SI International, Inc. has been awarded a prime contract to support the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) in defining, establishing and developing the solutions and procedures for the Department of Defense (DoD) Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) Transition Office.

Implementation of the next-generation Internet Protocol will bring the DoD closer to its vision of securing and connecting all essential military assets — its sensors, weapons, platforms, information, and people — around the world and on the battlefield. The two- year contract is valued at $2.9 million.

SI International is providing internetworking consulting services to support the roll-out of the next generation Internet protocol. As its first deliverable to DISA, SI International has presented a recommended Internet addressing strategy to accommodate the massive increase in IP addresses needed to fully web-enable the U.S. military.

To expand its network-centric capabilities, the DoD is transitioning its communications, command, and control infrastructure to integrated Internet Protocol (IP) based systems, with a goal to have Ipv6 fully implemented by the year 2008.

SI International’s involvement in network-centric warfare programs with Ipv6 objectives include: Global Information Grid Bandwidth Expansion (GIG-BE), a world-wide network delivering high-speed IP services at increased bandwidth; and, Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) Upgrade, enhanced IP-based communications in support of Transformational Communications Systems.

“We are honored to have been selected to work with DISA on this mission- critical project. This award provides SI International another important opportunity to assist in developing future-looking solutions that will enable our military to successfully adapt to the requirements of network-centric warfare and respond quickly to threats across the globe,” said Ray Oleson, Chairman and CEO of SI International.

SI International will assist the newly established DoD Ipv6 Transition Office in its primary roles:

  • Rationalize the requirements for IPv6 across the Armed Services;
  • Evaluate candidate network components and architectures;
  • Test and establish standards to assure the operational flexibility, security, and interoperability needed in the next-generation military theater; and,
  • Advise and assist the Armed Services in the practical steps associated with transitioning their systems from the current Internet standard, IPv4 protocol, to IPv6.