February 19, 2019 | International, C4ISR

FLIR set to add Endeavor Robotics to its unmanned future

A camera is never just a camera anymore. For FLIR — the company whose bread and butter may be lenses and images but whose product is best thought of as an intelligence add-on more than any pedestrian photography — was never just about the camera.

FLIR's cameras and sensors have been incorporated into vehicles for decades, a platform on platforms. But in the past two years, FLIR has moved to acquire robotics companies of its own. A new deal, announced Feb. 11, 2019, is set to have FLIR acquire Endeavor Robotics.

In November 2016, FLIR acquired Prox Dynamics, maker of the sparrow-sized Black Hornet micro-drone. It was FLIR's first foray into its own unmanned vehicles. In January 2019, FLIR acquired drone-maker Aeryon Labs, which produces vehicles that weigh less than 20 pounds for a number of militaries across the globe.

“Now with Endeavor, we've started down that path of executing our inorganic phase of our growth strategy for unmanned,” said David Ray, president of the Government and Defense Business Unit at FLIR. “What that does is it allows us to have a platform to move the customer's vision forward for this whole notion of manned-unmanned teaming. It's driving an open architecture, an environment where you can have both manned vehicles and unmanned really cooperating and delivering missions like never before.”

Endeavor Robotics is the largest get by FLIR of the lot. FLIR is set to buy Endeavor for $385 million — almost twice as much as FLIR paid for Aeryon Labs, and nearly three times as much as it spent on Prox Dynamics.

With Endeavor Robotics comes a whole host of tracked unmanned ground vehicles, including the infantry-deployable (and -tossable) FirstLook, and the larger and heavier PackBot and Kobra. These robots can incorporate a variety of sensors from FLIR, for everything from video and infrared to chemical detection. Being in-house means FLIR can experiment and explore more fusion of its various platforms.

“With our Black Hornet we can have a reconnaissance system that is connected to a vehicle,” Ray said, “a tank or whatever it may be, where you could actually launch Black Hornet aircraft from another vehicle. As we enhance our sensors across both, we're able to bring that power to bear in terms of layered surveillance.”

While FLIR is still relatively new to robotics, it's used to working across sectors. FLIR sensors have been used by the military, government, law enforcement and in the security space, and have had to stay competitive with commercial companies. Lessons learned from an application in nuclear reactor security might be applicable to a sensor on an explosive ordnance disposal robot. Those updates and lessons have stayed fixed to the specific sensor. With the new robotics companies acquired by FLIR, it can adapt its vehicles and sensors in a more holistic way.

“Our latest Black Hornet III is able to operate in GPS-denied environments,” Ray said. “And so the beauty of Endeavor being part FLIR is we can go look at how we take an investment and enhancements we've made and see what it takes to go transfer that into a vehicle. The ultimate goal is being able to build world-class R&D and generate world-class capability, and then be able to expand that across multiple platforms.”

FLIR's past, present and future remain very much about the core business of providing sensors for others to incorporate. Also in that future we can anticipate FLIR adapting and designing its own vehicles around its sensors. That means looking at the way the data collected by those sensors can be turned into everything from useful navigational information for an autonomous system on the vehicle, to vital information relayed by tablet to soldiers commanding the robot nearby.

https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/2019/02/15/flir-set-to-add-endeavor-robotics-to-its-unmanned-future

On the same subject

February 25, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security, Other Defence

Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - February 21, 2019
DEFENSE THREAT REDUCTION AGENCY Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Virginia (HDTRA1-19-D-0002); General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Virginia (HDTRA1-19-D-0003); Leidos Inc. Reston, Virginia (HDTRA1-19-D-0004); Next Tier Concepts Inc. Vienna Virginia (HDTRA1-19-D-0005); and Science Applications International Corp., Reston, Virginia (HDTRA1-19-D-0006), are each awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (ID/IQ) contracts. These contracts provide Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)-wide information technology support services for IT service design. The not-to-exceed aggregate ceiling for all contracts is $535,000,000, with the contractors having an opportunity to compete for individual orders. This is a five-year base contract with one five-year option period. The bids were solicited through the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, however, DTRA maintains a global mission, and contractor personnel may be required to work at locations other than Fort Belvoir. Performance is expected to be completed March 2029. No funds are being obligated at time of ID/IQ award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. Task Order 1 is being awarded to Leidos Inc. at $18,058,969 for IT solution engineering and systems test support. Task Order 2 is being awarded at $22,113,142 for knowledge management solutions and support. Task Orders 1 and 2 will have a one-year base and four one-year options. The contracting activity is the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. AIR FORCE Tapestry Solutions Inc., a Boeing Co., San Diego, California, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $259,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Weapon Planning Software (WPS). This contract provides for the development, enhancement, and support of the WPS suite, which is a common component within the Joint Mission Planning System architecture. Work will be performed predominately in St. Louis, Missouri; and Niceville, Florida. Work is expected to be complete by February 2029. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $355,878 are being obligated on an initial delivery order at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8681-19-D-0006). Honeywell Aerospace, Phoenix, Arizona, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $150,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Advanced Turbine Technologies for Affordable Mission (ATTAM)-Capability Phase I. The mission of the ATTAM Phase I program is to develop, demonstrate, and transition advanced turbine propulsion, power and thermal technologies that provides improvement in affordable mission capability. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 20, 2027. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and 54 offers were received. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $340,000 are being obligated on the first task order at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-19-D-2058). The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $24,100,000 undefinitized cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price modification (P00012) to previously awarded contract FA8634-17-C-2650 for F-15 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System engineering and manufacturing development and initial operational test and evaluation. This modification provides for the procurement of hardware and systems engineering program management for the F-15E Operational Test and Evaluation jets. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed by June 1, 2021. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $11,066,185 will be obligated at the time of award. ARMY Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, Plymouth, Minnesota, was awarded a $173,679,405 modification (P00059) to contract (W15QKN-13-C-0074) for Precision Guidance Kit M1156. Work will be performed in Plymouth, Minnesota, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 14, 2022. Fiscal 2019 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $173,679,405 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. Great Lakes Environmental & Infrastructure,* Rocklin, California, was awarded a $34,974,509 firm-fixed-price contract for levee improvements. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Sacramento, California, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2021. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 general construction; and Sutter Butte County flood control funds in the combined amount of $34,974,509 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, California, is the contracting activity (W91238-19-C-0008). FourFront Design Inc.,* Rapid City, South Dakota (W9128F-19-D-0001); Calibre Engineering Inc.,* Highlands Ranch, Colorado (W9128F-19-D-0002); and Alliance Consulting Group Seven Generations,* Alexandria, Virginia (W9128F-19-D-0003), will compete for each order of the $20,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect, engineer, analysis and design services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 18 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 19, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $16,513,206 modification (0005) to contract W56HZV-16-D-0060 for Stryker wholesale supply, performance-based, logistics services. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 other procurement Army funds in the amount of $16,513,206 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity Longbow LLC, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $10,487,182 modification (P00075) to contract W31P4Q-16-C-0035 for Laser and Longbow HELLFIRE engineering services. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 20, 2020. Fiscal 2018 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $10,487,182 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company LLC, Oak Brook, Illinois, was awarded a $10,284,475 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging and lower harbor dredging. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Charleston, South Carolina, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 29, 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $4,673,400 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912HP-19-C-0001). Alutiiq General Contractors LLC, Tacoma, Washington, was awarded a $10,149,245 modification (P00003) to contract W911S8-17-D-0007 for maintenance, repair and minor construction work on vehicle roadways and airfield paving projects at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2020. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, is the contracting activity. Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, was awarded a $7,200,000 cost contract for test and validation of emerging propulsion technologies for unmanned aircraft systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Mississippi State, Mississippi, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 20, 2021. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $7,200,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W909MY-19-C-C002). Skookum Educational Programs, Bremerton, Washington, was awarded a $7,132,509 modification (P00002) to contract (W911S8-18-D-0004) for regularly-scheduled custodial services to a multitude of federal facilities at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2023. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, is the contracting activity. NAVY Harris Corp., Clifton, New Jersey, is being awarded a $168,801,314 modification (P00012) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-17-C-0090). This modification exercises an option for the procurement of 78 full-rate production Lot 16 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures AN/ALQ-214 A(V)4/5 Onboard Jammer systems for the F/A-18C/D/E/F aircraft for the Navy. In addition, the option provides for the procurement of 16 weapon replacement assembly (WRA) 1A(V)4 receiver/processors and 27 WRA2 A(V)4 modulators. Work will be performed in Clifton, New Jersey (59 percent); San Jose, California (14 percent); San Diego, California (7 percent); Rancho Cordova, California (5 percent); Mountain View, California (3 percent), and various locations throughout the continental U.S. (12 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2022. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 aircraft procurement Navy funds in the amount of $168,801,314 are being obligated at time of award, none of which expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, is awarded a $90,503,763 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for up to 1,008,710 man-hours of operational systems customization and engineering and technical services for implementation from concept through deployment of mobile deployable command, control, communications, computers, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems products. These systems are comprised of special operations forces and consequence management vehicles, small craft, transportable communication systems, enroute communication systems, and intra-platform systems. These services are in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Special Communications Mission Solutions Division. Work will be performed in St. Inigoes, Maryland (42 percent); Little Creek, Virginia (42 percent); and Fayetteville, North Carolina (16 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2024. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00421-19-D-0033). VT Halter Marine Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $39,808,087 modification to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N00024-18-C-2230 to exercise an option for the detail design and construction of an Auxiliary Personnel Lighter – Small (APL(S)). The initial contract was for the detail design and construction of the lead and second craft in the APL(S) 67 class; this option is for the first of four additional craft. The contract also includes options for associated support efforts related to the craft design and construction for deployment spare parts, crew familiarization, international delivery, and production-level technical data package including data rights. Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi (59 percent); the remaining 42 percent will be performed in the following areas: Mandeville, Louisiana; Metairie, Louisiana; Gautier, Mississippi; Billerica, Massachusetts; and Boca Raton, Florida; and is expected to be completed by November 2020. Fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $39,808,087 is being obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, is awarded $33,373,999 for cost-plus-fixed-fee modification P00044 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-16-C-0035). This modification provides for the redesign, integration and test of radio frequency sensors as part of a cost reduction initiative in support of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile. Work will be performed in Wayne, New Jersey (40 percent); Nashua, New Hampshire (40 percent); and Orlando, Florida (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2021. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,687,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Jacksonville Ship Repair LLC, Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded a $23,249,314 cost-plus-award-fee contract for the accomplishment of post shakedown availability (PSA) for USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), with an option for the accomplishment of PSA for the future USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117). The PSA encompasses all of the manpower, support services, material, non-standard equipment and associated technical data and documentation required to prepare for and accomplish the PSA. The work to be performed will include correction of government responsible trial card deficiencies, new work identified between custody transfer and the time of PSA, and incorporation of approved engineering changes that were not incorporated during the construction period which are not otherwise the building yard's responsibility under the ship construction contract. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $55,413,437. Work will be performed in Mayport, Florida, and is expected to be complete by May 2020 if all options are exercised. Fiscal 2019 and 2012 shipbuilding and conversion, (Navy) funding in the amount of $16,154,677 will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2012 shipbuilding and conversion, (Navy) funding in the amount of $3,727,786 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with one offer received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-19-C-2317). ACE Maintenance and Services Inc.,* Austin, Texas, is awarded a $17,558,315 modification under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N40080-15-D-0305) to exercise Option Year Four for the janitorial services at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Maryland. The work to be performed provides for all labor, management supervision, tools, materials and equipment required to base janitorial services. After award of this option/modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $79,798,015. Work will be performed in Bethesda, Maryland, and is expected to be completed February 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy and Army); working capital funds (Navy); and fiscal 2019 Defense Health Program funds in the amount of $17,558,315 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the option/extension period. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Harris Corp., Palm Bay, Florida, is awarded a $14,650,764 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price contract (N00039-14-C-0041) to exercise priced options for Commercial Broadband Satellite Program (CBSP) Unit Level Variant (ULV) hardware production units. The CBSP ULV provides terminal-to-shore, space and terrestrial connectivity to significantly increase throughput for commercial satellite communication and to provide redundancy for military satellite communications. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (93.2 percent); and the government of New Zealand (6.8 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $132,617,683. Work will be performed in Palm Bay, Florida, and is expected to be completed by July 2019. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy); fiscal 2018 and 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $14,650,764 will be placed on contract and obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through full and open competition via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command e-Commerce Central website, with three offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. Konecranes Nuclear Equipment and Services LLC, New Berlin, Wisconsin, is awarded a $14,350,370 firm-fixed-price delivery order N6247019F4034 under a previously awarded single award indefinite-delivery requirements contract (N62470-16-D-2013) for procurement of one 25-ton portal crane at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Washington. The work to be performed provides for design, fabrication, assembly, delivery, installation, and testing of one 25-ton portal crane. The crane will be equipped with a rotating superstructure, luffing boom, main hoist and a single line whip hoist. The crane will be capable of simultaneous hoisting, slewing and luffing with rated load at rated speeds on curved tracks. Work will be performed in New Berlin, Wisconsin (90 percent); and Bremerton, Washington (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2021. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $14,350,370 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Environmental Chemical Corp., Burlingame, California, is awarded a $13,327,995 firm-fixed-price modification to increase the maximum dollar value of an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62470-13-D-6020) for the hurricane recovery efforts at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The work to be performed provides for removal of damaged roofs and installation of new ice and water membrane, standing seam roof, gutters, downspouts, fascia, and soffits for 38 facilities. After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $20,427,995. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by October 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $13,327,995 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Tennier Industries Inc.,* Delray Beach, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $30,493,800 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for extreme cold/wet weather jackets. This is an 18-month base contract with one, one-year option period. This was a competitive acquisition with seven responses received. Location of performance is Florida and Tennessee, with an Aug. 20, 2020, performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019, through 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-19-D-1136). Dairy Foods, Springfield, Missouri, has been awarded a maximum $15,527,183 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh milk and dairy products. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas, with a March 19, 2022, performance completion date. Using military services are Air Force, Navy, and Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2022 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-19-D-V321). UPDATE: M-B Companies Inc., New Holstein, Wisconsin (SPE8EC-19-D-0037), has been added as an awardee to the multiple-award contract for commercial snow removal equipment issued against solicitation (SPE8EC-17-R-0005) announced May 22, 2017. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, has been awarded a $14,000,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification (P00317) to a previously awarded contract HQ0276-10-C-0001. Under this modification, the contractor will perform efforts necessary to support Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) capability insertion under Contract Line Item Number 0160 for the Aegis BMD Program Office. This modification increases the total cumulative face value of the contract from $2,936,754,846 to $2,950,754,846. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, with an expected completion date of Oct. 31, 2019. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $4,928,481 are being obligated at the time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY LOUi Consulting Group Inc., Warner Robins, Georgia, was awarded a firm-fixed-price General Service Administration (GSA) task-order (HT0015-19-F-0034) off of GSA Federal Supply Schedule (GS-35F-437CA) on Feb. 8, 2019, for $7,157,444. The task-order provides Essentris support, a mission-critical comprehensive clinical documentation system that is deployed to a total of 36 Air Force, Navy and Army medical treatment facilities. As a fully deployed application, Essentris is in a sustainment mode and requires system support services such as system administrators and database analysts. Essentris is designed to maintain a complete record of patient encounters that deliver to Military Medicine the ability to provide enhanced quality and continuity of health care to the mobile population and clinical base. The Military Health Program's electronic health record was implemented in response to the President's Executive Order 13335 of April 27, 2004. The period of performance is Feb. 28, 2019, to Dec. 27, 2020. Work is being performed in Falls Church, Virginia, and San Antonio, Texas. The contract was procured on a competitive basis. The Health Information Technology Contracting Division is the contracting activity. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds are obligated for this contract. The Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. * Small business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1763812/
May 19, 2020 | International, Aerospace

