Lockheed Martin lands big New York City security contract

New York City is set to beef up its anti-terrorism measures.

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has selected Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor for a programme to initiate a comprehensive upgrade of MTA's anti-terrorism electronic security operations infrastructure.

The Authority oversees the New York City Transit system, Long Island Railroad, Metro North Railroad, and MTA bridges and tunnels.

The Lockheed Martin team will design, develop and deploy a critical infrastructure protection system that integrates the command, communications and control capabilities across MTA facilities.

Work under the initial three-year contract, valued at US$212 million, will start immediately. The contract includes maintenance options that could extend the programme past September 2013.

"Lockheed Martin has extensive systems integration experience with the private and public sector in complex and fast moving environments, as well as a proven understanding of the operational environment of command, communications and control infrastructure," MTA Security Director Bill Morange said.

"Their involvement in this programme enables us to move forward with our plans to create a next generation command and control structure that addresses future needs for hardening our transit system against terror threats, and ultimately provide a safer environment for MTA customers."

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

The corporation reported 2004 sales of US$35.5 billion.