Harris Corporation To Provide Data Communications Integrated Services For Federal Aviation Administration Program

Harris Corporation has been awarded a $331 million contract to provide highly reliable air/ground data communications integrated services (DCIS) for a key Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program. The contract will provide integration and engineering services for the end-to-end Data Communication system, management and delivery of data communications services leveraging commercial air-to-ground digital data link networks to connect FAA air traffic control (ATC) sites and data communications-equipped aircraft. The contract has 10 one-year options that could extend the duration of the program upto 2029. DCIS will automate ATC and en route voice communications with specialized data messaging equivalents and ensure more reliable ATC communications and is a essential element of the FAA’s Next Generation Air Transport System. John O’Sullivan, vice president, Mission Critical Networks, Harris Government Communications Systems, said, "DCIS lays the groundwork for the move from traditional air traffic control to more active air traffic management. Our approach to this effort reflects the same high standards that Harris adopted during the successful FAA Telecommunications Infrastructure (FTI) program, which the FAA has called a model of government and industry partnership”.