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August 11, 2020 | International, Aerospace

SpaceX and ULA win massive national security launch contracts

SpaceX and United Launch Alliance have won massive five-year National Security Space Launch contracts from the U.S. Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office, the Space and Missile Systems Center announced Aug. 7.

The contracts will support more than 30 heavy lift launches planned between fiscal 2022 through 2027, with task orders to be made from fiscal 2020 through 2024. 60 percent of launch services orders will go to ULA, with SpaceX taking up the remaining 40 percent. The two firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery requirement contracts included funding for the first year of launches: $337 for ULA and $316 for SpaceX.

“This is a groundbreaking day, culminating years of strategic planning and effort by the Department of the Air Force, NRO and our launch service industry partners,” said William Roper, assistant secretary of the U.S. Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, in a statement. “Maintaining a competitive launch market, servicing both government and commercial customers, is how we encourage continued innovation on assured access to space. Today's awards mark a new epoch of space launch that will finally transition the Department off Russian RD-180 engines.”

Following a Congressional mandate, the Department of Defense began the NSSL competition in 2019 to end U.S. reliance on the Russian propulsion systems used for the Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. A four-way competition ensued, with Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman and ULA designing new rockets for the military and SpaceX submitting their already certified Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets. The Space and Missile Systems Center claimed that a report issued in April by think tank RAND supported its decision to award contracts to only two launch providers, arguing that the market could only support two.

“This landmark award begins the dawn of a new decade in U.S. launch innovation, while promoting competition, maintaining a healthy industrial base, and reinforcing our global competitive advantage,” stated Lt. Gen. John Thompson, commander of SMC and program executive officer for space. “This acquisition will maintain our unprecedented mission success record, transition National Security Space payloads to new launch vehicles, assure access for current and future space architectures and cultivate innovative mission assurance practices.”

With the announcement, SMC announced the first three missions to be assigned under the new contracts: USSF-51 and USSF-106 for ULA, and USSF-67 for SpaceX. All three will take place in fiscal 2022.

https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/08/07/spacex-and-ula-win-massive-national-security-launch-contracts/

On the same subject

  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - September 19, 2019

    September 20, 2019 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - September 19, 2019

