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  March 1, 2019 | International, Aerospace

  Australia formulates its path to military modernization and industrial growth

  By: Mike Yeo MELBOURNE, Australia — One of the United States' most steadfast allies, seen widely as a lynchpin of security in the Asia-Pacific region, is in the process of recapitalizing its own air power capabilities and developing a local defense industry that it hopes will be globally competitive in the near future. Although Australia is somewhat geographically isolated from the rest of the world (with a former Australian prime minister reportedly referring to it as the back end of the world — although he used a more colorful term), the country is very much connected to the world and rather dependent on seaborne trade with Asia, thus it is invested in regional security. Its armed forces have also deployed as part of coalition forces to Afghanistan and Iraq as well as helped in the fight against the Islamic State group. There is strong support across the Australian political spectrum for its alliance with the U.S. and for maintaining the global rules-based order. The country, which is hosting the biennial Avalon Airshow in the southern state of Victoria later this month, recently welcomed the first of its Lockheed Martin-made F-35A fighter jets in-country — part of a transformation aimed at modernizing the Royal Australian Air Force into a service that will be networked to its Army and Navy counterparts. A fifth-generation air force Under Plan Jericho, the Royal Australian Air Force, or RAAF, seeks to transform itself into an integrated, networked force that can deliver air power effects in the information age. A key part of this is by realizing the potential of the increased data and situational awareness that will be made available as the service brings a range of modern aircraft into service. These include 72 F-35As, which will replace the F/A-18A/B Hornet as the service's main combat aircraft, backed by 24 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornets and 11 EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft. The F/A-18A/B fighters, which are known as Classic Hornets in Australia, are being progressively withdrawn from service, with the last aircraft to be retired around 2022. Canada will buy 25 of the Classics; it will field 18 and keep the rest for spares. The first aircraft will reportedly arrive in Canada as Defense News goes to press and will enter Canadian service in the middle of this year. Australia is also replacing its Lockheed Martin AP-3C Orion anti-submarine maritime patrol aircraft, with the Boeing P-8A Poseidon and the Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton high-altitude, long-endurance UAV taking over the maritime domain awareness mission. Delivery of the P-8As is ongoing, with seven of 15 aircraft already in Australia, while the six Tritons will start arriving in 2023. The P-8As have carried out missions enforcing United Nations sanctions on North Korea, with an aircraft beginning operations in December from the Japanese island of Okinawa. Meanwhile, Australia has conducted connectivity trials on its airlift fleet as part of Plan Jericho. Working with industry, one of the RAAF's Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules airlifters was fitted with wideband satellite communications equipment and wing drop tanks, and will eventually be equipped with the Litening AT electro-optical targeting pod as a means to improve its tactical capability. Procurement road map Australia's last defense whitepaper, published in 2016, provided insight into future procurement programs, some of which include a fast medevac platform and a fleet of special operations helicopters. The latter would need to fit onboard the RAAF's Boeing C-17 strategic airlifters; and according to the whitepaper, the helo will be used to “insert, extract and provide fire support for small teams of Special Forces undertaking tasks ranging from tactical observation through to counter-terrorism missions, or hostage recovery.” The investment plan released alongside the whitepaper said the chosen type needs to be small enough so that “three or four” can fit inside a C-17 as part of a small force element. The whitepaper also flagged the potential replacement of the RAFF's lead-in fighter training system. The replacement program was expected to begin in 2022 and last until the end of the next decade. The service is currently operating the BAE Systems Hawk 127 as its lead-in fighter trainer, with the fleet nearing the end of an upgrade program to keep the type relevant for training pilots who will go on to fly advanced fighters. The Hawks are expected to continue service in Australia until around 2026. But Steve Drury, BAE Systems Australia's director of aerospace and integrated systems, told Defense News that the service life of the aircraft could be extended by another 10 years. During an interview last year, the chief of the RAAF, Air Marshal Leo Davies, told Defense News that the service was considering several different options for a future fighter trainer, and that extending the Hawk's service was also under consideration. Australia is also seeking unmanned aircraft to operate from Royal Australian Navy ships. The service is conducting trials with the Schiebel S-100 Camcopter, and under phases 4 and 5 of Project SEA 129 it will look to acquire more aircraft for forthcoming offshore patrol vessels and frigates. A larger role for industry The current Australian government has prioritized the development of a sustainable local industry and has made substantial efforts to ensure local industry is heavily involved in production and sustainment. Several Australian companies have secured a healthy slice of F-35 manufacturing work, with components for the vertical tail, weapons bay and skin panels among a host of components manufactured in Australia as part of the jet's global supply chain. In addition, Australian companies will be involved in the F-35 sustainment program, with BAE Systems Australia serving as the south Pacific regional airframe depot and the Asia-Pacific regional parts warehouse for the program. In 2016, four Australian companies secured regional depot maintenance