Under the current development phase of DTCS — called “Global Services”— Exelis will provide the Department of Defense and other high-priority/special users with a satellite-based, global "push-to-talk” netted-communications service for voice and data. This on-the-move, beyond line-of-sight capability will provide enhanced communications and global connectivity through small, low power devices without reliance on local infrastructure.

“With this leading-edge satellite communications technology, warfighters will be able to communicate globally without being constrained by terrain or distance,” said Mark Adams, vice president and general manager of the Exelis Specialty Applications business. “This enhanced capability can be integrated into existing communications systems, so users do not have to wait for new devices to gain global coverage.”

The current DTCS system has delivered regionally netted communication services to warfighters in Iraq, Afghanistan and other theaters of operation since 2009. Global Services will build upon the solid foundation of the current DTCS system to deliver enhanced communications capabilities and enable greater performance, continuity and efficiency.

Exelis, working closely with DISA and industry partner Iridium Satellite Inc., will deliver a Global Services capability fully supporting the currently fielded DTCS RO Tactical Radios and will establish an “open standard” interface so industry can develop a wide variety of additional DTCS devices.

“We’re proud to be working with DISA and our industry partner Iridium to enhance the DTCS,” said Adams. “Our solution will leverage a combat-proven platform to provide expanded capabilities to the warfighter while enabling the development of more integrated devices and new applications on multiple platforms.”

Work for the contract, which was awarded on May 3, will be performed at the Exelis facility in Dulles, Va., and is expected to be demonstrated in 2014.