    NAVY HII Fleet Support Group LLC, Virginia Beach, Virginia (N00039-19-D-0010); Cambridge International Systems Inc., Arlington, Virginia (N00039-19-D-0011); KBRwyle Technology Solutions LLC, Columbia, Maryland (N00039-19-D-0012); M.C. Dean Inc., Tysons, Virginia (N00039-19-D-0013); Parsons Government Services Inc., Pasadena, California (N00039-19-D-0014); Serco Inc., Herndon, Virginia (N00039-19-D-0015); SigNet Technologies Inc., Beltsville, Maryland, (N00039-19-D-0016); and VT Milcom Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia (N00039-19-D-0017), are being awarded a $968,150,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive fee, fixed-price-incentive-firm-target, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price multiple award contract (MAC) to provide worldwide installation services for all shore-based command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) and supporting systems, current and future, under the cognizance of the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). C4ISR installation services include decommissioning and modernization of existing shore facilities, as well as installation design and installation of integrated C4ISR systems, program and project management, engineering design, industrial work, troubleshooting, operational verification, end-user training and other installation services and material necessary to accomplish NAVWAR C4ISR maintenance, modernization and new system installation. Work will be performed in various worldwide locations based on the requirement for each task order placed. This 10-year contract includes one five-year base ordering period and one five-year option ordering period that, if exercised, would bring the potential contract value to $968,150,000. If the option is exercised, ordering could continue until September 2029. No contract funds will be obligated on the basic MAC awards. Contract funds in the amount of $5,000 will be obligated on the first task order under each contract utilizing fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy). All awardees will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. The types of funding to be obligated include fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy); and 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This requirement was solicited using full and open competition via the NAVWAR e-Commerce Central website and the Federal Business Opportunities website, with nine offers received. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. Black Construction Corp., Barrigada, Guam, is being awarded a $177,999,500 firm-fixed-price contract for the replacement of Andersen Housing Phases I, II and III, Naval Support Activity Andersen, Guam. The work to be performed includes the construction of duplex buildings of reinforced concrete and/or pre-cast reinforced concrete typhoon shelter/housing structures. The new duplex buildings replace an equivalent number of existing duplexes. The new housing units are to be designed vent-less and using hot humid design principles that apply to the Guam environment. These housing unit structures are to be built with reinforced concrete foundations, concrete floors, concrete walls, and concrete sloped roofs designed for 170 mph wind speed to withstand Guam's frequent typhoons. Work will be performed in Yigo, Guam, and is expected to be completed by June 2022. Fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017 family housing, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $177,999,500 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 five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-19-C-1309). International Enterprises Inc., Talladega, Alabama, is being awarded an $85,739,062 five-year requirement type, firm-fixed-priced contract for repair of the digital display indicator system in support of the F/A-18 aircraft. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Work will be performed in Talladega, Alabama (99 %); and Haifa, Israel (1 %). Work is expected to be completed by September 2024. Fiscal 2019 annual working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $2,539,963 will be issued at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One company was solicited for this sole sourced requirement under authority 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. (N00383-19-D-VV01) RQ Construction LLC, Carlsbad, California, is being awarded a $57,860,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of P-160 solid waste facility at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (NSGB). The work to be performed provides for the construction of a solid waste management building and a maintenance building, required to comply with the Environmental Final Governing Standards, Cuba and the Overseas Environmental Baseline Guidance Document, and to manage all solid waste generated at NSGB. Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and is expected to be completed by March 2022. Fiscal 2019 military construction, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $57,860,000 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-0501). Marvin Engineering Co. Inc., Inglewood, California, is being awarded a $42,395,430 firm-fixed-price contract for 770 F/A-18E/F LAU-127 E/A guided missile launchers for the Navy (567); and the governments of Kuwait (185) and Switzerland (18). Work will be performed in Inglewood, California, and is expected to be completed in May 2024. Fiscal 2017 and 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy); and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds in the amount of $42,395,430 will be obligated at time of award, $19,270,650 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii)(B). This contract combines purchases for the Navy ($31,218,453; 74 %); and the governments of Kuwait ($10,185,915; 24 %) and Switzerland ($991,062; 2 %) under the FMS program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001919C0076). Progeny Systems Corp.,* Manassas, Virginia, is being awarded a $34,151,512 fixed-price-incentive-firm target, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost only contract for Navy systems engineering services. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $81,944,297. Work will be performed in Charleroi, Pennsylvania (74 %); and Manassas, Virginia (26 %). Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); and fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $19,926,668 will be obligated at time of award, and $5,703,725 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(5), authorized or required by Statute 15 U.S.C. 638(r)(4) states: “To the greatest extent practical, Federal agencies and Federal prime contractors shall issue Phase III awards relating to technology, including sole source awards, to the SBIR and STTR award recipients that developed the technology.” The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-19-C-6201). Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Indiana, is being awarded a $23,746,128 task order (N6134019F0166) against a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, requirement contract (N6134019D0004). This order procures high pressure compressor stator vane assemblies to support T-45 F405-RR-401 Adour engines. Work will be performed in Kingsville, Texas (45 %); Meridian, Mississippi (44 %); Pensacola, Florida (10 %); and Patuxent River, Maryland (1 %), and is expected to be completed no later than February 2023. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $23,746,128 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. Communications & Power Industries, Microwave Power Products Division, Palo Alto, California, is being awarded a $20,470,000, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of evaluations, repairs, rebuilds, and production of the Simplified Driver Traveling Wave Tubes (SDR TWTs). Communications & Power Industries is the only known source, which has the capability to evaluate, produce, repair, and rebuild the SDR TWT within the required schedule. SDR TWTs are microwave tubes installed in the AN/SPY-1D(V) Radar System on board the DDG 51 Class AEGIS destroyers, AEGIS Ashore, and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) DDG ships. The procurement is in support of Navy new ship construction, AEGIS Ashore, Navy ship sustainment, and FMS cases. Work will be performed in Palo Alto, California, and is expected to be completed by June 2025. This contract includes foreign military sales to Japan and Australia. Fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and Foreign Military Sales funding in the amount of $3,648,011 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured, Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N0016419DWP21). BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, is being awarded a $19,867,103 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification (P00007) to a previously awarded and announced contract (N00030-19-C-0007) to provide logistics engineering and integration support of the U.S. Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class Strategic Weapon System (SWS) platforms, including support of future concepts. Work will be performed in Saint Mary's, Georgia (47.8 %); Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (30.9 %); Rockville, Maryland (11.7 %); Silverdale, Washington (3.2 %);Portsmouth, Virginia (1.07 %); Mount Dora, Florida (1.07 %); NewMarket, Maryland (1.07 %); Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1.07%); Mooresboro, North Carolina (1.06 %); and Mesa, Arizona (1.06 %), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2020. United Kingdom funds in the amount of $3,652,728, are being obligated on this award. Subject to the availability of funding, fiscal 2020 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $16,214,375 will be obligated. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1)(4). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting Activity. Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, is being awarded a $19,062,362 modification (P00011) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract (N61340-17-D-0005). This is modification exercises an option for Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department support for Chief of Naval Air Training aircraft, tenant activities, and transient aircraft at these locations. Support to be provided includes intermediate-level maintenance, repair, and logistics support services, as well as tools and equipment. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Florida (50 %); Corpus Christi, Texas (45 %); and Whiting Field, Florida (5 %), and is expected to be completed no later than September 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a $13,557,150 firm-fixed-price modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-19-C-5406 to exercise options for Mk 15 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) sensor kits. CIWS is a fast-reaction terminal defense against low- and high-flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other defenses. The CIWS is an integral element of the Fleet Defense In-Depth concept and the Ship Self-Defense Program. Operating either autonomously or integrated with a combat system, it is an automatic terminal defense weapon system designed to detect, track, engage and destroy anti-ship missile threats penetrating outer defense envelopes. CIWS consists of three variants: Phalanx, which utilizes a six barrel Gatling gun; Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) and SeaRAM, which replaces the gun with an 11-round Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) guide. CIWS is currently installed on Navy and Coast Guard ships and is also in use in foreign navies. The Phalanx Block 1B CIWS weapon systems are also being installed on low-boy trailers with self-contained diesel electric power and cooling water. This configuration of the Phalanx CIWS is the Mk 15 mod 29 Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) and has been deployed to Iraq. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed by December 2022. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 weapon procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $13,557,150 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Detyens Shipyards Inc., North Charleston, South Carolina (N3220519C6010), is being awarded a $10,880,307 firm-fixed-price contract for a 45-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry-docking of USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13). The contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $11,440,238. Work will be performed in North Charleston, South Carolina, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 20, 2019. Contract funds in the amount of $10,880,307 are obligated in fiscal 2019 using (Navy) working capital funds. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website and two offers received. The Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220519C6010). US21 Inc., Fairfax, Virginia, is being awarded a $10,290,684 firm-fixed-price contract for the delivery of weapons, various types of equipment, equipment accessories, organizational clothing, and in-country training under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Building Partner Capacity programs in support of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Counterterrorism Enhancement Program, Mongolia Defense Enhancement Program, and Philippines Defense Enhancement Program. This contract is for the governments of Boznia-Herzegovina, Mongolia, and the Philippines under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Virginia (99 %); and the Philippines (1 %), and is expected to be completed by September 2020. Fiscal 2019 FMS funding in the amount of $10,290,684 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using the Unison (formally Fedbid) website (with notice made to the Federal Business Opportunities website), with six offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-19-C-4159). Arcturus UAV Inc.,* Petaluma, California, is being awarded an $8,281,570 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Arcturus unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) brand-name materials and components, hardware, and engineering services to support integration, testing and evaluation of UAV sensor system integration projects. The integrations include multiple airframes and information operations sensors, as well as custom-developed and commercially procured antennas, electronics systems and communications links. Work will be performed in Petaluma, California. This modification increases the estimated total value of the contract to $13,494,645. This ceiling increase does not obligate funds. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $8,281,570 will be obligated via task/delivery orders and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification is issued using other than full and open competition in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 6.302-1 and 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source. The Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific in San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-D-0018). Desbuild Inc.,* Hyattsville, Maryland, is being awarded a $7,880,933 firm-fixed-price task order N6945019F0871 under a multiple award construction contract for the construction of P731 fire station at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. The work to be performed provides for the construction of a one-story fire/rescue station with a pile foundation, reinforced concrete floor and concrete panel and block walls. Work will be performed in Key West, Florida, and is expected to be completed by January 2021. Fiscal 2018 military construction, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $7,880,933 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-16-D-1111). DRS Laurel Technologies, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is being awarded a $7,160,671 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-only modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-17-C-5200 for a ceiling increase to perform services for evaluation, implementation, proofing of equipment changes, related engineering services and repairs, modifications/alternations and government-furnished equipment repair and maintenance in support of Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) “Bravo” equipment. The CEC program provides a sensor network with integrated fire control capability that significantly improves strike force air and missile defense capabilities by coordinating measurement data from strike force air search sensors on CEC-equipped units into a single, integrated real-time, composite-track air picture. CEC improves battle force effectiveness by improving overall situational awareness and by enabling longer range, cooperative, multiple, or layered engagement strategies. Work will be performed in Largo, Florida, and is expected to be completed by December 2019. No funding is being obligated at time of award. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY BAE Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Totawa, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $494,879,892 contract modification (P00015) against a five-year contract (SPE4AX-15-D-9441) with one five-year option period adding two national stock numbers for receiver/processors and high band receivers in support of the ALR-56C Digital Upgrade. This is a fixed-price, cost-reimbursement incentive fee, and cost-reimbursement no fee requirements contract. Locations of performance are New Hampshire and New Jersey, with a Dec. 27, 2025, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio. Northrop Grumman, Electronic Systems, Linthicum Heights, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $11,000,000 firm-fixed-priced delivery order (SPRPA1-19-F-KF06) against a five-year basic ordering agreement (SPE4A116G0005) for electronic surveillance in support of the P-8 aircraft program. 