provisioning kits, and necessary documentation. In addition, the Program Manager of Communications Systems will be provided with instructor training.

Under the firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, the company will provide radio systems to the US Marines with National Security Agency (NSA) certified Type 1 encryption. 

The US Department of Defense (DoD) did not specify the number of units being purchased in its announcement.

Work under the contract will be carried out in Rochester, New York. The company is expected to complete it by March 2025.

The DoD noted that the contract is not ‘competitively procured’ and around $89.3m will be obligated on the first delivery order.

The US Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Virginia, is serving as the contracting activity.

RF-300H is a small, lightweight and fastest wideband manpack radio. It was launched in 2017 to enhance HF tactical communications.

The NSA Type 1 encryption certification allows the device to transmit voice, images, maps and large data beyond-line-of-sight securely.