Army, Industry Testing Tactical Comm Tech; Daniel Hughes Comments
U.S. Army photo
The U.S. Army is narrowing its criteria for industry exercises in October and early Spring 2013, where it will test tactical communications equipment for the branch’s next set of updates.
The Army says Capability Set 13 — comprised of radios, satellite systems, software applications, smartphone-like devices and other network components — is set for deployment starting in October.
For Network Integration Evaluations 13.1 and 13.2, the branch will evaluate offerings from industry it believes will result from more specific requirements.
Brig. Gen. Daniel Hughes, director of system of systems integration for the Army, said the Army is also looking to integrate those technologies into Capability Set 14, set to go live in 2014.
During the semi-annual NIE tests, soldiers test communications equipment and systems for potential use in the battlefield.
According to the release written by Katie Cain, the Army received fewer industry responses for NIE 13.2 than for notices but expects to see more responses for NIE 14.1.
So far, the Army has spent an estimated $250 million on industry participation in the NIE and to move approved systems into Capability Set fielding.
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$250 million is quite huge, yet very useful! Those expenses will surely become worth it, especially because it’s being spent for the country. It’s just right to have the testing phase, especially on their networked communications. The flaws should be corrected before even putting up those technologies in the field.