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July 14, 2024 | International, C4ISR, Security

AT&T Confirms Data Breach Affecting Nearly All Wireless Customers

AT&T confirms major data breach affecting wireless customers. Hackers accessed call records and text interactions. Learn about the impact and security

https://thehackernews.com/2024/07/at-confirms-data-breach-affecting.html

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  • US Air Force looks to accelerate artificial intelligence contracts

    July 18, 2018 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR

    US Air Force looks to accelerate artificial intelligence contracts

    FARNBOROUGH, England — The Air Force is still not moving fast enough to recruit the software talent that it needs to harness emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, its acquisition head said Tuesday. "I don't think we're attracting enough people. Whether they're the right people or not, I think that's a separate question. I'm not sure that we'll be able to answer that until we're working with a broader set of the industry base that's working AI,” Will Roper, the Air Force's undersecretary for acquisition, technology and logstics, told reporters at Farnborough Airshow. “I contend that the companies driving AI are a different breed of company than those who drive evolution in hardware, especially companies that drove hardware that have gotten us to today's military. The paces are faster, turnovers are quicker. Software is done in month cycles not year cycles.” Over the past year, the Air Force has charted some successes and some failures in its attempts to integrate tech like AI and big data analytics with legacy hardware systems like fighter jets or air operations center. It has established the Kessel Run Experimentation Lab, a group of industry and airmen in Boston that are iterating new capabilities for air operations centers. Instead of rolling out a large software package, the coders focus on app-like updates that can more rapidly insert new functionality into the AOC. But it's also suffered setbacks — most notably, Google's stated intention to withdraw from future Defense Department projects after some employees objected to the company's work on Project Maven, a program would allow the Pentagon to use AI to review footage from drones. Some have worried that could have a chilling effect on future efforts. Roper said that a big focus of his job is changing how the Air Force approaches software. In the past, software was a product that could be bought in cycles, just like a physical product like a missile or aircraft. Now, it's a service that must be reworked constantly, he said. “You get a good set of coders in, they can push out so much code per month. You put them with the user that's going to use the code and together they're able to collaborate to make sure that the developer is creating something that the operator is using,” he said. “That's working very well for us in Boston, and we're looking to expand that. That's the basic mechanism to move towards AI. We're going to need people that are working with us that are software people that are working, tweaking algorithms with the users that use them, and it's probably a different company than have worked with us over the past 10 years.” The Air Force has to get those companies under contract faster, in weeks instead of months, Roper said. It's looking for opportunities to use contract vehicles specifically delegated for small businesses and to use AFWERX — its outreach arm to nontraditional contractors who are creating promising commercial technologies — to introduce startups to the service. But Roper acknowledged there was no easy answer to the problem. One possible way to inject AI into Air Force programs — although a mundane one — is to use it for predictive maintenance technologies that use sensors to forecast when a component will break, said Air Force Under Secretary Matt Donovan. “It's very exciting for us and I think it holds a lot of potential to reduce our sustainment costs,” he said, noting that sustainment makes up a whopping 70 percent of the life-cycle cost of any given product. Roper agreed that sustainment was a great area to begin employing AI, and that experience could help the Air Force begin to figure out how to use the technology for classified applications. https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/farnborough/2018/07/17/air-force-looks-to-accelerate-artificial-intelligence-contracts

