By Dee Chandler, TEAM Public Affairs, Orlando

NAWCTSD, Orlando, Fla. –The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) is nestled in northeast Orlando’s Research Park adjacent to the University of Central Florida. NAWCTSD has 1,100 federal employees engaged in acquiring high-tech training resources in support of the nation’s defense capabilities. Many times this work is performed across the globe, but provides a substantial benefit to the local economy.

NAWCTSD is involved in a wide range of technical research, development and services that provide training and learning to sailors, airmen and marines.

This includes everything from flight simulators for pilot training for landing jets aboard carriers to desktop learning books for sailors continuing their personal education while deployed at sea, and everything in between. NAWCTSD uses commercial businesses to produce and deliver their products to the fleet, to the tune of more than $1 billion a year. The economic impact locally is huge, as many of their contracts go to companies located in the Central Florida area.

Recent contracts awarded by NAWCTSD after strong competition by industry nationwide reflects the financial impact to the Orlando community.

In March 2000, Lockheed Martin Information Systems in east Orlando was awarded a Marine Corps Simulator Master Plan contract worth up to $300 million to provide aircrew training, including flight simulator operations and maintenance, for all U. S. Marine Corps aircraft. The work will include an estimated 17 training simulators scheduled for completion by March 2007.
Again in March, a $400 million, multiple award indefinite deliver, indefinite quantity contract was awarded to seven companies in Orlando for Fielded Training Systems Support. Businesses receiving awards included: AAI/Engineering Support, Inc., Cubic Worldwide Technical Services, Inc., Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., Engineering Support Personnel, Inc., Fidelity Technology Corp., LB&B Associates, Inc., and L3 Communications Corp.
April 2000, another procurement was finalized for $500 million. It, too, was a multiple award called Training Systems Contract. This contract is structured in three unique "lots." Lot I is for the procurement of new trainers and modifications to existing trainers. Lot II is for the procurement of Advanced Distributed Learning including Computer Based Training and other types of instructional courseware. Lot III is for trainer equipment analysis, trainer logistics support and Front End Analysis of training systems. Awards in Lot I have been made to Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin Information Systems, SymsSystems and American Systems Corporation. Six awards in Lot III have been made to Boeing Company, Camber Corporation, Lockheed Martin Information Systems, Manufacturing Engineering Systems, National Technologies Associates and Raytheon Technical Services Company. The work will be performed through 2008 and will support training for all naval aircraft, with anticipated initial efforts focused on the F-18, KC-130, EA-6B and F-14 platforms.
"The citizens of Orlando and its economy are directly impacted and positively by NAWCTSD’s presence. Last year one billion dollars worth of contracts support planned and emerging training requirements for the Navy and Marine Corps," said Capt. Jay Hixson, NAWCTSD commanding officer.