Northrop Grumman to leverage COTS computing for Navy Ship Self-Defense System
NewsJuly 23, 2014
Northrop Grumman to leverage COTS computing for Navy Ship Self-Defense System
MCLEAN, Va. Northrop Grumman won $12 million task order from the U.S. Navy for engineering services to continue modernizing the Ship Self-Defense System Mark 2 (SSDS MK2). This contract is part of an open architecture modernization effort aimed at updating obsolete equipment with modern commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) computing systems and enabling a hardware backbone for increased cybersecurity.
"It's important we continue migrating toward COTS [commercial off-the-shelf] equipment to improve performance and enable increased cybersecurity," says Mike Barrett, director, maritime combat systems, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. Replacing obsolete components with open systems COTS computing hardware will allow adaptable deployment of more current and secure capabilities.
SSDS MK2 is a combat system created for anti-air defense of U.S. and coalition partner aircraft carriers and amphibious ships. The system coordinates a ship's existing sensors, self-defense weapons, and countermeasures to shorten the detect-to-engage cycle.
The task order was awarded under the SeaPort-e indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract vehicle. Under the direction of the Combat Direction Systems Activity (CDSA), Dam Neck, Virginia Beach, Northrop Grumman will provide life cycle engineering, system engineering and integration, and hardware prototype development.
The contract has a potential value of $61 million over five years, if all options are exercised.
