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October 8, 2024 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR

Europe launches space mission in defense against city-killer asteroids

The Hera mission will investigate the result of NASA’s asteroid redirection test, in which the U.S. agency rammed a spacecraft into the asteroid Dimorphos.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2024/10/08/europe-launches-space-mission-in-defense-against-city-killer-asteroids/

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  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - June 26, 2019

    June 27, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security, Other Defence

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - June 26, 2019

    ARMY Burgos Group LLC,* Albuquerque, New Mexico (W9126G-19-D-0041); Southwest Valley Constructors, Albuquerque, New Mexico (W9126G-19-D-0033); SLSCO Ltd., Galveston, Texas (W9126G-19-D-0036); Bristol Construction Services LLC,* Anchorage, Alaska (W9126G-19-D-0039); J&J Contractors Inc.,* North Billerica, Massachusetts (W9126G-19-D-0043); Gibralter-Caddell a Joint Venture, Montgomery, Alabama (W9126G-19-D-0037); Puyenpa Cottles Joint Venture LLC,* Copperas Cove, Texas (W9126G-19-D-0038); Texas Sterling Construction Co., Houston, Texas (W9126G-19-D-0035); BFBC LLC, Bozeman, Montana (W9126G-19-D-0034); JSR Inc.,* Schertz, Texas (W9126G-19-D-0045); Stormwater Plans, LLC doing business as SWP Contracting & Paving,* Glendale, Arizona (W9126G-19-D-0044); Gideon Contracting LLC,* San Antonio, Texas (W9126G-19-D-0042); and Randy Kinder Excavating Inc.,* Dexter, Missouri (W9126G-19-D-0040) will compete for each order of the $5,000,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for horizontal construction services in support of the Department of Homeland Security, Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, Del Rio, Big Bend and El Paso Border Patrol sectors. Bids were solicited via the internet with 40 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 24, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity. Atlantic Diving Suppling Inc.,* Virginia Beach, Virginia (W56HZV-19-D-0070) and Sorinex Exercise Equipment Inc.,* Lexington, South Carolina (W56HZV-19-D-0071), will compete for each order of the $63,778,092 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of Army combat fitness test equipment. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 6, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. Peckham Vocational Industries Inc., Lansing, Michigan, was awarded a $22,860,897 modification (P00008) to contract W56HZV-17-C-0187 for services to support the organizational clothing and individual equipment effort for the repair, cleaning, warehousing, and distribution. Work will be performed in Lansing, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $22,860,897 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. Manson Construction Co., Seattle, Washington, was awarded a $16,715,000 firm-fixed-price contract for annual maintenance dredging for the Oakland Inner and Outer Harbor federal navigation channel in Alameda County, California. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Oakland, California, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 18, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, civil funds in the amount of $16,715,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco, California, is the contracting activity (W912P7-19-C-0009). IAP Worldwide Services Inc., Cape Canaveral, Florida, was awarded a $16,289,540 hybrid (cost-no-fee, firm-fixed-price and time-and-materials) contract for satellite communication support. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 21, 2025. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $16,289,540 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-19-C-0034). International GeoConsultants JV, Germantown. Maryland, was awarded a $9,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for geotechnical engineering services. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June, 25, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-19-D-0034). General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., Fairfax, Virginia, was awarded a $7,805,000 modification (F406 22) to contract W91QUZ-06-D-0012 for combined mission command network operations and maintenance information technology services. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 12, 2020. U.S. Army 411th Contracting Support Battalion, Republic of Korea, is the contracting activity. NAVY BAE System Technology Solutions and Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland (N00039-19-D-0031); Serco Inc., Herndon, Virginia (N00039-19-D-0032); and Scientific Research Corp., Atlanta, Georgia (N00039-19-D-0033), are each awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-only indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for logistics, integration, engineering, procurement, fabrication, assembly, test, inspection, zone integration and installation of integrated command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) system of systems capabilities aboard new construction aircraft carrier and large deck amphibious ships, to include refueling and complex overhaul ships. Throughout the duration of the awarded contracts, the total obligated amount on orders for all of the awarded contracts combined will not exceed $747,097,000. Each contract includes options, which if exercised, would bring the estimated value of each contact to $601,513,730 for BAE System; $608,243,247 for Serco Inc., and $599,544,784 for Scientific Research Corp. These contracts will support various Navy shipbuilding programs. These programs require integrated C4I capabilities to provide communications for maritime operations and flight safety. The integrated capability is composed of distributed systems that provide network capabilities, communications, command and control, intelligence, and non-tactical data. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia (73%); Charleston, South Carolina (17%); and Pascagoula, Mississippi (10%), and work is expected to be completed by June 2029. No contract funds will be obligated at the time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $50,000 will be obligated on the first task order under each contract utilizing fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy), and fiscal 2019 research and development (Navy) funds. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were awarded pursuant to full and open competition, with three offers received. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. Integrity Applications Inc.,* Chantilly, Virginia (N68936-19-D-0036); Toyon Research Corp.,* Goleta, California (N68936-19-D-0037); KAB Laboratories,* San Diego, California (N6893619D0038); and Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Virginia (N68936-19-D-0039), are each being awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contracts. These contracts provide for research, development, testing and evaluation, technical assistance and systems engineering in the development, testing and fielding of future intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting systems. The estimated cumulative aggregate ceiling for all contracts is $49,839,291, with the companies having an opportunity to compete for individual orders. Work will be performed at various contractor facilities located inside the continental United States, and is expected to be completed in June 2024. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,004 ($2,501 per company to satisfy the minimum guarantee amount) are being obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; four offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity. Tetra Tech Inc., Norfolk, Virginia, is awarded $9,870,904 for firm-fixed-price task order N44255-19-F-4112 under a previously awarded single award services contract for a base wide site investigation for munitions at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. The work to be performed provides a munition response site investigation for 15 sites having 21 locations. The scope includes all work necessary to define the source and nature of a release, describe pathways for contaminant migration, identify human and ecological receptors, conclude whether a No Further Action determination, a removal action, or a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study is warranted. The following surveys will be completed as part of this work: habitat/endangered species, historical and cultural resources, land surveying and clearing, munitions and clearing, and geophysical. Work will be performed in Silverdale, Washington, and is expected to be completed by June 2022. Fiscal 2019 environmental restoration (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $9,870,904 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One proposal was received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity (N44255-19-D-4112). AIR FORCE HDT Global, Salon, Ohio, has been awarded a $66,684,930, fixed-price incentive firm modification (P00038) to previously awarded FA8204-13-C-0010 for production of 19 Transporter Erector Replacement Program (TERP) production units. This contract provides for the procurement of 19 TERP production representative vehicles and initial spares over four option periods. Work will be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Florence, Kentucky, and is expected to be completed by December 2020. This award is the result of a negotiated agreement to definitize engineering changes incorporated into the design portion of performance. Fiscal 2018 procurement funds in the amount of $15,225,936 to fully fund option period one. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity. United Technologies Corp., doing business as Collins Aerospace, Westford, Massachusetts, has been awarded a $31,920,402 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification (P00008) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract FA8620-18-D-3014 for providing partner nations an ordering vehicle for the DB-110 Tactical Reconnaissance Pod Program. This modification raises the price ceiling from $31,920,402 to $215,025,402. Work will be performed in Westford, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 14, 2023. This contract involves 100% foreign military sales to Oman, Poland, Morocco and Greece. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Brighton Cromwell LLC, Randolph, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $34,746,167 firm-fixed-price contract for specialized parts kits. 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 three-year base contract with two one-year option periods. Location of performance is New Jersey, with a June 25, 2022, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio (SPE7LX-19-D-0163). Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR),** Washington, District of Columbia., has been awarded a maximum $14,141,250 modification (P00002) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-18-D1069) with two one-year option periods for Army physical fitness uniform trunks. This is an indefinite-delivery contract. Locations of performance are Minnesota, Colorado, Louisiana and Kentucky, with a July 11, 2020, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency, Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY Spectrum Healthcare Resources Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $9,061,238 firm-fixed-price contract, HT0014-19-C-0001. This contract provides support to the Defense Health Agency's national capital region for continuation of healthcare services at the Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Family Health Centers of Fairfax and Dumfries (outpatient clinics stemming from Fort Belvoir Community Hospital). The work includes all personnel and facilities to provide healthcare for approximately 51,000 TRICARE prime beneficiaries. Work will be performed in Virginia, beginning July 1, 2019, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2019. The contract includes a two- month base period. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,061,238 are obligated on this award. This was a sole-source acquisition. The Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. *Small business **Mandatory source https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1888547/source/GovDelivery/