  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - May 15, 2020

    May 19, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - May 15, 2020

    DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY BAE Systems Controls Inc., Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been awarded a maximum $1,116,966,065 modification (P00014) exercising the five-year option period of a 10-year base contract (SPE4AX-15-D-94l4) with one five-year option period for consumable and depot-level repairables supporting multiple weapon systems platforms. This is a firm-fixed-price requirements prospective price redetermination contract. Locations of performance are Indiana, Texas, Arizona, California, New Jersey, New York and New Hampshire, with a March 22, 2025, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Defense Logistics Agency and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Richmond, Virginia. Labatt Food Service, San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $78,373,493 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract for full-line food distribution. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a two-year base contract with one one-year option period and one two-year option period. Locations of performance are Texas and New Mexico, with a May 10, 2022, performance completion date. Using military services are Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and civilian federal agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2020 through 2022 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-20-D-3250). AM General LLC, South Bend, Indiana, has been awarded a maximum $7,042,059 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for diesel cylinder heads. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Location of performance is Indiana, with a May 15, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2023 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-20-D-0097). AIR FORCE J Davis Construction Management Inc., Oxnard, California (FA8003-20-D-0008); Bishop Inc.,* Orange, California (FA8003-20-D-0009); SMNC Properties LLC, Saint Mary's, Alaska (FA8003-20-D-0011); BC Schmidt Construction Inc.,* Colusa, California (FA8003-20-D-0016); Pacific Federal-Pacific Tech JV 2, Longview, Washington (FA8003-20-D-0010); MIWOK Construction LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada (FA8003-20-D-0012); ENH LLC, Garden Grove, California (FA8003-20-D-0013); Heffler Contracting Group, El Cajon, California (FA8003-20-D-0014); Aleut Field Services LLC, Fairbanks, Alaska (FA8003-20-D-0015); Chatmon-VJR JV LLC, La Place, Louisiana (FA8003-20-D-0017); Good-Men Roofing and Construction Inc.,* San Diego, California (FA8003-20-D-0018); Prairie Band Construction Inc., Mayetta, Kansas (FA8003-20-D-0020); DKJR Roofing LLC,* Le Mars, Iowa (FA8003-20-D-0021); A-Vet Roofing & Construction LLC, Warner Robins, Georgia (FA8003-20-D-0019); PMR Services LLC, Watford City, North Dakota (FA8003-20-D-0022); RSSI Roofing Co.,* Essex, Maryland (FA8003-20-D-0028); Doliveira DJB JV LLC, Annapolis, Maryland (FA8003-20-D-0029); Kunj Construction Corp., Northvale, New Jersey (FA8003-20-D-0030); D.A. Nolt Inc.,* Berlin, New Jersey (FA8003-20-D-0023); Ocean Construction LLC, Marmora, New Jersey (FA8003-20-D-0024); Roofing Resources Inc.,* Kennett Square, Pennsylvania (FA8003-20-D-0025); Carroll's Roofing and Construction LLC, Arlington, Tennessee (FA8003-20-D-0026); Swan Contracting, Peterborough, New Hampshire (FA8003-20-D-0027); ACTS/Meltech JV1 LLC,* Virginia Beach, Virginia, (FA8003-20-D-0031); A-Vet Roofing & Construction LLC, Warner Robins, Georgia, (FA8003-20-D-0032); The Roof & Metal Co., El Paso, Texas (FA8003-20-D-0037); AR6-Cram Roofing JV,* New Braunfels, Texas (FA8003-20-D-0041); Brazos Roofing Intl of South Dakota,* Waco, Texas (FA8003-20-D-0042); CUE Enterprises Inc.,* Jacksonville, Florida (FA8003-20-D-0033); Carmen Express JV LLC,* McKinney, Texas (FA8003-20-D-0034); MIWOK Construction LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada (FA8003-20-D-0035); Platinum Roofing,* Sheridan, Arkansas (FA8003-20-D-0036); ENH LLC, Garden Grove, California (FA8003-20-D-0038); RYCARS Construction LLC,* Kenner, Louisiana (FA8003-20-D-0039); Good-Men Roofing and Construction Inc.,* San Diego, California (FA8003-20-D-0040); Topside Contracting LLC,* San Antonio, Texas (FA8003-20-D-0043); Heffler Contracting Group, El Cajon, California (FA8003-20-D-0044); PMR Services LLC, Watford City, North Dakota (FA8003-20-D-0045); Legacy JV Group LLC,* Warner Robins, Georgia (FA8003-20-D-0046); Advon Construction Corp.,* Tallahassee, Florida (FA8003-20-D-0048); Jordon Construction Co., Greenville, South Carolina (FA8003-20-D-0051); Best Value Management LLC,* Jacksonville, Florida (FA8003-20-D-0056); Associates Roofing & Construction Inc.,* Murrells Inlet, South Carolina ((FA8003-20-D-0057); Yerkes South-Advanced Roofing Inc., Crestview, Florida (FA8003-20-D-0060); Inland Construction and Engineering,* Panama City, Florida (FA8003-20-D-0067); Legacy JV Group LLC,* Warner Robins, Georgia (FA8003-20-D-0047); Carmen Express JV LLC,* McKinney, Texas (FA8003-20-D-0049); D.A. Nolt Inc.,* Berlin, New Jersey (FA8003-20-D-0050); Ocean