DOD changes Air Ops approach

Defense Department officials directed Air Force officials last month to revise the acquisition strategy for the service's eagerly anticipated Air and Space Operations Center lead systems integrator contract.

"The government is currently addressing several issues with Electronic Systems Center senior leadership," said a Feb. 2 announcement on the Federal Business Opportunities Web site.

Air Force officials now plan to meet with industry officials to discuss the $600 million program no earlier than March. They planned to release the solicitation for it last month and award the contract this spring.

Lockheed Martin officials announced last year that they would lead a team competing for the contract. Team members include IBM, L-3 Communications, Raytheon and Science Applications International Corp.

Air Force officials operate 46 information systems in command and control centers, in which military employees plan, manage and execute bomber, cargo, fighter and refueling aircraft missions. They want to hire a company to use existing hardware and software, manage application and data growth, train new employees to support soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, and provide air commanders with command and control capabilities to better wage the war on terrorism.

To view the announcement, go to: www.herbb.hanscom.af.mil/tbbs/R495/LSI_Schedule_announcement_2_Feb_05_JA__2_.doc