Navy awards $2.5B in contracts for CANES
The next-generation shipboard system will replace five networks, boosting interoperability and streamlining upgrades.
The Navy has awarded a potential $2.5 billion worth of contracts to five companies for full deployment production of the Navy’s Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services system, which is intended to improve interoperability across the fleet.
BAE Systems, General Dynamics C4 Systems, Global Technology Systems, Northrop Grumman and Serco will compete for work under the multiple-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts awarded by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego.
The CANES program, initiated in 2010, is intended to streamline shipboard tactical operations by replacing five legacy networks. After delays caused by congressional wrangling over the federal budget, the Navy awarded an initial contract to Northrop Grumman in 2012, and the first iteration of CANES was tested aboard the U.S.S. Milius early in 2013 and the first installation was made aboard the USS McCampbell in November. With the award of the full-production contract, the system is expected to be installed aboard 182 vessels by August 2022.
The Navy describes CANES as “the bridge to the future of Navy afloat networks.” By consolidating legacy networks and stand-alone systems, CANES is expected to provide a secure, interoperable network throughout the fleet, while streamlining upgrades, reducing the costs of maintenance and simplifying training requirements.