News

TOKYO, July 28, 2020 - Boeing and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) recently signed a Direct Commercial Sale agreement to support upgrades to Japan's F-15J fleet. The contract is part of a larger $4.5 billion modernization program, announced by the U.S. Government in October 2019. The upgrades will introduce state-of-the-art electronic warfare and weapons. An all-new advanced cockpit system, running on the world's most advanced mission computer, will deliver pilots enhanced situational awareness. Under the agreement, Boeing will provide MHI with retrofit drawings, ground support equipment and technical publications for the upgrade of the first two F-15J aircraft to the Japan Super Interceptor configuration. Boeing has partnered with MHI in the defense arena since the 1950s. MHI produced under license the current Japan F-15J fleet of over 200 aircraft between 1980 and 2000, and will serve as prime contractor for the upgrade. Sojitz Corporation, a trading company that works with Boeing's team in Japan, will support this effort. “Through this agreement, Boeing is honored to further our long-standing tradition of support for Japan's Ministry of Defense, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and MHI,” said Will Shaffer, Boeing Japan President. “These upgrades will deliver critical capability for national and collective self-defense, in which the F-15J plays a key role. At the same time, they will provide MHI and our partners in Japan's aerospace defense industry with an opportunity to enhance their own extensive engineering capabilities.” This DCS contract lays the foundation of the modernization program. MHI will develop the detailed modification plan for the jets and prepare the facilities and workforce for the induction and upgrade of up to 98 aircraft beginning in 2022. ### Contact: Boeing Communications, Japan Rob Henderson: robert.j.henderson3@boeing.com Shino Yuasa: shino.yuasa@boeing.com View source version on Boeing: https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2020-07-28-Boeing-Mitsubishi-Heavy-Industries-Partner-on-State-of-the-Art-Upgrades-to-Japans-F-15J-fleet

July 29, 2020 - BAE Systems Australia has welcomed an additional two year, AU$30 million contract extension to ongoing sustainment of the Collins Class periscopes. The original five year contract began in 2015 and encompasses engineering, program management, supply support and highly specialised maintenance services. During this two year extension period, BAE Systems will continue to maintain Search and Attack periscopes and undertake the necessary updates to the periscope systems. BAE Systems has been maintaining and updating the Collins Class submarine periscopes for more than three decades, developing an important sovereign capability. The company began supporting the Collins Class submarines periscopes in 1988 at the start of the periscope build program. The company has continued to develop this sovereign capability through the provision of maintenance, repair and update services in two states. Periscope work is undertaken by 34 specialist employees working in purpose built facilities at Mawson Lakes South Australia and at HMAS Stirling Naval Base, in Western Australia. The largest update project undertaken during this time was the transition from analogue to digital periscopes which are now also transitioning into service. BAE Systems Australia Managing Director Defence Delivery Andrew Gresham said: “Now, more than ever, Defence programs will have an important role in Australia's post-COVID economic recovery. “We began supporting the Collins-class submarine periscope systems with an 11-year manufacturing and build program for attack and search periscope systems “Some three decades later, we continue to build and grow our experience in maintaining and updating this critical piece of defence equipment. During this time we have also supported the development of new capabilities in our local supply chain. “Defence projects are high value, create and sustain new industrial capabilities, require leading edge technologies and can run over decades which is why they are so important to our nation's economy.” Contact Default Profile ImageKaye Noske Media Manager BAE Systems Australia Mobile +61 (0) 401 121 444 View source version on BAE Systems Australia: https://www.baesystems.com/en-aus/article/bae-systems-australia-welcomes--30-million-periscope-contract

Arlington, Va. - July 27, 2020 - (BUSINESS WIRE) - CACI International Inc (NYSE:CACI) announced today that it has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/Chief Architect Integration Office for the maturation, demonstration and proliferation of capability across platforms and domains, leveraging open systems design, modern software and algorithm development in order to enable Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2). This contract is part of a multiple award multi-level security effort to provide development and operation of systems as a unified force across all domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum) in an open architecture family of systems that enables capabilities via multiple integrated platforms. John Mengucci, CACI President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “CACI stands ready to provide critical mission expertise and technology to the U.S. Air Force's JADC2 effort, to help U.S. forces integrate operations across all domains and against any adversary.” CACI Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board Dr. J.P. (Jack) London, said, “CACI is prepared to provide the integrated and multidomain capabilities the U.S. military requires, as our country faces a more complex array of threats than ever before.” CACI's 23,000 talented employees are vigilant in providing the unique expertise and distinctive technology that address our customers' greatest enterprise and mission challenges. Our culture of good character, innovation, and excellence drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. As a member of the Fortune 1000 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index, we consistently deliver strong shareholder value. Visit us at www.caci.com. There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof. CACI-Contract Award View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200727005039/en/ Corporate Communications and Media: Jody Brown, Executive Vice President, Public Relations (703) 841-7801, jbrown@caci.com Investor Relations: Daniel Leckburg, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations (703) 841-7666, dleckburg@caci.com Source: CACI International Inc View source version on CACI: http://investor.caci.com/news/news-details/2020/CACI-Awarded-a-Multiple-Award-U.S.-Air-Force-Contract-to-Develop-Advanced-Battle-Management-System/default.aspx

Newport News, VA - July 27, 2020 - Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), part of the Textron Systems segment of Textron Inc (NYSE: TXT), announced today that it has been selected to provide two U.S. Air Force bases with adversary air live training under the Combat Air Forces (CAF) Contracted Air Support (CAS) program. Under the awards, worth up to a combined $240 million, ATAC will provide adversary air live training to pilots at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, and Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The combined awards provide for over 3,000 sorties per year for up to 4.5 years, which will be provided by ATAC's fleet of Mirage F1 fighter aircraft and are expected to commence by Fall 2020. The awards are part of an initial round of 5 operating locations the Air Force has selected under the CAF CAS program, with the Air Force stating its intention to contract for such services at up to 22 operating locations: 12 for adversary air and 10 for contracted close air support. "ATAC is thrilled to have been selected to provide adversary training at Luke and Holloman AFBs, enabling us to continue our excellence in providing training to US and allied pilots,” said Scott Stacy, ATAC General Manager. “With additional ATAC F1s and pilots coming online, we are well positioned to expand our flight operations and provide adversary training at additional bases and locations, as needed." ATAC is the global leader of tactical airborne training, having pioneered much of what are now contracted air services industry standards with a fleet of over 90 aircraft, over 60,000 flight hours, and 20 years of operating experience. ATAC has provided a wide range of contracted air support capabilities to the U.S. Department of Defense in locations world-wide, including the Continental United States, Hawaii and the Western Pacific region. ATAC has helped train crews from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps and regularly operates out of as many as 25 different air bases per year. About Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) ATAC provides tactical flight training and adversary aggressor services for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force, including live military air-to-air, air-to-ship, and air-to-ground training and support services. ATAC comprises the world's leading civilian-provided, tactical airborne training organization and proudly provides the highest quality live training to squadrons, Air Wings, and Battle Groups. For more information visit: www.atacusa.com About Textron Systems Textron Systems is a world leader in unmanned air, surface and land products, services and support for aerospace and defense customers. Harnessing agility and a broad base of expertise, Textron Systems' innovative businesses design, manufacture, field and support comprehensive solutions that expand customer capabilities and deliver value. For more information, visit www.textronsystems.com About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Artic Cat, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training. For more information visit: www.textron.com Certain statements in this press release may project revenues or describe strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, changing priorities or reductions in the U.S. Government defense budget, including those related to military operations in foreign countries; our ability to perform as anticipated and to control costs under contracts with the U.S. Government; the U.S. Government's ability to unilaterally modify or terminate its contracts with us for the U.S. Government's convenience or for our failure to perform, to change applicable procurement and accounting policies, or, under certain circumstances, to withhold payment or suspend or debar us as a contractor eligible to receive future contract awards; and risks related to multi-award contracts. Contact John Rupp, ATAC Tel (757) 298-8467 Jrupp@atacusa.com View source version on Textron Systems: https://investor.textron.com/news/news-releases/press-release-details/2020/Airborne-Tactical-Advantage-Company-ATAC-to-Deliver-240-Million-in-Contracted-Air-Services-to-the-U.S.-Air-Force/default.aspx

