NSA Encrypts Option To General Dynamics

General Dynamics C4 Systems has been awarded a $9.2 million contract option to continue the development, qualification, and certification of a National Security Agency (NSA) approved encryption module that will be used to secure telemetry, tracking, and control of Department of Defense satellites. The option modifies a contract initially awarded to General Dynamics in July 2006, which brings the total contract value to $19.3 million. The program’s initial critical design review is complete and the current contract phase is focused on system development, qualification, and certification. Completion is scheduled during the Q4 of 2009. Production will be undertaken under a subsequent contract action, award of which is anticipated in 2009. The contract is through the U.S. Air Force‘s Telemetry, Tracking and Commanding KG-327 program, formerly known as Aerospace Vehicle Equipment – Increment One (AVE I1). The KG-327 program is part of the National Security Agency‘s initiative to modernize information security technologies and devices used on future Department of Defense satellite programs.