August 17, 2021 | International, Aerospace
Red 6 lands contract to put augmented reality on a T-38 training jet
After integration on a T-38 is complete, a fourth-gen fighter will be next in line.
December 6, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security
ARMY
Tidewater Inc.,* Elkridge, Maryland, was awarded a $230,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for environmental services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 25 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 4, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W912DR-20-D-0012).
Woodward Inc., Loves Park, Illinois, was awarded a $54,054,836 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance and overhaul of the common hydro-mechanical unit. 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. 4, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-20-D-0011).
Merrick & Co., Greenwood Village, Colorado, was awarded a $28,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for facilities and infrastructure studies, engineering, design and construction projects. Bids were solicited via the internet with 13 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 4, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-20-D-0003).
NAVY
General Dynamics, Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is awarded a $145,754,568 cost-plus-award-fee modification, against a previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-4452 to exercise an option for Destroyer Designated Guided or Guided Missile Destroyer Planning Yard Services. This modification exercise is for the continuation of integrated planning yard services for Arleigh Burke-class ships. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be complete by January 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding for $2,139,971 will be obligated at time of award and expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair, Bath, Maine, is the contracting activity.
CH2M Hill Constructors Inc., Englewood, Colorado (N62470-13-D-6019); Environmental Chemical Corp., Burlingame, California (N62470-13-D-6020); Kellogg, Brown, & Root Services Inc., Arlington, Virginia (N62470-13-D-6021); and URS Group Inc., Morrisville, North Carolina (N62470-13-D-6022) are awarded a $92,000,000 modification to increase the maximum dollar value of an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract for global contingency construction projects worldwide. After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $1,242,000,000. The work to be performed provides for the Navy, the Navy on behalf of the Department of Defense, and the Navy on behalf of other federal agencies when authorized, an immediate response for construction services. The construction and related engineering services would respond to natural disasters, humanitarian assistance, conflict or projects with similar characteristics. Work will be predominately construction. The contractor, in support of the construction effort, may be required to provide initial base operating support services, which will be incidental to construction efforts. The term of the contract is not to exceed 71 months with a completion date of May 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on subsequent modifications for work on existing individual task orders. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
General Dynamic Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $47,285,685 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-4321 to exercise options for the New England Maintenance Manpower Initiative for non-nuclear maintenance on submarines based at Naval Submarine Support Facility, New London. This option exercise will allow Electric Boat to continue non-nuclear repair services required to support submarine overhauls, maintenance, repair and modernization upgrades; ship alterations, temporary modifications and field changes; supplies and/or ancillary services, and corrective and preventative maintenance. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be complete by December 2022. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds for $2,500,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.
Far Western Anthropological Research Group Inc.,* Davis, California (N62473-20-D-0009); PaleoWest LLC doing business as Paleo West Archaeology,* Phoenix, Arizona (N62473-20-D-0010); Statistical Research Inc.,* Tucson, Arizona (N62473-20-D-0011); and UltraSystems Environmental Inc.,* Irvine, California (N62473-20-D-0012), are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract for cultural resource services located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all four contracts combined is $30,000,000. No task orders are being issued at this time. The work to be performed provides for contractors to perform cultural resources services at various locations within NAVFAC Southwest's AOR. The contractors shall furnish all labor, management, supervision, tools, materials, travel, lodging/subsistence, equipment and transportation to provide cultural resources related studies, investigation, preparation of historic and archaeological documents, and implementation of plans in accordance with Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. All work on this contract will be performed in California (95%); Arizona (1%); Colorado (1%); Nevada (1%); New Mexico (1%); and Utah (1%). On occasion, work may also be performed in other locations for the Navy or Marine Corps. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of December 2024. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance, Navy (O&M, N) contract funds in the amount of $20,000 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 and O&M, Marine Corps. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities websites with nine proposals received. These four contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.
CACI National Security Solutions Inc. (CACI), Reston, Virginia, is awarded a modification to a previously awarded (N65236-16-D-8011) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee performance based contract. This single award contract (SAC) is currently in its fourth year with a contract expiration date of Sept. 14, 2020. This modification increases the basic contract estimated ceiling by $21,678,272 and changes the cumulative estimated value of the contract from $104,541,625 to $126,219,897. This SAC is for Special Operations Communications Systems Satellite Communications and Network Support Services in support of U.S. Special Operations Command and other joint warfighting commands. Work will be performed in Charleston, South Carolina; Tampa, Florida; and Fayetteville, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by September 2020. This SAC was previously procured competitively by full and open competition via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command e-commerce Central website and the Federal Business Opportunities website. This sole source contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) - only one responsible source (Federal Acquisition Regulation subpart 6.302-1). Naval Information Warfare Center, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity.