San Diego, July 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS), a leading National Security Solutions provider, announced today that Kratos Unmanned Systems Division has been awarded a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at up to $400 million for the development, integration, and prototype air vehicle delivery in support of the U.S. Air Force's Skyborg program. Work under the program award will be performed at secure Kratos manufacturing and production facilities located in Oklahoma and California over the next 60 months. Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, said, “Skyborg is a critical U.S. Air Force Vanguard program that will ensure the United States maintains our technological dominance in a period of significant nation-state competition and our readiness for the future of aircraft-based warfare. Kratos has been and remains committed to advancing affordable unmanned technologies, and we are proud to be a Skyborg prime contractor, helping enable the DoD to significantly increase mass and effect at dramatically reduced cost compared to traditional aircraft programs.” Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos Defense, said, “Kratos operates at the nexus of advanced jet drones, space and satellite communications, microwave electronics, next generation jet engines, missile defense, and hypersonic vehicles. At Kratos, affordability is a technology, and we are executing on our plan to be a disruptive leader providing affordable systems to our DoD and National Security partners and customer base which we work extremely closely with. We believe that this plan is completely complimentary to the Skyborg mission, and we look forward to supporting the Skyborg program for the USAF.” About Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies and commercial enterprises. Kratos is changing the way breakthrough technology for these industries are rapidly brought to market through proven commercial and venture capital backed approaches, including proactive research and streamlined development processes. Kratos specializes in unmanned systems, satellite communications, cyber security/warfare, microwave electronics, missile defense, hypersonic systems, training, combat systems and next generation turbo jet and turbo fan engine development. For more information go to www.KratosDefense.com Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Kratos and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Kratos undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Kratos believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Kratos in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kratos for the year ended December 29, 2019, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the SEC by Kratos. Press Contact: Yolanda White 858-812-7302 Direct Investor Information: 877-934-4687 investor@kratosdefense.com View source version on Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc.: https://ir.kratosdefense.com/news-releases/news-release-details/kratos-awarded-400-million-five-year-idiq-contract-us-air-force

U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND James J. Flanagan Shipping Corp., Beaumont, Texas, has been awarded a $144,135,422 firm-fixed-price contract (HTC711-20-D-R050). The contract provides stevedoring and related terminal services at ports in Beaumont, Corpus Christi, and Port Arthur, Texas. The contract period of performance is from Oct. 3, 2020, to Oct. 2, 2025. Fiscal 2020 transportation working capital funds were obligated at award. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. NAVY Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc., Huntsville, Alabama, is awarded an $83,647,556 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides research and development support services for the Medical Modeling and Simulation Planning Tools Sustainment, Enhancement and Application program for the Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama (80%); and San Diego, California (20%), and is expected to be completed by August 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. The initial task order for $8,853,470 for the base period of performance will be awarded with fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Defense Health Program) funding of $296,551, which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year; and fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding of $4,359,068, which will not expire. The balance of the task order will be incrementally funded. The total value of the initial task order for the base period and one option year, if exercised, is $17,918,761. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov website and one offer was received. The Naval Medical Logistics Command, Fort Detrick, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N62645-20-D-5008). L-3 Communications Integrated Systems L.P., Waco, Texas, is awarded a $20,102,664 modification (P00053) to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00019-15-C-0093. This modification exercises options for the installation of auxiliary power units, digital red switch systems and Family of Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals/Presidential National Voice Conferencing modifications and associated support on two E-6B Mercury aircraft. Work will be performed in Waco, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 2021. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds for $20,102,664 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Caterpillar Defense Products, Peoria, Illinois, is awarded an $18,233,057 time and material, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering, logistics and program management services. Work will be performed at Caterpillar's facilities and fleet concentration areas in the continental U.S. and shipboard locations outside of the continental U.S. according to each task order to be assigned. It is estimated that 80% of the work will occur at the contractor's facilities and 20% of the work will occur at government facilities. The services under this contract will provide enhanced life cycle manager, management and in-service engineering agent support services for Navy, Military Sealift Command and Coast Guard engine lines under Caterpillar's cognizance in order to augment the effectiveness of critical diesel engine programs, including diesel readiness system and diesel maintenance system, by engaging with a primary diesel engine original equipment manufacturer Caterpillar. The contract will have a five year ordering period and work is expected to be completed by July 2026. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the total amount of $204,510 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N64498-20-D-4035). Lockheed Martin Corp., Owego, New York, is awarded an $18,100,000 modification (P00015) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00019-19-C-0013. This modification provides non-recurring efforts and modifies three Lot 14 MH-60R helicopters to the initial India configuration in support of the MH-60R modification program for the government of India. Work will be performed in Owego, New York (95%); and Stratford, Connecticut (5%), and is expected to be completed by March 2022. Foreign Military Sales funds for $18,100,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Progeny Systems Corp., Manassas, Virginia, was awarded an $18,063,794 cost-plus-fixed-fee level of effort and cost-only modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-6265 to exercise options for engineering and technical services for Navy submarines that will include software development, commercial off-the-shelf products and hardware and software integration. Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia (65%); Middletown, Rhode Island (25%); and San Diego, California (10%). The supplies under this contract, Small Business Innovative Research Topic N96-278, will lead to the development of new designs that will replace obsolete subsystems, provide recommendations to reduce acquisition life cycle costs and improve reliability. The scope of work will involve the application of engineering disciplines required to analyze, design, fabricate and integrate hardware and software solutions for commercial off-the-shelf based subsystems that collectively provide capabilities to Naval platforms. Work is expected to be completed by July 2021. Fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,637,309 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, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 24, 2020) The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Baltimore, Maryland, is awarded a $13,833,549 firm-fixed-price task order (N40085-20-F-5948) under a multiple award construction contract for repairs and improvements to the industrial wastewater treatment plant at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Work will be performed in Havelock, North Carolina. The work to be performed provides for improvements and repairs to the industrial wastewater treatment plant; repairs to process equipment including the influent flow meter; grit removal system; primary clarifiers; equalization basins; scum pumps; up-flow clarifiers; continuous treatment facility; chemical ventilation systems; sludge dewatering system; construction of a new effluent Parshall flume; new sludge storage tank; and chemical storage tanks. Repairs to structural components include the chemical tote area, various equipment pads, concrete tank patching and handrails. Repairs to the existing electrical and process control systems include new conduit, wire and site lighting. Site improvements include drainage issue correction and the repair and upgrade of fences around the complex. Work is expected to be completed by July 2022. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $13,833,549 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, Cherry Point, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (N40085-20-D-0036). Military and Federal Construction Co.,* Jacksonville, North Carolina, is awarded a $10,823,608 firm-fixed-price task order (N40085-20-F-5918) under a multiple award construction contract for repairs to the bachelor enlisted quarters (BEQ 4313) at Marine Corp Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Work will be performed in Havelock, North Carolina. The work to be performed provides for improvements and repairs to BEQ 4313, including interior components and surfaces; concrete cantilever breezeways; windows and doors; interior and exterior walls; vanities and head accessories; floor coverings; stair trends; building exterior; electrical panels and subpanels; arc fault breakers; light fixtures; the fire suppression system; water supply; waste and vent piping; plumbing piping and fixtures; and the parking lot. Work is expected to be completed by February 2022. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $10,823,608 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 Mid-Atlantic, Cherry Point, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (N40085-16-D-6303). Alpha Marine Services LLC, Galliano, Louisiana, is awarded a $9,754,990 firm-fixed-price contract for the time charter of seven tractor-like tugs in support of Navy bases at Kings Bay, Georgia; and Mayport, Florida. This contract includes a 12-month base period, four 12-month option periods and a six-month option period, which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value of this contract to $55,177,663. Work will be performed in Kings Bay (50%); and Mayport, Florida (50%), and is expected to be completed by July 2025. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $9,754,990 are obligated for fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2021 and will expire at the end of the fiscal years. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N32205-20-C-3511). Global, a 1st Flagship Co.,* Newport Beach, California, is awarded an $8,912,327 modification to cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00024-17-C-4404 to exercise Option Period Three. This contract includes options which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value of this contract to $60,737,344. Currently, the total value of the base, Option Period One, and Option Period Two is $41,290,787. The contract is to acquire services and material necessary to support and maintain all vessels assigned to the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Inactive Ship Maintenance Office, Bremerton, Washington. Work will be performed in Bremerton, Washington, and San Diego, California. This option exercise is for services and material necessary to operate and maintain all vessels assigned to the NAVSEA Inactive Ship Maintenance Office, Bremerton, Washington. Services include receipt, inspection, survey, maintenance and disposal of vessels. In addition, the contractor may perform structural, mechanical and electrical repairs. Work is expected to be completed by August 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,651,310 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. ARMY BFBC LLC, Bozeman, Montana, was awarded a $57,738,442 modification (P00014) to contract W912PL-19-C-0014 to design and construct approximately nine miles of three-phase power distribution, lighting, closed-circuit television camera, linear ground detection system and shelters for the Barrier Wall Project. Work will be performed in Yuma, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of June 29, 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $57,738,442 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity. Amentum Services Inc., Germantown, Maryland, was awarded a $15,000,000 modification (000271) to contract W52P1J-12-G-0028 for Army prepositioned stock logistics support services in support of maintenance, supply and transportation at Mannheim and Dulmen, Germany. Work will be performed in Mannheim, Germany, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 20, 2020. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $15,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Ad HOC Research Associates,* Havre de Grace, Maryland, was awarded an $11,040,092 firm-fixed-price, single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide support for the Cyber Battle Lab, Capabilities Development Integration Division, Futures and Concept Center, Army Futures Command development and experimentation in support of all areas of cyber electromagnetic activities to include cyberspace operations, electronic warfare, Department of Defense Information Network-Army (DODIN-A), and information operations. Bids were solicited via the internet with 12 received. Work will be performed at Fort Gordon, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of July 27, 2025. No funding was obligated at time of award. Funding will be obligated by delivery orders under the contract. Mission and Installation Contracting Command-Fort Gordon, Fort Gordon, Georgia, is the contracting office (W91249-20-D-0006). Kiewit Infrastructure South, Omaha, Nebraska, was awarded a $7,015,443 firm-fixed-price contract to restore the North Jetty at Ponce de Leon Inlet, Volusia County, Florida. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Ponce de Leon, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 10, 2022. Fiscal 2020 civil construction funds in the amount of $7,015,443 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (W912EP-20-C-0008). AIR FORCE Hologic Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract action with a price ceiling of $7,597,607 to build and validate equipment used in manufacturing of COVID-19 testing consumables intended to expand domestically manufactured test availability in the U.S. The contractor will provide all necessary personnel, supervision, management, tools, equipment, transportation, materials and any other items or services necessary to meet the deliverables in accordance with the contract, as well as with commercial and local standards. Work will be performed in San Diego, California; Marlborough, Massachusetts; and Menomonie and Somerset, Wisconsin, and is expected to be completed Jan. 31, 2021. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition under Unusual and Compelling Urgency authority. Fiscal 2020 other procurement funds in the amount of $423,522 were obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8641-20-C-0002). (Awarded July 25, 2020) *Small Business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2291605/source/GovDelivery/

Mark Pomerleau WASHINGTON — The Air Force is ensuring its mission essential cyber training goes on during the global COVID-19 pandemic but officials are also delaying some training related to the service's networks. “When all this kicked off, we prioritized all of the mission essential courses that are supplying operators to the cyber mission force. We wanted to make sure that those units continue to get the trained operations that they needed so that their readiness levels didn't suffer,” Lt. Col. Jonathan Williams, commander of the 39th Information Operations Squadron, which provides intermediate cyber weapons system training to airmen, told C4ISRNET. The cyber mission force are the teams each of the services provide up to U.S. Cyber Command. In addition to training cyber mission force personnel, the 39th IOS also trains specific weapon systems for the Air Force network (AFNET), which were either postponed or reduced class size to ensure