responsibility for 64 of the first 65 tier 1 F-35 components. The next step for Australian industry could be to grow its share of the global defense market. Last year, Britain chose the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail for its airborne early warning fleet — an aircraft already in use by Australia. Steven Ciobo, Australia's minister for defense industry, sees an opportunity to work with Britain through cooperative development and industry collaboration. “Australian industry, including the more than 200 Australian companies that have contributed to our own Wedgetail acquisition and sustainment, stands to benefit from what could become one of Australia's most significant defense exports,” he said in October. The Australian government has made boosting defense exports a priority. Last year it released its defense export strategy that provided a system to plan, guide and measure defense export outcomes. The government has also provided $14 million in additional annual funding from 2018-2019 to support defense exports, and it will set up a new defense export office within the Defence Department to drive implementation of the strategy, with the goal of growing Australia's defense industry into a top 10 global defense exporter by 2028. https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/avalon/2019/02/25/australia-formulates-its-path-to-military-modernization-and-industrial-growth/

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  September 25, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

  Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - September 24, 2019

  ARMY Globe Tech LLC, Plymouth, Michigan,* was awarded a $132,473,932 firm-fixed-price contract for Explosive Hazard Pre-detonation roller system and ancillary support parts. 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 Sept. 23, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-D-0101). TRAX International Corp., Las Vegas, Nevada, was awarded a $90,080,397 modification (P00025) to contract W9124R-18-C-0001 for non-personal test support services. Work will be performed in Yuma, Arizona; and Fort Greely, Arkansas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2020. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Yuma, Arizona, is the contracting activity. ACC Construction Company Inc., Augusta, Georgia, was awarded a $28,917,160 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a consolidated mission complex. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Warner Robins, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2018 military construction funds in the amount of $28,917,160 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-19-C-0042). Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, was awarded a $21,227,814 firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales (Kuwait and Saudi Arabia) contract for engine parts for the Advanced Gas Turbine-1500 tank engine rebuild. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2022. Fiscal 2019 firm-fixed-price funds in the amount of $21,227,814 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Topeka, Kansas, is the contracting activity (W912JC-19-C-5716). HDT Expeditionary System Inc., Solon, Ohio, was awarded a $14,236,369 firm-fixed-price contract for new production, resets, and independent demands for the F-100 Environmental Control Unit. 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 Sept. 23, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-D-0109). M1 Services LLC, Denton, Texas, was awarded a $13,875,215 modification (P00040) to contract W9124G17C0104 for aviation maintenance. Work will be performed in Fort Rucker, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2028. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $13,875,215 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Rucker, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Sevenson-USA Environmental JV,* Niagara Falls, New York, was awarded a $12,035,237 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for environmental remediation construction, investigation, production piping and cleanup of environmental contamination. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in De Soto, Kansas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 23, 2024. Fiscal 2019 Defense Environment Restoration Account, and Base Realignment and Closure funds in the amount of $12,035,237 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Missouri, is the contracting activity (W912DQ-19-C-3003). BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P., San Jose, California, was awarded a $10,987,920 modification (P00111) to contract W56HZV-15-C-0099 for systems technical support, engineering, logistics and fielding support for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle Family of Vehicles, the Multiple Launch Rocket System Carrier, and the M113 Armored Personnel Carrier Family of Vehicles. Work will be performed in San Jose, California; and Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 24, 2020. Fiscal 2017 and 2019 procurement defense wide funds in the amount of $10,987,920 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. Jacobs Ewing Cole JV, Pasadena, California, was awarded a $9,900,000 firm-fixed-price for architect and engineering services. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 23, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, New York, is the contracting activity (W912DS-19-D-0010). Ashford International LLC,* Killen, Texas, was awarded a $9,548,666 firm-fixed-price contract for renovation of Building 26041. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 23, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $9,548,666 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Hood, Texas, is the contracting activity (W91151-19-C-0038). Bhate Environmental Associates Inc., Birmingham, Alabama, was awarded an $8,829,287 firm-fixed-price contract for demolition services, abatement and removal of asbestos containing materials and other regulated materials, disconnect and capping of utilities, complete removal of utilities, disposal of all debris materials and restoration of the site to a specified condition. Nine bids were solicited with five bids received. Work will be performed in Panama City, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 25, 2021. Fiscal 2010 Air Force funds in the amount of $8,829,287 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W912DY-19-F-1248). Roen Salvage Co.,* Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, was awarded an $8,433,900 firm-fixed-price contract for pier repair. