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March 23, 2020 | International, Aerospace

130 House members want 24 percent more F-35s procured in FY21

By: Aaron Mehta

WASHINGTON — One hundred thirty members of the House of Representatives are asking key defense committees in Congress to increase the number of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters by 24 percent over the number requested by the Pentagon in fiscal 2021.

“Our adversaries continue to advance surface-to-air missile systems and develop their own stealth fighters,” read the letter, released Wednesday. “It is essential that we continue to increase production of our nation's only 5th generation stealth fighter in order to ensure the United States maintains air dominance and to further reduce overall program costs.”

The letter, addressed to the chairs of the Senate and House Armed Services committees and Appropriations Defense subcommittees, is authored by Reps. John Larson, D-Conn.; Marc. Veasey, D-Texas; Martha Roby, R-Ala.; and Michael Turner, R-Ohio — the four leaders of the bipartisan F-35 caucus. Last year, the four also joined forces to write a similar request, which garnered 103 signatories.

The Defense Department's budget request asks for 79 F-35s, including 48 of the F-35A model used by the Air Force, 10 F-35Bs used by the Marines and 21 F-35C models used by the Navy. In the letter, the congressmen note that number is 19 less jets than Congress appropriated in FY20.

However, that number creates “a capability gap that 4th Generation, or legacy, aircraft cannot fulfill,” the letter warned. “To reach the minimum 50% ratio of 5th Generation and 4th Generation fighters in the timeframe required to meet the threat, the U.S. must acquire F-35s in much larger quantities.”

Instead, the members want a 24 percent increase in fighters procurement, going up to 98 total, including 12 more F-35As, two more F-35Bs and 26 more F-35Cs. Those numbers match the fighter increase listed by the Air Force in its unfunded requirements document sent to Congress earlier this year; the Navy requested only five more F-35C variants, while the Marines did not request more.

The letter was first reported by Politico.

In addition to the increase in planes bought, the members are seeking additional funding for “spare parts and depot level repair capability to meet the required availability rates and accelerate the stand-up of mandated, organic government repair capabilities.” Additionally, investments are sought for the program dedicated to the jet's reliability, maintainability and improvement, as well as a “long-term, outcome-based sustainment contract” that would guarantee performance metrics at a fixed price.

The members then request the committees fully fund the budget request for the continuous capability development and delivery (C2D2) modernization effort and use existing funds to accelerate integration of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile onto the jet. Earlier this year, the Pentagon's independent weapons tester called the current schedule for C2D2 “high risk” and said the program office is struggling to stay on schedule.

“C2D2 is critical to meeting the evolving threat in the mid-2020s and into the 2030s. Full funding is needed for the delivery of new weapons and critical capabilities necessary to keep the F-35 ahead of our adversaries,” the members wrote.

https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/03/19/130-house-members-want-24-percent-more-f-35s-procured-in-fy21/

On the same subject

  • Britain unveils strategy to gain a technological advantage over adversaries

    October 21, 2020 | International, Land, C4ISR

    Britain unveils strategy to gain a technological advantage over adversaries

    Andrew Chuter LONDON — British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has announced a new science and technology strategy aimed at competing with potential adversaries. “We are in a very real race with our adversaries for technological advantage. What we do today will lay the groundwork for decades to come. Proliferation of new technologies demands our science and technology is threat-driven and better aligned to our needs in the future,” Wallace said Oct. 19 during a visit to the British Army's Salisbury Plain training ground in the west of England ahead of a war-fighting experiment there. The latest strategy launch comes weeks after the MoD rolled out a new integrated operational concept to shape how Britain adapts its future military effort to the changing security threat posed by the likes of China and Russia. With the rollout of a defense and security review fast approaching, the MoD has been revealing busy some of the key supporting strategies that will likely underpin what is being touted as Britain's most fundamental military shakeup in generations. Both the science and technology strategy and the integrated operational concept are key elements of an integrated defense and security review planned to link defense, security, foreign policy and international development aid. The review, expected by the end of November, is meant to signal big cuts to conventional capabilities as the Conservative government invests in high-tech areas like space, cyberspace, artificial intelligence and undersea capabilities. The initial response from industry appears positive. “I welcome this MoD innovation initiative and hope that it translates into more conversations and activity with industry,” said Steve Beeching, the managing director of the U.K. arm of American communications company Viasat, which has a growing defense presence in Britain. "We want to work collaboratively in supporting the rapid implementation of future mission capabilities to empower our defense and security forces in the constantly evolving adversarial environment.” Future military development would focus on five emerging technology areas that have posed the most significant enduring capability challenge, according to the new S&T strategy document. Technology areas listed are: Pervasive, full-spectrum, multidomain intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Multidomain command and control, communications, and computers. Improvement of the U.K.'s ability to compete against adversaries below the threshold of conventional conflict while addressing vulnerabilities, especially in the information environment. Develop systems to target adversaries in new ways across all domains. Generate affordable, survivable capabilities that can rapidly address evolving threats and can operate within a denied electromagnetic environment. “They have been recognized as the key drivers for science and technology and research and development within the MoD," the document read. "The Department will continue to have an enduring requirement to maintain investment in science and technology capabilities and programs beyond these.” The country noted it isn't dismissing other equipment areas; it has also pledged to invest in the areas of cyberspace; chemical, biological and radiological technology; novel weapons; and system of systems integration. The document does not mention how Britain will afford the strategy, but it does talk about new approaches to funding. The MoD said it plans to invest in new, riskier activities in hopes of developing technologies by using demonstrators, experimentation and better exploitation processes. It also hopes to make rapid progress on the strategy by the end of the first year. The progress includes creating a strategy implementation plan, giving clear policy positions on the critical capabilities that the government must sustain, providing direction to academia and industry on priority areas, and revitalizing the government's technology incubation program. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/10/19/britain-unveils-strategy-to-gain-a-technological-advantage-over-adversaries/