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 two-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Maryland, with a Dec. 1, 2021, performance completion date. Using customers are Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Awarded Sept. 6, 2019) Ultralife Corp., Newark, New York, has been awarded a maximum $7,900,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for non-rechargeable batteries. This was a competitive acquisition with two offers received. This is a three-year base contract with two one-year option periods. Location of performance is New York, with a Sept. 17, 2022, performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2022 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio (SPE7LX-19-D-0206). (Awarded Sept. 18, 2019) AIR FORCE The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $156,911,600 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity bilateral contract modification (P00020) to previously awarded contract FA3002-13-D-0012 for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) F-15SA Original Equipment Manufacturer Training Program. This modification adds a two year ordering period to the multi-year basic contract. This modification involves 100% foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia. Work will be performed at King Khalid Air Base, Khamis Mushayt; King Faisal Air Base, Tabuk; and King Abdul Aziz Air Base, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2021. Total cumulative face value of the contract is estimated and not to exceed $461,000,000. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $156,911,600 are being obligated at the time of award. The 338th Specialized Contracting Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, is the contracting activity. Dawson Enterprises LLC,* Honolulu, Hawaii, has been awarded an maximum value $50,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity construction requirements contract vehicle for Simplified Acquisition of Base Engineering Requirements (SABER) at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The maximum dollar value for the five-year ordering period is $50,000,000. SABER is a program that expedites contract execution of base civil engineering (BCE) requirements by reducing design work and acquisition lead times. It is particularly well-suited for reducing the BCE work order backlogs and accomplishing construction, maintenance, and repair requirements on real property that require less than a 35% design effort. Work will be performed on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 20, 2024. The first task order will be for $1,000 for a post award conference. This award was the result of an 8(a) Direct, Small Business Set Aside to a Native Hawaiian Corporation. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation; and operation and maintenance funds will be utilized for work under this contract award and will be obligated appropriately under each task order. The Air Force Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. Honeywell International Inc., Tempe, Arizona, has been awarded a $17,064,898 firm-fixed-price supplemental agreement contract modification (P00010) to previously awarded FA8109-16-D-0016 for repair and overhaul requirement contract to support aircraft accessories and aircraft instruments to ensure serviceable assets are available to support the E-3,E-8, C-130, F-16, C-135, C-5, A-10, and B-52. The contract modification provides the pricing for the repair overhaul services for Option Year Three and Option Year Four which were not included in the basic contract. Work will be performed at Tempe Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; Tucson Arizona; and Torrance, California, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 22, 2021. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $30,832,042. No funds are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corp., Marietta, Georgia, has been awarded a $9,750,000 ceiling requirements contract for C-130J country specific technical orders (CSTOs) and other related maintenance publications. The contractor will provide multiple Foreign Military Sales (FMS) countries with CSTOs, standard maintenance publications, 515c inspections and other related maintenance publications for the legacy C-130 aircraft platform. Work will be performed at Marietta, Georgia; and at various FMS country locations and is expected to be completed by Sept. 18, 2024. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition and is 100% foreign military sales. Foreign Military Sales funds will be used and no funds are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8553-19-D-0004). Long Wave Inc., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been awarded an $8,222,269.52 modification (P00007) to firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract FA8102-16-D-0006 for services and supplies in support of High Frequency Global Communications Systems Antenna Support Program. The contractor will provide Antenna Support in support of Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard requirements. Work will be performed at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in support of this Sept. 20, 2019, through Sept. 19, 2020 ordering period. This option exercise is the result of a competitive acquisition. With award of this option the total estimated contract value is $39,703,959. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity. ARMY Colt's Manufacturing Co. LLC, West Hartford, Connecticut, was awarded a $41,924,594 firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales (Afghanistan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Federated States of Micronesia, Hungary, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macedonia, Marshall Islands, Palau, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Tunisia) contract for production for the M4 and M4A1 carbines. 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. 18, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-19-D-0116). Manson Construction Co., Seattle, Washington, was awarded a $31,907,280 firm-fixed-price contract for concrete sill remover. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2020. Fiscal 2019 military construction funds in the amount of $31,907,280 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (W912EP-19-C-0030). Navistar Defense LLC, Lisle, Illinois, was awarded a $19,847,322 firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales (Iraq) contract for cargo trucks (6x6 General Transport Trucks, 6x6 Ton Recovery Wrecker and GTT spares). Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Lisle, Illinois, with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $19,847,322 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-F-0622). T & T Construction Enterprises LLC,* Leitchfield, Kentucky, was awarded a $17,775,595 firm-fixed-price contract for construction services necessary to complete the repair and replacement of pavement. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 19, 2021. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $17,775,595 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-19-C-0037). General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $13,751,564 modification (P00072) to contract W56HZV-13-C-0319 for labor and vendor costs to furnish and install new horizontal boring mill machines. Work will be performed in Lima, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of June 13, 2023. Fiscal 2019 procurement of weapons and tracked combat vehicles, Army funds in the amount of $13,751,564 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. C.J. Mahan Construction Co. LLC, Columbus, Ohio, was awarded a $10,347,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Olmsted Lock and Dam operations maintenance support, fleet support and dive deflector box lifting and setting for the replacement of dam wickets. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Olmsted, Illinois, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, civil funds in the amount of $3,460,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-19-C-0034). Two Six Labs LLC,* Arlington, Virginia, was awarded a $7,897,997 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to build a system that can deal with unstructured, uncurated data, event extraction, bias detection, multi-lingual translation and build human-computer interfaces. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2022. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,500,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911NF-19-C-0080). American Ordnance, Middletown, Iowa, was awarded a $7,236,526 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for facility disposal and demolition. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Middletown, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2021. Fiscal 2019 procurement of ammunition, Army funds in the amount of $7,236,526 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-19-F-0610). *Small Business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/1966024/source/GovDelivery/