Boston Ship Repair LLC, Boston, Massachusetts, is awarded a $13,379,140 firm-fixed-price contract (N32205-20-C-4015) for an 87-calendar day shipyard availability for the mid-term availability of the USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195). The $13,379,140 consists of the amounts listed in the following areas: Category “A” work item cost, additional government requirement, other direct costs and the general and administrative costs. Work will include furnishing general services, port side shell repair, starboard main engine overhaul, port main engine overhaul, ship service diesel generator turbocharger overhaul, new life boat installation, tank deck overhead preservation and underway replenishment station eight deck and steel replacement. The contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $15,142,310. Funds will be obligated Dec. 5, 2019. Contract completion will be May 20, 2020. Work will be performed in Boston, Massachusetts, and is expected to begin Feb. 24, 2020, and is expected to be completed by May 20, 2020. Contract funds for $13,379,140 excluding options, are obligated for fiscal 2020 using (Navy) working capital funds. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website and two offers were received. The Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Alliant Techsystems Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $37,788,519 firm-fixed-price modification (P00052) to previously awarded contract FA8106-16-C-0004 for contractor logistic support for the Iraqi Air Force's Cessna 208 and 172 fleet. Work will be performed in Iraq and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2020. This contract involves 100% foreign military sales to Iraq. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. The dollars obligated is $169,153,380. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $235,000,000. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $19,429,623.80 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co. Space and Airborne Systems, McKinney, Texas, has been awarded a $13,121,979 modification (P00002) to previously awarded agreement FA8650-19-9-9326 for High Energy Laser Weapon Systems (HELWS). This modification provides for the purchase of one additional HELWS being produced under the basic agreement, including outside continental U.S. (OCONUS) field assessment for purposes of experimentation. Experimentation includes, but is not limited to, six months of in-field operation by Air Force personnel against unmanned aerial systems threats. In addition, experimentation includes, but is not limited to, full mission capable, partial mission capable and non-mission capable operator training in theater maintenance of systems while collecting availability; reliability, maintainability and supportability data; and system operation against real-world or simulated hostile vignettes without disrupting other necessary installation operations. Work will be performed at OCONUS locations and is expected to be completed by Nov. 1, 2020. The total cumulative face value of the agreement is $36,939,636. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $13,121,979 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
CORRECTION: The $988,832,126 definitization modification (PZ0010) announced on Dec. 2, 2019, to previously awarded contract FA8681-18-C-0021 (Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida), was actually awarded today, Dec. 5, 2019. All other information in the Dec. 2 announcement is correct.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $8,870,921 cost-plus-fixed-fee, bridge contract for automated tank gauging, independent alarm system and overfill protection equipment Pacific maintenance. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a 21-month base contract with one three-month option period. Locations of performance are Alaska, Hawaii, South Korea, Okinawa, Wake Island, Marshall Islands, Guam, Diego Garcia and Japan, with a Sept. 12, 2021, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, National Guard and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Contracting Services Office, Columbus, Ohio (SP4702-20-C-0003).
*Small Business
https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2033316/source/GovDelivery/
August 17, 2021 | International, Aerospace
After integration on a T-38 is complete, a fourth-gen fighter will be next in line.