students are safe. The reduction in those Air Force specific courses have allowed the mission essential courses to reduce in person class sizes for classified work that can't be done remotely to ensure the proper social distancing measures are taken. To learn outside the classroom, the schoolhouse is relying on a partnership with Carnegie Mellon for an entirely online cyberspace fundamentals course, Microsoft Teams and WebEx. Students also don't have to necessarily travel to the 39th in Hurlburt Field, Florida for some training. They can remotely take courses such as the cyber fundamentals course online saving money for temporary duty travel. Williams said he expects to see more of that in the future. The remote tools have also allowed students to gain a unique experience with members of the operational force, while simultaneously saving the taxpayer money. Students are able to hear from operational commanders and operators and even participate in exercises with units. Previously, the students would have to travel to those units to participate, but now, they can dial in. “That helps us in the classroom hit it home. We get those war stories to use in the classroom and the students actually, those light bulbs start to turn on and it really starts to hit home,” TSgt Jonathan Zinski, a course instructor, said. “Now that we have more of an eye-opening capability to use some of our virtual tools, we've actually been able to enroll and participate an entire team of instructors and cadre here at the 39th IOS to participate in a no-kidding virtual exercise with an operational unit to not only hone our skills and help some of our instructors here bring the lessons learned into the classroom but to also help the operational units from our standpoint and help them get better at their jobs.” This experience also gives the students a flavor of what to expect at their units prior to arriving. Officials explained that while the actual courseware didn't change, the schoolhouse shifted the courseware and maneuvered the syllabus to accommodate students doing a combination of distance learning and in person classes. They looked at what courses needed to be conducted in person, then worked around that to ensure the class sizes were small enough while supplementing with remote learning tools. The pandemic has also accelerated certain initiatives the school planned to undertake at a later date. Williams said one includes combining cyber mission force and AFNET defensive cyber training. He said they are re-imagining the defensive cyber training pipeline with something they're calling defensive cyber operations initial qualification training. “Instead of creating a blanket training for each of these weapon systems, we're trying to integrate the AFNET systems with the CMF where it makes sense and also tailor the training,” he said, noting this should be up and running in October regardless of COVID-19. This re-imagining was always planned, but Williams said COVID accelerated it. The adaptations the 39th has been forced to make as a result of the pandemic has rendered some valuable lessons as well. Williams said some initiatives never would have been considered if the pandemic didn't hit. He explained officials are turning a conference room into a recording studio so instructors can either deliver training to students in a separate room or record lectures for students to view later. https://www.c4isrnet.com/cyber/2020/07/27/covid-19-is-changing-the-air-forces-cyber-training/

By: Jen Judson WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army is still considering two different paths to build prototypes for its future long-range assault aircraft following an industry day earlier this month, but is pushing toward a contract award in fiscal 2022, according to the service's FLRAA program manager. While the Army continues to sift through industry feedback to help it choose a route, the service remains on track to publish a draft request for proposals by the end of the year, followed by a finalized RFP in FY21, Col. David Phillips told reporters July 24. The Army chose Bell and Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky to enter into a competitive demonstration and risk reduction effort ahead of the start of the FLRAA program of record. The service is on a tight timeline to field a brand-new, long-range assault aircraft by 2030. The CDRR effort will consist of two phases that will last roughly one year each. Bell and a Sikorsky-Boeing team respectively designed, built and flew technology demonstrator aircraft as part a Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstration phase prior to entering the CDRR effort. The companies will deliver initial conceptual designs, an assessment of the feasibility of requirements and trade studies using model-based systems engineering. “Due to the success of phase one (awarded on 16 March) the Army is looking at the scope of a second phase which would refine the digital designs from the system to subsystem level and further burn down risk as FLRAA enters into the [program of record,” Phillips said in a written statement to Defense News on July 27. The Army provided two schedules to get through the design and prototyping phase in an RFI in May to gain industry feedback. The first schedule lasts 52 months, putting the end of the prototyping period somewhere in the ballpark of early summer 2026. The schedule allows for a preliminary design review for just the air vehicle from the winning team — picked in the second quarter of FY22 — eight months after the contract award. The team would then have another preliminary design review for the weapon systems 17 months past contract award, which roughly falls around