July 22, 2024 | International, Aerospace
November 24, 2021 | International, Aerospace
European Union defense ministers have approved new collaborative projects meant to boost the bloc's military capabilities in air, space and drone operations.
September 21, 2020 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR, Security
Brig. Gen. Shachar Shohat (ret.) Recent events in the Middle East have led some to wonder how countries, including Israel, can protect their own strategic installations. Israel's adversaries, such as Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, have threatened to strike sensitive Israeli targets. Saudi Arabia absorbed a painful strike in September 2019 when an Iranian drone swarm combined with cruise missiles struck oil fields, causing heavy damage. The attack on Saudi Arabia is the latest tangible example of the evolving threat: precision-guided, sophisticated enemy air attacks. Each country designates its own strategic sites for special defense. They range from nuclear power plants to air force bases to Olympic stadiums. And the hardening of defenses around strategic sites was especially prominent until around three decades ago. At that time, attackers using close-range munitions had to approach a given site in order to attack it. Visual contact was often required, and simple air-to-ground munitions would suffice for an attack. Defense systems of that time were similarly simplistic. Air force bases might be protected by a 40mm anti-aircraft cannon, for example, in order to prevent a direct attack on a runway. That same concept would be applied to any sites deemed critical by a state. In addition to being limited in range, though, such defenses required many munitions and high numbers of personnel. The 1980s and 1990s witnessed a revolution in the world of weaponry. Precision, long-range (standoff) munitions entered the battle arenas, and close-range air defenses became largely obsolete. Once attackers no longer needed proximity to their targets, close-range defenses could neither hit the longer-range munitions nor their launchers. But over the past decade, we have seen the addition of GPS-guidance systems to those munitions. The advent of this technology, combined with the overall revolution of the '80s and '90s, has heightened the need for states to return to close-range air defenses — but in a new configuration. Additional systems are now in the pipeline. Small, affordable interceptor missiles and laser beam defenses are the answers to the new categories of close-range threats seen around the world, including gliding bombs, cruise missiles and drones. In 2019, the Iranians proved that if they have intelligence on their target and the ability to send munitions to the “blind spot” of radars, attacks can be successful. That attack should serve as a “wake-up call” for countries around the world. If states want to protect strategic sites, radars that look in every direction, 360 degrees, 24 hours a day, are needed. Effective new defense systems must now be multidirectional in their detection of incoming threats, a response to the enemy's ability to turn, steer and evade radar coverage and detection. That coverage must be combined with multiple layers of defense, including defense mechanisms very close to the asset being defended. Examples of what is now needed for strategic sites' defenses are already evident in the realm of military vehicles. The Israel Defense Forces installed the Trophy defense system on a growing number of tanks and armored personnel carriers as a result of a series of incidents in Lebanon and Gaza. Airframes also need such systems, as the downing of an Israeli transport helicopter by Hezbollah in the Second Lebanon War demonstrated, as do ships — and so too do strategic assets. The age-old military axiom asserts that lines of defense will always be breached. As such, we must develop the maximum number of opportunities for interception possible. Longer-range air defense systems, such as the Patriot, David's Sling or the S-400 can intercept threats at tens or hundreds of kilometers away. But today, because state enemies can bypass long-range defenses, countries must always have the ability to directly intercept the actual munitions. Without close-defense capabilities forming part of a country's multilayer defense systems, strategic sites are simply not adequately protected. In the context of multilayer defense development and deployment around strategic sites and sensitive targets, Israel has taken on the role of global leader. In 2020, short-range air defenses are making a comeback, and this time they are set to remain as a permanent fixture. Retired Brig. Gen. Shachar Shohat served as a chief commander of the Israel Air Defense Forces and a publishing expert at The MirYam Institute. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2020/09/18/short-range-air-defense-is-making-a-comeback/
July 30, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security, Other Defence
NAVY DRS Laurel Technologies, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $382,535,170 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract for the development, integration, and production of hardware solutions. This contract will provide design, procurement, production, sparing, test, installation, and support of displays, workstations, processors, and network systems; the production of subsequent systems, kits and enclosures; and engineering and technical services. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (92.7 percent); and the government of the United Kingdom under the Foreign Military Sales program (4.6 percent), and per a memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth of Australia (2.7 percent). Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pennsylvania (82 percent); Burnsville, Minnesota (15 percent); Germantown, Maryland (1 percent); Largo, Florida (1 percent); and Chesapeake, Virginia (1 percent), and is expected be complete in July 2025. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $830,711,796, and be complete in December 2026. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $296,895 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with two offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport, Keyport, Washington, is the contracting activity (N00253-19-D-0004). Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems Inc., Northridge, California, is being awarded a $167,338,657 firm-fixed-price contract for 263 full-rate production Lot 8 Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missiles (AARGM). This contract provides for conversion of U.S. government-provided AGM-88B High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles into 260 AGM-88E AARGM all-up-rounds and 3 Captive Air Training Missiles, including supplies and services required for manufacture, spares, and fleet deployment. Work will be performed in Northridge, California (80%); and Ridgecrest, California (20%), and is expected to be completed in March 2022. Fiscal 2017, 2018, and 2019 weapons procurement (Navy); fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); and fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $167,338,657 will be obligated at time of award, $1,319,319 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001919C0049). Allied Pacific Builders Inc.,* Waipahu, Hawaii (N62478-16-D-4006); Environet Inc.,* Kamuela, Hawaii (N62478-16-D-4007); Hako Plumbing Inc.,* Honolulu, Hawaii (N62478-16-D-4008); Heartwood Pacific LLC,* Keaau, Hawaii (N62478-16-D-4009); Raass Brothers Inc.,* Provo, Utah (N62478-16-D-4010); and TOMCO Corp.,* Honolulu, Hawaii (N62478-16-D-4011), are awarded a combined $95,000,000 firm-fixed-price modification to increase the maximum dollar value of an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award, design-build/design-bid-build construction contract for construction projects located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Hawaii area of operations (AO). The work to be performed provides for but is not limited to labor, supervision, tools, materials and equipment necessary to perform new construction, repair, alteration and related demolition of existing infrastructure based on design-build, or design-bid-build (full plans and specifications) for infrastructure within the state of Hawaii. After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $340,000,000. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed at various Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and miscellaneous federal and other facilities in the NAVFAC Hawaii AO, and is expected to be completed by March 2021. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. Task orders will be primarily funded by operations and maintenance (Navy); and Navy working capital funds. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. PAE Aviation and Technical Services LLC, Greenville, South Carolina, is awarded $50,396,007 for modification P00023 to a previously issued firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursable indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract N00421-15-D-0007 to exercises an option for organizational, selected intermediate, and limited depot maintenance and logistics support for F-5F and F-5N aircraft. Work will be performed in Fallon, Nevada; Yuma, Arizona; and Key West, Florida, and is expected to be completed in July 2020. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Katmai Health Services LLC,* Anchorage, Alaska, is awarded ceiling value $19,562,319 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide role player services for Infantry Immersion Training. Work will be performed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (40%); Camp Pendleton, California (40%); and Marine Corps Base, Hawaii (20%), and work is expected to be completed July 2021, having an ordering period of two years. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $1,618,452 will be obligated on the first task order immediately following contract award and funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5 and 15 U.S. Code 637. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contract activity (M67854-19-D-7836). General Dynamics Missions Systems Inc., Marion, Virginia, is awarded a $16,313,717 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the manufacturing of AN/SPG-62 antenna systems parabolic radio frequency reflectors. The AN/SPG-62 antenna systems are mounted and operated in the ship's open spaces and are subsystems of the Mk-99 fire control system, part of the AEGIS combat system suite. The AN/SPG-62 antenna system reflector enables the continuous-wave radio frequency signal from the Mk-99's radar transmitter to illuminate targets to be engaged, fired upon and destroyed by the ship's weapons. Work will be performed in Marion, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by December 2024. Fiscal 2017, 2018 and 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $941,313 will be obligated at time of award, and $387,014 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured, in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-19-D-WP49). AIR FORCE Kilgore Flares Co., Toone, Tennessee, has been awarded a $90,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for MJU-53/B countermeasure flares. This contract provides an infrared countermeasure flare which is a magnesium based flare utilized on USAF Air Mobility Command C-17 and C-5 aircraft. Work will be performed at Toone, Tennessee, and is expected to be completed by July 2023. This contract involves foreign military sales, however, the countries are unknown at this time. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with two offers received. Fiscal 2018 procurement funds in the amount of $3,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8213-19-D-0012). Armtec Countermeasures Co., Coachella, California, has been awarded a $90,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for MJU-53/B countermeasure flare. This contract provides an infrared countermeasure flare which is a magnesium based flare utilized on Air Force Air Mobility Command C-17 and C-5 aircraft. Work will be performed at Camden, Arkansas, and is expected to be completed by July 2023. This contract involves foreign military sales, however, the countries are unknown at this time. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with two offers received. Fiscal 2018 procurement funds in the amount of $3,000 is being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8213-19-D-0013). Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nevada, has been awarded a $23,248,916 modification (P00001) to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract FA3002-19-D-A003 for A-29 pilot and maintenance training for the Afghanistan Air Force at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia; and in Afghanistan. The contract modification provides for the addition of outside the continental U.S. instructor pilots in Afghanistan. This modification involves building partner capacity/pseudo-foreign military sales to Afghanistan. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2023. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The 338th Contracting Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio, Randolph, Texas, is the contracting activity. Merrill Corp., doing business as Mission Support, Clearfield, Utah, has been awarded a $20,466,034 ceiling indefinite-delivery/indefinite‐quantity contract for the acquisition of A‐10 flap assemblies. This contract provides for the acquisition of left and right outboard flap assemblies and left and right inboard flap assemblies. Work will be performed in Clearfield, Utah, and is expected to be complete by July 28, 2025. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and five offers were received. Consolidated sustainment activity group working capital funds in the amount of $4,997,734 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8212‐19‐D‐0002). Lockheed Martin Space, Sunnyvale, California, has been awarded a $13,150,000 cost‐plus‐fixed‐fee modification (P00151) to contract FA8810‐13‐C‐0002 for space based infrared system contractor logistics support for studies and modification projects. Work will be performed at Peterson Air Force Base, Buckley AFB, Greeley Air National Guard Station, and Boulder, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2018 procurement funds in the amount of $13,150,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $10,395,313 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00005) to previously awarded delivery order contract FA8634-17-F-0002 for F-15 Advanced Display Core Processor (ADCP) II low-rate initial production Lot 1. This engineering change proposal provides for the production and integration of the ADCPII boxes and related equipment into the F-15 platform. Work will be performed at St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2021. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2019 procurement; and fiscal 2018 and 2019 research and development funds in the amount of $10,395,313 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Fighter/Bomber Directorate, F-15 Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $9,244,494 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00006) to previously awarded delivery order contract FA8634-17-F-0002, for F-15 Advanced Display Core Processor II low-rate initial production Lot 1. This modification provides for the performance of a study to mitigate risks posed to the F-15E to reduce its flight risk from serious to medium. Work will be performed at St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2021. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2018 research and development funds in the amount of $9,244,494 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Fighter/Bomber Directorate, F-15 Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. ARMY Dawson-Zapata JV,* Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded a $40,000,000 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for range maintenance and support activities utilizing robotic technology. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 2, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W912DY-19-D-0002). WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, was awarded a $24,905,967 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to support the government with development of prototypes, test plans, rapid fielding, operational experiments and changes in existing acquisition programs, with a focus on identification and reduction of programmatic and technical risk provides for applied research. Work performance will take place in Laurel, Maryland. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,512,000; and fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $23,393,697 are being awarded. This contract was not competitively procured because the task order is executed against a single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity. The expected completion date is May 30, 2020. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HQ0034-19-D-0006). (Awarded July 26, 2019) DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Sopakco Inc.,* Mullins, South Carolina (SPE3S1-19-D-Z123, $16,888,463); and The Wornick Co., Cincinnati, Ohio (SPE3S1-19-D-Z122, $16,618,875), have both been awarded firm-fixed-price contracts under solicitation SPE3S1-19-R-0005 for Tailored Operational Training Meals. These are five-year contracts with no option periods. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. Locations of performance are South Carolina and Ohio, with a July 28, 2024, performance completion date. Using military services are National Guard and Reserve Forces. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Skurka Aerospace Inc., Camarillo, California, has been awarded a maximum $9,428,066 firm-fixed-price contract for direct current motors. 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 one-year base contract with one, one-year option period. Location of performance is California, with a July 28, 2020, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency, Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-19-C-0190). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Cummings Aerospace,* Huntsville, Alabama, is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum amount of $9,982,641. Under this new contract, the contractor will integrate and enhance the Simulation Framework ToolKit and Coordinated Cyber/Electronic Warfare Integrated Fires Tool to conduct quick-turn, end-to-end, left through right of launch analysis with varying sensor and weapon technologies. A task order in the amount of $1,894,626 is being issued. The work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama. The ordering period is from July 29, 2019, through July 28, 2024. A special topic broad agency announcement (BAA) number HQ0147-17-S0002 was posted to the Federal Business Opportunities web site to solicit white papers related to advanced research technology and development in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.102(d)(2)(i) to meet full and open competition requirements. The government received 26 white papers in response to the BAA and selected seven white papers from which proposals were requested. This award results from one of seven proposals received. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,894,626 for the first task order are being obligated on this award. The Missile Defense Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0147-19-D-0009). *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1918513/source/GovDelivery/