Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) of San Diego received a contract from the US Air Force Research Laboratory and Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB, N.M., to supply a qualification model payload for its Risk Reduction-Alternative Infrared Satellite System program. As part of the process, the California company will design, fabricate, integrate and test an IR sensor assembly for space applications and will integrate advanced IR focal plane arrays and readout electronics. The 29-month, cost-plus award fee contract has a ceiling value of approximately $25 million.