Lockheed Martin has been invited to compete for the next phase of the Integrated Wireless Network (IWN). IWN will provide secure, interoperable nationwide wireless communications for federal agents and officers and allow multi-agency operations between the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Treasury. The final contract is potentially worth several billion dollars over 10 years.

Lockheed Martin will now participate in Phase 2 of the competition, which is a three-phase acquisition. During this phase, the company will develop a proposal to design the new sophisticated communications system. If its proposal is selected, Lockheed Martin will prepare a detailed design of the first service area in Phase 3 of the acquisition. Following Phase 3, the government anticipates that it will select one contractor to develop and implement the system.

"IWN is a key homeland security system that will bring enhanced voice and data services to field agents and officers, enabling them to perform their missions more safely and effectively," said Gordon McElroy, vice president of homeland security systems for Lockheed Martin. "We look forward to delivering an interoperable communications system that links and protects the law enforcement officials responsible for protecting our nation."

IWN will replace existing stovepipe communications systems with a flexible communications infrastructure for mission-critical voice and data. It will help enable mission data to reach officials in the field faster and more consistently. It will also enhance agent and officer safety through improved coverage and increased situational awareness.

IWN is jointly managed by the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Treasury. It will support more than 80,000 agents and officers responsible for law enforcement, protective services, homeland defense and disaster response missions. The Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contract has a base period of five years, with an additional five-year option.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2003 sales of $31.8 billion.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin