David E. Steitz
May 15, 2003
NASA Selects Raytheon Information Systems For Earth Observing System Support
NASA has selected Raytheon Information Systems (RIS), Upper Marlboro, Md., to provide data and information support services for the NASA Earth Science Enterprise. This award supports the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) that provides for processing, archiving, and distributing science and engineering data from the NASA Earth Observing research satellites.
"This selection will ensure a smooth transition from the development to the full operational phase of this unique and comprehensive data and information system. It also assures continuity of critical functions such as capturing, processing, archiving and distributing a wealth of data and information resulting from our comprehensive constellation of NASA Earth observing research satellites," said Dr. Ghassem Asrar, associate administrator for NASA's Earth Science Enterprise, NASA Headquarters, Washington.
The system is serving more than two million users annually through a network of eight Distributed Active Archive Centers and a host of principal investigators responsible for research and analysis of data provided by NASA's research satellites. The system uses a network-wide EOSDIS "Core System," providing uniform support for all of these activities.
This contract award is a follow-on to the EOSDIS Core System development contract. This is an Indefinite Delivery-Indefinite Quantity, Cost Plus Award Fee, performance-based contract with a minimum dollar amount of $1,000,000 and a maximum dollar amount of $500,000,000. The period of performance for the new contract is five years.
Under the task contract RIS will provide the necessary personnel, materials and facilities to perform maintenance and operation for hardware and software elements of EOSDIS supporting science data management for NASA's Earth Science Enterprise.
The contract also allows for the provision of the following: Program Management; Transition of Maintenance and Development Responsibilities; Maintenance of Custom Software Code, "Commercial off the Shelf" Software and Hardware; Development of Custom Software Code, Commercial off the Shelf Software and Hardware; Systems Engineering; Science Support; Operations Support; Studies and Prototyping.
The main focus of this contract is on providing a stable environment for taking full advantage of the current wealth of data and information that NASA satellites are providing, while ensuring this system will be able to take advantage of emerging information technologies to meet our future objectives.
NASA's Earth Science Enterprise is dedicated to understanding the Earth as an integrated system and applying Earth System Science to improve prediction of climate, weather, and natural hazards using the unique vantage point of space.
For information about NASA and the Earth Science Enterprise on the Internet, visit:
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