Multifunctional Information Distribution System

The Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) is a major defense acquisition program managed by the Department of the Navy Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). MIDS provides secure, jam-resistant digital data and voice communications capabilities across air, land, and sea military platforms. The program includes both the MIDS Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) variants and the MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS), which enable tactical data link communications and network integration across U.S. and allied forces.

Contract awards under this program typically range from small engineering service orders of $20,000-100,000 to large production and integration efforts exceeding $100 million, with performance periods generally spanning 18-36 months. Primary prime contractors include Data Link Solutions LLC (a joint venture between BAE Systems and Collins Aerospace), L3 Technologies Inc. Communication Systems-West Division, Euromids (a European defense consortium), and Viasat Inc. Notable subcontractors include Creation Technologies, Benchmark Electronics, and North Star Scientific Corp, who provide specialized electronic components and assemblies. The majority of contracts are awarded without set-aside designations and use either firm-fixed-price or cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing arrangements. Primary places of performance include Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Salt Lake City, Utah; and various locations across Europe. Contract vehicles include multiple NAVWAR indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) agreements for production, engineering services, and systems integration support.