Air Force’s Roper: 3D Printing ‘Going Like Gangbusters’
"I've been so passionate about bringing in additive manufacturing, and small batch digital manufacturing, to help on aircraft parts availability," Air Force acquisition head Will Roper says. By THERESA HITCHENSon May 15, 2020 at 12:54 PM WASHINGTON: The Air and Space Forces are speeding efforts to adopt 3D printing as a major pillar of force sustainment, now making critical spare parts for weapon systems such as engine components for fighters and rockets. “Additive and advanced manufacturing [has] been going like gangbusters across the Air Force and Space Force — printing thousands of parts for airplanes,” Air Force acquisition head Will Roper said yesterday. “We're starting to print parts for satellites, including propulsion.” And today, the Air Force Rapid Sustainability Office (RSO) announced that it had reached a first milestone in its collaboration with General Electric to 3D print metal engine parts for aircraft — printing a metal sump pump for F-110 engines used by both F-15 and F-16 fighter jets. According to the announcement, the next phase of the program — Phase 1B , now being planned — will involve a family of parts on the TF34 engine, which has been in service for more than 40 years. “The collaborative effort between the US Air Force and GE shows great promise toward the adoption of metal 3D printed parts as an option to solve the US Air Force's current and future sustainment challenges,” Col. Benjamin Boehm, director of propulsion at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) said in a press release. “This capability provides an alternate method to source parts for legacy propulsion systems throughout their life cycle, especially when faced with a diminishing supplier base or when infrequent demands or low volume orders are not attractive to traditional manufacturers.” GE originally approached the Air Force with the idea of a collaboration on 3D printed parts in 2019, and in April this year the service brought in the Defense Logistics Agency to help certify the GE-made parts for airworthiness. ALCMC, as we reported way back in September at the Air Force Association shindig, has also been pushing to get its depots around the country certified to print their own spare parts, beginning with those not critical to life and death. Air Force leaders see additive manufacturing as key to resolving the service's serious problems in maintaining aging aircraft and infrastructure and lowering costs. That said, the new 3D sump pump cover is an important piece of the engine. “Compared to other parts on the F110 engine, the sump cover might have lower functionality, but is incredibly important. It needs to be durable, form a seal and it needs to work for the entire engine to function – which is of course critical on a single engine aircraft like the F-16,” said James Bonar, engineering manager at GE Additive. The RSO-GE program is using a spiral development model, increasing the complexity and scale of parts printing with each phase. “In this program, complexity involves moving from simpler part identification, progressing to part and family of parts consolidation and eventually tackling complex components and systems, such as common core heat exchangers,” the press release said. Roper told reporters yesterday in a Zoom briefing that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RSO has transformed its planned Advanced Manufacturing Olympics, originally planned to coincide with the now-postponed Tokyo Summer Olympics in late July, to a virtual event to be held November. It will allow 3D printing companies to show off their wares to potential service customers via a number of challenges, including a “printer shoot-off” and a “Box of Parts” challenge where manufacturers will compete to create a drone part without a blueprint. “We have been growing our network of small batch makers across the Air Force and Space Force,” Roper said. “I've been so passionate about bringing in additive manufacturing, and small batch digital manufacturing, to help on aircraft parts availability.” The COVID-19 crises has proven the “additive” value of tapping into a network of small manufacturers as the Air Force has scrambled to obtain personal protective equipment for airmen at far-flung bases, he explained. Because many large producers of items like face masks are overwhelmed, the service set up the “Air Force Rapid Advanced Manufacturing Portal,” or “AFRAMP,” as a method of finding and vetting small producers to meet service needs. “It's a portal where small batch manufacturers can make their capabilities known — show what they're able to produce — we vet them, and that then allows these small companies in aggregate to add up to large batch manufacturing,” Roper said. “We've already delivered over 11,000, different PPE devices to seven air bases that wouldn't have otherwise been able to get access for personal protective gear.” His hope is to expand that portal to other types of advanced manufacturing in the future. “I'm excited about scaling it up beyond just personal protective gear, and really having it be a one-stop-shop in the government for companies that can make things in small quantity — that can't mass produce, but can produce in mass if they're added up with a lot of their other sister companies.” https://breakingdefense.com/2020/05/air-forces-roper-3d-printing-going-like-gangbusters/
June 25, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security, Other Defence

Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - June 24, 2019
ARMY TCOM L.P., Columbia, Maryland, was awarded a $978,946,631 hybrid (cost-no-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and firm-fixed-price) contract for the Persistent Surveillance Systems - Tethered engineering, logistics, operations and program management support. 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 June 19, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W56KGY-19-D-0020). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $561,802,200 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and fixed-price-incentive) foreign military sales (Bahrain, Poland and Romania) contract for production of Army tactical missile guided missile and launching assembly service life extension program production 3. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas; Camden, Arizona; Boulder, Colorado; Clearwater, Florida; St. Louis, Missouri; Lufkin, Texas; Windsor Locks, Connecticut; and Williston, Vermont, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2022. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 missile procurement, Army and foreign military sales funds in the combined amount of $561,802,200 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-19-C-0092). Donjon Marine, Hillside, New Jersey, was awarded a $12,170,000 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging of portions of the Newark Bay, New Jersey Federal Navigation Project. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Newark, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 civil works funds in the amount of $12,170,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, New York, is the contracting activity (W912DS-19-C-0013). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Texas Power & Associates,* Palm Harbor, Florida (SPE8EG-19-D-0117); Atlantic Diving Supply, doing business as ADS,* Virginia Beach, Virginia (SPE8EG-19-D-0112); Berger/Cummins, Washington, District of Columbia (SPE8EG-19-D-0113); Caterpillar Defense, Peoria, Illinois (SPE8EG-19-D-0114); Inglett & Stubbs International, Atlanta, Georgia (SPE8EG-19-D-0115); and QGSI-USA Emergency Power, Houston, Texas (SPE8EG-19-D-0116), are sharing a maximum $900,000,0000 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPE8EG-18-R-0007 for generators. This was a competitive acquisition with eight offers received. These are five-year contracts with no option periods. Locations of performance are Florida, Virginia, Washington, District of Columbia, Illinois, Georgia and Texas, with a June 19, 2024, performance completion date. Using customer is Federal Emergency Management Agency. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Welch Allyn Inc., Skaneateles Falls, New York, has been awarded a maximum $100,000,000 firm‐fixed‐price, indefinite‐delivery/indefinite‐quantity contract for patient monitoring systems, accessories and training. This is a five-year base contract with one five‐year option period. This was a competitive acquisition with 36 responses received. Location of performance is New York, with a June 24, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2D1‐19‐D‐0019). Hamilton Sundstrand, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, is to be awarded a $16,532,250 firm-fixed price contract for helicopter flight control computers. 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 Arizona. Using military service is the Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRPA1-13-G-001X/SPRRA1-19-F-0329). NAVY L3 Technologies Inc., Northampton, Massachusetts, is awarded a $73,743,347 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract containing cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursement and firm-fixed-price provisions. This contract provides for depot-level repair, upgrade and overhaul services for submarine photonics mast programs. Work will be performed in Northampton, Massachusetts (98%), and at various places in the U.S. below one percent (2%) and is expected to be completed by June 2025. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,146,169 will be obligated on the first delivery order 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) - only one source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, is the contracting activity (N66604-19-D-G900). Katmai Integrated Solutions LLC,* Anchorage, Alaska, is awarded a contract ceiling $21,625,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a three year ordering period to provide subject matter support services for Immersive Training Range Support (ITRS) . Work will be performed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (40%), Camp Pendleton, California (40%), and Marine Corps Base, Hawaii (20%), and work is expected to be completed June 24, 2022. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $4,877,737 will be obligated on the first task order immediately following contract award and funds will expire the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The contract was prepared in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5 and 15 U.S. Code 637. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contract activity (M67854-19-D-7835). Advanced Solutions Inc., Washington, District of Columbia, was awarded $16,863,635 for firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded task order N00039-18-F-0069 issued against Blanket Purchase Agreement N00104-08-A-ZF42 and the underlying a multiple award schedule in support of Navy Enterprise Resource Planning. This modification exercises an option for cloud and integration support services. Work will be performed in Loudon, Virginia (50%) and Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (50%) and is expected to be completed in June 2020. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,863,635 will be obligated at the time of the award, which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. (Awarded June 20, 2019) AIR FORCE Concentric Security LLC, Sykesville, Maryland (FA8003-19-D-A001); Nasatka Barrier Inc., Clinton, Maryland, (FA8003-19-D-A002); Cherokee Nation Security & Defense LLC., Tulsa, Oklahoma, (FA8003-19-D-A003); and Perimeter Security Partners LLC., Nashville, Tennessee (FA8003-19-D-A004) have been awarded a $45,000,000 firm-fixed-price, multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for vehicle barriers maintenance and repair services. This contract provides for all personnel, labor, equipment, supplies, tools, materials, supervision, travel, periodic inspection, minor repair, and other items and services necessary to provide maintenance for Air Force vehicle barrier systems. Work will be performed at all Contiguous United States (CONUS) (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) active duty Air Force installations and is expected to be completed by June 23, 2024. These awards are the result of a competitive acquisition and four offers were received. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $4,000 ($1,000 per awardee) are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Installation Contracting Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity. Weldin Construction LLC, Palmer, Alaska, has been awarded a $35,000,000 ceiling increase modification (P00004) to previously awarded contract FA4861-17-D-A200 for simplified acquisition of base engineering requirements. This modification will increase the contract value from $35,000,000 to $70,000,000. Work will be performed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada and Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2021. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The 99th Contracting Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a modification to exercise an option totaling $8,825,457 to previously awarded contract HR0011-18-C-0127 for a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) research project. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $13,204,195. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia; San Diego, California; and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, with an expected completion date of September 2020. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $4,600,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. *Small business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1885753/source/GovDelivery/

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