Pentagon unit steers supercomputer deals to certain companies; rival firms complain DARPA is unfair in the way it stresses parallel processing

Article Abstract:

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is being accused of controlling the supercomputer industry by favoring certain companies and types of technologies. Industry analysts say that DARPA's insistence on using supercomputers with parallel processing favors Intel Corp and Thinking Machines Corp. Parallel processing supercomputers run thousands of chips at the same time and are able to perform calculations much faster than more traditional designs. They are more difficult to build and program. Many feel that fast development of parallel process computer will help the United States maintain its lead over the Japanese in supercomputers. Independent research shows that the market tends to follow DARPA's lead, even when DARPA is not actively trying to influence it. DARPA is currently working on a project to develop faster parallel machines and build a high-speed network.

Political aspects, Science and technology policy, United States economic conditions, Supercomputers, Supercomputer, International competition (Economics), United States. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Technology and state, Technology policy, Parallel processing, Free enterprise, Computer Industry, Japanese Competition, Computer Design, Government Contracts, Government Funding, Government aid

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Boeing receives Army contract for computers; eleven-year pact is valued at $1.6 billion and beats rival Computer Sciences

Article Abstract:

Boeing Co wins a $1.6 billion computer contract from the US Army. The contract is for 28,000 microcomputers for 4,700 locations. The computers will be used in a network to help mobilize Army, National Guard and reserve units in emergencies. Digital Equipment Corp (DEC) will supply much of the hardware. Other subcontractors include: Zenith Data Systems; Hewlett-Packard Co; and System Industries. Boeing's computer division beat out Computer Sciences Corp in the bidding. Despite the setback for Computer Sciences, Cato Carpenter, an industry analyst, foresees a bright future for that company. Computer Sciences' stock closed down $1, at $63.75, on Monday, Sep 30, 1991. Boeing's stock was up 37.5 cents, closing at $50.75.

Aircraft, Aircraft parts and equipment, not elsewhere classified, Boeing Co., BA, United States. Army, Computer Sciences Corp., CSC, Stock

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Air Force's $740.3 million contract to Zenith Data is voided by arbitrators

Article Abstract:

The US General Services Administration's Board of Contract Appeals voids a $740.3 million Air Force computer contract. The board's decision takes the Desktop IV contract away from Zenith Datasystems Inc, a unit of France's Compagnie des Machines Bull. This is the second time this contract has been stopped, which raises the possibility that it may be cancelled altogether. Zenith won the contract by successfully challenging the original award, which went to CompuAdd Computer Corp and Sysorex Information Systems Inc. According to Robert Dornan, an industry observer employed by Federal Sources Inc, Desktop IV will most likely will be rebid or killed. The government might decide to go directly to Desktop V.

Cases, United States. Air Force, Zenith Data Systems Corp., United States. General Services Administration. Board of Contract Appeals

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