General Dynamics Awarded $20 Million Order from U.S. Marine Corps for Unit Operations Centers
Command and Control Units to be Ready for Rapid Deployment
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – General Dynamics C4 Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a $20 million contract option from the U.S. Marine Corps System Command (MARCORSYSCOM) to provide 21 additional Unit Operations Centers (UOCs). The mobile command-and-control operations centers are the focal point of Marine decision-making during all phases of ground warfare.
The award is in support of an urgent universal need statement approved by the Marine Corps Oct. 26, 2004, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The new systems include upgrades that enable the units to interface with a wider variety of Marine Corps communications assets, as well as provide a smaller “footprint” for easier transportation and less space requirement for set up. The award also includes funding for long-lead items such as high-end computers and specially-designed cabling harnesses to shorten production time for up to 16 more production units.
“This order is a clear sign that the UOC has become an essential tool in the Marine Corps battlefield communications network,” said Manny Mora, vice president of Battle Management Systems for General Dynamics C4 Systems. “Not only do the Marines want 21 more units immediately, they also asked us to get a jump start on the next 16 units by procuring long-lead items now so we can deploy them faster when needed.”
To date, General Dynamics has delivered 15 UOCs, eight of which are deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The new units will enable the Marines to deploy the mobile operations center to the battalion and regimental level.
The original UOC contract was awarded in April 2002, and the first system was delivered in just over a year. In July 2004, General Dynamics was awarded a $7 million contract modifications by the MARCORSYSCOM to provide engineering upgrades to the UOCs after Iraqi combat operations feedback from Marine leadership.
The UOC deploys rapidly (sets up within 40 minutes), includes a network of workstations supporting standard Tactical Data Systems and other mission-critical software, and has large-screen displays that can take input from any workstation. The system integrates non-secure and secret voice and data communications, Voice Over Internet Protocol capabilities and networked servers. Tents, trailers, radios, power generation and other tactical hardware are also integrated for command and control that can be deployed via air, ground or sea.
General Dynamics C4 Systems is a leading integrator of secure communication and information systems and technology. With more than 9,000 employees worldwide, the company specializes in command and control, communications networking, space systems, computing and information assurance for defense, government and select commercial customers in the United States and abroad.
General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, employs approximately 71,600 people worldwide and anticipates 2004 revenue in excess of $19 billion. The company is a market leader in mission-critical information systems and technologies; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and business aviation.
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Any "forward-looking statements" contained in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
General Dynamics Corporation (ticker: GD, exchange: NYSE)
News Release - Monday, December 13, 2004
Press Contact: (480) 441-2885
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