Construction LLC, Marmora, New Jersey (FA8003-20-D-0052); Pacific Federal-Pacific Tech JV 1, Longview, Washington (FA8003-20-D-0053); Platinum Roofing,* Sheridan, Arkansas (FA8003-20-D-0054); Topside Contracting LLC,* San Antonio, Texas (FA8003-20-D-0055); Chatmon-VJR JV LLC, La Place, Louisiana (FA8003-20-D-0058); Ames1 DayNight JV, Anchorage, Alaska (FA8003-20-D-0059); ACTS/Meltech JV1 LLC,* Virginia Beach, Virginia (FA8003-20-D-0061); RYCARS Construction LLC,* Kenner, Louisiana (FA8003-20-D-0062); CYE Enterprises Inc.,* Jacksonville, Florida (FA8003-20-D-0063); Swan Contracting, Peterborough, New Hampshire (FA8003-20-D-0064); Roofing Resources Inc.,* Kennett Square, Pennsylvania (FA8003-20-D-0065); Carroll's Roofing and Construction LLC, Arlington, Tennessee (FA8003-20-D-0066); Consolidated Enterprises Inc.,* Anchorage, Alaska (FA8003-20-D-0002); Interior Alaska Roofing Inc.,* Fairbanks, Alaska (FA8003-20-D-0004); EP Roofing,* Anchorage, Alaska (FA8003-20-D-0003); Orion Construction Inc.,* Wasilla, Alaska (FA8003-20-D-0005); Aleut Field Services LLC, Fairbanks, Alaska (FA8003-20-D-0007); and Ames1 DayNight JV, Anchorage, Alaska (FA8003-20-D-0006), have been awarded a not-to-exceed $325,000,000 (all-inclusive/program wide) firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to 43 contract holders with 66 contracts for roofing repair, replacement and maintenance. Work will be performed at various Air Force contiguous U.S. installations and installations in Alaska, with work expected to be completed by May 14, 2025. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and 69 offers were received. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $66,000 ($1,000 to each contract) are being obligated at the time of award. The 771st Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. PAE Aviation and Technical Services LLC, Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded a $157,990,274 firm-fixed-price and cost reimbursable contract for performance of the Eglin backshop maintenance services contract. This contract provides for support for repair, maintenance and modification of F-15, F-16, UH1N, C-130 and other required aircraft, including maintaining support equipment and providing crash recovery services. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The period of performance includes a 30-day transition period, a one-year base year with six one-year options and an option to extend services for six months. This award is the result of a full and open competitive acquisition and six offers were received. Fiscal 2020 research, test, development and evaluation funds in the amount of $7,098,853 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Test Center, Eglin AFB, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA2486-20-C-0003). Vectrus Systems Corp., Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded a $17,382,577 firm-fixed-price modification (A00072) to contract FA3002-17-C-0001 for base operations support services at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Work will be performed at Keesler AFB and is expected to be completed May 31, 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $17,365,577 are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $78,311,850. The 81st Contracting Squadron, Keesler AFB, Mississippi, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $17,354,159 firm-fixed-price modification (P00024) to contract FA8675-18-C-0003 for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile program. This modification provides for procurement of two new final assembly test sets and upgrade of two existing final assembly test sets. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2023. This contract involves unclassified Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Poland, Qatar, Spain and Romania. Fiscal 2019 missile procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $4,589,102; fiscal 2018 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,928,382; and FMS funds in the amount of $2,836,675 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. NISQA'A TEK LLC, Chantilly, Virginia, has been awarded a $7,608,038 firm-fixed-price contract for information technology services. This contract provides for Cyber Operations for Base Resilient Architectures (COBRA) support. Work will be performed at various locations throughout Pacific Air Force bases and is expected to be completed by May 14, 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,608,038 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force District of Washington Contracting Office, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, is the contracting activity (FA7014-20-C-0021). NAVY Alutiiq Logistics and Maintenance Services LLC,* Anchorage, Alaska, is awarded a $196,309,084 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for base operating support services at Naval Air Station China Lake, California. The maximum dollar value including the base period, seven option periods and a six-month option to extend services is $196,309,084. Work will be performed in China Lake, California, and provides for labor, supervision, management and materials (except those specified as government furnished) to perform various base operating support service functions. This includes operations support; supply services; facilities investment; custodial; pest control; refuse and recycling collection; grounds maintenance; street sweeping and snow removal; base support vehicle and equipment rental; and environmental services. Work is expected to be complete by December 2028. No funds will be obligated at time of contract award. