FAA Taps Harris To Build Nationwide Data Comm Network
The FAA showed representative data communications displays for both pilots, left, and controllers earlier this year at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Aviation Summit. (Photo: Bill Carey)
The FAA showed representative data communications displays for both pilots, left, and controllers earlier this year at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Aviation Summit. (Photo: Bill Carey)

Harris has won a three-way contest to provide the FAA’s next generation ATC data communications network between pilots and controllers, beating competing bids by ITT Exelis and Lockheed Martin. The FAA on Thursday awarded the Melbourne, Fla.-based company a seven-year, $332 million contract under its Data Comm Integrated Services (DCIS) program, a key component of the Next Generation Air Transportation System. The contract includes 10 one-year options through September 2029 that could increase the duration and value of the award.