General Dynamics Mission Systems Awarded $229 million U.S. Army Contract to Build Next Generation Cryptographic Key Loader

Rhea-AI Summary

General Dynamics Mission Systems has been awarded a $229 million contract by the U.S. Army to develop the Next Generation Load Device-Medium (NGLD-M), a certified hand-held device for cryptographic key management. This indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract spans 10 years with plans to procure 265,000 units. The NGLD-M will replace outdated key loaders and enhance security by transferring NSA-generated cryptographic keys across various operational networks. General Dynamics aims to deliver a user-friendly, secure, and upgradeable device for tactical use.

Positive

• Awarded a $229 million contract with the U.S. Army for the NGLD-M device.
• Plan to produce 265,000 units over a 10-year period.
• Enhances security by replacing aging cryptographic key loaders.

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• None.

FAIRFAX, Va., Feb. 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Mission Systems announced today that it was awarded a contract by the U.S. Army to develop and produce a certified hand-held device to manage and transfer cryptographic key material and mission planning data. Under this contract, awarded by the Army's Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical, General Dynamics will design and build a National Security Agency-certified key-loader: The Next Generation Load Device-Medium (NGLD-M). The initial value of this multiple-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract is $229 million, with a 10-year period of performance, during which the U.S. Army plans to procure 265,000 units.

The NGLD-M will be used broadly by U.S. government agencies and U.S. global partners to replace aging Simple Key Loader fill devices. The NGLD-M devices will transfer the strongest NSA-generated cryptographic keys to tactical, strategic, and enterprise network systems operating from unclassified up to the highest levels of security classification.

"We are proud to partner with the Army to bring our industry-leading crypto experience to bear, along with a powerful user experience team," said Chris Brady, president of General Dynamics Mission Systems. "Our device will be designed with the mobile Soldier in mind to ensure security and ease of use, while standing up to the rigors of a tactical environment."

"By leveraging our demonstrated crypto, key management, and tactical computing expertise, we will deliver an accelerated, low-risk, sustainable, NSA-certified NGLD-M solution," said Brian Morrison, vice president for the Cyber Systems line of business with General Dynamics Mission Systems. "It will be built from the ground up to support useability and security, with significant modularity to allow future upgrades."

General Dynamics Mission Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), provides mission-critical solutions to defense, intelligence and cyber-security customers across all domains. General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people worldwide and generated $38.5 billion in revenue in 2021. More information about General Dynamics Mission Systems is available at www.gdmissionsystems.com. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com.

 

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SOURCE General Dynamics

FAQ

What is the contract value awarded to General Dynamics on February 7, 2022?

The contract value awarded to General Dynamics is $229 million.

How many units of the NGLD-M will the U.S. Army procure?

The U.S. Army plans to procure 265,000 units of the NGLD-M.

What is the purpose of the NGLD-M device?

The NGLD-M device is designed to manage and transfer cryptographic key material and mission planning data.

What is the duration of the NGLD-M contract with the U.S. Army?

The NGLD-M contract has a duration of 10 years.

What type of certification will the NGLD-M device have?

The NGLD-M device will be National Security Agency-certified.