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July 6, 2020 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR

Lockheed Martin Delivers F-35 Distributed Mission Training Capability

Orlando. Fla., July 1, 2020 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), the Joint Program Office and the U.S. Air Force successfully connected the F-35, F-22, F-16 and E3 Sentry in a highly contested simulated environment during a Distributed Mission Training final acceptance test at Nellis AFB, Nevada.

This simulated training event was the first time these platforms were connected virtually. Additional platforms such as the F-15 can also connect into this shared virtual environment.

The F-35 DMT capability creates interoperability across military platforms for continuation training and large force exercises. The initial delivery at Nellis AFB is a major step forward as it establishes the framework for F-35 simulators around the world to interconnect.

Previously, F-35 simulators allowed up to four pilots at a facility to fly together in simulated combat. DMT links pilots at Nellis AFB to pilots at other bases through an existing distributed network enabling simulated training events with existing 4th generation and 5th generation platforms. This is the first of many fielded DMT solutions for the F-35 training enterprise.

“This base capability lays the foundation for pilots to truly train like they fight by enabling advanced tactics training through multi-domain operations in a simulated environment,” said Chauncey McIntosh, Lockheed Martin, vice president of F-35 Training and Logistics.

As a next step, the DMT capability is expected to be rolled out to other USAF bases worldwide. The Navy is expected to receive the DMT capability through an accelerated delivery at NAS Lemoore by the end of the year.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 110,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

View source version on Lockheed Martin: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2020-07-01-Lockheed-Martin-Delivers-F-35-Distributed-Mission-Training-Capability

On the same subject

  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - October 30, 2020

    November 2, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - October 30, 2020

    MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is being awarded a sole-source, cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus fixed-fee contract. The total value of this contract is $724,001,438, inclusive of all options. Under this follow on contract, the contractor will conduct full development and lifecycle engineering for the Aegis Weapon System (AWS) fielding for cruisers, destroyers and Aegis Ashore configurations. The AWS contract will support the following efforts: Aegis Baseline (BL) 5.4.1 (Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) 4.2) development; BL 9 (BMD 5.X) development; Aegis BMD In-Service support; BMD ground and flight test support; modeling and simulation support; Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex combat system engineering, testing, site support, modernization, technical and logistics support; and Aegis BMD ship installation and planning. The work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of February 2024. Fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021 research, development, test, and evaluation; and fiscal 2021 procurement defense wide, and operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $45,036,867, will be obligated at the time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HQ0851-21-C-0002). Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a sole-source, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a ceiling value of $722,400,000. This contract is a hybrid of fixed-price incentive firm-target, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-incentive fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee. This contract is for fiscal years 2021-2029. Under this contract, the contractor will provide the management, material and services associated with the sustaining engineering and product support services of the Standard Missile-3 Block missile variants for the U.S. and Foreign Military Sales partners. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona; and Huntsville, Alabama, with an ordering period of nine years from contract award through Oct. 29, 2029. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $6,695,129 will be obligated at time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HQ0851-21-D-0001). DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE Ernst and Young LLP, New York, New York, is being awarded a maximum $263,438,451 labor-hour contract for financial statement audit services for the Navy. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Virginia, with an expected completion date of Dec. 31, 2021. The contract has a one-year base period with four individual one-year option periods. This contract is the result of a competitive acquisition for which one quote was received. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $50,270,811 are being obligated at the time of the award. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Contract Services Directorate, Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity (HQ0423-21-F-0002). AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Sierra Vista, Arizona, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $158,390,024 undefinitized contract action for Global Hawk (RQ-4) aircraft sustainment. This contract provides for aircraft spares and contractor logistics support. Work will be performed in the Republic of Korea and Sierra Vista, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 29, 2024. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Republic of Korea. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $33,835,878 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 (FA8690-21-C-1001). Velocity/CFM JV LLC, San Antonio, Texas (FA3016-21-D-0002); King & George LLC, Fort Worth, Texas (FA3016-21-D-0003); Henock Construction LLC, San Antonio, Texas (FA3016-21-D-0004); JVR SouthBay JV, San Antonio, Texas (FA3016-21-D-0005); Belt Built/Con-Cor JV, San Antonio, Texas (FA3016-21-D-0006); Northcon Inc., Hayden, Idaho, (FA3016-21-D-0007); and Tejas Premier Building Contractor Inc., San Antonio, Texas (FA3016-21-D-0008), have been awarded one of seven multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with a $140,000,000 program ceiling for non-complex construction. Subsequent task orders will be in support of real property maintenance, repair, alteration and minor construction. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 8, 2030. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and 33 proposals were received. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,000 per basic contract will be obligated at the time of award. The 502nd Contracting Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is the contracting activity. Hologic Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts, has been awarded a $119,285,089 firm-fixed-price contract for SARS-CoV-2 molecular test production and capacity expansion. This contract provides for the expansion of manufacturing capabilities through additional equipment, material/supplies and facility infrastructure. Work will be performed in Somerset, Wisconsin; Hudson, Wisconsin; Menomonie, Wisconsin; Anaheim, California; Baldwin, Wisconsin; Guilford, Maine; and San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by January 2022. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition. Funding is authorized through Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority in the full amount which is being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8656-21-C-0002). L3Harris Technologies Inc., Clifton, New Jersey, has been awarded a $97,505,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide repair and return (R&R) services for unclassified and classified line-replaceable unit/standard equipment module assets of the ALQ-211 (V)4, (V)8, and (V)9 systems of the airborne F-16 Advanced Integrated Defense Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS) weapon systems. