According to a USA/Oceaneering press release, Mark Gittleman, Oceaneering Space Systems’ Vice President & General Manager, said “… this team will provide NASA the lowest risk option for producing the United States’ next-generation space suit. Our team is most responsive, uniquely capable, and highly experienced. We also bring a fresh perspective to space exploration.” [USA/Oceaneering (pdf file): “Oceaneering Constellation Space Suit System (CSSS) Teaming Agreement Press Release“]

From the press release by Oceaneering, T. Jay Collins, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased to have been selected to participate in the United States’ continuing journey of space exploration. Our commitment to safety and 30-year heritage of developing and providing spaceflight hardware for NASA was instrumental in securing this contract award. While the contract will have minimal impact on Oceaneering’s 2008 earnings, we look forward to a growing contribution from our Advanced Technologies business.” [Oceaneering: “Oceaneering Announces NASA Space Suit Contract”]

Gittleman added “Our team is excited about this tremendous opportunity to assist NASA in pushing the boundaries of space exploration. We have a world class team of companies and individuals who are all committed to NASA and the Vision for Space Exploration. We have been working together with NASA for some time and are fully prepared to meet all of the requirements for the program.” [Oceaneering press release]