The US Department of Defense Joint Program Office has awarded a 15-month contract to Serco to upgrade command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) equipment and systems on mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles.
Under the contract, Serco will modernise the integrated communication systems installed on MRAP vehicles. The deal is part of the US Navy’s SPAWAR Global C4ISR installation indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contract.
As part of the deal, the company will use teams to analyse, install, and test the systems onsite to enable troops to communicate effectively through the interoperability of ground-based and airborne equipment.
Serco Engineering vice president Kent Brown said that the new C4ISR contract would support nation’s armed forces on the frontline.
"Serco has supported SPAWAR with C4ISR solutions for the past 24 years, and we will apply our expertise in upgrading the systems and equipment on the MRAP vehicles," Brown added.
For the C4ISR systems operational maintenance, the company will provide sustainment and maintenance support services under the terms of the contract.
The nine-month base period contract has a six-month option period and is valued at $73m, should the option be exercised.
MRAP vehicles have been designed to protect US troops and withstand improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, ambushes, ballistic arms fire and mine blasts.
In addition to US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), Serco will provide C4ISR installations for other federal agencies such as the air force, coast guard, customs and border protection, as well as port authorities.
The MRAP vehicles are currently in service with the US Air Force, Army, Marine Corp, as well as at US Navy bases and camps throughout Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Qatar.