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to support air forces of Chile, India, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Turkey, Iraq and Morocco. Procurement of these R&R logistical support services is necessary to restore F-16 AIDEWS systems to mission capable condition and to equip partnering F-16 FMS fleets with airborne self-defense and survivability against electromagnetic threats. Work will be performed in Clifton, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 29, 2025. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. FMS funds in the amount of $73,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8523-21-D-0001). Tyonek Services Overhaul Facility – Stennis LLC,* Kiln, Mississippi, has been awarded a $92,800,000 contract for C‐5M sustainment. This contract provides for alternative modification installation services. Work will be performed in Waco, Texas, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2030. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. A combination of fiscal 2020 transportation working capital funds and fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $6,577,182 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8525‐21‐D‐0001). Raytheon Co., Marlborough, Massachusetts, has been awarded a $15,537,424 modification (P00120) to contract FA8705-14-C-0001 for transportable install kit/electronic equipment (IKEE) kits under already established contract line item numbers 0004, 0005 and 0006 respectively for a global aircrew strategic network terminal. Work will be performed in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2023. Fiscal 2019 other procurement funds in the amount of $8,011,905; and fiscal 2020 other procurement funds in the amount of $7,525,519 are being obligated at time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $559,045,880. The Air Force Material Command, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, has been awarded a $13,365,920 time and materials task order to provide time and materials for Mobility Air Forces Automated Flight Planning Service (MAFPS) Functional On-Site Support Element. This contract provides services to include support desk activities and assistance with MAFPS flight plan requests, data management, application training, creation/routing/tracking/analysis of customer requests/trouble tickets (trend analysis) and resulting products to ensure Air Operations Center mission requirements are met. Work will be performed in Rockville, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 30, 2024. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and one offer was received. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,690,571 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-20-F-0202). InBios International Inc., Seattle, Washington, has been awarded a $12,670,301 firm-fixed-price contract for expansion of production capability for COVID-19 Rapid test. This contract provides for expansion of production capability for the SCoV-2 IgG/IgM Detect and SCoV-2 Ag Detect tests. Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington, and is expected to be completed by April 2021. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition. Funding is authorized through Health Care Enhancement Act (H.R. 266) from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and funds in the full amount will be obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8656-21-C-8877). PAE Applied Technologies LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $12,665,242 firm-fixed-price modification (P00016) to contract FA4890-17-F-3053 for forward operating location/base operating support. The contract modification exercises Option Year Three. Work will be performed at Hato IAP, Curacao; and Reina Beatrix IAP, Aruba, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2022. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $71,784,016. The Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a $7,801,213 hybrid firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable modification (P00040) to contract FA8823-17-C-0003 for system sustainment of the Meteorological Data Station. This modification provides for the exercise of the Option Year Four pre-priced contract line items for additional sustainment services under the basic contract. Work will be performed in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $900,000; and spectrum relocation funds in the amount of $498,822 are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $63,259,109. The Space and Missile Systems Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Brad Hall and Associates Inc., Idaho Falls, Idaho (SPE605-21-D-4501, $53,709,214); American Energy & Fuel System,* Santa Fe Springs, California (SPE605-21-D-4502, $53,709,214); Petroleum Traders Corp.,** Fort Wayne, Indiana (SPE605-21-D-4504, $44,230,576); Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville Inc., Gainesville, Georgia (SPE605-21-D-4503, $11,383,071); and Stonewin LLC,* Miami, Florida (SPE605-21-D-4505, $10,923,079), have each been awarded a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract under solicitation SPE605-20-R-0225 for various types of fuel. This was a competitive acquisition with 57 responses received. This is a 30-month contract with one six-month option period. Locations of performance are Idaho, California, Georgia, Indiana, Florida, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming, with a June 30, 2023, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Aurora Industries LLC,*** Camuy, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $49,763,100 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for duffle bags. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a two-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with an Oct. 29, 2022, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-21-D-1408). US Foods Inc., Salem, Missouri, has been awarded a maximum $37,260,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract for full-line food distribution. 