Steve Cole
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0918
stephen.e.cole@nasa.gov

Alan Brown
Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards AFB, Calif.
661-276-2665
alan.brown@nasa.gov



CONTRACT RELEASE: C08-050

NASA AWARDS GLOBAL HAWK SUPPORT CONTRACT TO NORTHROP GRUMMAN

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center
has awarded a multi-year contract to Northrop Grumman Corporation's
Integrated Systems Division of San Diego for engineering and
technical services in support of the center's planned operation of
two Global Hawk aircraft.

The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, sole-source contract is
for a five-year period with a value not to exceed $25 million. The
agreement covers the period from Aug. 6, 2008 through Aug. 5, 2013.

The contract supports Dryden's planned operation of the two aircraft,
their associated ground control station and related systems.
Technical assistance will include analysis, design support for unique
systems, simulations, software development and engineering, and
operational and manufacturing support as needed.

Dryden will use the autonomously operated unmanned aircraft for
missions supporting NASA's Science Mission Directorate and the Earth
science community that need high-altitude, long-endurance,
long-distance airborne capability.

The two pre-production Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration
aircraft were recently transferred to Dryden from the U.S. Air Force,
which had no further requirement for the craft.

For more information about NASA's use of the Global Hawk, visit:



http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-098-DFRC.html