[Satellite TODAY 11-17-11] The U.S. Air Force Space Command Space and Missile Systems Center issued a five-year, $25 million contract to Harris Corp. to sustain the ground system for its Defense Meteorological Satellites Program (DMSP), the company announced Nov. 16

            The terms of the contract, awarded under the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Alliant contract vehicle, include one base year and four one-year options for Harris to maintain DMSP software and hardware and support compliance with information assurance requirements. Harris is the original developer for the ground system, and has already provided the Air Force with engineering, upgrades and maintenance support to the program.

             “Harris’ deep knowledge of this program was gained through over 40 years of experience delivering engineering and support for the DMSP. Harris will continue to apply our unique expertise on this contract to ensure the program’s ground system remains fully operational and compliant with requirements for years to come,” Harris President of IT Services John Heller said in a statement.

            Harris joins a team of subcontractors on the program, which includes Lockheed Martin Services.