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 108-day bridge contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Missouri and Illinois, with a Feb. 16, 2021, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-21-D-3300). L3 Technologies Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, has been awarded a maximum $21,897,981 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery requirements contract for Data Link Compatibility Module components. 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 five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Utah, with an Oct. 30, 2025, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2026 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA1-21-D-0006). Belleville Shoe Co.,* Belleville, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $12,462,522 modification (P00008) exercising the third one-year-option period of one-year base contract (SPE1C1-18-D-1001) with four one-year option periods for hot-weather combat boots. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Illinois, with an Oct. 30, 2021, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2022 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Avfuel Corp., Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been awarded a $9,610,200 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for jet fuel. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is an 18-month contract with one six-month option period. Locations of performance are California and Michigan, with a May 31, 2022, performance completion date. Using customer is Air National Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2022 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE605-21-D-4500). NAVY The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded $28,912,436 for a firm-fixed-price delivery order (N00383-21-F-A30P) under previously awarded basic ordering agreement N00383-17-G-A301 for the procurement of radomes for the total quantity of 99 each in support of the F/A-18 E-G aircraft. All work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed by March 2025. Fiscal 2021 working capital (Navy) funds in the full amount of $28,912,436 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. The Naval Supply Systems Command, Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, is awarded $17,932,332 for ceiling-priced delivery order N00383-21-F-Y500 under previously awarded basic ordering agreement N00383-20-G-Y500 in support of five line items for the procurement of the electronic consolidated automated support system used on a support equipment test bench. All work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be completed by October 2021. Fiscal 2021 working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,786,843 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One firm was solicited for this non-competitive requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. The Naval Supply Systems Command, Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $16,590,126 modification (P0001) to firm-fixed-price order N00019-20-F-0256 against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-19-G-0029. This modification procures 190 spare parts and provides support for the repair and maintenance of the CH-53K Low Rate Initial Production configuration aircraft. Work will be performed in Rochester, United Kingdom (21.02%); Stratford, Connecticut (13.03%); Garden Grove, California (12.98%); Windsor, Connecticut (12.41%); Forest, Ohio (9.85%); Quebec, Canada (8.95%); Chesterfield, Missouri (8.8%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (6.31%); Hazelwood, Missouri (2.01%); Rockmart, Georgia (1.66%); Lebanon, New Hampshire (1.18%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (1.8%), and is expected to be completed in December 2022. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,590,126 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. Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, is awarded $14,230,773 for firm-fixed-price delivery order N00383-21-F-U203 under previously awarded long-term contract (LTC) N00383-19-D-U201 for the repair of the turret, sensor-sight in support of the H-60 aircraft. The current delivery order will exceed the total estimated value of $58,777,194. The original LTC award announcement was published on Dec. 19, 2018. Per Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 205.303(a)(i)(B), this delivery order must be publicized as the estimated value has been reached and this delivery order has a face value of more than $7.5 million. This delivery order brings the new total amount of the LTC to $70,140,189. All work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, and is expected to be completed by May 2023. Annual working capital (Navy) funds in the full amount of $14,230,773 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole-source requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. The Naval Supply Systems Command, Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio, is awarded a $12,899,128, 18-month contract option under existing cost-reimbursement contract N66001-19-C-4019 for the development of a novel, nonsurgical, bi-directional brain-computer interface with high spacio-temporal resolution and low latency for potential human use. Exercise of this option increases the overall value of this contract to $15,804,682. Work will be performed at the contractor's facilities in Columbus, Ohio (31%); Weston, Florida (47%); Miami, Florida (11%); and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (11%). The period of performance from Oct. 30, 2020, through April 29, 2022. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $1,854,743 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency broad agency announcement solicitation published on the beta.SAM.gov website. Nineteen proposals were received and six were selected for award. The Naval Information Warfare Center, Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-C-4019). General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $10,186,100 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-09-C-2104 for execution of USS Delaware (SSN 791) guaranty period. General Dynamics Electric Boat will perform planning and execution efforts, in preparation to accomplish the maintenance, repair, alterations, testing and other work on USS Delaware (SSN 791) during its scheduled guaranty period. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by July 2021. Fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $10,186,100 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Connecticut, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Aerospace Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $9,789,348 modification (P00004) to cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order N00019-20-F-0025 against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-15-G-0026. This modification exercises an option to provide labor to retrofit link 16 crypto-modernization/hybrid-beyond line of sight capabilities on 34 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia (39.2%); Ronkonkoma, New York (23.98%); Bethpage, New York (18.02%); Petaluma, California (6.8%); Irvine, California (6.76%); Melbourne, Florida (3.25%); Minden, Nebraska (1.5%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (0.49%), and is expected to be completed in April 2022. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,789,348 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. Railroad Construction Co. Inc., Paterson, New Jersey, is awarded a $9,759,564 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification under previously-awarded contract N40085-19-D-9024 for the exercise of Option Two under a contract for base operations support services at Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey; and Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The work to be performed provides for preventive maintenance of railroad switch turnouts, maintenance of railroad track rights-of way, to include weed control and tree trimming; ultrasonic testing of railroad track components; maintenance of railroad crossings; and the repair of railroad trackage, to include the replacement of crossties, switch timbers and rail and switch turnout components. No percentage estimates of the amount of work at each location is available, as work will be performed based on individual task orders. This modification brings the total cumulative value of the contract to $28,242,820. Work will be performed in Colts Neck, New Jersey; and Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by October 2021. No funding is being obligated with this award, but an anticipated task order during the option period will be awarded for recurring work at Public Works Department, Earle, New Jersey. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,841,872 will be awarded at that time under that task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic Public Works Department, Earle, Colts Neck, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. GE Aviation Systems LLC, Dowty Propellers, Sterling, Virginia, is awarded an $8,091,000 modification (P00020) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract N00019-17-D-0089. This modification adds scope to provide logistics services in support of KC-130J R391 propeller upgrades for the Marine Corps. Specifically, this effort provides durability upgrades to the propeller blade polyurethane and leading edge guard. Work will be performed in Sterling, Virginia (56%); and Gloucester, United Kingdom (44%), and is expected to be completed in May 2022. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. ARMY J&J Maintenance Inc., Austin, Texas, was awarded a $25,483,823 firm-fixed-price contract for healthcare housekeeping services at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2025. Fiscal 2021 Defense Health Program (Defense) funds in the amount of $25,483,823 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (W81K04-21-C-0001). Test & Evaluation Services and Technologies LLC, Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a $15,217,605 modification (P00002) to contract W900KK-20-D-0012 for threat systems operations and maintenance integrated support. Work will be performed in Herndon, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2027. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $15,217,605 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Oct. 21, 2020) ICF Inc. LLC, Fairfax, Virginia, was awarded a $14,155,272 modification (P00040) to contract W911QX-17-C-0018 for mission critical defense cyber operation services. Work will be performed in Adelphi, Maryland; Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; San Antonio, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Fort Meade, Maryland; and Columbia, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2021. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Army) funds in the amount of $2,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. National Conferencing Inc., Dumfries, Virginia, was awarded a $13,492,970 modification (P00003) to contract W9124J-20-C-0018 to provide event planning, coordination and logistical support for training requirements of Department of the Army, Chief of Chaplains. Work will be performed in Dumfries, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $9,124,231 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Field Directorate Office, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is the contracting activity. *Small business **Veteran-owned small business ***8(a) small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2400904/source/GovDelivery/