  • Britain awards $1 billion contract to upgrade Challenger 2 tanks

    May 10, 2021 | International, Land

    Britain awards $1 billion contract to upgrade Challenger 2 tanks

    Anglo-German armored vehicle-maker Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land has signed a deal with the British Defence Ministry to upgrade Challenger 2 main battle tanks.

  • Pilots try out new helmet in F-16V flight tests

    August 7, 2020 | International, Aerospace

    Pilots try out new helmet in F-16V flight tests

    Seth J. Frantzman JERUSALEM — Recent flight tests of the F-16V fighter jet incorporated a new version of the pilot's helmet that introduces a visor with optical inertial trackers and is designed to provide improved durability, accuracy and comfort for long flights. The Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System II is manufactured by Collins Elbit Vision Systems, a joint venture between Collins Aerospace and Elbit Systems of America. The flight tests followed a safety qualification test for the helmet last year meant as a step toward making the JHMCS II the baseline helmet for the F-16 Fighting Falcon Viper (V) Block 70/72, made by Lockheed Martin. The safety test was performed on the ground, and the helmet was subjected to wind blasts. Jeff Hoberg, a co-general manager with the joint venture, said the helmet was specifically created for aircraft like the F-16V and builds on the legacy of the earlier JHMCS variants used on F-15, F-16 and F-18 jets. With an optical inertial tracker, the JHMCS II is more accurate than previous models, and its improved center of gravity mitigates pilot fatigue, as the helmet aligns better with the spine, Hoberg said. The optical tracking is made possible by upgrades to algorithms and software, the placement of a tracking part on the front of the helmet above the eyes, and a reference unit on the dashboard console of the aircraft. “Likewise it has a color display, and when you add color to the display, air crew can absorb more information,” he added. The next step for the helmet, Hoberg explained, is to continue flight tests this year and through early next year, with the expectation that the new variant will be certified as the baseline helmet for the F-16V. The JHMCS II is the only helmet-mounted display integrated and tested on the F-16V. “Flight tests is the next milestone as we partner with Collins Elbit Vision Systems on the JHMCS II, and we look forward to continued collaboration,” said Danya Trent, vice president of the F-16 program at Lockheed. The F-16V aircraft, equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, are part of a new Lockheed production line in Greenville, South Carolina, announced last year. The company said in a 2019 interview that it expected hundreds of aircraft to be upgraded to the Viper model and up to 500 more to be sold in the next decade, with F-16s estimated to be keep flying into the 2040s. The fourth-generation “V” model first flew in 2015 and is going through a flight test phase. F-16V sales and upgrades to the variant are in the works for Taiwan, Bahrain and Bulgaria, among other countries. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/2020/08/06/pilots-try-out-new-helmet-in-f-16v-flight-tests/

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