  • Air Force innovation hub launches in Alabama

    September 4, 2018 | International, Aerospace

    Air Force innovation hub launches in Alabama

    By: The Associated Press MONTGOMERY, Ala. — An Air Force innovation hub has opened in Alabama to harness research and technology for the military. “Mission Launch 2018” was meant to introduce the hub's mission to defense and regional leaders, Al.com reported. MGMWERX will be operating out of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce building. MGMWERX is a partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory. The facility is part of a network of WERX hubs and will take ideas generated from nearby Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base to solve technological or efficiency problems faced by the military. Lt. Gen. Anthony Cotton, Air University president, said the hub will take concepts and "incubate them" to solve difficult Air Force and Department of Defense issues. “This is a direct link to the Secretary of Defense's National Defense Strategy developing a lethal force through evolving innovative operational concepts,” Cotton said. “That critical thinking happens right up the street at Maxwell Air Force Base and will blossom right here.” MGMWERX Director Bill Martin said a team of five will integrate concepts and technology "from the public sector with the broad spectrum of Air Force proposals brought forward by some of the brightest minds in the service." Anna Buckalew, executive vice president of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce said MGMWERX “will be a model for communities around the world, fueling innovation and collaboration that creates solutions for some of the most critical issues the Air Force and our nation faces today.” https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/09/02/air-force-innovation-hub-launches-in-alabama