  • Vertical lift drones brigades are assessing fly quieter with more survivability, soldiers say

    June 5, 2020 | International, Aerospace

    Vertical lift drones brigades are assessing fly quieter with more survivability, soldiers say

    Kyle Rempfer Soldiers assessing aerial drones to help the Army replace its aging RQ-7 Shadow said the systems they've piloted can launch almost anywhere, offer a better chance of survival in combat against a peer adversary and have quieter motors that will prevent targets from detecting their presence. “There have been times where the Shadow is too loud to fly too close to an enemy, so we can't get many details on them,” said Pfc. Jacob Owens, a drone operator at the 1st Infantry Division who has been testing Arcturus UAV's JUMP 20 at Fort Riley. “Quieter can be a huge advantage to us because we can get closer to get details on the camera, like read a license plate on the back of a car.” Five brigades across the Army were selected to test unmanned aircraft systems and provide feedback to Army leadership looking to replace the RQ-7 Shadow, which was introduced in the mid-2000s. Owens and other soldiers spoke about the assessments they've participated in during a telephone call on Wednesday. Information gleaned from the assessments will inform the Army's future vertical lift cross-functional team as they develop specifications for a a future tactical unmanned aircraft system, which is supposed to sport advances in maneuverability, agility, lethality and reach, according to Army Futures Command. Futures Command began fielding the new drones to the five brigades across the force this spring, with 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, receiving Arcturus UAV's JUMP 20 in mid-March. JUMP 20 is the largest of the four drones being tested, weighing in at 210 pounds with an 18-foot wingspan, which is roughly similar to the Shadow. The 17-hour flight time, vertical takeoff ability and reduced noise while in-flight will be a game-changer, said Sgt. 1st Class David Rodriguez, a platoon sergeant and standardization operator. “Without the noise, it allows us to get closer to targets and identify them over longer periods without being identified by the sound of the motors as we fly overhead,” Rodriguez added. The Army is looking for a Shadow replacement with reduced noise signature to retain the element of surprise and prevent targets from scattering if they see or hear the drone, noted the 1st Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade commander Col. Bryan Chivers, citing his experience in Afghanistan. “You could have a Gray Eagle or Predator [drone] on station, observing a particular target, and when the Shadow would come on-station, you knew because somebody announced it and if you were privy to the operation, you could see them looking up to the sky and sometimes hearing this system,” Chivers said. Vertical take-off is another specification the Army is seeking. It will allow launch and recovery at more locations, including austere ones without runways, and it should reduce the amount of equipment needed by soldiers. Soldiers at the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, have been testing out Martin UAV's V-BAT. The V-BAT is unique in that it sits on its tail end during launches. It has a lot less equipment, soldiers said, but its flight time is roughly the same as the Shadow. “We can pretty much operate it anywhere; We don't need a runway,” said Spc. Alexander Albritton, a drone operator at Fort Campbell. A lot of the requirements the Army has put forth stemmed from an increasingly important operational need to be more “expeditious,” according to Maj. John Holcomb, the future tactical unmanned aircraft systems assistant product manager. “One requirement we looked at for all the systems is the entire system could be loaded up on two Air Force 463L pallets and fit inside of a CH-47 [helicopter],” Holcomb said. “A Shadow system takes C-130s to get into theater and move around all the equipment that's required.” These future drone systems will allow tactical commanders to not rely on airfields, noted Lt. Col. Brian Angell, a squadron commander at Fort Riley involved in the tests. That could be important in a future fight against peer competitors like China and Russia that are able to pound stationary airfields and hangers with long-range weapons. “It opens up options,” Angell said. “We'll be less predictable. We'll be able to maneuver this system on the battle space quicker, set it up, operate it and move it to another location faster. So that's a survivability standpoint, as well, that we'll gain with this system.” A brigade at the 2nd Infantry Division on Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, began their own assessment of a third drone, Textron Systems' Aerosonde HQ, this week, according to Army Futures Command. Later in the summer, the 1st Armored Division at Fort bliss, Texas, is scheduled to test L3 Harris' FVR-90 drone. Futures Command hopes to complete the fielding process with a brigade from the 82nd Airborne Division in September, when the paratroopers will test a second version of Arcturus UAV's JUMP 20 with different payloads. The assessments will culminate with brigade-level combat training center rotations at Fort Polk, Louisiana, or Fort Irwin, California. Army officials have tentatively stated previously that the plan is to have the first unit equipped with a Shadow replacement sometime in fiscal year 2024. https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/06/04/vertical-lift-drones-brigades-are-assessing-fly-quieter-with-more-survivability-soldiers-say/

  • Les cinq incohérences de la défense européenne

    June 17, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Les cinq incohérences de la défense européenne

