CHESTER, Va. (AP) — More than 300 Northrop Grumman employees at a Chester data center will be losing their jobs after the state ended its information technology services contract with the company.

But The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports those workers could have the chance to work for the new contractor.

Science Applications International Corp. says it already has begun offering jobs to those employees. A spokeswoman says the company is committed to retaining all workers who want to "continue their work for the commonwealth."

Fairfax County-based Northrop Grumman notified state employment officials it would lay off 348 workers because of the terminated contract.

The state's 13-year, $2.4 billion contract ends at midnight on Aug. 17.

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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com