  • Duckworth: Army's New Helicopters Should Not Be Designed for Anyone Else

    February 26, 2020 | International, Aerospace

    Duckworth: Army's New Helicopters Should Not Be Designed for Anyone Else

    By Matthew Cox WEST PALM BEACH, Florida -- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a former U.S. Army helicopter pilot, said recently that the Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force would have to wait their turn if they want their own version of the Army's futuristic helicopters being developed under the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) effort. The Illinois Democrat and member of the Senate Armed Services Committee recently attended a high-profile flight demonstration of Sikorsky-Boeing's new SB-1 Defiant helicopter that was designed with the goal of replacing the UH-60 Black Hawk. The Army awarded a team from Sikorsky, part of Lockheed Martin Corp., and Boeing Co. a 2014 contract to build Defiant as part of the Joint Multi Role Technology Demonstrator (JMRT-D) program. A Textron Inc.-Bell team also received a contract under the effort and built the V-280 Valor, a tiltrotor-design helicopter that completed its first test flight in December 2017. Both the Valor and the Defiant prototypes are promising designs, Army officials maintain, that are capable of flying at speeds of more than 200 knots and will result in a replacement for the venerable Black Hawk as the service's new Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA). Duckworth, a former Army National Guard officer who lost both legs after enemy forces shot down the Black Hawk she was flying over Iraq in 2004, said she intends to keep the FVL program from morphing into an unwieldy, joint effort. That's a pitfall that has thrust many joint-service programs into program delays and cost-overruns because of overly broad requirements. "This is an Army aircraft; we need to keep an Army mission," Duckworth told reporters at the Feb. 20 flight demo. "If the other services want to fall in behind it and develop something afterward and tweak it for what they need, that is fine, but we cannot build a Frankenaircraft ... that's going to meet the Marines' needs and the Navy's need and the Air Force's needs. "We need to not let the requirements start to meander and creep around because otherwise we will never get to where we need to and get these things fielded as quickly as possible," she added. In the past, the Pentagon has often tried to develop multiple versions of a major combat system, such as the new F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which has been designed to satisfy the requirements of the Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. The acquisition program for the advanced, stealth fighter began in the mid-1990s and still suffers from testing setbacks that have delayed a full-rate production decision. That Army-Marine Corps Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program, however, is considered a successful acquisition effort that began in 2006 after Humvees in Iraq could not withstand the destruction force of enemy homemade bombs attacks. JLTV took almost a decade to become a reality but, in August 2015, Oshkosh Corp. was selected over Lockheed Martin Corp. and AM General LLC to build the vehicle for the Army and Marine Corps. Meanwhile, for the second year in a row, the Army has reduced the number of JLTVs it will buy in fiscal 2021 to free up money to fund future modernization. FVL is one of the Army's top modernization priorities under a new strategy the service launched in 2017, with the goal of replacing most of its major combat platforms beginning in 2028. Leaders stood up Army Future Command, an organization designed to help the service's acquisition and requirements machines work more closely together in an effort to streamline what has traditionally been a slow-moving process to develop and field combat system. So far, the strategy appears to be working, since the FLRAA and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) efforts are ahead of schedule, Duckworth said. Army officials are scheduled to down-select to two vendors to build final prototypes of the FARA next month. The service is also scheduled to begin a competitive demonstration and risk reduction phase for FLRAA, which is expected to last until 2022, the year the service plans to down-select to one vendor to build the Black Hawk replacement. "This is rare for defense procurement to actually be ahead of timeline instead of pushing everything to the right," Duckworth said. "I am very pleased with how well the Army is handling this development." The senator stressed, however, that she intends to continue strict oversight of the FVL to ensure it doesn't result in a waste of taxpayer dollars. "We can't be spending upward of $60 million per airframe," Duckworth said. "If we do that, then we can't field the number of airframes that we need to be out there in the force." Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy, who also attended the flight demo, stressed that the service's leadership is committed to making necessary cuts to outdated programs to free up money for FVL and other modernization efforts. "We don't have a choice. We are running out of letters to upgrade the existing platforms -- they are 40-year-old systems; the technology will not endure," he said. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/02/25/duckworth-armys-new-helicopters-should-not-be-designed-anyone-else.html

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