    La réunion des ministres de la Défense de l'UE ce mardi (16 juin) le prouve. La litanie des 25 paragraphes balayant tous les sujets met sous le tapis cinq sujets d'incohérences, non résolus depuis des années. Ce qui est assez incongru alors que tous les signaux sont au vert (cf. encadré). Les Européens sont aujourd'hui face à leurs contradictions, leurs incohérences (1), forts dans le verbe, faibles dans l'action. Première incohérence : aucune responsabilité stratégique clairement identifiée L'Europe manque d'une chaine de décision clairement identifiée, surtout au plus au haut niveau. Ce devrait être le rôle du Conseil européen. Mais celui-ci a peu à peu délaissé ce rôle, encombré par les affaires intérieures de l'UE : crise économique, renouvellement institutionnel, Brexit, etc. Quelques discussions de politique extérieure ont bien eu lieu, mais peu nombreuses, pas assez fréquentes, et parfois tournées vers le sommet de l'iceberg, non vers la profondeur stratégique. Ainsi quand la Russie a été évoquée, c'était surtout pour examiner s'il fallait prendre des sanctions après l'invasion de la Crimée et la guerre dans l'Est de l'Ukraine et quelles sanctions prendre, pas vraiment pour voir quelles relations de voisinage entretenir. Et quand on aborde la Turquie, c'est en extrême urgence pour tisser des liens avec Ankara afin d'éviter une vague migratoire. Il y a eu assez peu de discussions au fond sur les relations avec les pays du Golfe, avec l'Afrique, avec la Libye, durant la présidence de Donald Tusk. Charles Michel qui avait inauguré son mandat par une série de balades (lire : Quand Tintin Michel se balade, le Conseil européen trinque) pourrait changer la donne. Mais les dissensions internes sur le futur cadre budgétaire (MFF) risquent, encore une fois, de détourner l'attention. Les ministres de la Défense se réunissent, mais une seule fois par semestre, dans une formation qui est mineure, dépendant de celles des Affaires étrangères. Les sujets qu'ils abordent sont rarement les plus importants. Et la terminologie employée souvent très optimiste (progrès, félicitations, succès...) sert davantage à masquer les divergences qu'à les trancher. Idem au Parlement européen où la défense est confinée dans une sous-commission, sans capacité de décision autonome. En fait, il manque une instance stratégique. C'est le problème plus général de l'Union européenne en matière de diplomatie et de défense. Elle erre un peu parfois sans une logique totalement compréhensible et intelligible. Le Haut représentant reste avant tout un super ‘diplomate', chargé de mettre en œuvre une politique. Si les États ne sont pas d'accord, il en est réduit à broder. Or, la haute couture ne suffit pas à remplacer une décision. L'idée d'un Conseil européen de sécurité, proposée par l'Allemagne, est intéressante (lire : Mettre en place un Conseil de sécurité européen ? Une idée à travailler). Mais elle apparait plutôt comme une manœuvre de diversion et n'a jamais reçu de suite très concrète. Il faut que le Conseil européen fasse son travail... tout simplement. Deuxième incohérence : la fuite en avant L'autre défaut typique de l'Union européenne est de lancer sans cesse de nouveaux concepts, de nouveaux projets, sans avoir tiré auparavant le bilan de ce qui marche et ne marche pas. On empile ainsi les projets capacitaires les uns sur les autres, sans fermer des dossiers. Où en sont aujourd'hui les 11 projets opérationnels décidés en 2011 par exemple ? Et sur les 47 projets de la PESCO, chacun sait bien que certains sont « morts nés » pour reprendre une expression officieuse. Dans les couloirs européens, personne n'ose le dire publiquement. Mais sous le sceau de l'anonymat, les langues se délient. En bref, il faut élaguer. Au lieu de ça, on alourdit l'arbre. Cela n'a pas de logique. Du moins vraiment compréhensible au point de vue de l'opinion publique comme des experts. Idem en matière opérationnelle. Les battlegroups sont toujours inemployés. Et notre analyse passée (2) reste (malheureusement) exacte. On ne voit rien aujourd'hui qui puisse les faire mieux fonctionner. Sur les seize missions extérieures de l'UE, on sait très bien — y compris dans les rangs européens les plus convaincus — qu'un petit tiers (estimation basse) ne remplit pas l'objectif primaire fixé par les traités à la PSDC : la stabilisation ou le maintien de la paix (lire : Opération Sophia, EUBAM Rafah et Libya... l'UE doit apprendre à fermer des missions devenues inutiles). Elles sont plutôt là pour mettre un point sur la carte, occuper le terrain. Leur suppression risque d'engendrer des grincements de dents, mais cette retructuration est nécessaire. Troisième incohérence : entre le