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August 1, 2018 | International, Naval

Navy Exercises Options For Additional Future Frigate Design Work

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The Navy has exercised options adding several million dollars to the future guided-missile frigate (FFG(X)) conceptual design work being performed by five shipbuilders in contention for the final hull design.

The Navy expects bids from the following shipbuilders – Austal USA, Huntington Ingalls Industries, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine. A final request for proposal is expected in 2019, with the Navy planning to award a single source design and construction contract in 2020, according to the Navy. Ultimately, the Navy plans to build a fleet of 20 frigates

Each company was awarded initial contracts of $15 million in February to start design work. The latest contract modification, announced Monday, sends between $6.4 million and $8 million in additional funding to each company to be used fleshing out their designs.

“Each company is maturing their proposed ship design to meet the FFG(X) System Specification. The Conceptual Design effort will inform the final specifications that will be used for the Detail Design and Construction Request for Proposal that will deliver the required capability for FFG(X),” Alan Baribeau, a Naval Sea Systems Command spokesman, said in an email to USNI News.

Each design for the future frigate competition is based on existing designs the shipbuilders are already producing. The Navy expects to spend between $800 million and $950 million on each hull, which will follow the Littoral Combat Ship.

In terms of combat and communications systems, the Navy plans to use what is already deployed on LCS platforms. USNI News understands the new frigates will use the COMBATSS-21 Combat Management System, which uses software from the same common source library as the Aegis Combat System on large surface combatants. Missile systems for the frigate include the canister-launched over-the-horizon missile; the surface-to-surface Longbow Hellfire missile; the Mk53 Nulka decoy launching system and the Surface Electron Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 2 program with SLQ-32(V)6. The ships would also require an unspecified number of vertical launch cells. The frigate design also is expected to include the SeaRAM anti-ship missile defense system and several undersea warfare tools.

The complete list of companies awarded contract options on their respective contracts include:

Austal USA LLC (Austal), Mobile, Alabama – $6,399,053; initial contract award – $14,999,969

General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine – $7,950,000; initial contract award – $14,950,000

Huntington Ingalls Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi – $7,997,406; initial contract award – $14,999,924

Lockheed Martin Inc., Baltimore, Maryland – $6,972,741; initial contract award – $14,999,889

Marinette Marine Corp., doing business as Fincantieri Marinette Marine, Marinette, Wisconsin – $7,982,991 initial contract award – $14,994,626

https://news.usni.org/2018/07/31/35430

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  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - September 12, 2019

    September 13, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - September 12, 2019

