Major force protection contract awarded Published Aug. 4, 2009 By Karen Guendel 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. (AFNS) -- A team of professionals led by Hanscom's 642nd Electronic Systems Squadron recently ensured Air Force security forces around the world will have access to cutting edge integrated base defense systems for the next five years. On July 24, the Air Force awarded a Force Protection Security System contract worth up to a combined $495 million. The contract was awarded to three companies: Science Application International Corp in San Diego, Calif.; L-3 Services in Chantilly, Va.; and Northrop Grumman in Herndon, Va. The FPS2 contract, which is managed by the 642nd ELSS, will be primarily used by the Air Force to support the physical defense of installations and assets ranging in size from the smallest deployed tactical units to the largest stateside bases. But the contract can also be used by other Department of Defense agencies. The Air Force will use the contract to procure, install and maintain electronic security equipment such as video cameras and high-tech intrusion sensors. Associated infrastructure such as fencing, lighting and communications systems may also be provided under the contract. "The ultimate goal is to provide the security forces with the capability to 'See first, understand first and act first,'" said Doug Dunphy, the FPS2 program manager and source selection team lead, quoting the 642nd ELSS mission statement. According to Mr. Dunphy, FPS2 maximizes situational awareness by integrating the various sensors and systems that security forces use to defend the base. Using a single command and control display, security forces can monitor data and alerts from several sensors. When an intrusion is detected, they can remotely control cameras and other equipment to assess the situation and send responders if necessary. In addition to procuring equipment, the FPS2 contract provides training for the personnel who will use the equipment. It also enables research and development to enhance force protection capabilities. The FPS2 contract replaces the Integrated Base Defense Security System contract, which was awarded in 2003 and expires this year. The new contract is similar to its predecessor in budget, scope and structure, but according to Mr. Dunphy, "it incorporates many lessons learned from how we functioned using IBDSS." For example, whereas the previous contract engaged four companies, FPS2 engages three. The Air Force made this decision "based on the projected workload and how things worked on IBDSS," Mr. Dunphy said. Over the next five years, the three contract companies will compete for individual orders as they are submitted by security forces units at various locations. The 642nd ELSS will lead a smaller source selection to award each order to a single company.