Navy gets Alion help for equipment testing

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command has contracted Alion Science and Technology for shock and environmental support for ships.

Under the contract Alion, which has headquarters in Virginia, will play a key role in evaluating prototype designs and reviewing plans and procedures submitted by equipment manufacturers and also provide technical assistance to the submarine force in the area of submarine weapon launchers and payloads.

Alion's technical team will study both the designs and mission requirements and provide expert opinions on which tests should be required and how they should be tailored to meet Navy requirements.

They will also recommend design changes to improve the likelihood of successful test results.

"Alion's work will help the Navy ensure the proper tests are performed the first time around and that the results of those tests satisfy the Navy's needs," said JJ Waickwicz, Alion Design, Engineering and Technology group manager. "With our years of shipboard experience and in-depth knowledge of military environmental testing standards, Alion will act as a trusted source to help ensure the review and testing process is both thorough and cost-effective."

The company said the services are essential since surface ships and submarines are often subject to extreme environmental conditions and stresses, so effective testing of equipment is essential.

The contract, worth $6.3 million, was awarded as a task order under the Weapon Systems Technology Information Analysis Center contract vehicle and runs through Sept. 28, 2013.