The Navy awarded almost $2 billion total to Viasat Inc. and the Data Link Solutions LLC consortium on May 19 to provide Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) terminals.
Data Link Solutions is a consortium created by BAE Systems and Raytheon Technologies’ Collins Aerospace [RTX] subsidiary.
MIDS JTRS terminals are line-of-site radios used to collect and transmit broadband, jam-resistant, secure data and voice across various sea, air, and ground platforms. Viasat’s datasheet on the MIDS JTRS explains the radio terminals are interoperable with Link 16 and TACAN systems for backward compatibility with legacy systems while allowing for future network programmability. The Link 16 interoperability means U.S. forces can securely share information with NATO allies.
Viasat’s contract is a $999 million maximum potential value indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) award to produce, retrofit, develop, and sustain the MIDS JTRS terminals.
The announcement explained there are three MIDS JTRS terminal variants: Concurrent Multi-Netting-4, the Tactical Targeting Network Technology and the F-22 variant. While those terminals will still be procured and sustained, they will also be updated for advanced networking waveforms like multifunction advanced data link, intra-flight data link and other advanced networking waveforms.
Viasat’s work will occur in Carlsbad, Calif., and is expected to be finished by May 2025. $48 million will be placed on contract and obligated on the first delivery order concurrent with this award.
Relatedly, Data Link Solutions has a similar IDIQ contract with a maximum potential value of $999 million to conduct the same work. Its share will occur in BAE’s facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa (50 percent), and Collins Aerospace’s facility in Wayne, N.J.
The ordering period for the second contract lasts through May 2025 and $64 million will be placed on contract and obligated on the first delivery order, concurrent with the contract award.
Both contracts combine purchases for the Navy, Air Force, MIDS Program Office, and purchases for NATO and all NATO members under the Foreign Military Sales program.
The DoD announcement said the contracts were competitively procured with these two proposals received. The contracting authority on behalf of the MIDS Program office is Naval Information Warfare System Command.