28 Feb 03. Paradigm Services has been awarded the ‘Multi Activity Contract’ (MAC) by the UK MOD, under which Paradigm will provide support services at all RAF 1001 Signals Unit (1001SU) sites. This is in advance of the full Skynet 5 contract at which point Paradigm will take over ownership and full operation of these sites.

The MAC contract covers both military satellite operations activities and ancillary and domestic services at the Oakhanger, Colerne and Hawthorn sites, as well as the 1001SU element at Defford. The activities under the MAC contract will be subcontracted to Paradigm team member Serco.

The MAC contract forms part of the phased transition from military ownership and operation of these MOD sites to Paradigm’s managed service approach for the provision of Skynet 5 military satellite communications services. The majority of work covered by this contract will be carried out prior to the ‘Transitional Operational Service’ date, at which point the official handover of the 1001SU sites to Paradigm will take place.

This is the second contract to be awarded within the Skynet 5 boundary since the Paradigm team’s selection as preferred bidder in Spring 2002. The first contract was awarded in July 2002 for the provision of rapid deployment satcom terminals. Astrium, as prime contractor to Paradigm Secure Communications for the complete Skynet 5 ground system, selected BAE SYSTEMS C4ISR Division’s ‘Talon’ terminal to meet this requirement and all 12 terminals were successfully delivered by end December 2002, with a further three due in August 2003.

Paradigm Services is a key member of the Paradigm team, which is led by Paradigm Secure Communications. As progress is made towards contract award Paradigm Services is looking forward to becoming the service delivery company for the Skynet 5 PFI programme. At contract award both Paradigm companies will become wholly owned subsidiaries of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space company, EADS.