UK MoD hires CGI to support its Fire Control systems
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has hired IT services firm CGI to support its artillery fire control apps, FC BISA and FCA, both originally designed by CGI. The consulting firm will provide software applications support as well as hardware support.
The Fire Control Battlefield Information System Application (FC BISA) is a command and control application that supports the battlefield effectiveness of the British Artillery and Infantry to provide indirect fire support to the British Army during operations. The FC BISA and the Fire Control Application (FCA) system automate many operational functions to improve tempo, safety and accuracy and are, according to CGI, a critical part of a long-term programme to modernise indirect fire support systems.
Under the contract awarded by UK MoD, CGI will provide on-going software support for the two applications as well as hardware support for the FCA handheld computer platform. The contract has the possibility to be extended to cover enhanced support for operational deployments and capability enhancements.
Commenting on the contract, Daniel James, UK MOD’s Project Manager, says: “The award of this contract and our close working relationship with CGI enables the new FCA system to be fielded to the Army during 2015. This will deliver benefits including a 50% size and weight saving as well as the latest version of the FCA software, improving both safety and accuracy over its predecessor.”
Steve Smart, Vice President Space, Defence, National and Cyber Security of CGI UK, adds: “This support service contract will enable the MOD to train and operate effectively, supported by CGI’s deep technical expertise and domain knowledge. […]We look forward to working with the MOD to deliver first class support.”
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For CGI it is the third contract with the UK MoD in the space of a few months. Recently the firm was awarded a contract to help define tactical communications for UK armed forces, as part of the MORPHEUS Programme, as well as a contract to conduct a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) of the education and training infrastructure for British Army Signallers.
