NSWC gain support through government contractor award
Gift will assist Expeditionary Exploitation Unit
Government services contractor American Systems announced last week it had received an award for more than $36 million to support U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division (NSWC IHEODTD) and Expeditionary Exploitation Unit ONE (EXU-1).
The task order was granted through the U.S. Navy Seaport-E contract vehicle and will be released over a five-year period. The purpose of the gift is to provide assistance to EXU-1 with regard to analyzing the components and systems of recovered explosive devices.
“We fully understand the gravity of Expeditionary Exploitation Unit ONE’s mission and what’s at stake,” said Peter Smith, president and CEO of American Systems in a press release. “We are extremely proud to partner with the U.S. Navy in support of the global freedom of maneuver and force protection and the joint force and geographic combatant commander’s mission objectives.”
American Systems is an employee-owned company that offers a wide range of services to government entities, from engineering expertise to operational testing to technological development. Based in Chantilly, Va., the organization supports Navy customers across seven time zones as part of the Seaport Enhanced contract, which has a total value of $38 billion.
EXU-1 falls under IHEODTD and is the only deployable arm of NSWC. The contingent primarily handles explosive disposal and a large portion of its roughly 90 service members are bomb technicians who supply realtime technical intelligence. The involvement of AMERICAN SYSTEMS will provide a huge boost to EXU1 operations, although the base was understandable tight-lipped about the particular plan for the funds.
“NSWC IHEODTD routinely contracts with industry to augment its workforce/skill set in order to achieve our mission,” read the statement provided by Gideon Rogers, public affairs specialist at NSWC IHEODTD. “This is an award for engineering and technical support services. Based on the nature of the work, we can’t be any more specific than that.”
No matter how the gift is utilized, the effects should be felt on the community. Any increase in personnel or production would reverberate through Indian Head, as the base and the town are closely connected in all aspects.
“What they do behind the base gate is important for the American warfighter, it’s also important to the local economy,” said Indian Head Mayor Brandon Paulin. “The more jobs, the more people coming through town, certainly is better for Indian Head and Charles County.”
In addition to the immediate impact of the award, the longterm financial commitment to NSWC should help to quell any concerns by residents who still fear the base will be shut down.
“NSWC over the past few years have shown signs of rapid growth, through contracts and partnerships,” Paulin said. “They’re continued growth is key for Indian Head’s revitalization.”