Two companies compete for US Army cryptographic key orders
The US Army is making progress in its effort to field the NGLD-M encryption key to manage key material and mission planning data, (Photo: US Army)
The Next Generation Load Device-Medium is a ruggedised, battery-powered, handheld device to manage and transfer cryptographic key material and mission planning data.
Sierra Nevada and General Dynamics Mission Systems will compete for orders to provide the network-enabled Next Generation Load Device-Medium (NGLD-M) cryptographic key for the US Army, the DoD announced on 10 August.
The contract has an overall value of $744.22 million.
The US Army issued an RfP for NGLD-M in November 2020. A total of five bids were received, among them CACI offering its Mission Crypto Loader.
Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of 8 August 2031.
The US Army stated when it released the RfP that the maximum requirement is for 265,000 NGLD-M units.
NGLD-M is an attempt to modernise cryptographic key load devices that are essential for joint service network security. It will replace the ageing Simple Key Loader which dates from the early 2000s.
According to the US Army, the new key will be a ruggedised, battery-powered, handheld device to manage and transfer cryptographic key material and mission planning data.
Modern cryptographic algorithms will be transferred by NGLD-M to counter the threat posed by increased proliferation of cyber and EW threats.
NGLD-M will support all command echelons across the US armed forces, other US federal government agencies and allied foreign militaries.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026]()
Malaysia’s defence budget sets out major procurement goals for 2026
The country has allocated RM21.70 billion for defence spending next year, with some major procurements set to be initiated across the country’s army, navy and air force.
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
![Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing]()
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
![DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities]()
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities]()
Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities
The technology organisation is expecting a significant rise in the number of staff working across robotics and digital solutions as it becomes more of a focal point.
