#United States #McLean #U.S. Army #QinetiQ US #Project Linchpin

QinetiQ US Awarded Significant Contract with U.S. Army

QinetiQ US has struck a pivotal deal with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), securing a five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at $49.4 million along with a $4.9 million task order. This significant contract aims to enhance the Army's capabilities in sensor data collection and management, particularly in support of its advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) initiatives under the highly regarded Project Linchpin.

The $49.4 million IDIQ enables QinetiQ US to deliver critical services that involve the provision, modification, enhancement, testing, and integration of Enhanced Opposing Force (OPFOR) Sighting Unit Kits. These advanced kits are designed for a variety of military vehicles and platforms. Their primary function is to gather data in realistic battlefield conditions, a crucial aspect of the ARL's Research and Development (R&D) missions. It's worth noting that this Sighting Unit Kit holds the unique distinction of being the only system approved by Combat Training Centers (CTCs) for gathering vital battlefield data from deployed vehicles.

As part of the associated task order, QinetiQ US is set to enhance these Sighting Unit Kits to support the development and functionality of Artificial Intelligence Target Recognition (AiTR) inference hardware. This would facilitate operational testing and evaluation of AI models, which are integral to modern battlefield strategies. Furthermore, the company will establish standards for AiTR hardware interface and software, allowing for integration with leading government and commercial inference models. This structured approach ensures that the Sighting Unit Kits will utilize the best available technologies for testing and review purposes.

Jonathan Riksen, Executive Vice President and General Manager at QinetiQ US, highlighted the longstanding relationship between ARL and QinetiQ, dating back to 2021 when the two collaborated on collecting infrared (IR) video data using QinetiQ's Thermal Sight Systems. This foundation has paved the way for QinetiQ US to assist the ARL in managing substantial amounts of data as battlefield sensor systems become increasingly complex. Riksen expressed optimism about the integration of AI and ML algorithms, which are essential for maintaining data integrity and transparency.

As the project unfolds, QinetiQ US will build upon its current data collection and management efforts and expand its operations to cover additional sensor collection sources. This includes deployment at key facilities such as the U.S. Army’s Fort Moore Maneuver Center of Excellence and the Joint Multinational Readiness Center located in Germany, thus underlining the global significance of their mission.

By securing this contract, QinetiQ US firmly establishes itself as a vital partner in enhancing the AI and ML capabilities of the U.S. Army, particularly as it looks to adapt and innovate in an era marked by rapid technological advancements in military operations. Leveraging their expertise in sensor technology and data management, QinetiQ US is already making substantial strides toward advancing military AI applications through initiatives like Project Linchpin.

About QinetiQ US

QinetiQ US is recognized as a key player in defense and national security, providing mission-driven, customer-focused engineering solutions. Their innovative approach encompasses next-generation Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) technologies, advanced cyber capabilities, and multi-domain autonomous systems designed to provide actionable intelligence and superior information advantages. As a reliable partner for the U.S. Department of Defense and other national security agencies, QinetiQ US remains committed to safeguarding lives and upholding the nation’s essential interests, while operating under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) that ensures full compliance with national security protocols. For more information, visit www.us.QinetiQ.com.