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps); fiscal 2020 working capital funds (Navy); and fiscal 2020 Defense Health Program contract funds in the amount of $17,237,567 will be obligated for recurring services on an individual task order during the base period. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with four proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-20-D-0051). Mare Island Dry Dock LLC, Vallejo, California, is awarded a $33,532,308 firm-fixed-price contract for a 150-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry-docking of U.S. Ship Emory S. Land (AS 39). Work will be performed in Vallejo, California, and is expected to be complete by January 2021. This contract includes a base period and three options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $36,228,717. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $33,532,308 are obligated for fiscal 2020 and 2021, and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Government Point of Entry website and two offers received. The Naval Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N32205-18-C-4552). S&K Aerospace LLC,* St. Ignatius, Montana, is awarded a $30,844,497 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the repair, overhaul and upgrade of 361 commercial common items used on the P-8A Poseidon maritime aircraft. Work will be performed at various contractor supplier locations (85%); and Byron, Georgia (15%). Work is expected to be completed by May 2025. This contract includes a five-year base period with no options. Working capital (Navy) funds will be obligated as individual orders are issued and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with the solicitation posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website as an 8(a) small business set-aside requirement, and eight offers were received. The Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00383-20-D-XE01). The Nutmeg Co. Inc.,* Norwich, Connecticut, is awarded a $27,029,098 firm-fixed-price design-bid-build contract for the repair of Submarine A School Bachelor Quarters Building (BQB) 488, Naval Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut. Work will be performed at New London, Connecticut, and provides for whole building repairs to BQB 488, construction of a new sidewalk on the north side of the building and site grading in the courtyard area to channel water away from the building foundation. Interior repairs include, but are not limited to, an upgrade of existing fire protection; interior finishes; electrical; elevators; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; plumbing and provide exterior enclosure repairs. Work is expected to be completed by November 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $27,029,098 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM website with seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-20-C-0025). Huntington Ingalls Industries, Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded $16,931,540 for a not-to-exceed, undefinitized contract action for long-lead-time material in support of one Amphibious Assault Ship (General Purpose) Replacement (LHA(R)) Flight 1 ship (LHA 9). Work will be performed in Erie, Pennsylvania (47%); Tacoma, Washington (22%), Pascagoula, Mississippi (17%); Sheffield, United Kingdom (12%); and St. Louis, Missouri (2%), and provides the procurement of long-lead-time material for LHA 9, the fourth LHA(R), America class and the second LHA(R) Flight 1 variant. Work is expected to be complete by February 2024. Fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) advance procurement funding in the amount of $16,931,540 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured, in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) and only one responsible source with no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-20-C-2437). General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $16,022,000 undefinitized contract action under previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-2101 to perform Large-Scale Vehicle (LSV) 2 system refurbishment. Work will be performed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. General Dynamics Electric Boat will obtain vendor services from Leonard DRS Naval Power Systems to support LSV 2 refurbishment. Work is expected to be complete by February 2023. