Viasat Awarded Potential $150 Million Blue Force Tracker (BFT) Network Services Contract by Defense Information Services Agency (DISA)

Rhea-AI Summary

Viasat (NASDAQ: VSAT) has been awarded a $153 million contract by the Defense Information Services Agency to provide network services for the U.S. Army's Blue Force Tracker (BFT) program. The contract spans five years, including a base year and four one-year options. Viasat will deliver engineering services, operational and technical support for the BFT network, which provides critical situational awareness for U.S. military and allied forces.

The contract continues Viasat's long-standing involvement with the BFT program, building on its previous work in developing and delivering terminals and networking services. Viasat's expertise will support the ongoing modernization of the BFT network, enhancing real-time decision-making capabilities for warfighters.

Positive

• Secured a potential $153 million contract over five years
• Continuation of long-term involvement with the BFT program
• Opportunity to support critical U.S. military communications infrastructure
• Reinforces Viasat's position in government satellite communications sector

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

This $153 million contract over five years is a significant win for Viasat, bolstering its position in the defense sector. The contract's base-plus-options structure provides steady revenue potential, enhancing Viasat's financial stability. With a 20-year history in the BFT program, this renewal demonstrates Viasat's strong customer relationships and technological reliability.

Investors should note that this contract contributes to Viasat's diversified revenue streams, reducing dependence on commercial markets. The long-term nature of defense contracts offers predictable cash flows, which is particularly valuable in uncertain economic times. However, it's important to consider that government contracts can be subject to budget constraints and political changes, which could impact future renewals.

Tech Expert

Viasat's continued involvement in the BFT network modernization showcases its technological edge in satellite communications. The company's responsibility for hardware and software maintenance, configuration and development indicates a deep integration with critical military systems. This positions Viasat at the forefront of military IoT and real-time data transmission technologies.

The mention of L-Band mobile transceivers on over 100,000 tactical platforms highlights Viasat's significant market penetration. This extensive deployment creates substantial barriers to entry for competitors, as replacing such a widely integrated system would be costly and logistically challenging for the military. Viasat's continued innovation in this space could lead to spin-off technologies applicable to commercial markets, potentially opening new revenue streams.

Military Strategy Analyst

The BFT system's ability to provide near real-time situational awareness across multiple services is important for modern military operations. Viasat's role in maintaining and upgrading this system directly impacts U.S. military effectiveness and interoperability with allies. The contract's focus on network modernization suggests a push towards more advanced C2 capabilities, potentially including AI-driven decision support and improved data analytics.

Investors should recognize that Viasat's deep involvement in such critical military infrastructure creates a strong competitive moat. The company's understanding of military needs and ability to deliver secure, reliable communications in challenging environments makes it a valuable strategic partner for the DoD. This relationship could lead to additional contracts and expansions into other military communication sectors, driving long-term growth potential.

Viasat will provide engineering and network modernization services to support U.S. Army Blue Force Tracker requirements

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viasat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT), a global leader in satellite communications, announced today it has received a five-year, $153 million dollar contract at full value potential from the Defense Information Services Agency to provide network services and support for the U.S. Army Project Manager Mission Command (PM MC) Blue Force Tracker  (BFT) program. The period-of-performance for this contract includes a base year with four one-year option periods.

For more than 20 years, the BFT network has provided critical situational awareness, integrated with tens of thousands of platforms across the Army and joint services. This effort continues the BFT network modernization initiative that enables U.S. military and allied forces to share near real-time situational awareness and GPS data on friendly force and enemy, as well as operational maps and graphics, and command and control (C2) messages. 

Under this contract, Viasat will provide its engineering services expertise and deliver operational and technical support for the BFT network. This work will include the maintenance and configuration of hardware and software packages, as well as additional support for technology hardware and software development, updates and modifications aligned with BFT network modernization objectives.

"Viasat is honored to continue its history of providing support for the global L-Band BFT network and systems, and the continued modernization of how critical situational awareness is made available across the tactical edge at scale," said David Schmolke, Vice President of Mission Connections and Cybersecurity, Viasat Government. "Our team will deliver the engineering and networking services, and technology innovation required to continue evolving the BFT network operations and capability. We have a deep understanding of the BFT mission and the information warfighters need to make real-time decisions that support operations and save lives."

Viasat will bring experience and expertise to supporting the BFT network and modernization effort. In 2010, Viasat received an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract award to provide next generation of high-speed, high-capacity BFT equipment to the U.S. Army as part of the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) Program. Viasat has since secured multiple contract awards to support the BFT program, developing and delivering terminals and networking services to support BFT systems, including the deployment of Viasat L-Band mobile transceivers on more than 100K tactical platforms across the U.S. military.

Visit our website to learn more about Viasat's technology and services for the BFT mission.

About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people's lives anywhere they are—on the ground, in the air or at sea, while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube. 

Copyright © 2024 Viasat, Inc. All rights reserved. Viasat, the Viasat logo and the Viasat Signal are registered in the U.S and in other countries to Viasat, Inc. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements that refer to the realization of the full $153 million contract potential, and the expected benefits and performance of the Viasat engineering and network services to support the Blue Force Tracker 2 program.  Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: risks associated with the construction, launch and operation of satellites, including the effect of any anomaly, operational failure or degradation in satellite performance; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of satellites and any future satellite we may construct or acquire; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; our reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply our products; increased competition; the effect of adverse regulatory changes (including changes affecting spectrum availability or permitted uses) on our ability to sell or deploy our products and services; changes in the way others use spectrum; our inability to access additional spectrum, use spectrum for additional purposes, and/or operate satellites at additional orbital locations; competing uses of the same spectrum or orbital locations that we utilize or seek to utilize; and introduction of new technologies and other factors affecting the communications and defense industries generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in our SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

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SOURCE Viasat, Inc.

FAQ

What is the value of Viasat's new Blue Force Tracker contract?

Viasat (VSAT) has been awarded a contract with a potential full value of $153 million over five years for the Blue Force Tracker program.

What services will Viasat provide under the BFT contract?

Viasat will provide engineering services, operational and technical support for the BFT network, including maintenance and configuration of hardware and software packages.

How long has Viasat been involved with the Blue Force Tracker program?

Viasat has been involved with the Blue Force Tracker program for over a decade, with its first major contract for BFT equipment awarded in 2010.

What is the duration of Viasat's new BFT contract?

The contract has a duration of five years, consisting of a base year and four one-year option periods.