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The takeover of the Canadian company Provectus Robotics Solutions Inc. expands Rheinmetall's technological capabilities in the field of robotics and autonomous driving. In future, both halves of the Group – Automotive and Defence – will benefit from the know-how of the newly acquired robotics specialist. Automation and digitization are among the vital Group-spanning technology clusters which Rheinmetall is systematically working to expand, concentrating knowledge and capacities in order to exploit additional future growth potential. Effective 1 June 2019, Rheinmetall Canada Inc., a subsidiary of the Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall Group, took over a 100% stake in the Ottawa-based company. Founded in 2010, Provectus Robotics Solutions is a young company specializing in the development of advanced robotic systems and software. Though now owned by Rheinmetall Canada, Provectus will continue to operate under its previous managing director, Paul Rocco. In recent product presentations, Rheinmetall has generated great interest with its Mission Master unmanned multi-mission vehicle, which is based on Provectus technology, modified for military use by Rheinmetall Canada. Everything points to unmanned ground vehicles playing an increasingly important role in future military operations on land, much like unmanned air vehicles in an aviation context. Some will serve in an unarmed logistic or reconnaissance role; others will function as mobile weapon platforms. “We have already been working closely with Provectus in our unmanned ground vehicle project. This vertical integration gives us a decisive advantage in the field of autonomous mobility technology", said Stéphane Oehrli, president and CEO of Rheinmetall Canada. “Since this capacity is also a key enabler for the Automotive division, the whole Rheinmetall Group will hence benefit from Provectus' expertise. The automation of other Rheinmetall mobile platforms is actually an innovation we are already thinking of.” As Paul Rocco from Provectus, explains, “Rheinmetall Canada is the ideal platform for accelerating our growth while simultaneously strengthening our presence in Canada as well as internationally. This is a unique opportunity for the Provectus team to significantly improve our market potential in the world of autonomous driving and to take advantage of new opportunities.” The buyout is part of Rheinmetall's strategy of positioning itself as a preferred supplier of cutting-edge technology – around the world but particularly in Canada, where the Group is a longstanding, tried-and-tested partner of the country's armed forces. Rheinmetall is eager to apply expertise from Provectus Robotics Solutions in implementing ISTAR, a major project of the Canadian armed forces now underway. (The acronym ISTAR stands for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance.) http://www.canadiandefencereview.com/news?news/2708

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN The U.S. government announced that Canada is purchasing new radios as part of its upgrade of CF-18 fighter jets and Hercules transport planes. The Canadian government will spend $58 million ($44 million) U.S. buying the 152 MIDS-JTRS radios. “Canada intends to upgrade its current inventory of CF-18 Aircraft, CC-130J, and the Royal Canadian Air Force's Ground Stations with the purchase of these MIDS JTRS (5) terminals to be fully interoperable with U.S. and allied forces to support and compliment joint operations in a net-enabled environment; have modernized electronic protection and secure, jam-resistant wave forms; and be capable of improved Link 16 message exchange and information fidelity including support to advanced weapon employment,” the U.S Defense Security Cooperation Agency noted. Also included are spare cables and MIDS batteries; Link-16 mobile racks; diagnostic support tools; technical documentation; training and engineering technical support; and other related elements of logistics and program support. Viasat, Incorporated, headquartered in Carlsbad, CA, and Data Link Solutions, headquartered in Cedar Rapids, IA, will provide the equipment. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/royal-canadian-air-force-aircraft-to-get-new-radios-at-a-cost-of-58-million

MELBOURNE, FLA. Jul 30, 2019 Highlights: L3Harris T7TM robotic system to provide U.K. security forces with advanced EOD capabilities Features unique, highly intuitive control interface, haptic feedback and human-like dexterity Contract modification reaffirms program success and strategy to grow robotics business globally The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MOD) has exercised a $46 million (£36 million) contract option with L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) to provide T7™ robotic systems to support domestic explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) missions. This award is an option to the $70 million (£55 million) contract the MOD awarded L3Harris in 2017 for T7 robotic systems for the military's overseas EOD missions. The T7 robot's interface provides ease of use for operators and unmatched command and control. The robot provides operators with human-like dexterity and haptic force feedback from the robot arm to the remote-control handgrip. Its precision control and dexterity shorten task completion time and improve mission effectiveness, and its rugged track system provides outstanding mobility and maneuverability required for rough terrain, which uniquely positions T7 as a ready-made solution for all large EOD robot requirements around the world. A variety of attachments enable use of standard-issue sensors, disruptors and tools that support a wide range of missions, including hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and the ability to disable and defeat improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted inside vehicles. The systems will be part of the MOD's Project STARTER and will help to defeat a wide variety of explosive threats within the U.K., including IEDs and unexploded ordnances (UXO). The T7 supports the demanding requirements of domestic deployed missions, including HAZMAT cleanup, EOD, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and special weapons and tactics missions. L3Harris is producing the systems at its Palm Bay, Florida factory and has established a repair depot in Brighton, U.K. “This award will bring life-saving technology to U.K. armed forces and reaffirms the importance of highly reliable, precise and easy-to-use robotic systems for EOD operators,” said Ed Zoiss, President, L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems. “The exercising of this contract option reaffirms that Project STARTER program execution has gone exceptionally well and performance of the T7 systems to date are exceeding the customer's expectations.” L3Harris has been supporting U.K. customers for more than 100 years. The company has about 2,000 employees in 21 locations throughout the U.K., supporting a variety of government and commercial programs. L3Harris' Space and Airborne Systems segment provides space payloads, sensors and full-mission solutions; classified intelligence and cyber defense; avionics; and electronic warfare solutions. About L3Harris Technologies L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers' mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $17 billion in annual revenue and 50,000 employees, with customers in 130 countries. L3Harris.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about the value or expected value of orders, contracts or programs and about system capabilities are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. https://www.l3harris.com/press-releases/2019/07/87556/uk-ministry-of-defence-exercises-option-to-purchase-t7-explosive-ordnance-disposal-robots-from-l3harris-technologies

