SAIC's Steve Comber praises naval contract MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. Naval Health Research Center has given Virginia-based SAIC a prime contract to support its Warfighter Performance department. Under the award, Science Applications International Corp. will provide research and development support services in aspects of human performance, physiology and psychology investigative studies that involve planning, coordinating, designing, and executing experimental protocols. Work will include the study and development of new strategies for enhancing human performance. Among them: thermoregulation to prevent heat-related illnesses; return to duty following a heat-related illness; exposure to cold; human performance at high altitudes; traumatic brain injury and its effects on biomechanics and cognitive functions; the definition of patterns of resiliency to physical and psychological injury; strategies to improve post-deployment behavioral health; and establishment of return-to-duty criteria for wounded troops. "We are pleased to continue supporting the Naval Health Research Center and providing the scientific and technical expertise to help ensure our military personnel are ready for duty, and can perform at the highest levels -- both physically and psychologically," said Steve Comber, SAIC senior vice president and business unit general manager. The contract has a one-year period of performance and four one-year options. Its total value if all options were exercised would be $24 million. The NHRC Warfighter Performance department conducts research related to the measurement, maintenance, restoration, enhancement, and modeling of human performance.