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Duluth, Minnesota, with an estimated completion date of July 1, 2021. Fiscal 2019 civil works; and operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $8,433,900 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W911XK-19-C-0020). Seneca Construction Management LLC,* Killen, Texas, was awarded an $8,230,000 firm-fixed-price contract for renovation of Building 44012. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 23, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $8,230,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Hood, Texas, is the contracting activity (W91151-19-C-0039). Ashridge Inc.,* St. Stephen, South Carolina, was awarded a $7,395,279 firm-fixed-price contract for Eagle Island disposal area improvements. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Wilmington, North Carolina, with an estimated completion date of March 25, 2021. Fiscal 2019 civil construction; and rivers and harbors contributed and advanced funds in the amount of $7,395,279 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912PM-19-C-0034). NAVY Blue Rock Structures Inc.,* Pollocksville, North Carolina (N40085-16-D-6300); Daniels and Daniels Construction Co. Inc.,* Goldsboro, North Carolina (N40085-16-D-6301); Joyce and Associates Construction Inc.,* Newport, North Carolina (N40085-16-D-6302); Military and Federal Construction Co. Inc.,* Jacksonville, North Carolina (N40085-16-D-6303); Quadrant Construction Inc.,* Jacksonville, North Carolina (N40085-16-D-6304); and TE Davis Construction Co.,* Jacksonville, North Carolina (N40085-16-D-6305), are being awarded a $67,000,000 firm-fixed-price modification to increase the maximum dollar value of indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contracts for general construction services within the Marine Corps Installations East area of responsibility. After award of this modification, the total maximum dollar value for all six contracts combined will be $249,000,000. The work to be performed provides for general construction services including, but not limited to, new construction, demolition, repair, total/partial interior/exterior alteration/renovation of buildings, systems and infrastructure, and may include civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, communication systems, installation of new or extensions to existing high voltage electrical distribution systems, extensions to the existing high pressure steam distribution systems, extensions to the potable water distribution systems, extensions to the sanitary sewer systems, additional storm water control systems, painting, removal of asbestos materials and lead paint, and incidental related work. Work will be performed at Navy and Marine Corps installations at various locations including, but not limited to, North Carolina (90%); Georgia (3%); South Carolina (3%); Virginia (3%); and other areas of the U.S. (1%), and is expected to be completed by December 2020. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. Future task orders will be primarily funded by operation and maintenance, (Marine Corps); and military construction funds. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (N61331-19-D-0010); L-3 Unidyne Inc., Norfolk, Virginia (N61331-19-D-0011); and Atlantic Diving Supply Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia (N61331-19-D-0012), are awarded a combined $48,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award supply contract for the provision of hardware, materials, and supplies to support the expeditionary warfare, maritime, littoral and mine warfare programs. The companies will compete for individual delivery orders. Work will be conducted in various Navy ship homeports, and is expected to be completed in September 2020. If all options are exercised, work will continue through September 2024. At the time of award, Booz Allen Hamilton is awarded a delivery order for $224,228; L-3 Unidyne is awarded $10,000; and Atlantic Diving Supply Inc. is awarded a delivery order for $159,714 and a delivery order for $316,757. Fiscal 2017 other procurement, (Navy) funding in the amount of $476,471 (67%); 2019 operation and maintenance, (Navy) funding in the amount of $183,529 (26%); and Navy working capital funding in the amount of $50,699 (7%), will be obligated at the time of award, and funding in the amount of $183,529 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Panama City, Florida, is the contracting activity. Sauer Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded a $46,672,691 firm-fixed-price contract for design-build renovation of Building X132 for Military Sealift Command consolidation at Naval Station Norfolk. The contract also contains three planned modifications, which if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $61,869,188. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction for a comprehensive renovation of Building X132. The project purpose is to consolidate the administrative spaces of Military Sealift Command. The administrative spaces include open office, closed offices, classrooms, conference rooms, meeting rooms, break rooms, a secure enclave, two new security entrance vestibules, and two new stairwells. Four new passenger elevators and one new freight elevator will be provided, using three of the existing elevator shafts. The planned modifications, provides for the furniture fixtures and equipment, audio visual, and electronic security system. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by March 2022. Fiscal 2019 Navy working capital fund, contract funds in the amount of $46,672,691 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-19-C-9263). Ocean Ships Inc., Houston, Texas, was awarded a $47,539,641 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N3220517C3100) to fund the second one-year option period for the operation and maintenance of six Oceanographic Survey ships and USNS Waters (T-AGS 45). This contract includes a 12-month base period, four 12-month option periods, and one six-month option period, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $176,193,231. Work will be performed at sea, starting Oct. 1, 2019, and is expected to be completed, if all options are exercised, by Sept. 30, 2022. