MCI to wirelessly connect Iraqi Army, coalition trainers

The Army late last week awarded a $7.9 million contract to MCI to build a wireless network for the Iraqi Armed Forces and the Coalition Provisional Authority's Military Assistance Training Team.

The Ashburn, Va.-based company will construct a digital, cellular command and control system to connect Iraqi Army and CPA military training sites. MCI will complete the work by March 2007, said an April 29 Defense Department contracts' statement.

The Army's Information Technology, E-Commerce and Commercial Contracting Center-West at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., sought proposals from three companies. ITEC4-West received two bids on March 15, the department statement said.

The CPA intends to award more Iraqi reconstruction contracts before turning over control of the country to a group of country leaders on June 30, according to an industry official familiar with the situation.