  • Pentagon seeks 21% boost in cyberspace spending

    March 13, 2023 | International, C4ISR

    Pentagon seeks 21% boost in cyberspace spending

    The fiscal 2024 budget blueprint arrives days after the Biden administration shared its latest national cybersecurity strategy.

  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - November 25, 2019

    November 26, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - November 25, 2019

    ARMY General Electric Co. - GE Aviation, Lynn, Massachusetts, was awarded a $1,336,809,577 modification (P00021) to contract W58RGZ-15-D-0048 for T700 engine deliveries in support of the Army H-60 and AH-64 programs, Navy H-60 programs, Air Force programs, Foreign Military Sales and other government agencies. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. AXXIS,* Fort Worth, Texas (W912DY-20-F-0001); Chinook Systems Inc.,* Cocoa Beach, Florida (W912DY-20-F-0002); Dewberry Design-Builders Inc., Raleigh, North Carolina (W912DY-20-F-0003); EPC Service Inc.,* Aiea, Hawaii (W912DY-20-F-0004); Honeywell International Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey (W912DY-20-F-0005); Johnson Controls Building Automation Systems Inc., Huntsville, Alabama (W912DY-20-F-0006); KBRwyle Technology Solutions LLC, Columbia, Maryland (W912DY-20-F-0007); M. C. Dean, Tysons, Virginia (W912DY-20-F-0008); Parsons Technical Services Inc., Pasadena, California (W912DY-20-F-0009); Prime Mechanical of Wisconsin LLC,* Poynette, Wisconsin (W912DY-20-F-0010); SEI Group Inc.,* Huntsville, Alabama (W912DY-20-F-0011); Siemens Government Technologies Inc., Arlington, Virginia ( W912DY-20-F-0012); Spectrum Solutions Inc.,* Madison, Alabama (W912DY-20-F-0013); and Stewart Group Enterprises LLC,* Benson, North Carolina (W912DY-20-F-0014), will compete for each order of the $1,200,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement and installation of utility monitoring and control systems and similar services such as heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with 28 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 24, 2026. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Navistar Defense LLC, Lisle, Illinois, was awarded a $26,748,087 firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales (Somalia) contract for two commercial Medium Tactical Vehicle Variants -- the 6x6 General Transport Truck and the 6x6 Wrecker Vehicle Recovery Truck, and spare parts. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 25, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-20-D-0016). Detyens Shipyards Inc.,* North Charleston, South Carolina, was awarded an $11,991,749 firm-fixed-price contract for dry dock and repair of the Dredge Wheeler, labor, materials and equipment. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in North Charleston, South Carolina, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 26, 2020. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance, civil works funds in the amount of $11,991,749 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W912P8-20-C-0004). NAVY Raytheon Co., El Segundo, California, is awarded a $403,301,277 modification (P00062) to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-16-C-0002). This modification increases the scope of the contract to procure an additional seven System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTA) shipsets, 60 SDTA pod subsystems, 27 pieces of peculiar support equipment, one fatigue test pod and one static test pod in support of the initial operational test and evaluation phase of the Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band Program. Work will be performed in Dallas, Texas (33%); Forest, Mississippi (33%); El Segundo, California (22%); Andover, Massachusetts (7%); and Fort Wayne, Indiana (5%), and is expected to be completed in December 2022. No funds are being obligated at time of award. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $172,233,232 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-18-D-0001). This modification increases the ceiling of the contract to continue service life modifications to extend the operational service life from 6,000 flight hours to 10,000 flight hours of up to 23 F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas (59%); El Segundo, California (25%); and St. Louis, Missouri (16%), and is expected to be completed in May 2022. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Applied Physical Sciences Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $23,225,953 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the multi-disciplinary tools, technologies and experimental methods in support of future Naval platform stealth and operations. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (87%); and Cheswick, Pennsylvania (13%), with an expected completion date of October 2024. The total cumulative value of this contract including the base period is $23,225,953. This contract has no options. Fiscal 2019 research, development test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $146,749 are being obligated the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under N00014-19-S-B001, "Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Navy and Marine Corps Science and Technology." Proposals will be received throughout the year under the long range BAA and the number of proposals received in response to the solicitation is unknown. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00014- 20-C-0001). Marine Solutions Inc.,* Nicholasville, Kentucky, is awarded a maximum $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering for inspection, structural engineering, design and post-construction award services for bridge structures at Navy and Department of Defense installations worldwide. The work to be performed provides for architect-engineer services to include, but not limited to: topside and underwater bridge inspections; bridge load capacity analysis and load ratings; analysis of existing conditions and comparison to previous inspections reports; design of bridge repairs, inclusive of plans and specifications, report preparation and cost estimates for bridge rehabilitations, and the review of such documents produced by others in accordance with the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) criteria and the National Bridge Inspection Standards. No task orders are being issued at this time. All work on this contract will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities predominantly in the U.S., but also worldwide. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of November 2024. Fiscal 2020 operation and maintenance, Navy (O&M, N)) contract funds in the amount of $10,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by O&M, N funds. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website and Federal Business Opportunities website with seven proposals received. The NAVFAC EXWC, Port Hueneme, California, is the contracting activity (N39430-20-D-2206). Advanced Alliant Solutions Team, Fairfax, Virginia, is awarded a $9,038,301 modification (P00021) to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-16-C-0068) to exercise an option for information assurance services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Digital Networks Applications. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by November 2020. Fiscal 2020 working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $8,007,190 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Canyon Consulting, Los Angeles, California, has been awarded an $18,928,670 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract under the Small Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase-III program for the Advanced Global Positioning System technologies. This contract provides for wideband global positioning system digital payload and architecture. Work will be performed at Los Angeles, California, and is expected to be complete by Feb. 28, 2025. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $18,928,670. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $700,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory Geospace Technologies Branch, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity. Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nevada, has been awarded a $13,720,071 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00029) to previously awarded contract FA8509-17-C-0002 for the permanent installation of the MC-130J Airborne Mission Networking program. This out-of-scope modification provides for the procurement of an additional trial kit install, travel and interim contractor support. Work will be performed at Centennial, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 16, 2021. This modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $86,000,000. Fiscal 2019 and 2020 research, development, testing and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,162,453 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Optim LLC, Sturbridge, Massachusetts, has been awarded a maximum $18,750,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for medical equipment. This was a competitive acquisition with 63 responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Massachusetts, with a Nov. 24, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2D1-20-D-0003). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, has been awarded a $9,800,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00347) under contract HQ0276-10-C-0001. This modification increases the total cumulative contract value by $9,800,000 from $3,162,719,877 to $3,172,519,877. Under this modification, the contractor will perform engineering and design support services necessary for continuation of planning efforts executed under the Technical Assistance Case to support the Aegis Ashore Japan Foreign Military Sales Main Case. The work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, with an expected completion date of July 31, 2020. Funds from the government of Japan in the amount of $9,800,000 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract modification is the result of a sole source acquisition. The Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity. U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND Phoenix Air Group Inc., Cartersville, Georgia, has been awarded a task order (HTC711-20-F-R013) under contract HTC711-16-D-R001 in the amount of $8,832,188. The task order provides continued charter air transportation services to the Headquarters U.S. Africa Command. Work will be performed in Stuttgart Army Airfield, Germany, to various points throughout Africa and Europe. The period of performance is from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2020 Air Force operations and maintenance funds were obligated at award of the task order. This task order brings the total cumulative face value of the contract value to $56,982,110 from $48,149,922. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. *Small Business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2026407/source/GovDelivery/

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