LOS ANGELES – July 30, 2019 – Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) announced it has been awarded a $167 million contract by the U.S. Navy for Lot 8 Full Rate Production of the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). This contract includes options for increased quantities for the Department of the Navy, missiles for the Italian Air Force and missiles for foreign military sales. “AARGM is able to rapidly engage air-defense threats,” said Cary Ralston, vice president and general manager, defense electronic systems, Northrop Grumman. “We are proud to provide our warfighters with this advanced and affordable capability.” AARGM is a U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force international cooperative acquisition program with the U.S. Navy as the executive agent. AARGM is currently deployed with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps on the F/A-18C/D Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft. AARGM is also integrated on the Italian Air Force's Tornado Electronic Combat aircraft. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit news.northropgrumman.com and follow us on Twitter, @NGCNews, for more information. https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/northrop-grumman-awarded-167-million-for-advanced-anti-radiation-guided-missile-contract

By: Andrew Chuter LONDON — Sales of Typhoon jets to Qatar and F-35 related components to the U.S. were largely behind a record breaking year which saw British defense exports in 2018 reach £14 billion, according to new figures released July 30 by the Department for International Trade(DIT). Export sales rose by £5 billion compared with 2017, boosting the British into second place in terms of global defense exports and pushing Russia and France into third and fourth place, respectively, for the year. The DIT report illustrates how reliant Britain is on Middle East partners like Saudi Arabia and Qatar for its high performing exports business. The report shows that close to 80 percent of all British defense exports came from the region last year. Anti-arms campaigners in Britain are currently mounting a challenge against the legality of some previous defense exports to the Saudis. Over the last ten years, the Middle East, North America and Europe have provided the biggest markets for the British, in that order. The figures were provided by the DIT's defense and security arm, known as the Defence and Security Organisation (DSO). According to the DSO, the British took an estimated 19 percent share of the defense export market for 2018, compared with 14 percent by Russia and 9 percent by France. As is the case every year, the U.S. arms industry continued to dominate the world market, with DSO figures putting the Americans in control of 40 percent of a global export market, at $100 billion for 2018, according to the government department. The vast majority of British defense exports are from the air market sector. Around 96 percent of export sales last year were generated from defense aerospace, with the Typhoon sales to Qatar and an accompanying deal to purchase Brimstone missiles a major driver in Britain's good year. The other major factor is the ramp up in the supply of items for the F-35 production line. Britain is the biggest overseas partner on the F-35 build program with BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce among a number of important suppliers. This lack of diversification is a concern for London. France, for example, may not have done as well as the British last year overall, but a number of defense industry sectors contributed to what turned out to be a good performance. French exports rose to €9.1 billion, a 30 percent rise from 2017. It's biggest customers last year were Qatar, including Rafale fighter jets and NH-90 helicopters; Belgium, with Griffon and Jaguar armored vehicles; Saudi Arabia, including patrol vessels; and Spain, for NH-90 helicopters. “It is worth noting that the portfolios of major competitors to the UK, such as the USA and France, appear slightly less unbalanced than the UK's, and therefore, these supplier nations are less exposed to sector fluctuation,” noted the DIT report. The good news for the UK: this year should go some way to redressing the balance between the British export sectors. The major maritime success of the Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, selected by both Australia and Canada, should starting appearing in the export data for 2019. Security equipment exports also continued to grow last year, the DIT reported, rising 7.2 percent from 2017 and crossing the £5 billion barrier. Almost half the exports went to Europe, with the North American market accounting for 18 percent of the sales. Cyber accounted for roughly 40 percent of those exports. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/07/30/uk-defense-exports-set-new-record-in-2018/

