The Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman [NOC] a $48 million contract for initial fielding and continued development of the Joint Warning and Reporting Network (JWARN).
This is a follow-on contract to the company’s initial award in 2003.
JWARN will provide the military services near real-time analysis and response capability to minimize the effects of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attacks. The system will enable commanders to understand the tactical and strategic implications of a CBRN attack or hazard and provide information and communications to minimize the contamination threat. JWARN is also highly relevant to homeland-security applications in response to CBRN threats.
“This win complements our communications and sensor networking capabilities that are key enablers for assured battlefield communications,” Roger Fujii, vice president of Network Communication Systems for Northrop Grumman’s Information Systems sector, said in a statement. “We view JWARN as a critical element in protecting U.S. and allied interests on the battlefield and at home.”
Under the contract with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, Northrop Grumman will integrate JWARN’s capabilities into operational-level command and control (C2) systems while continuing to develop advanced JWARN sensor networking and system functionality. Program management and technical direction of the program will come from the Joint Program Executive Officer, Chemical and Biological Defense.
The work will be performed at Northrop Grumman facilities in Orlando, Fla., and San Diego.