SAIC bags $12m US simulator order
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has announced that it has been awarded a deal from the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) to develop the first integrated crew member simulators for CH-47 and UH-60 helicopters under the Non-rated Crew Member Manned Module (NCM3) program.
The NCM3 simulators will integrate with the Army's Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) simulators. The contract has a 28 month base period of performance, a single option for a second variant, and a total value of more than $12 million if the option is exercised. Work will be performed primarily in Orlando, Fla. The delivery order was awarded under the second STRI (simulation, training and instrumentation) Omnibus Contract (STOC II).
PEO STRI's NCM3 program provides a collective training system to meet aviation crew member training requirements. The NCM3 is a transportable, multi-station, virtual simulation device designed to support individual, crew and collective training. Under the delivery order, SAIC will design, develop, integrate, test, deliver and maintain two mobile variants equipped with helicopter crew member simulator modules to support gunnery and crew coordination training.
"While prototype crew member simulators have been available, the cost-effective development of full-production integrated simulators for helicopter crew members is a first, enabling non-rated crew members to train on critical, coordinated tasks like gunnery, sling load and hoist operations with pilots," said Beverly Seay, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager. "This delivery order expands our virtual simulation product line in aviation training, and enables us to help PEO STRI ensure that America's warfighters receive the best training possible."
• Meawhile, SAIC has also revealed that it has purchased Forterra Systems Inc.'s On-Line Interactive Virtual Environment (OLIVE)) product line, including all names, trademarks and licenses.
OLIVE is a market leading software platform that enables customers to deploy their own persistent and secure 3D Virtual Worlds where users can collaborate over networks. OLIVE's real-time virtual world technology enables interpersonal interaction through life-like human avatars. These avatars are three dimensional virtual representations that provide a human-machine interface for networked computers, enabling remote users to experience, collaborate, train, and learn. The platform currently supports virtual world implementations in healthcare, financial services, energy, transportation, retail, government, and higher education markets. OLIVE adds a branded platform to SAIC's simulation portfolio, and enhances the company's offerings to an expanding simulation marketplace.
"We look forward to working with current and future OLIVE license holders to support and extend the platform," said Bev Seay, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager. "We see virtual worlds as the direction of the future in modeling and simulation - emphasis on interpersonal interaction and collaboration enables us to take our products in new directions, and to new markets."
Approximately 12 employees will join SAIC from Forterra, and will become part of SAIC's Analysis, Simulations, Systems Engineering & Training Business Unit led by Seay. These employees will continue to support the OLIVE platform from locations in San Mateo, Calif., and Orlando, Fla.
"This deal will enable us to continue building the OLIVE platform and our related business, as well as shape the future market of virtual world products and services," said John Burwell, Forterra Systems vice president. "SAIC, which provides innovative applications of technology and expertise to solve customer problems, is an ideal fit. Well positioned in the public sector and select commercial markets, SAIC has the resources and channels to take OLIVE to the next level."
