Network securityNorthrop awarded $1.1 billion DHS contract

Published 24 March 2011

Northrop Grumman Corp. recently announced that it was awarded a government contract worth up to $1.1 billion to “operate, maintain, and enhance” classified networks for DHS; Northrop will build and maintain a classified network that will transmit data, voice, and video to over 15,000 users; the system is designed using a proprietary cloud-based computing model that can be accessed remotely

On Monday defense giant Northrop Grumman Corp. announced that it was awarded a government contract worth up to $1.1 billion to “operate, maintain, and enhance” classified networks for DHS.

According to a written statement, Northrop will “lead the work to sustain and modernize classified enterprise information technology (IT) services” for DHS and support as many as 1,100 various local, state, and federal agencies across the United States.

Under the task order, Northrop will build and maintain a classified network that will transmit data, voice, and video to over 15,000 users. The system is designed using a proprietary cloud-based computing model that can be accessed remotely.

The project will be carried out over a one year base period with the option of six additional one year periods.

The order to build the system was originally placed in 2004.

Northrop will rely on several sub-contractors to help implement the network including Lockheed Martin, Netcom Technologies, and CACI International.

Jim Myers, the vice president and general manager for Northrop Grumman’s Civil Systems Division, said, “Our cutting-edge solution and industry-leading team will incorporate green IT best practices to benefit the department and support the federal Chief Information Officer Council’s Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative through a reduced energy and data center footprint.”