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount $4,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Connecticut, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, California, is awarded a $13,229,197 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-17-C-4108 to exercise options for hardware procurement for the AN/USQ-82(V) Program in support of DDG-51 class new construction, DDG-51 class modernization and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (80%); and the governments of Japan (16%) and Australia (4%) under the FMS program. AN/USQ-82(V) Program is a control system network. Its purpose is to transfer mission critical data to and from users associated with combat, navigation, aviation, power, propulsion, steering, alarms and indicating, and damage control systems. Work will be performed in Smithfield, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be complete by August 2021. Fiscal 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); 2020 other procurement (Navy); and FMS Japan and Australia funds in the amount of $13,229,197 will be obligated at the time of the award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Liverpool, New York, is awarded a $7,894,505 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-14-C-6227 to exercise an option for the procurement of Navy equipment. Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York, and is expected to be complete by October 2021. Fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and 2020 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,894,505 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Huang-Gaghan JV Two,* Alexandria, Virginia, is awarded a $7,624,432 firm-fixed-price task order (N40080-20-F-4623) under a multiple award construction contract for the replacement of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system at Building 1864, Naval Support Activity South Potomac, Naval Support Facility, Indian Head, Maryland. Work will be performed in Indian Head, Maryland, and will demolish the existing HVAC system at Building 1864 and provide a new HVAC system. Building 1864 is a single story laboratory of approximately 20,000 square feet that is used for the testing and evaluation of energetic material. Construction is primarily focused on airside equipment. Replacement equipment and systems includes replacement of three rooftop air handling units and associated distribution ductwork, three central exhaust systems, local exhaust systems, remote variable air volume (VAV) supply terminals with hot water reheat and associated air volume tracking exhaust VAV terminals, steam humidifiers, steam generator for humidification, direct digital controls and other miscellaneous items. A new water treatment plant shall be provided to treat water for building humidification. Support from other construction trades is required to perform the HVAC system replacement. Roof structure and closure shall be modified, fire-rated partitions and penetrations shall be provided and electrical power and grounding shall be provided along with other miscellaneous work. Work is expected to be complete by January 2022. Fiscal 2020 Navy working capital contract funds in the amount of $7,624,432 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of fiscal year 2022. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-19-D-0001). ARMY Palomar Display Products,* Carlsbad, California, was awarded an $89,237,780 firm-fixed-price contract for biocular image control units, assorted spares and engineering services and repairs. 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 May 14, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W909MY-20-D-0006). The Boeing Co., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $28,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for advanced procurement of long lead helicopter parts. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2022. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $28,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-20-F-0380). Greenland Enterprises Inc., Hampton, Virginia, was awarded a $19,635,242 firm-fixed-price contract to repair a hot water line. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2022. Fiscal 2020 military construction funds in the amount of $19,635,242 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky is the contracting activity (W912QR-20-C-0008). CORRECTION: The contract announced on April 30, 2020, to L3 Technologies Inc., Londonderry, New Hampshire (W56HZV-20-F-0308), for illuminator infrared parts, is actually being awarded today. The award is for $7,450,000, not $17,135,000 as previously announced. DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY Applied Physical Sciences Corp., Groton, Connecticut, has been awarded an $18,822,358 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the base period of a research and development effort for undersea sensing systems. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (60%); Woburn, Massachusetts (20%); Arlington, Virginia (7%); Pawcatuck, Connecticut (4%); Northridge, California (3%); Waltham, Massachusetts (3%); Orange, California (2%); and Concord, Massachusetts (1%), with an estimated completion date of October 2021. Fiscal 2020 research and development funds in the amount of $15,062,029 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract is the result of a competitive acquisition in accordance with original broad agency announcement HR0011-17-S-0034. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HR0011-20-C-0100). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2188998/source/GovDelivery/

