GDAIS wins USN CEDS consoles contract

FAIRFAX, Va., Nov. 23 (UPI) -- General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems has won a U.S. Navy order for CEDS consoles for warships.

"The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with the total potential value of $83 million for the development, qualification, production and support of the Common Enterprise Display System -- CEDS -- display consoles," the company said in a statement last week.

General Dynamics said it would "provide program management, engineering, manufacturing, integrated logistics support, tests and evaluations for CEDS display consoles in support of DDG 1000 and Aegis Modernization." The company noted that General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is one of its business units.

"Using an open business model, we brought together the right teammates to leverage both small and large business innovation for this program," said Mike Tweed-Kent, vice president and general manager of integrated combat systems for General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems.

"Building on the General Dynamics open computing infrastructure -- OPEN CI -- we offered a low risk, flexible CEDS design that has a state-of-the-art, multi-level security function and the ability to rapidly insert new capabilities, providing the Navy with the best, most cost-effective solution," Tweed-Kent said.

General Dynamics said CEDS was "designed to meet open architecture and open business model requirements with minimized life-cycle costs that will ensure its interoperability and the ability to handle frequent updates of the latest technology."

"The CEDS product family consists of a series of display configurations based on standardized interchangeable components. The CEDS displays also provide a robust capability to meet the Navy's current and future needs for open systems, security features and cost effectiveness. CEDS systems have an intended service life of 30 years," General Dynamics said.