BAE Systems' Joint Business Unit will operate and support the Primary Injection Facility (PIF) Mission System located at the HMAS Harman facility near Canberra, under a five-year, $18.5 million, performance-based contract.
The PIF is the "gateway" to the Advanced SATCOM Terrestrial Infrastructure System (ASTIS) that forms the basis of the Australian Defence Satellite Communications Capability (ADSCC).
The ADSCC enables broadcast of Command and Control communications and high volume information products and allows deployed forces and other users to connect and communicate with the Defence Secret, Restricted, theatre broadcast, voice and video networks via the PIF at HMAS Harman.
Under the contract, BAE Systems Australia will:
• Operate the PIF Mission System on a 24/7 basis;
• Phase in and provide an availability based Support System;
• Provide a 24-hour help desk;
• Manage the theatre broadcast system;
• Provide ASTIS test and integration support; and
• Act as Design Authority for the PIF Mission and Support Systems.
BAE Systems Australia has worked hard to understand the ADF's requirements and put forward a comprehensive plan that would deliver the ADF's SATCOM PIF operations and support capability, said Kim Scott, Director of BAES' Joint Business Unit.
"Our focus has been to meet and exceed the ADSCC goal of maintaining decision superiority by enhancing ‘the ability of all levels of command within the ADF to send and receive the right information at the right time'," Scott said.
"This contract will enable BAE Systems to continue to work with the ADF to evolve the ADSCC, thereby giving our customer a real advantage in the SATCOM domain."