August 2023. The Army would hit the engineering and manufacturing development phase around October 2023, followed by a critical design review in early 2025. The first prototype would be delivered in the summer of 2025, with five more prototypes delivered through the summer of 2026. The alternative schedule would allow for a preliminary design review for both the air vehicle and the weapon systems at the same time at roughly 10 months following a contract award. This approach aims to get to an engineering and manufacturing development decision around March 2023. A critical design review would follow at the start of 2024, with a first prototype delivery expected around February 2025. All six prototypes should be delivered to the Army by roughly March 2026. The total time frame for the second option is 48 months post contract award. While the difference in schedules is just roughly four months, every week counts as the Army works to field new capabilities as fast as possible. Army leaders have often said that schedule is king when it comes to fielding the service's top modernization priorities. FVL is the third-highest priority, preceded only by a Next-Generation Combat Vehicle and Long-Range Precision Fires. The Army is driving toward entering a production and deployment phase in 2028 ahead of the first unit receiving the aircraft in 2030. “We believe FLRAA's design and requirements approach is inverting the defense procurement paradigm. Our approach gives the Army multiple opportunities to optimize requirements through digital engineering prior to entering the design, build, and test of the weapons system,” Phillips told Defense News. “Making informed decisions on requirements through design optimization will enable the Army to ensure FLRAA capabilities are affordable; meet [Multi-Domain Operations] requirements; and deliver on an aggressive schedule that does not sacrifice rigor for speed.” Multi-Domain Operations is the Army's war-fighting doctrine designed to operate and fight against anticipated future adversaries across land, sea, air and cyberspace Bell and Lockheed are also competing head-to-head to design and build the Army's future attack reconnaissance aircraft, which will follow a nearly simultaneous schedule as the FLRAA competition. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/07/28/army-still-mulling-different-paths-to-build-long-range-assault-helo-prototypes/

By: Joe Gould WASHINGTON ― Senate Republicans' proposed $1 trillion coronavirus relief package includes at least $7 billion for weapons programs, part of $29 billion for defense overall. The 177-page draft appropriations legislation unveiled Monday would include funding for military helicopters, aircraft, ships and missile defense systems. The bill also includes $11 billion to reimburse defense contractors for coronavirus-related expenses, as authorized by Section 3610 of the CARES Act. Defense firms and trade associations have lobbied for the funding, fearing the Pentagon would otherwise have to tap modernization and readiness accounts. The legislation's release marks the end of weeks of wrangling between the White House and congressional Republicans, who are still divided over its price tag. It also kicks off the start of formal negotiations with Democrats. “The American people need more help. They need it to be comprehensive. And they need it to be carefully tailored to this crossroads,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor Monday. The inclusion of defense spending, which Republicans have reportedly touted as essential for the economy and national defense, was just one aspect criticized by Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who said the overall package was inadequate to protect Americans “If all of this were not bad enough, the bill contains billions of dollars for programs unrelated to the coronavirus, including over $8 billion for what appears to be a wish-list from the Department of Defense for manufacturing of planes, ships, and other weapons systems,” Leahy said in a statement. The pandemic has created weapons program slowdowns, temporary factory closures and cash flow problems, particularly for smaller firms. The Pentagon was been working in close communication to respond to the problems, largely by making billions of dollars in advance payments to contractors. Congress previously sent the Defense Department $10.5 billion under the CARES Act. Defense primes Boeing and Lockheed Martin appear to be the major beneficiaries of procurement dollars in the proposed bill. The bill includes more than $1 billion for Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol planes for the Navy. The Air Force would receive $686 million for additional Lockheed F–35A jets, $720 million for Lockheed C–130Js and $650 million for A–10 wing replacements―which Boeing is contracted to perform. Shipbuilding funds include $1.45 billion for four expeditionary medical ships, $260 million for one expeditionary fast transport ship, with $250 million for for amphibious shipbuilding and $250 for the surface combatant supplier base program. The Army would receive $375 million more to upgrade the Double V-Hull Strykers and $283 million for new AH–64 Apache Block IIIB helicopters. The bill would boost missile defense accounts, with more than $300 million for the the Lockheed Martin-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) program and its Raytheon-made AN/TPY-2 radar. Another $200 million would be to extend the life of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, for which Boeing is the prime contractor. https://www.defensenews.com/congress/2020/07/27/gop-coronavirus-bill-includes-at-least-7-billion-for-weapons-programs/