dire et le faire un abyme Dans les missions et opérations de la PSDC, pourtant décidées en commun (l'unanimité étant toujours la règle), les moyens font souvent défaut. C'est une autre incohérence et non des moindres de la politique européenne de défense. Certaines lacunes sont récurrentes. Ainsi, depuis plusieurs années, le soutien médical dans les missions de la PSDC est souvent délégué à un pays tiers (ou au privé), faute de moyens européens. D'autres apparaissent de façon criante. L'exemple de l'opération de contrôle des armes au large de la Libye (EUNAVFOR Med Irini) en est un (dernier) exemple criant. Les États sont (à peu près tous) d'accord : le désordre libyen est un des pires facteurs d'instabilité pour l'Europe, il faut contrôler l'embargo sur les armes et aboutir à un processus politique... Mais quand il s'agit de fournir des moyens opérationnels pour mettre en œuvre cette volonté, il y a beaucoup moins de monde. (lire : Une opération Irini bien à la peine. Les États membres chiches en moyens). Quatrième incohérence : une structure héritée du passé Toutes les structures actuelles sont issues de la réflexion sur l'état de l'Europe il y a vingt ans, voire trente ans. L'élaboration du Traité de Maastricht date des années 1990. Soit la réalisation du marché unique. Une autre époque ! À chaque nouvelle phase (tous les dix ans), on rajoute une couche institutionnelle, sans vraiment chercher à simplifier ou réorganiser le système. Aujourd'hui, ce n'est pas tant le manque institutionnel que le surpoids qui l'emporte. On a ainsi un noyau d'état-major de l'UE en train d'évoluer (lentement), à côté des état-majors de force (Eurocorps, Euromarfor) largement sous-employés. Au niveau capacitaire, trois structures sont en place : l'agence européenne de défense et OCCAR qui s'occupent de la gestion des projets, et la nouvelle DG Défense et Espace (DEFIS) de la Commission européenne, sans oublier les structures au sein du service diplomatique européen (SEAE) qui s'occupent de gestion de crises. Et je ne parle pas de celles de l'Alliance atlantique. Chacune a sa propre logique et sa justification. La question n'est peut-être pas tant de les supprimer, mais d'avoir une logique d'ensemble, partagée par tous les acteurs, une saine répartition des t'ches, compréhensible, organisée. Quitte à couper les ‘branches mortes'. Cinquième incohérence : la coopération OTAN-UE Ce lien est célébré partout. On le retrouve à toutes les sauces dès qu'il s'agit d'une réunion consacrée à la défense d'un côté comme de l'autre du rond point Schuman. Si les relations entre les deux organisations sont fluides (elles l'étaient déjà du temps de Javier Solana ;-), dans les faits, la relation entre les deux organisations reste faussée par une géopolitique fort différente qui se résume à deux mots : USA et Turquie. L'OTAN reste, en effet, très dépendante à la fois de la volonté américaine (son actionnaire principal) et de la politique turque (élément clé de sa présence au Sud-Est). Vissée à ces deux éléments, elle obéit à un équilibre précaire et reste bien en peine de fixer sa politique, devant sa survie au durcissement russe entamé depuis 2014 avec la guerre en Ukraine et l'annexion de la Crimée. Les deux (autres) guerres actives aux bordures du territoire de l'Alliance (la Syrie et la Libye) se déroulent avec un cavalier seul de la Turquie, plus que troublant. La violation délibérée par Ankara de l'embargo sur les armes en Libye est une (grosse) épine dans le pied, douloureuse pour la solidarité de l'Alliance. L'Alliance, en fait, n'est pas très en forme. Encore moins pourrait-on dire que l'Union européenne, même si cela apparait moins clairement. Elle est à la recherche d'un nouveau point d'équilibre qu'elle n'a pas vraiment trouvé. Ses deux missions de formation en Irak et en Afghanistan sont proches de la fin. Elle se cherche de nouveaux terrains d'action... Elle ne dispose pas de moyens d'actions juridiques et financiers propres et en est réduite, aujourd'hui, à quémander à l'Union européenne de lui prêter ses moyens pour mener ses propres projets (cf. pour la mobilité militaire). Très clairement, les deux organisations n'ont ni la même stratégie ni la même tactique. La pandémie du coronavirus a montré comment leur coopération restait aléatoire, surtout en cas de crise grave. Chacun a tenté très vite de tirer la couverture à soi, multipliant des réunions de coordination là où il n'y avait plus grand chose à coordonner. Parler de coopération est donc plus qu'hasardeux. On serait plus proche de la parabole de l'aveugle et du paralytique. (Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)

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