Hughes to support Custom SATCOM Solutions for US GSA

The US General Services Administration (GSA) has awarded Custom SATCOM Solutions (CS2) contract to Hughes Network Systems.

Under the multi-awarded indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract, Hughes Network Systems will provide COMSATCOM end-to-end solutions to meet the government customer’s requirements.

The company will provide fixed satellite services and/or mobile satellite services, components and equipment such as terminals, teleports, circuits, Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards and peripherals.

Additional services to be provided by the company include design and engineering services, ongoing maintenance and operational support services, customer care and helpdesk support as well as training.

The contract is the final phase of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the General Services Administration (GSA)-developed Future Commercial Services Acquisition (FCSA) programme, aimed at enhancing the means to procure satellite capability.

Hughes assistant vice president for government solutions Tony Bardo said that the contract supports the next generation in government satellite communications.

"The path-diverse nature of satellite technology enables agencies to provide mission-critical functions, such as emergency communications for Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning and emergency responder operations, as well as communications support in remote areas through distance learning and telemedicine," Bardo added.

Hughes Defense and Intelligence Systems Division vice president and general manager Rick Lober said, "We look forward to implementing end-to-end, systems level solutions that utilize our broad array of cost-effective and bandwidth efficient SATCOM technologies to enhance communication and security both within and across federal civilian, defense and intelligence agencies."

The contract has a base performance period of three years and two additional one-year options.