Air Force awards SAIC infrared contract
The $25 million deal will supply the Risk Reduction-Alternative Infrared Satellite System program with system engineering and other space-based infrared technology.
The Air Force Research Laboratory and Space Vehicles Directorate has awarded Science Applications International Corp., a cost-plus-award-fee contract worth about $25 million in a 29-month period for space-based imaging technology.
SAIC said in a statement that it will provide the AFRL/VS’ Risk Reduction-Alternative Infrared Satellite System program with system engineering; optics and electronics hardware and software design and development; engineering integration; and environmental, performance and acceptance testing.
As part of the process, SAIC will build and test an infrared sensor assembly for use in space and integrate infrared focal plane arrays and readout electronics. The company will also process data for the Air Force’s missile warning and defense missions.
“SAIC has a 30-year heritage in space hardware development, designing and fielding successful, on-orbit electro-optical, infrared space payloads using commercial…and state-of-the-art components,” said Charles Gilman, SAIC vice president and operations manager in the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Group, in the statement. “Through this contract, we can help our customer respond to critical, real-world missions.”
About 75 percent of SAIC’s team members are small businesses. “As a result, the SAIC team will be providing AFRL with technical expertise, while at the same time, continuing to support government small-business participation goals,” according to the statement, which does not name the SAIC partners.