Babcock continues Falkland Islands' comms support
Above:
King Penguins at Volunteer Point in the Falkland Islands.
The communications system is a UHF/VHF link for both voice and data communications through-out the Falkland Islands. It is operated by the UK Ministry of Defence, which provides first line system maintenance, with Babcock contracted to supply more complex system support.
The contract was awarded to Babcock following competition in 2008, with options to extend the service up to a maximum of 24 months. Under the contract Babcock provides a Resident Engineer (RE) providing support to the system in the Falkland Islands. This includes out of hours support to all sites and carrying out repairs and maintenance in-situ or off-site at Babcock’s local base, or by the manufacturer if required, with provision of spares or replacement equipment as necessary. Babcock also provides continuation training on the system for new military staff on arrival in the Falklands.
Babcock Defence HF Communications Service (DHFCS) Head of Engineering & Logistics, Paul Herring, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contractual option, following successful delivery of an effective engineering support service over the last four years, demonstrating our skills and expertise in maintaining and operating legacy equipment. We will now continue to provide this service to support the communications system until 2014.”
The Networks Project Team stated: “We are very pleased with the dedication and professional way in which the Babcock Resident Engineers carry out their duties and are delighted that this service will be continuing for the next 20 months.”
