Navy selects SAIC for UAS support

MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- SAIC will provide engineering and technical services to support the U.S. Navy's Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems.

The contract from the Naval Air Systems Command features a one-year base period and four one-year options. The total value if all options are exercised is more than $39 million.

SAIC said work under the task order for NAVAIR's PMA-262 program office will be performed at its Patuxent River, Md., facility and at government sites as required. The task order was awarded under the U.S. Navy's Seaport-e contract.

PMA-262 manages the development, production, fielding and sustainment of all persistent maritime UAS, including the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft System, the BAMS Demonstrator programs and other high-altitude, long-endurance UAS.

Under the task order, SAIC will support these programs by providing specialized services in areas including systems engineering, analysis, development, integration, testing and fleet introduction.

"We look forward to providing quality engineering and technical services to PMA-262 as they continue to provide persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to the Fleet to enhance battlespace awareness and save lives," said Jim Thigpen, SAIC senior vice president and acting business unit general manager.