BAE Systems and Ball Aerospace collaborate to bolster U.S. Navy’s ability to share critical data

WAYNE, N.J., 28 Sept. 2016. U.S. Navy officials selected BAE Systems in Wayne, New Jersey, to design, develop, test, and produce the Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL) system to enable Navy personnel to share large quantities of critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data across platforms and networks under a contract worth up to $84.7 million.

NTCDL enhances the Navy’s situational awareness and tactical battlefield advantage through the real-time exchange of voice, data, imagery, and full-motion video (FMV) from a variety of air, surface, subsurface, and man-portable sources. NTCDL supports multiple, simultaneous networked operations using currently fielded Common Data Link (CDL) equipment, as well as next-generation manned and unmanned platforms. Initial systems will be installed on Navy aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious ships.

Source: SPAWAR

The modular, scalable NTCDL system infuses the Navy with the ability to simultaneously transmit and receive real-time data from multiple sources and exchange command and control information across disparate networks. Designed to increase link capacity and embrace waveform evolution, NTCDL uses an open systems architecture with non-proprietary interfaces, and is reprogrammable so that it can adapt to new and evolving mission needs.

BAE Systems, the program’s prime contractor, will work with partner Ball Aerospace in Boulder, Colorado, to advance the two companies’ joint Multi Link CDL Systems development efforts. The work will be performed primarily at BAE Systems’ facilities in Wayne, New Jersey, and Greenlawn, New York.

“Our technology enables greater and faster delivery of tactical communications and information-sharing to help the Navy maintain its maritime advantage,” explains Brian Walters, vice president and general manager of Electronic Combat Solutions at BAE Systems. “We’re providing a technology that will create a pathway to more advanced capabilities.”

BAE Systems won a $47,671,140 cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for procurement of Network Tactical Common Data Link systems that includes a design, development, test, and low-rate initial production (LRIP). Work includes: development effort phase; LRIP for hardware with corresponding engineering and depot repair services; and provisioning items ordering support.

Contract options, if all are exercised, will bring the contract value to $84,712,006. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity and awarded the contract on behalf of the Navy’s Program Executive Office for Command Control Communications Computers and Intelligence (N00039-16-C-0087).

Work is expected to be completed September 20120. If all options are exercised, work could continue through September 2022.

Search the Aerospace & Defense Buyer's Guide