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $47,539,641 are being obligated and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 23, 2019) Huntington Ingalls Inc., Newport News, Virginia, is awarded a $38,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-16-C-4316) to continue performance of the repair, maintenance, upgrades, and modernization efforts on the USS Helena (SSN 725) dry-docking selected restricted availability. The contracted requirements include advance and new work efforts necessary to repair, and maintain full unrestricted operation of the submarine, as well as upgrades and modernization efforts required to ensure the submarine is operating at full technical capacity as defined in the availability work package during the Chief of Naval Operations scheduled availability. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be complete in January 2020. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $38,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Newport News, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Woodward HRT Inc., Santa Clarita, California, is awarded $20,612,550 for delivery order N00383-19-F-NM0K under previously awarded basic ordering agreement N00383-18-G-NM01 for the repair of 402 hydraulic drive units in support of the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Santa Clarita, California, and will be completed by November 2020 with no option periods. Fiscal 2019 working capital funds (Navy) will be used and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Funds in the full amount of $20,612,550 will be obligated at the time of award. One company was solicited for this non-competitive requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, Virginia, was awarded a $20,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-15-C-4301 to continue performance of the repair, maintenance, upgrade and modernization efforts for the USS Columbus (SSN 762) engineered overhaul. The contracted requirements include the continuance of execution and new work efforts arising from the availability work package and additional required work discovered during the inspection of shipboard components. This work is necessary to ensure the submarine is operating at full technical capacity as defined in the availability work package during the Chief of Naval Operations scheduled maintenance availability. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by November 2020. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $20,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Newport News, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 23, 2019) Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News, Virginia, is awarded a $20,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-15-C-4301 to continue performance of the repair, maintenance, upgrade and modernization efforts for the USS Columbus (SSN 762) engineered overhaul. The contracted requirements include the continuance of execution and new work efforts arising from the availability work package and additional required work discovered during the inspection of shipboard components. This work is necessary to ensure the submarine is operating at full technical capacity as defined in the availability work package during the Chief of Naval Operations scheduled maintenance availability. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by November 2020. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $20,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Newport News, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Mercury Defense Systems Inc., Cypress, California, is awarded a $13,720,509 firm-fixed-price delivery order (N6833519F0285) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-17-G-0017). This order is for 27 Type II advanced digital radio frequency memories hardware and software for the Navy, Air Force, National Guard and Reserve components. Work will be performed in Cypress, California (72%); and West Caldwell, New Jersey (28%), and is expected to be completed in June 2021. Fiscal 2018 research, development test evaluation (Air Force); 2019 missile procurement and aircraft procurement (Air Force); 2019 National Guard and Reserve Equipment (Defense); and 2019 working capital funds (Defense) funds will be obligated at time of award, $5,589,837 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Air Force ($8,130,672; 59%); National Guard and Reserve ($5,081,670; 37%); and Department of Defense ($508,167; 4%). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Sealift Inc., Oyster Bay, New York, is awarded a $10,090,017 modification under a previously awarded firm, fixed-price contract (N32205165C3501) to fund the fourth one-year option period. The option will continue to provide one U.S. flagged vessel, M/V SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. (T-AK 4544), for the transportation and prepositioning of cargo (including, but not limited to, hazardous cargoes, explosives, ammunition, vehicular, containerized, and general cargoes); and for military readiness for the Department of the Army. The vessel is capable of deployment to worldwide locations. The current contract includes a five-month firm period of the performance, four one-year option periods and one five-month option period. Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2020. The option will be funded by fiscal 2020 working capital funds. