The DDS have won the UNP Communications contract which will be worth 4.35 billion zarks yearly to the DDS and further strengthen their stranglehold over UNP space operations. The role involves maintaining communications and liaison with dozens of small colonies and mining bases spread across the UNP space.
The UNP's fleet of transports requires replacing which is why the UNP have decided to out source. They are also providing a 1.65 billion zark start-up fund, which will help to procure a fleet of 20 transports which will be dedicated to the role but also available for general DDS duties when spare capacity is available. The DDS have placed an order for modified Avery-Dunlop Star Rider transports, medium sized transports with a specified speed of 510c. The Star Rider is about 40% of the size of a Provider. A DDS name will be allocated to it later.
The first transports are expected later this year and the DDS will begin the changeover from the UNP service from late 2108 to early 2110. As part of the terms of the contract the DDS will also be installing automated intelligence gathering posts at various colonies in strategic locations.
