Baker Awarded FCC National Broadband Map Data Assessment Contract

PITTSBURGH--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Michael Baker Jr., Inc., an engineering unit of Michael Baker Corporation (NYSE Amex: BKR), announced today that it has been selected by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to perform data analysis and quality assessment services related to the creation of a national broadband map database. The first-of-its-kind database will be used by the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to create a national view of domestic U.S. broadband coverage. Baker will perform data analysis and data quality assessment in support of the effort. The initial contract term is for one-year, $1.9 million, with four option years valued at $900,000 per year.

“We are extremely pleased to have been chosen for this important and challenging assignment by the FCC. We embrace the key role our team will play in the development of the national broadband map database that will have such long-term positive affects for so many aspects of American society.”

Baker's data assessment services support the FCC in their effort to deploy an interactive and searchable broadband mapping system on NTIA's public website by early 2011. Establishing a national broadband map is the foundation for applying broadband technology to help enable new industries, improve education and health care systems, manage energy more efficiently, provide greater public safety, and more deeply engage government entities.

Baker’s Bob Hanson, senior vice president of geospatial information technology, said, “We are extremely pleased to have been chosen for this important and challenging assignment by the FCC. We embrace the key role our team will play in the development of the national broadband map database that will have such long-term positive affects for so many aspects of American society.”

Michael Baker Corporation (www.mbakercorp.com) provides architecture, engineering and construction services for its clients’ most complex challenges worldwide. The firm's primary business areas are aviation, defense, environmental, facilities, geospatial, homeland security, municipal & civil, pipelines & utilities, rail & transit, transportation and water. With more than 2,900 employees in nearly 90 offices across the United States, Baker is focused on creating value by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure and the environment.