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October 5, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR

US Space Force to establish new acquisitions command in 2021

WASHINGTON — The U.S Space Force plans to stand up a new command to oversee all of the service's acquisitions in 2021, although that timeline is dependent on identifying the space-related parts of the other military branches that will be transferred into the nation's newest service.

The Space Force announced in June that it will be made up of three field commands — Space Operations Command; Space Training and Readiness Command; and Space Systems Command — with the latter charged with developing, acquiring and sustaining systems for the Space Force. Space Systems Command will oversee both the Space and Missile Systems Center, which currently procures most of the service's space-related platforms, and the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.

“We anticipate standing that up in 2021, probably sooner rather than later. We're working on those final details,” Space Force Vice Commander Lt. Gen. David Thompson said during a Defense One event Oct. 1.

Notably, Space Systems Command is set to become the new home of the Space Development Agency in October 2022, bringing the ambitious organization under the Space Force's purview. The agency was launched in 2019 and has quickly moved forward with plans to establish a mega-constellation of satellites operating in low Earth orbit. The agency's planned transport layer — a space-based mesh network comprised of satellites connected by optical intersatellite crosslinks — is set to play a major part in the Pentagon's Joint All-Domain Command and Control concept.

The new command will act as a unifying force, said Thompson, removing unnecessary duplication between organizations while encouraging healthy competition in some areas.

“We're not going to duplicate, but we're certainly interested in the energy that comes from competing ideas and competing designs and competing approaches to a problem,” he explained.

Unifying space acquisitions and activities under a single service was a major justification for the establishment of the Space Force. However, details on which organizations, functions and platforms will be absorbed has been scant, as talks continue between the services and Department of Defense leadership.

“The absolute final decision hasn't been made,” Thompson said. “We have been engaged in this process for several months now. We're getting close to the decisions that need to be made in terms of transfer of some of those functions and capabilities.”

“There is a tremendous amount that the Space Force and the Air Force and the Army and the Navy working together with [the Office of the Secretary of Defense] have already agreed on,” Thompson added. “One is the capabilities and forces that will stay in place where they are to continue to do the activities that are space-related, the set of activities that are prepared to move over; and then there's a couple, there's a few, units and functions left that we haven't reached full agreement on, and we're in the process of finalizing the data and the information that will allow the decision-makers to decide the final disposition — whether they'll stay or whether they'll move to the Space Force.”

The Space Force largely completed this process with the Air Force in the spring, said Thompson, with 23 units or functions selected for transition into the new service. Much of the planning and execution of that transfer has already been completed, and the Space Force has gone on to identify other organizations and capabilities that should be brought into their fold, including two Air Force units and two more from the intelligence community.

Plans are expected to be finalized for the other services in the near future, with Thompson teasing that an announcement was likely before the end of the year.

“The target that the leadership in the DoD has given us is we want to be able to make decisions so that we can execute planning in FY2021 and begin facilitating moves in 2022,” he explained.

https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/10/01/the-space-force-to-establish-new-acquisitions-command-in-202

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  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - December 10, 2020

    December 11, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - December 10, 2020

