Harris Corporation Awarded $331 Million Contract by FAA for Data Communications Integrated Services

BusinessWirevia The Motley Fool
Updated

Harris Corporation Awarded $331 Million Contract by FAA for Data Communications Integrated Services Program

Highlights:

  • Program will provide highly reliable air/ground data communications services for the FAA.

  • Program is a key element in the transformation from voice-based air traffic control to automated air traffic management.

  • Award continues Harris' long history of supporting the FAA and worldwide aviation community.

MELBOURNE, Fla. & WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Harris Corporation (NYS: HRS) , an international communications and information technology company, has been awarded a seven-year, $331 million contract to provide highly reliable air/ground data communications services for a key Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program. The contract has 10 one-year options that could extend the duration of the program to 2029.


Under the Data Communications Integrated Services (DCIS) contract, Harris and its teammates will provide integration and engineering services for the end-to-end DataComm system, including management and delivery of data communications services leveraging commercial air-to-ground digital data link networks to connect FAA air traffic control (ATC) sites and data communications-equipped aircraft. Harris will also establish an outreach initiative to encourage and incentivize aircraft operators to equip their aircraft with DataComm-compatible avionics.

DCIS is a key component of the FAA's DataComm program, which ultimately will automate many of today's routine ATC and en route voice communications with specialized data messaging equivalents.

The goal of DataComm is to ensure more reliable ATC communications; enable trajectory-based routing; and improve arrival and departure routes - saving fuel and reducing emissions. DataComm is an essential element of the FAA's Next Generation Air Transport System initiative to transform the U.S. air traffic control system to meet future requirements.

The Harris DCIS team includes leading aviation and communications innovators with extensive experience and advanced labs/facilities: Adfero Group, American Airlines, ARINC, The Brattle Group, CGH, EES, Egis Avia, GE, HCRQ, NATS, Sunhillo, Thales and Washington Consulting Group.

"DCIS lays the groundwork for the move from traditional air traffic control to more active air traffic management," said John O'Sullivan, vice president, Mission Critical Networks, Harris Government Communications Systems. "Our approach to this effort reflects the same high standards that Harris adopted during the successful FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) program, which the FAA has called a model of government and industry partnership."

Harris has a long history of developing and integrating system solutions for the FAA in support of the National Airspace System (NAS). The company is the prime contractor for the FTI program, which provides critical voice, data and video communications for NAS operations and mission support functions. FTI securely connects more than 4,300 national and international FAA and DoD facilities, manages over 26,000 services, and supports more than 50,000 users. Other FAA programs developed by Harris include:

  • The Weather and Radar Processor which provides weather processing dissemination and display capabilities to air traffic controllers in the en-route air traffic control environment;

  • OASIS, which provides integrated weather briefing and flight planning capabilities for preflight weather briefings and in-flight updates in a managed service model;

  • The NAS Voice System, which provides a secure, IP-based voice network for critical communications between air traffic controllers, pilots and ground personnel nationwide; and

  • The Alaskan Satellite Telecommunications Infrastructure program, which provides voice and data communications between the Alaskan Air Route Traffic Control Center in Anchorage and 64 regional FAA sites.

About Harris Corporation

Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 125 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5.5 billion of annual revenue and about 15,000 employees - including 6,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at harris.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about the expected value of the program to Harris are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.



Harris Government Communications Systems
Sleighton Meyer, 321-727-6514
sleighton.meyer@harris.com
or
Harris Corporation, Washington DC
Marc Raimondi, 202-729-3732
marc.raimondi@harris.com

KEYWORDS: United States North America District of Columbia Florida

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:

The article Harris Corporation Awarded $331 Million Contract by FAA for Data Communications Integrated Services Program originally appeared on Fool.com.

Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2012 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Advertisement