July 9, 2019 | International, Aerospace
Peter Lietz, Head of International Business Development for Hirth Engines, explains why engine manufacturers must raise the endurance bar for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to advance capabilities in extreme weather conditions. Drones have become a popular choice for various exploits, from hobbyist aerial photography to large organisations such as Amazon exploring the future of delivery services. In the same vein, governments, militaries and research groups are exploring the use of UAVs to enable highly effective monitoring of unforgiving terrains without risking manned aircraft or land-based patrols. The need for unmanned aerial systems to navigate harsh environments is vital for the maritime, military and commercial sectors. Providing reliable and to the minute information on the status of, and threats to, environments like the Arctic is crucial as governments prepare to take action against significant issues such as climate change and increases in populations. UAVs will play a crucial role in this future considering the need for operators to monitor harsh environments and difficult to reach terrains, especially rotary UAVs. Reaching inhospitable locations can present a variety of logistical challenges, not least of which is the cost of sending land-based patrols or manned aircraft often from navy ships or other maritime vessels. This is where UAVs can enable operators to safely monitor terrains in a cost-effective and efficient way to better understand complex habitats. Carrying out monitoring exercises in areas such as the Artic where there is a real risk to life can be a major challenge. Through the use of well-engineered rotary UAVs, organisations are able to perform a variety of tasks with ease. The responsibility to advance the endurance capabilities of UAVs falls on engine manufacturers. For this reason, we must continue to innovate to increase performance. Over the last few years, rotary UAVs have grown in complexity, not only in terms of the platforms themselves but also the robustness and performance of the engines they run on. As the operational requirements for UAVs grows, engine manufacturers must continually innovate to improve power-to-weight ratios, reduce emissions, and accelerate capabilities in harsh environments. For a long time, fixed-wing UAVs were considered the optimal choice for endurance and speed over their rotary counterparts. However, this is changing rapidly thanks to enhancements in engine design. Rotary UAVs are now becoming a platform of choice due to their reduced logistical footprint and the ability to take off and land in a confined or limited space, especially in maritime environments such as on-board navy ships and coastguard cutters for example. The requirement for rotary UAVs to operate in extreme temperatures such as the cold of the Arctic or the severe heat of warmer climates is essential for operators. This is where two-stroke propulsion engines play a vital role. Two-stroke applications present rotary UAV manufacturers with a range of benefits, including ease of maintenance due to less moving parts and the ability to operate on heavy fuels which are a must for corrosive marine environments. Alongside this, two-stroke powered rotary UAVs are often capable of flying missions with a full payload in extreme conditions for more than five hours without overhaul. With this as a backdrop, it is vital for UAV and engine manufacturers to accelerate the development of propulsion systems capable of operating in extreme locations around the globe. As the industry moves towards hybrid and electric propulsion new challenges will arise and it is crucial that OEMs raise the bar to power the next generation of UAVs. In order to advance the endurance and capabilities of rotary UAVs, engine manufactures must look to innovate the propulsion technology used. Electric is an increasingly popular option for commercial drones. However, electric comes with its own challenges and limitations, such as operational endurance and increased weight of the electrical motors. Considering the performance of batteries in extreme temperatures in comparison to their fuel-based counterparts, there is a long way to go before pure electric UAVs will be capable of flying extended missions in harsh terrains. Hybrid applications that utilise both a combustion engine and electric propulsion systems will provide a bridge toward the future of pure electric flight. A clear advantage for hybrid applications is improving power to weight ratios to enable increased payload capacities. Hybrid UAV applications can be used in various functions, such as: electrically powered take-off and landing with conventional engines powering horizontal flight; or powering flight using only electrical motors whilst the combustion engine acts solely as a generator. In addition, safety is a key purpose behind the pursuit of hybrid applications. For UAV manufacturers, having the ability to convert to an electric battery should the combustion engine fail could make all the difference in enabling a safe landing. Operating UAVs in extreme weather conditions reduces the chances of potential health and safety issues associated with deploying staff or manned systems into harsh environments. In addition, a further key benefit of using UAVs is enabling the deployment of cost-effective systems that perform safely in extreme locations. Ultimately, developing UAVs that can fly farther and for longer in harsh environments will require engine manufacturers to consider alternative fuel and power systems such as heavy fuel two-stroke applications. Heavy fuel is widely considered a must in the maritime industry when dealing with complex environments due to its resistance to extreme temperatures. At Hirth, pairing a robust heavy fuel combustion engine with electrical propulsion is something we are pursuing to advance the future capabilities of unmanned systems and bridge the gap to pure electric flight. For further information about Hirth's portfolio of engines, visit: http://hirthengines.com/ About Hirth Hirth Engines GmbH, based near Stuttgart, with global sales operated from Vienna, has a long pedigree in the development of propulsion systems, stretching back to The innovative company was founded by German aviation pioneer and World War I ace Helmuth Hirth, a student of US inventor Thomas Edison, and collaborator with the Wright Brothers and Zeppelin. The company has set its sights on consolidating its leading role in the development of two-stroke engines for a range of diverse sectors including: Unmanned and manned light and experimental aircraft (fixed wing and helicopters) Hovercraft Next generation R&D will focus on hybrid engines, based on the company's winning formula of providing easy to maintain power to weight ratio propulsion technology across civilian and military applications. https://dronescrunch.com/enhancing-unmanned-operations-in-extreme-conditions-with-the-power-of-two-stroke/
October 27, 2024 | International, C4ISR
Defense and industry officials said the White House's AI policy memo should be accompanied by greater investment in enabling infrastructure.