[Satnews] General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a contract by the Defense Information Systems Agency in support of the U.S. Air Forces Central Command (USAFCENT) to provide communications technical support services in Asia. The single-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract has a potential value of approximately $450 million for five years, if all options are exercised.

Under this contract, General Dynamics will provide communications systems acquisition, integration, installation, operations and maintenance support. Work on the contract will be performed at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, and USAFCENT deployment locations throughout Southwest and Central Asia. The company anticipates hiring over 200 employees to support this program. 

"General Dynamics will continue providing the U.S. Air Force Central Command with mission-essential communications and IT support services throughout the Persian Gulf region and in Central Asia," said Dan Busby, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Information Technology's IT Services and Solutions sector. "We are particularly proud to serve the Air Force'sforward-based units."

For more than 10 years, General Dynamics has provided USAFCENT's Combined Air and Space Operations Center with enterprise communications solutions, services and logistical support. The company continues to support the Department of Defense and other federal agencies as a primary source of network and system engineering, installation, maintenance and logistical services.