Lockheed Martin wins $2B Antarctic contract
ROCKVILLE, Md.—The National Science Foundation has awarded Lockheed Martin Corp. a contract potentially worth up to $2 billion to operate and maintain the support infrastructure for research in the Antarctic.
Lockheed Martin said Wednesday that the work it does under the multiyear U.S. Antarctic Program contract could reach $2 billion in value if all options are exercised.
The deal calls for Lockheed Martin to work with the National Science Foundation to build infrastructure to manage work stations, medical facilities, research vessels, construction projects and remote sites in and around Antarctica.
The contract also requires Lockheed Martin to modernize the technology in use to transport scientists, staff and supplies to the region.
The U.S. Antarctic Program enables universities, research institutions and federal agencies to conduct scientific research in the region.
The program goals include understanding the region and how its ecosystems depend on the polar environment, as well as gaining knowledge over its impact on global climate.
Shares of Lockheed Martin, which is based in Bethesda, Md., fell 21 cents to $81.11 in afternoon trading.
