Lockheed Martin will begin managing the transformation of the Department of Defense's global data network, known as the Global Information Grid.

The determination on this Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) contract was made by the Government Accountability Office after a protest by a competing bidder.

With a total program value of $4.6 billion over a seven-year period, this Global Systems Management Operations (GSM-O) contract includes a three-year base contract period and includes two 2-year options to extend it to a total of seven years.

"We are gratified that the U.S. Government has made its determination, and we are ready to begin work with DISA to improve the speed and efficiency of information exchange between our joint warfighters around the world as well as their commanders and allies," said Gerry Fasano, president of Lockheed Martin Information Systems and Global Solutions-Defense.

"Our team has maintained a high state of readiness to effect a smooth transition and an efficient, progressive path forward for the DISA."

GSM-O is the largest of three DISA Global Systems Management contracts. It provides programmatic, operations, and engineering services; material; equipment; and facilities to support the lifecycle management of the network. GSM-O is headquartered at Fort Meade, Md., with multiple support locations worldwide.

The Lockheed Martin team will manage a smooth transition of GSM-O responsibilities and evolve the network into one that supports new communications capabilities and technologies that directly affect warfighters' ability to achieve mission success. Lockheed Martin teammates include AT and T, ACS, Serco, BAE Systems, ManTech, and other specialized and small businesses.