    NAVY Black Construction-Tutor Perini JV, Harmon, Guam (N62742-19-D-1328); Caddell-Nan JV, Montgomery, Alabama (N62742-19-D-1329); Core Tech-HDCC-Kajima LLC, Tamuning, Guam (N62742-19-D-1330); Gilbane SMCC ECC LLC, Concord, California (N62742-19-D-1331); and Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Honolulu, Hawaii (N62742-19-D-1332), are awarded a combined $990,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award, design build construction contract for projects located primarily for sites in Guam and other areas within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Pacific area of responsibility (AOR). Gilbane SMCC ECC LLC is being awarded the initial $22,997,004 task order for the design and construction of a low rise combined dining and high-intensity tactical training facility for the aviation combat element at Andersen Air Force Base, Joint Region Marianas, Guam. The work to be performed provides new construction, renovation and minor construction, and may include but is not limited to: barracks/dormitories; administrative facilities; communication facilities; educational facilities; medical/dental/hospital facilities; dining facilities; industrial facilities; warehouse facilities; ranges; operational/training facilities; roads, streets and bridges; site utilities/infrastructure; dredging, and aviation facilities (including hangars and aprons), and other base development facilities. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by April 2022. All work on this contract will be performed primarily within the NAVFAC Pacific AOR, which includes Guam (80%); Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (10%); Hawaii (5%); and other areas in the Pacific and Indian Oceans (5%). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion September 2024. Fiscal 2015 and 2019 military construction (Navy) contract funds for $22,997,004 are obligated on this award, of which $13,615,340 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with eight proposals received. These five contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Walsh Federal LLC, Chicago, Illinois, is awarded a $49,845,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of P426 Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Logistics Facility at Naval Station Mayport. The work to be performed provides for construction of a new four story, Phase II building, and renovations to the existing Phase I building. The two buildings will house the ashore component of administrative functions for deployed and in-port LCSs, as well as a portion of the training component. The project also includes improvements to Bailey Avenue that will connect P426 to a new parking deck to be designed and constructed under a separate contract. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, and is expected to be completed by August 2021. Fiscal 2019 military construction (Navy) contract funds for $49,845,000 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 two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-19-C-0913). The Johnson-McAdams Firm P.A.,* Greenwood, Mississippi, is awarded a $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for professional architectural and engineering services in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of responsibility (AOR). A $33,339 initial task order is awarded to prepare an engineering study of Building 361, detailing required repairs to the interior non-load bearing concrete masonry unit walls at Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi. Work for this task order is expected to be completed January 2020. All work on this contract will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations in the NAVFAC Southeast AOR. The work to be performed provides for professional architectural and engineering services for preparation of design-bid-build documents (100% plans and specifications) and design-build request for proposals. Services may also include field investigation and facility damage assessments after hurricanes or other storm events. Specific duties include architectural programming, geotechnical investigation, surveying, cost estimating, DD Form 1391 preparation and other preliminary project documentation. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion August 2024. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance, (Navy) (O&M, N) contract funds for $33,339 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by O&M, N; and military construction, (Navy). This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 26 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-19-D-0123). Sroka Inc.,* Strongsville, Ohio, is awarded a $22,944,161 five-year, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the manufacture of 4,500 counterbalance stand-up rider forklift trucks in support of the Material Handling Equipment (MHE) Program. Work will be performed in Strongsville, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by September 2024. Fiscal 2019 MHE procurement funds (Navy) will be obligated as each delivery order is issued, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract resulted from a full and open competitive solicitation, with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00104-19-D-UN01). Vigor Marine LLC, Portland, Oregon, is awarded a $17,635,905 firm-fixed-price contract for a 63-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul dry-docking of USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 202). The $17,635,905 contract consists of the amounts listed in the following areas: category "A" work item cost, additional government requirement, other direct costs and general and administrative costs. Work will include general services, ballast tank recoating, ballast tank preservation, ship service diesel generator maintenance, deck covering replacement, docking and undocking, underwater hull and freeboard cleaning and preservation, stern shaft and propeller repair and sliding block chain replacement. The contract includes options, which if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $19,206,905. Funds will be obligated Sept. 12, 2019, and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 23, 2019. Contract funds for $17,635,240 excluding options, are obligated for fiscal 2020 using Navy working capital funds. Work will be performed in Portland, Oregon, and is expected to begin Oct. 22, 2019. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website, and one offer was received. The Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N32205-19-C-4016). The Boeing Co., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is awarded a $15,111,310 firm-fixed-price delivery order (N00019-19-F-0301) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-16-G-0001). This order is for non-recurring engineering for integration of the AN/AAQ-24 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System onto one C-40A aircraft for the Navy. Work will be performed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (40%); Seattle, Washington (35%); and San Antonio, Texas (25%), and is expected to be completed in December 2021. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds for $15,111,310 are being obligated on this award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp. Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $12,920,955 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N64267-18-C-0132 for Aegis design agent field engineering services. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia (34%); San Diego, California (31%); Yokosuka, Japan (19%); Pascagoula, Mississippi (4%); Washington, District of Columbia (4%); Port Hueneme, California (4%); and Rota, Spain (4%), and is expected to be completed by September 2020. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $1,042,000; and fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding for $40,000 will be obligated at time of award, and funds for $1,042,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), this contract was non-competitively procured (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). The services include test and evaluation, engineering change development, ordnance/ship alterations, modernization engineering, logistics and technical support, ordnance alterations kit development, integration and test support, AN/SPY-1 series radar antenna refurbishment and Coast Guard deep-water program design agent field engineering support. These services are in support of Aegis-equipped CGs and DDGs, allied Aegis-equipped ships and Coast Guard Aegis-configured ships. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $63,992,064. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division, Port Hueneme, California, is the contracting activity. Granite Construction Co., Watsonville, California, is awarded a $12,901,901 firm-fixed-price task order N62473-19-F-5250 under a multiple award construction contract to repair failing taxiway India at Naval Base Coronado. The task order also contains two unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase the cumulative task order value to $14,268,901. The work to be performed provides for the construction to replace the existing deteriorated concrete with new compliant airfield pavement. The options, if exercised, provides for reconstruction of taxiway, demolition, earthwork, and construction of base, pavement, shoulders, striping, associated electrical along with incidental related work, cement stabilization and replacement of waterline. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by December 2020. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance, (Navy) contract funds for $12,901,901 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-19-D-2437). Lockheed Martin, Mission Systems and Training, Baltimore, Maryland, is awarded a $10,948,268 cost-plus fixed-fee/award-fee order, N62786-19-F-0068, against the previously awarded basic ordering agreement N00024-15-G-2303, to provide advance planning, accomplishment and emergent availabilities for LCS-17 post shakedown availability. Lockheed Martin will provide advance planning and accomplishment of work for emergent availabilities and post-delivery test and trial support. Work will be performed in Mayport, Florida (44%); Hampton, Virginia (24%); District of Columbia (18%); and Moorestown, New Jersey (14%), and is expected to be completed by March 2021. Fiscal 2019 and 2014 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding for $9,866,326 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Bath, Maine, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Land and Armaments, Louisville, Kentucky, is awarded a $7,480,485 firm-fixed-price delivery order for MK38 Machine Gun System coaxial kits. Work will be performed in Louisville, Kentucky (83%); and Mesa, Arizona (17%), and is expected to be completed in December 2020. Fiscal 2019 weapons procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2019 Coast Guard weapons funding in the amount of $7,480,485 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action will provide all of the necessary materials and services required to manufacture, assemble, inspect, preserve, package and ship Coaxial Kits to support operations and maintenance for the MK38 Machine Gun Systems used by the Navy and Coast Guard. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), this delivery order was not competitively procured (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, Indian Head, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00174-19-F-0031) KIRA Aviation Services LLC, doing business as KIRA Operations Support,* Blytheville, Arkansas, is awarded a $7,107,857 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for base operations support services at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and outlying areas. The maximum dollar value including the base period and four option years is $33,972,756. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida (97%); and outlying areas (3%), and is expected to be completed by January 2021. The work to be performed provides for base operations support services to include custodial, pest control, integrated solid waste management, grounds maintenance and landscaping, and other related services. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2020 operation and maintenance, (Navy) (O&M, N); fiscal 2020 Navy working capital funds; fiscal 2020 Defense Health Program; and fiscal 2020 family housing O&M, N contract funds in the amount of $6,459,206 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the base period. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-19-D-1919). ARMY BFBC LLC, Bozeman, Montana, was awarded a $440,000,000 modification (P00005) to contract W912PL-19-C-0014 for replacement of El Centro and Yuma vehicle and pedestrian barrier. Work will be performed in El Centro, California; and Yuma, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 5, 2021. Fiscal 2010 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $440,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity. Kiewit Infrastructure Co., Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, was awarded a $264,422,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of physical security and safety improvements on and around long span bridges. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in New York, New York, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2025. Fiscal 2018 civil construction funds in the amount of $264,422,000 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-0015). Raytheon Lockheed Martin Javelin JV, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded an $185,601,502 firm-fixed-price contract for the Javelin Weapon System full rate production, All Up Rounds, Command Launch Unit retrofits, battery coolant units, Javelin outdoor trainers, outdoor trainer instruction station, tripods, Javelin vehicle launcher and electronics. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2023. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 research, development, test and evaluation; Navy procurement; Marine Corps procurement; and missile procurement, Army funds in the combined amount of $185,601,502 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-19-C-0076). Dobco Inc., Wayne, New Jersey, was awarded an $111,600,000 firm-fixed-price contract for renovation of barracks. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in West Point, New York, with an estimated completion date of Aug.30, 2021. Fiscal 2019 military construction, Army funds in the amount of $111,600,000 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-0020). Stoa Architects,* Pensacola, Florida (W912DY-19-D-0023); Raymond Pond Full Service Solutions JV LLC,* Conyers, Georgia (W912DY-19-D-0024); PSC-Schenkel Shultz,* Lubbock, Texas (W912DY-19-D-0025); Rogers Lovelock & Fritz, Orlando, Florida (W912DY-19-D-0026); Michael Baker-Stanley JV, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (W912DY-19-D-0027); and the Mason & Hanger Group Inc., Lexington, Kentucky (W912DY-19-D-0028), will compete for each order of the $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for support for general military facility design studies and facility commissioning. Bids were solicited via the internet with 36 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Ashford Leebcor Enterprises LLC, Williamsburg, Virginia, was awarded a $28,605,776 firm-fixed-price contract for repairs to exterior walls, windows, fire protection, interior walls, doors, insulation, interior finish, finish floors, ceilings, plumbing, HVAC, HVAC controls, electrical, building information systems, site utilities, structural improvements and asbestos abatement. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Fort Benning, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of March 15, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $28,605,776 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W912HN-19-C-3011). L.J. Clark Construction Inc.,* Moore Haven, Florida, was awarded an $11,373,817 firm-fixed-price contract for Picayune Strand Restoration Project, Miller Tram and road removal. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Naples, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 10, 2022. Fiscal 2010 civil construction funds in the amount of $11,373,817 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (W912EP-19-C-0026). R.E. Goodson Construction Co. Inc.,* Darlington, South Carolina, was awarded an $8,622,487 firm-fixed-price contract for raising the crest elevation of the perimeter dike, clearing the interior, adding a sand cap to the existing bird island in the western portion, repairs and modifications to the five existing weir and water control structures along the western dike, clearing and grubbing and replacing the main entrance gate. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Hardeeville, South Carolina, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 25, 2020. Fiscal 2019 civil construction, and civil rivers and harbors contributed funds in the combined amount of $8,622,487 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W912HN-19-C-5010). Matrix Providers,* Denver, Colorado, was awarded a $7,586,573 firm-fixed-price contract for per diem nursing services to support. Bids were solicited via the internet with 12 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2020. U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (W81K02-16-D-0001). Senspex Inc.,* Albuquerque, New Mexico, was awarded a $7,500,000 modification (P00003) to contract W56HZV-16-D-0129 for procurement of the highly specialized long-range thermal imaging camera system spare parts, and service support. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2021. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co. Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $7,493,164 modification (P00001) to contract W15QKN-19-C-0017 for foreign military sales buyback. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona; Healdsburg, California; Karlskoga, Sweden; East Camden, Arkansas; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Southway, Plymouth, United Kingdom; Glenrothes, Scotland, United Kingdom; Cincinnati, Ohio; Farmington, New Mexico; McAlester, Oklahoma; Joplin, Missouri; Salt Lake City, Utah; Gilbert, Arizona; Lansdale, Pennsylvania; and Santa Ana, California, with an estimated completion date of April 29, 2022. Fiscal 2019 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $7,493,164 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory LLC (JHU/APL), Laurel, Maryland, was awarded a non-competitive, single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for essential engineering, research, and/or development capabilities, in line with the core competencies established by the assistant secretary of defense for research and engineering, which designated JHU/APL as a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The place of performance will be at JHU/APL, Laurel, Maryland; and at the Defense Information Systems Agency, Fort Meade, Maryland. The contract ceiling value is $245,000,000, funded by multiple appropriation types. The minimum guarantee of $5,793,933 is satisfied through the issuance of the first task order in conjunction with the contract, which is funded by fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds. This is a sole source award, and as such, only one proposal was received. The ordering period is Sept. 30, 2019, through Sept. 29, 2024. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, National Capital Region, is the contracting activity (HC1047-19-D-0001). AIR FORCE LGS Innovations LLC, Applied Research & Technology, Florham Park, New Jersey, has been awarded a $12,752,488 cost-plus-fixed-fee type contract for the SALIENT GHOST software/hardware testbed. This contract provides for the development and demonstration of a function to address the security and resilience of field programmable gate arrays. Work will be performed at Florham Park, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 12, 2024. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $350,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity (FA8750-19-C-1515). X Technologies Inc., San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a $9,515,986 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the TTU-595 test sets. This contract provides for the production of TTU-595 Laser-Guided Bomb test sets to functionally check the guidance head of Paveway II and III weapons. Work will be performed at San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 11, 2023. This contract involves foreign military sales (FMS) to Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and one offer was received. Fiscal 2017 ammunition procurement funds in the amount of $5,052,774; and FMS funding in the amount of $912,640 are being obligated at time of award. The Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8213-19-D-0016). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Bell Helicopter, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $8,982,860 firm-fixed-price delivery order (SPRPA1-19-F-M21Q) against a five-year basic ordering agreement (SPRPA1-16-G-001W) for H-1 aircraft tail rotor blades. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulations 6.302-1. This is a five-year, two-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Texas, with a January 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2023 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. *Small Business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/1959192/source/GovDelivery/