  • Soldiers Will Control Robotic Combat Vehicles in Upcoming Test

    July 16, 2019 | International, Land

    Soldiers Will Control Robotic Combat Vehicles in Upcoming Test

    By Matthew Cox Next year, the Army plans to have soldiers fire at targets using remote-controlled robotic vehicles as part of a three-phase effort to learn how autonomous combat vehicles can make small units more effective on the battlefield. During the operational test scheduled for next March at Fort Carson, Colorado, soldiers will operate from specially modified Bradley fighting vehicles known as Mission Enabler Technologies-Demonstrators, or MET-Ds, according to a recent Army news release.The tricked-out vehicles feature remote turrets for the 25mm main gun, 360-degree situational awareness cameras and enhanced crew stations with touch screens. The first phase of testing will include two MET-Ds and four robotic combat vehicles on M113 armored personnel carrier surrogate platforms. Each MET-D will have a driver and gunner, as well as four soldiers in its rear, who will conduct platoon-level maneuvers with two surrogate vehicles that fire 7.62mm machine guns, according to the release. "We've never had soldiers operate MET-Ds before," said David Centeno Jr., chief of the Emerging Capabilities Office at the Combat Capabilities Development Command's Ground Vehicle Systems Center. "We're asking them to utilize the vehicles in a way that's never been done before." One goal for the autonomous vehicles is to learn how to penetrate an adversary's anti-access/aerial denial capabilities without putting soldiers in danger. "You're exposing forces to enemy fire, whether that be artillery, direct fire," Centeno said. "So, we have to find ways to penetrate that bubble, attrit their systems and allow for freedom of air and ground maneuver. These platforms buy us some of that, by giving us standoff." In late fiscal 2021, phase two of the effort will have soldiers conduct experiments at the company level with six MET-Ds and the same M113 surrogates, as well as four light and four medium surrogate robotic combat vehicles (RCVs) provided by industry, the release states. "The intent of this is to see how an RCV light integrates into a light infantry formation and performs reconnaissance and security tasks, as well as supports dismounted infantry operations," Maj. Cory Wallace, robotic combat vehicle-lead for the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team, said in the release. Phase three is scheduled for fiscal 2023 and will add four medium and four heavy purpose-built RCVs to the mix, the release states. "This is not how we're used to fighting," Centeno said. "We're asking a lot. We're putting a lot of sensors, putting a lot of data in the hands of soldiers. We want to see how that impacts them. We want to see how it degrades or increases their performance." The family of RCVs includes three variants. Army officials envision the light version to be transportable by rotary wing. The medium variant would be able to fit onto a C-130 Hercules aircraft, and the heavy variant would fit onto a C-17 Globemaster aircraft, according to the release. Critics of the effort say it sounds very similar to the Army's failed Future Combat Systems (FCS), an ambitious effort to design a new fleet of lightweight manned and unmanned combat vehicles and other platforms designed to dominate future battlefields. Army officials have argued that the technology FCS depended on did not exist. The service spent billions on FCS, only to see it fail when then-Defense Secretary Robert Gates killed the 27-ton Manned Ground Vehicles portion of FCS in the 2010 budget while criticizing the advanced design as ill-suited to survive current battlefield threats. Army officials believe that the service's new Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) vehicle could influence the development of the heavy RCV, the release states. In December, the Army awarded MPF contracts to two firms to build 12 prototypes each and begin delivering them to the service in early 2020. The goal is to down-select to a winner by fiscal 2022 and begin fielding the first of 504 of these lightweight tanks sometime in fiscal 2025, officials say. The heavy RCV is being designed to provide the enemy-armor killing power of an MPF with even less armor since it doesn't have to protect soldiers, the release states "An RCV reduces risk," Wallace said. "It does so by expanding the geometry of the battlefield so that, before the threat makes contact with the first human element, it has to make contact with the robots. That, in turn, gives commanders additional space and time to make decisions." https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/07/15/soldiers-will-control-robotic-combat-vehicles-upcoming-test.html

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