Caption: View of a room for communications and tactical awareness aboard the USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier. Credit: Shutterstock

BAE Systems, Serco Inc, and Scientific Research Corp have been awarded a C4I multiple-award contract worth $536,700,000 by the US Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego. 

The contract is for procuring engineering services that integrate, test, and install command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) on surface ships.

This contract vehicle will provide those services and supporting data deliverables throughout the five phases of shipboard C4I integration for each hull at the task order level. The contractors will work in various locations, and the contract is expected to be completed by March 2029.

C4I systems are critical to the operation of surface ships, providing the capability to communicate, control, and coordinate shipboard operations.

According to GlobalData’s “The Global C4ISR Market 2018-2028” report, the naval systems segment, valued at $10.1bnin 2018, is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 2.16% to reach $12.5bnby 2028. Cumulatively, the segment will value $117.5bnover 2018–2028.

Source: GlobalData Intelligence

Many navies deploy platforms that they deployed for the first time more than a decade ago, so in many instances, these ships are laden with obsolete onboard technologies, although structurally, these platforms would be able to serve for many more years to come. Many countries are therefore equipping these older ships with state-of-the-art combat systems and C4ISR. 

BAE Systems is a global defence, aerospace, and security company with a long history of providing advanced technology solutions to the US military. Serco Inc is a provider of professional, technology, and management services, and Scientific Research Corp is a provider of advanced engineering and technology solutions.

The contract will support the Navy’s efforts to modernise its surface fleet and ensure that it has the capabilities necessary to meet future challenges.

With BAE Systems, Serco Inc, and Scientific Research Corp, the Navy will receive support to maintain its technological edge in a rapidly evolving global security environment.

In 2019, the US Navy awarded a C4I support services contract to Serco to provide Command, Control, Communication, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) Testing, Integration, and Installation services.