Ground sub-systems of Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles are to receive support services from Northrop Grumman.

The five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract is worth a total of $963.5 million. An initial award worth $4.4 million has already been received by the company.

"Northrop Grumman continues a 50-plus year partnership with the U.S. Air Force on ICBMs," said Steve Hogan, sector vice president and general manager, Integrated Logistics and Modernization division, Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "Our more than 17-year experience as the ICBM prime integration contractor uniquely qualifies us to perform the required operational and sustainment activities that ensure the security, surety and reliability of our nation's ICBM weapon system."

The program management support, engineering services and emergency response services being provided include weapon system analyses, system and sub-systems assessment, and technical advisement and assistance to the Air Force's ICBM Systems Directorate on ground systems-related programs.

"With our experienced leadership and revitalized workforce, Northrop Grumman will provide the U.S. Air Force with a highly-capable engineering and management support team in an affordable program structure," said John Parker, director, Weapon Systems Sustainment and Modernization, Northrop Grumman Technical Services. "Our team will assist in continually assessing and sustaining the ICBM ground sub-systems segment using our proven, innovative approaches to ensure mission success."