  • GA-ASI Selects 18 Businesses to Participate in Virtual Blue Magic Belgium

    August 27, 2020 | International, Aerospace

    GA-ASI Selects 18 Businesses to Participate in Virtual Blue Magic Belgium

    SAN DIEGO, Aug. 26, 2020 /CNW/ -- As part of the second annual "Blue Magic Belgium" industry engagement event hosted by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA–ASI), 18 Belgium-based companies have been selected to present their ideas and cutting-edge capabilities to a panel of GA-ASI technical experts. The panel will evaluate the companies in a virtual interview setting and make decisions on which capabilities can support the development of MQ-9B SkyGuardian®, the GA-ASI Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) selected by Belgian Defense. The presentations will be held during the week of Sept. 21 and unlike the first Blue Magic Belgium (BMB) industry outreach event in 2019, this year's event will be held virtually due to travel and in-person meeting restrictions stemming from the coronavirus. "We're very excited to host our second Blue Magic Belgium event," said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. "Our first BMB event was a great success as we identified four Belgian companies who are now part of our SkyGuardian development team. We look forward to the same success this year. We know that attracting new Belgian businesses means more jobs for Belgium and it helps GA-ASI produce the best RPA for Belgian Defense and all NATO countries." As part of last year's event, AeroSimulators Group (ASG), AIRobot, ALX Systems and Hexagon joined Team SkyGuardian, which already included these five Belgium companies: SABCA, Thales Belgium, ScioTeq, ST Engineering and DronePort. GA-ASI is working with these companies now to generate next-generation capabilities for their RPA. The companies participating in Blue Magic Belgium the week of Sept. 21 will be Airobot, AKKA BENELUX, Altran Belgium, ALX Systems, Any-Shape, Cenaero, Feronyl, Hexagon Geospatial, IDRONECT, Lambda-X, ML2Grow, Moss Composites, Optrion, Oscars, ScioTeq, Siemens, VITO-Remote Sensing, and von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics. Hi-resolution images of MQ-9B SkyGuardian are available to qualified media outlets from GA-ASI. About GA-ASI General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator® RPA series and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than six million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com. SkyGuardian, SeaGuardian, Predator and Lynx are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. GA-ASI Media Relations General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. +1 (858) 524-8101 ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com Related Images ga-asis-mq-9b-skyguardian.jpg GA-ASI's MQ-9B SkyGuardian "We're very excited to host our second Blue Magic Belgium event," said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. "Our first BMB event was a great success as we identified four Belgian companies who are now part of our SkyGuardian development team. SOURCE General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ga-asi-selects-18-businesses-to-participate-in-virtual-blue-magic-belgium-836568869.html

  • Space Development Agency to launch next missile warning satellites earlier than expected

    March 18, 2022 | International, Aerospace

    Space Development Agency to launch next missile warning satellites earlier than expected

    A $550 million funding increase will allow the agency to launch a batch of 28 missile warning satellites in early 2025 '€” at least a year earlier than previously planned, according to a senior defense official.

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