Marines award $45.6M deal to meet needs in Iraq

The Marine Corps Systems Command awarded General Dynamics C4 Systems a $45.6 million contract for Tactical Data Network Data Distribution Systems-Replacements (TDN DDS-R) to meet urgent operational needs in Iraq, while working on a full-scale procurement of a next-generation tactical data distribution system.The TDN DDS is a suite of automatic data processing equipment and communication systems designed for use in a tactical environment, with much of the equipment mounted in shelters transported by Humvees.TDN DDS consists of a network of gateways and servers connected to one another and to subscribers via a combination of long-haul transmissions systems, local-area networks and switched telephone systems. It serves as the backbone network for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.The TDN DDS-R contract awarded to General Dynamics requires the company to deliver 150 systems to Marines in Iraq. The command awarded the contract after the Government Accountability Office dismissed a protest Nov. 6 by Omega Systems on the grounds that Omega was two minutes late in submitting final proposal revisions.Earlier this month the command released a presolicitation notice for a lightweight next-generation version of a TDN DDS modular system housed in transit cases and designed to support IP-based tactical communications. The command said it plans to acquire 600 modular systems, with the initial award worth $120 million and a five-year worth $375 million.