    NAVY BAE Systems Land and Armaments L.P., Sterling Heights, Michigan, is awarded an $184,444,865 fixed-price-incentive (firm target) modification to previously awarded contract M67854-16-0006 for amphibious combat vehicles (ACV). This modification provides for the procurement of 36 full rate production ACVs and other associated production costs for the Marine Corps. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania (60%); Aiken, South Carolina (15%); San Jose, California (15%); Sterling Heights, Michigan (5%); and Stafford, Virginia (5%). Work is expected to be completed in November 2022. Fiscal 2021 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $184,444,865 are being obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-16-C-0006). Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, Marlborough, Massachusetts, is awarded a $91,296,293 modification to a previously awarded Navy multiband terminals (NMT) firm-fixed-price contract to increase the ceiling and extend the engineering support services contract line item numbers to address obsolescence issues and other in-scope engineering service efforts over a three-year period. NMT is a multiband capable satellite communications terminal that provides protected and wideband communications. Work will be performed in Largo, Florida (54%); South Deerfield, Massachusetts (25%); Stow, Massachusetts (13%); Marlborough, Massachusetts (8%), and is expected to be completed by December 2023. No funds were obligated at the issuance of this contract modification. This sole-source contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N00039-16-C-0050). Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Marlborough, Massachusetts, is awarded a $38,786,218 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-5112 for the production of two Fire Control System MK 99 ship sets and the associated technical engineering services in support of the Aegis Combat System on DDG-51 class ships. Work will be performed in Andover, Massachusetts (81%); Marlborough, Massachusetts (10%); Chesapeake, Virginia (3%); Portsmouth, Rhode Island (3%); San Diego, California (2%); and Burlington, Massachusetts (1%), and is expected to be completed by August 2024. Fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $38,786,218 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Pacific Architects and Engineers Applied Technologies LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $30,969,685 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable contract. This contract provides for the procurement of various types of support including system operations, laboratory and field testing, marine operations and target support services, engineering, range sustainability, maintenance, data reduction and analysis. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in April 2021. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,957,500; and fiscal 2021 working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $501,000 will be obligated at time of award, $501,000 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00421-21-C-0011). DCS Corp., Alexandria, Virginia, is awarded a $27,750,407 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides for design, development, integration, test, evaluation, installation, maintenance, configuration management and logistics in support of the Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems Division systems and equipment. Work will be performed in Saint Inigoes, Maryland (80%); and Lexington Park, Maryland (20%), and is expected to be completed in December 2025. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Command Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00421-21-D-0011). Fincantieri Marine Systems North America Inc., Chesapeake, Virginia, is awarded a $13,343,620 modification to exercise Option Year Four of previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract N55236-17-D-0009 to provide maintenance support for the Mine Countermeasure-1 Class main propulsion diesel engine and ship service diesel generator. The overall total contract value ceiling remains unchanged at $86,268,629. Work will be performed in the homeports of Sasebo, Japan; and Manama, Bahrain, and ports-of-call as required according to individual task orders, and is scheduled to be completed by January 2022. No funding is being obligated at time of award. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND Raytheon Technologies, McKinney, Texas (H92408-21-D-0001), was awarded a $99,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, time and materials, cost reimbursement, no-fee contract for the procurement of Next-Generation Special Mission Processors (NextGen SMP) in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) requirements. NextGen SMP enable Special Operations Forces tactical mission systems to integrate with AC/MC-130J aircraft controls and provide future software capabilities. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,692,070; and procurement funds in the amount of $8,245,404 are being obligated at time of award. The work is expected to be completed by December 2027. This action is a follow-on production contract in accordance with 10 U.S. Code § 2371b (f) authorized or required by statue. USSOCOM, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Hill Air Force Base, Utah, has been awarded a $73,194,742 firm-fixed-price delivery order under the Ground Subsystems Sustainment contract FA8214-15-D-0001 for Remote Visual Assessment II production and deployment for the Minutemen III. This delivery order provides for modification to the Remote Visual Assessment program by adding six capabilities to procure, produce, remove, install, audit, test and document the equipment. Work will be performed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana; Minot AFB, North Dakota; and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, and is expected to be completed July 31, 2023. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 missile procurement funds in the amount of $1,140,137 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8214-21-F-0078). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Inc., Raritan, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $49,500,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for laboratory supplies and wares. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is New Jersey, with a Dec. 9, 2025, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DE-21-D-0007). ARMY ORBCOMM Inc., Rochelle Park, New Jersey, was awarded a $45,611,528 firm-fixed-price contract for next-generation transponders. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 9, 2024. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-21-D-0007). RiverRestoration LLC,* Carbondale, Colorado, was awarded a $40,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for civil works and hydrology and hydraulics services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 15 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 10, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (W912PP-21-D-0002). Direct Steel and Construction,* Crystal Lake, Illinois, was awarded a $16,880,228 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the 69th ADA Supply Support Activity warehouse at Fort Hood. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed at Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of June 15, 2022. Fiscal 2018 military construction (Army) funds in the amount of $16,880,228 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-21-C-0003). The Boeing Co., Mesa, Arizona, was awarded a $13,900,000 modification (P00066) to contract W58RGZ-16-C-0023 for software upgrades to the flight management computer for the AH-64E. Work will be performed in Mesa, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2024. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $2,780,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., Falls Church, Virginia, was awarded a $12,432,932 modification (P00017) to contract W81K04-18-C-0001 for specialty medical training, equipment/site maintenance and administration support services. Work will be performed in Dublin, California; Fort Gordon, Georgia; and Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2021 and 2022 operation and maintenance (Army Reserve) funds in the amount of $12,432,932 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $10,395,412 modification (P00044) to contract W31P4Q-19-C-0071 for engineering services in support of the Hellfire Missile and Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of May 9, 2022. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 missile procurement (Army); 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); and 2020 missile procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $10,395,412 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES Millennium Enterprises, doing business as Millennium Health and Fitness Inc., Scottsdale, Arizona (HQ0034-21-D-0005), is awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinitely-quantify contract with a maximum amount of $25,000,000. The Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS) has a requirement to procure wellness and health promotion support services. The principal objective is for the contractor to provide the necessary staff to operate and manage Department of Defense wellness fitness centers, as well as agency specific programs and services to meet customer needs. The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform wellness and health promotion services in support of DCPAS. Work performance will take place in the Northern Capital Region, including Arlington, Virginia; Crystal City, Virginia; and Washington, D.C. No funds will be obligated at time of the award. Appropriate fiscal operations and maintenance funds will be obligated on all subsequent task orders. The expected completion date is Dec. 9, 2025. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE Kearney and Company PC, Alexandria, Virginia, is being awarded a labor-hour contract option with a maximum value of $10,160,250 for audit services of the Defense Health Program (DHP). Work will be performed in various locations including the DHP headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia, as well as other federal locations in Texas, Ohio, Indianapolis, Maryland, Colorado, New York and Maine, with an expected completion date of Dec. 31, 2021. This contract is the result of a competitive acquisition in which two bids were received. This award brings the total cumulative value of the contract to $46,758,510. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Defense-wide) funds in the amount of $10,160,250 are being obligated at the time of this option award. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Contract Services Directorate, Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity (HQ0423-17-F-0096). DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio, has been awarded a $9,472,919 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Rational Integrated Design of Energetics (RIDE) program. In Phase One, Battelle Memorial Institute proposes to develop a semi-automated system in order to provide an energetics formulation platform that addresses both powder-pressed and cast-cured formulations for explosives and propellants in support of the RIDE program. Work will be in Columbus, Ohio (25%); West Jefferson, Ohio (55%); and Centerbrook, Connecticut (20%), with an estimated completion date of March 2022. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,658,142 are being obligated at time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HR0011-21-C-0027). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2443378/source/GovDelivery/

