National Archives names Lockheed Martin to build archives of the future

Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein has announced the award of a $308 million, six-year contract to Lockheed Martin to build the Electronic Records Archives (ERA) system for the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The ERA system will capture and preserve the electronic records of the federal government, regardless of format, ensure hardware and software independence, and provide access to the American public and federal officials.

Said Professor Weinstein, “I am indebted to those who acted decades and centuries ago to ensure that the records of our past were preserved for use today. These parchments, pieces of paper, photographs and maps have allowed us to reconstruct and understand the story of our nation and its people. Today, we act on behalf not only of archivists but of all Americans of the 21st century who will use the electronic records being created by the federal government, today and tomorrow, to research, write and understand the history of our times. The ERA system will make that possible. The Electronic Records Archives’ goal is clear and simple: a system that accepts, preserves and makes accessible—far into the future—any type of electronic document.”

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