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Delphinus Engineering Inc.,* Eddystone, Pennsylvania (N55236-18-D-0001); Q.E.D. Systems Inc.,* Virginia Beach, Virginia (N55236-18-D-0002); Epsilon Systems Solutions Inc.,* National City, California (N55236-18-D-0003); Tecnico Corp.,* Chesapeake, Virginia (N55236-18-D-0004); Southcoast Welding & MFG LLC,* Chula Vista, California (N55236-18-D-0005); Bay City Marine Inc.,* National City, California (N55236-18-D-0006); Pacific Ship Repair & Fab Inc.,* San Diego, California (N55236-18-D-0007), and Miller Marine Inc.,* San Diego, California (N55236-18-D-0008), are awarded a combined $7,092,147 firm-fixed-price contract modifications to exercise Option Year Two of their respective previously-awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award contracts to provide depot level repairs, interior and exterior preservation, barge modernization upgrades, dockside and dry dock services for Navy barges in the Pacific Southwest (San Diego) California area. Each contractor shall furnish the facilities and human resources capable of completing berthing and messing barge repair and maintenance services for barges assigned to or visiting the port of San Diego, California. Each contractor will compete for each delivery order when a requirement is identified. Work is expected to be completed by October 2020. No funding is being obligated at time of award. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Atlantic Diving Supply Inc., doing business as ADS, Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity bridge contract for facility maintenance, repair, and operations supplies and related incidental services. 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 an 11-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Southwest Africa, with an Aug. 26, 2020, performance completion date. Using customers are U.S. forces in U.S. Africa Command. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Europe and Africa, Kaiserslautern, Germany (SPE5B1-19-D-0003). Golden State Medical Supply, Camarillo, California, has been awarded a maximum $9,500,000 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for Ziprasidone HCL capsules. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Locations of performance are California and Canada, with a Sept. 23, 2020, performance completion date. Using customers are Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Services, and Federal Bureau of Prisons. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2D2-19-D-0081). Propper International Inc., Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $8,586,758 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Type I and II flame resistant pants. This was a competitive acquisition with two offers received. This is one-year base contract with four one-year option periods. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a Sept. 24, 2024, performance completion date. Using customer is the U.S. Forest Service. 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-1195). Alamo Strategic Manufacturing,* San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $7,329,798 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Intermediate Cold Flyers Gloves. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a one-year base contract with three one-year option periods. Locations of performance are Massachusetts and Texas, with a Sept. 23, 2023, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-19-D-1194). TRC Government Services LLC, Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been awarded a maximum $7,063,200 firm‐fixed‐price contract for contractor-owned, contractor-operated optimization for retail/bulk fuel services. This was a competitive acquisition with three offers received. This is a four‐year base contract with two five‐year option periods, a four year, six month option period, and an option to extend, not to exceed six months. Locations of performance are Oklahoma and Texas, with a Sept. 24, 2024, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE603‐19‐C‐5011). Noble Sales Co. Inc., doing business as Noble Supply and Logistics, Rockland, Massachusetts, has been awarded a maximum $7,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity bridge contract for facility maintenance, repair, and operations supplies and related incidental services. 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 an 11-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Southeast Africa, with an Aug. 26, 2020, performance completion date. Using customers are U.S. forces in U.S. Africa Command. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Europe and Africa, Kaiserslautern, Germany (SPE5B1-19-D-0002). AIR FORCE The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $22,656,895 modification (P00027) to previously awarded contract FA8621-15-C-6397 for F-15C and F-15E Mission Training Center. The contract modification is for implementation of Suite 9.1/Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) into F-15C and F-15E MTCs to update F-15 MTCs with Suite 9.1 and add EPAWSS capabilities to the F-15E MTC simulators. Work will be performed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina; Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom; and Kadena Air Base, Japan, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 23, 2021. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $$255,261,067. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $22,656,895 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 COMMISSARY AGENCY Southeastern Paper Group, Spartanburg, South Carolina, is being awarded a firm-fixed-price with economic price adjustment modification (P00026) to exercise the third option period to previously awarded contract HDEC05-16-D-0002. This modification provides miscellaneous operating supplies and paper bags for multiple commissary stores in the continental U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Pacific Theater. The award amount is estimated at $13,056,618 for the option period. Actual obligations using defense working capital funds will occur upon issuance of delivery orders during the period of performance. The contract third option period will begin Nov. 1, 2019, through Oct. 31, 2020. Defense Commissary Agency, Fort Lee, Virginia, is the contracting activity. *Small Business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/1970213/source/GovDelivery/

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  February 7, 2023 | International, Land

  US clears Poland to buy HIMARS and ammo worth $10 billion

  The U.S. State Department has approved Poland to buy advanced rockets and rocket launchers worth $10 billion.