The FAA has awarded the contract to build a nationwide data communications network for ground-to-air ATC text messaging to Harris Corporation, of Melbourne, Fla. On Thursday, the agency announced a $332 million award to Harris under its Data Comm Integrated Services (DCIS) program for “provisioning and operation” of the data communications network, a key program of the Next Generation Air Transportation System. Lockheed Martin and ITT Exelis also competed for the contract, which was expected to be awarded in June. Harris made the “best value offer” for the DCIS program, according to the FAA. The contract, with all options exercised, will run through September 2029. Last month, Harris was also awarded a contract from the FAA potentially worth $291 million to replace legacy ATC voice switches with an Internet Protocol-based network under the National Airspace Voice System program.