Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] awarded St. Louis-based LaBarge [AMEX: LB] a $6.6 million contract to supply wire harnesses for the Atlas V launch vehicle. LaBarge said it anticipates options for additional work on the rocket.

Under the terms of the contract, LaBarge will produce wire harnesses that transport electronic signals between all the launch vehicle’s systems, from the vehicle computer to its payload portion, as well as ground control cables that send communication signals between the rocket and mission control.

Production, which will take place in Berryville, Ark., is expected to begin in January 2004 and continue through the end of 2006.