General Dynamics to Provide Geographic Information Services to U.S. Forestry Service

NEEDHAM, Mass., Oct. 20, 2003 -- General Dynamics Network Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), has been awarded a contract to provide geographic information services in support of the operations of the U.S. Forestry Service's 18 national forests in California (Region 5) and its Remote Sensing Laboratory. An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands.

Under this 10-year, multiple-award, indefinite quantity contract, General Dynamics will provide professional services that include vegetation mapping, inventory, monitoring and reporting on the forests within the region; geographic information systems (GIS) support to land and resource management planning and assessments within an ecosystem framework; vegetation stand exams and Global Positioning System (GPS) technical support; and GIS and Satellite Imagery Library Cooperative work with other Forest Service regions, staffs and forests and with its State and Federal partners. The contract has a maximum potential value of $20 million.

"We are thrilled with this award, as it represents a new opportunity with a new customer, and furthers our growth within the federal sector," said Ted Hengst, vice president and general manager responsible for this contract at General Dynamics.

This contract was awarded in the name of Veridian IT Services, Inc., formerly a business unit of Veridian Corporation, which became part of General Dynamics Network Systems when General Dynamics acquired Veridian in August 2003.

General Dynamics Network Systems has been designing and building complex telecommunications networks for nearly 50 years. More than 5,800 skilled technical personnel provide design, integration, installation and support services for enterprise, wireless and space-based networks. More information about General Dynamics Network Systems is available at http://www.gd-ns.com.

General Dynamics, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 66,900 people worldwide and anticipates 2003 revenues of $16.1 billion. The company has leading market positions in mission-critical information systems and technologies, land and amphibious combat systems, shipbuilding and marine systems, and business aviation.

                

SOURCE General Dynamics Network Systems
Web Site: http://www.gd-ns.com