Navy pushes ahead with information fusion

General Dynamics Corp. and Lockheed Martin Corp. have won indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contracts from the Navy to compete for nearly $200 million in research and development and other opportunities associated with information fusion.

Under the awards, the two defense giants will provide a variety of services and support for various information fusion initiatives, including R&D, integration and testing, and software training, the Defense Department announced Jan. 15. The companies also will provide independent verification and validation of sensors and systems critical to infrastructure and force protection.

Information fusion refers to the blending of information from various sources to produce better awareness of strategic and tactical situations, keener knowledge of enemy threats and more efficient management of resources.

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems unit won a contract with a ceiling of $95.2 million, while Lockheed Martin won a contract with a ceiling of $103.8 million, the DOD said.

The companies will perform the work in San Diego and China Lake, Calif., for the Information Fusion Center established by the Naval Warfare Center Weapons Division.