Logica led consortium downselected by Defence Cryptosecurity

Authority for CIPHER programme

Logica, one of Europe’s leading IT and business services companies, as the lead in an industry consortium, has today announced that it is one of two bidders selected by the Defence Cryptosecurity Authority (DCA) for the Assessment Phase of the CIPHER programme. The purpose of CIPHER as specified in the Single Statement of User Need is to “provide the capability for a security management infrastructure for all grades of devices necessary to meet the needs of UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and wider government.” It covers the provision of all high grade cryptographic devices for UK MoD to meet the communications confidentiality, availability, interoperability and data integrity needs of the UK MoD for Defence Business and Operations, and will enable the provision of a pan-Government security management infrastructure.

Logica is leading a consortium comprising QinetiQ, Serco and Ultra Electronics, all of whom bring extensive experience of security within the Defence, Public Sector and Commercial markets.

During the initial 26 month phase, the Logica consortium will carry out a comprehensive assessment of the technologies, processes and methodologies to establish how best to deliver the CIPHER programme in the future, while maintaining a vibrant UK market for the manufacture and supply of cryptographic equipment. It will also have the opportunity to bid for the subsequent delivery phase of CIPHER.

Sean Mallon, the CIPHER Programme Manager for the DCA, said: “CIPHER is an ambitious programme that seeks to exploit the skills and experience of the UK sovereign industrial base to deliver Information Assurance Components and their management over the next decade and beyond. I am looking forward to a compelling competition over the next two years that will yield the best solution for defence and wider HMG as a whole.”

Ed Jones, Managing Director of Logica’s Space and Defence business, added: “The CIPHER programme will transform the way in which the DCA provides its core capability and is an innovative and exciting programme which will create a world-leading service.  Logica has worked for the MOD for over 40 years and security is a key capability for the company. We have one of the largest security practices in Europe and are trusted to deliver the security aspects of many large scale programmes in Defence and other markets in the UK and across Europe.  We have the breadth of capability to deliver success in every area of the programme, from the Assessment Phase through to Service Delivery and with our partners in QinetiQ, Serco and Ultra Electronics, we have created a powerful consortium to deliver this important phase of CIPHER.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Logica
Logica is a leading IT and business services company, employing 39,000 people across 36 countries. It provides business consulting, systems integration, and IT and business process outsourcing services.  Logica works closely with its customers to release their potential - enabling change that increases their efficiency, accelerates growth and manages risk.  It applies its deep industry knowledge, technical excellence and global delivery expertise to help its customers build leadership positions in their markets. Logica is listed on both the London Stock Exchange and Euronext (Amsterdam) (LSE: LOG; Euronext: LOG). More information is available at www.logica.com.

About the Defence Cryptosecurity Authority
The Defence Cryptosecurity Authority is the part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the development and in-service support of high-grade cryptographic equipment and electronic key management systems and the provision of key material and crypto policy.  It provides a single focus within the MoD for the acquisition and support of all cryptographic equipment, along with the provision of key material, policy advice and assurance of all projects that require a crypto solution through the Project Cryptographic Plans.

Press contact
Nicky Rich
Marketing manager, space and defence
Logica
Tel: +44 (0) 78 345 83185
Email: nicky.rich@logica.com