March 28 (UPI) -- NATO announced Tuesday that it is preparing to put 40 contracts out to tender in the next 18 to 24 months for the modernization of communications and cyber-defense technology.
The NATO Communications and Information Agency said the contracts are part of a $3.25 billion tech refresh program, which will be detailed at its annual industry conference in Canada next month.
Contracts that will be up for tender include the expansion of Satcom bandwidth; a refresh of NATO's cyber shield as part of investments in Cyber Security Services; Command and Control work; continuing upgrade of NATO networks; and advanced software improving NATO's situational awareness and command-and-control in operations.
"A key aim of the Ottawa conference will be to further expand NATO's Industry partnerships to engage small and medium enterprises, innovative, cutting-edge businesses, particularly in the light of cyber threats," the agency said in a press release.
Industry representatives at the event will have the opportunity for one-on-one meetings with NCI Agency acquisition experts and can attend workshops on common mistakes in bid proposals, as well as the fundamentals of doing business with the NCI Agency.
