Ultra I&C Secures Air Force Encryption Key Management OTA

Ultra Intelligence & Communications will provide over-the-network rekey services and upgrade the U.S. Air Force’s remote management systems under a $31.9 million other transaction agreement.

According to Bradford Powell, president of Ultra I&C’s command, control, intelligence and encryption division and a 4×24 member, remote management and rekey capability is critical to the implementation of the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control warfighting concept and other initiatives aiming to connect assets and domains.

Work under the agreement includes developing a high-assurance certified encryptor designed to secure network distribution of keys and commands to communications security devices, including identification friend or foe, Link-16 and in-line encryptors, and ensuring the COMSEC units are equipped with the latest key management infrastructure protocols, Ultra I&C said.

Powell said network rekeying and remote management system updates “are necessary to improve tactical network operations, minimize downtime and protect our military personnel responsible for maintaining tactical equipment in operational locations.”

The award was made through Consortium Management Group, which manages an OTA for the Consortium for Command, Control and Communications in Cyberspace.