  • Back hard-hit businesses? Experts press EU to instead boost defense spending

    April 29, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Back hard-hit businesses? Experts press EU to instead boost defense spending

    By: Tom Kington ROME — Defense experts are concerned that Europe's newfound commitment to joint defense spending may be cast aside as the European Union diverts cash into economies hammered by the coronavirus lockdown. The scenario was discussed in a webinar hosted by Italy's IAI think tank on April 8. And last week, Polish and German experts wrote of the risk that the fledgling European Defence Fund will be savagely cut. Then on April 27, eight experts issued an appeal to EU policymakers, arguing that rather than cutting defense funds to free up money to support hard-hit businesses, they should do the opposite and beef up defense spending. With so many high-tech jobs in the defense industry, “specific support for this sector will be needed to mitigate the economic crisis' effects and preserve the long-term future of Europe,” wrote the experts, who hail from Spain, Italy, the U.K., France and Lithuania. According to the letter, the EU plans to pack its 2021-2027 budget with measures to limit a recession some economists believe will follow the pandemic. Economists have also warned such a recession would dwarf the fallout from the 2008 financial crisis. “Undoubtedly it will focus on critical sectors such as health or energy. We believe that the defence sector should be included in such critical sectors and that a revised version of the [budget] should be the opportunity to reassert a truly ambitious budget for the European Defence Fund,” the experts wrote. Apart from shoring up defense jobs, feeding the European Defence Fund would help defend the EU as threats grow, they wrote. “Indeed, COVID-19 will not stop or mitigate the ongoing worsening of the international security environment threatening European security and interests. On the contrary, it is likely to make the world more unstable and more insecure,” they added. Defense spending had been slashed after 2008, the experts said, and faces a similar fate now, just as “Europe is trying to develop next-generation fighter aircraft, main battle tanks, frigates and other capabilities such as unmanned systems crucial for its military and technological edge.” Cutting budgets would not only increase Europe's dependency on “third states” but would “significantly hinder the credibility of European nations as military partners, notably within NATO,” they added. Prior to the spread of coronavirus, pressure had grown inside the EU to halve the €13 billion (U.S. $14 billion) planned for the European Defence Fund during 2021-2027. Now, the EU should halt any plans to cut the fund and instead increase it, the experts wrote. “As Europe gradually emerges from the pandemic, there [cannot be a] secure ‘new normal' without a solid European defence,” they concluded. The letter's release coincided with a report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute that found total global military spending rose 3.6 percent in 2019 to $1.917 trillion — marking the largest annual growth in spending since 2010. The think tank report also found that U.S. spending grew by 5.3 percent to a total of $732 billion in 2019, at 38 percent of the global total. The increase alone in U.S. spending was roughly equal to the entire budget of Germany. The European country's military spending rose by 10 percent last year to $49.3 billion, which the think tank said was the largest increase in spending among the top 15 military spenders in 2019. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/04/27/back-hard-hit-businesses-experts-press-eu-to-instead-boost-defense-spending/

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