By: Kelsey Reichmann A new report warns that the cybersecurity vulnerabilities related to military space systems, specifically terminals and command-and-control systems, deserves renewed attention from NATO countries. The report, titled “Cybersecurity of NATO's Spaced-based Strategic Assets,” was produced by Chatham House, which is part of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, a policy institute in London. The paper, by Beyza Unal, was released July 1. “There is an urgent need to study and address cyber-related challenges to strategic assets within NATO and its key member countries, particularly the cyberthreat to space-based command and control systems,” the report read. “The increasing vulnerability of space-based assets, ground stations, associated command and control systems, and the personnel who manage the systems, has not yet received the attention it deserves.” The report highlights cybersecurity vulnerabilities to space systems used by countries in the NATO alliance, notably singling out commercial products used in military operations as a particular risk. These vulnerabilities can come from back-door encryption, supply chain security, and personnel and procedural practices, according to the report. NATO uses space assets to defend territory, peacekeeping missions, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counterterrorism, and conflict prevention. “There is an increasing need to apply higher-grade military hardening and cyber protection specifications to civilian capabilities that have the potential to be used in support of military applications,” the report read. “If military standards are not met, items procured from commercial industry with design flaws may expose NATO's systems to additional vulnerabilities." The report also points to the importance of securing satellite terminals. “Terminals located in ground stations constitute a critical vulnerability, as a terminal is an access point to a satellite and is usually not protected by authentication in order not to hinder operational actions,” the report said. “Terminals house software systems that can be compromised and require patching and upgrading.” Data flowing between satellites, especially ground stations, can become vulnerable, according to the report. “Adversaries infiltrating ground- or space-based systems could exploit weak software implementation, or the incompatibility of network or data transfer protocols in the chain,” the report read. “While the absence of data is easy to detect, the manipulation of data or erosion of confidentiality at such an interface is potentially more difficult to discern.” Among the report's recommendations is that NATO strengthen its cyber defense through increased collaboration between the public and private sector. This would allow for more timely information sharing of cyberthreats. The report also urges NATO to emphasize that commercial manufacturers meet basic cybersecurity standards and possibly more stringent military protection standards. “In the future, military systems will be increasingly connected to non-military systems,” the report stated. “This has important implications for the laws of armed conflict, as the combination of civilian, commercial and military capabilities in the cyber domain and space raises the risk that civilian capabilities used for military purposes qualify as legitimate military targets.” https://www.fifthdomain.com/international/2019/07/30/the-next-cybersecurity-concern-for-nato-space/

By: Aaron Mehta WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department today cleared a trio of weapon sales for Egypt, South Korea and Canada, which could net American firms more than $1.5 billion in revenues. Announcements for the three deals were published online by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. DSCA announcements are not final sales; if cleared by Congress, contract figures can change during future negotiations. The largest of the three agreements is with South Korea, which was ok'd to receive contractor logistics support for its fleet of RQ-4 Block 30 unmanned systems. That comes with an estimated cost of $950 million. Northrop Grumman will be the prime contractor on the work, with offset requirements to be determined later. For more on the state of the defense industry, check out the Defense News Top 100 Northrop's work order will cover “program management; training for pilots maintenance, logistics and communications personnel; depot and organizational level maintenance; minor modifications and upgrades; spares and repair/return parts; operational flight support; program analysis; publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics services; and other related elements of logistics and program support,” per the DSCA. Egypt's deal involves follow on technical support for a variety of ships in its navy. Work will cover Egypt's fleets of Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates, fast missile craft, coastal mine hunter ships, and 25 meter and 28 meter fast patrol craft. The prime contractor will be the Virginia-based VSE Corporation, with an estimated price tag of $554 million. Finally, Canada is looking to buy 152 American-made radios, for $44 million. Known formally as the Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System, the radio is Link 16 enabled, an important capability for the NATO ally. “Canada intends to upgrade its current inventory of CF-18 aircraft, CC-130J, and the Royal Canadian Air Force's ground stations with the purchase of these MIDS JTRS (5) terminals to be fully interoperable with U.S. and allied forces to support and compliment joint operations in a net-enabled environment; have modernized electronic protection and secure, jam-resistant wave forms; and be capable of improved Link 16 message exchange and information fidelity including support to advanced weapon employment,” the DSCA announcement says. Primary vendors are Viasat and Data Link Solutions, and some form of industrial offset is expected. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2019/07/30/state-clears-15-billion-in-arms-sales-for-egypt-south-korea-and-canada/

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (R&E) launched two new websites to provide information on how two of its directorates support OUSD(R&E)'s mission to foster technological dominance across the Department of Defense and ensure the advantage of the American warfighter. The first web site, https://rt.cto.mil, for the Directorate of Defense Research and Engineering for Research and Technology (DDR&E (R&T)), includes the latest research and technology through science and technology research programs needed to ensure U.S. technological superiority, the DOD laboratories infrastructure, federally funded research institutions, and programs that help cultivate the next generation of science and technology professionals for the department, among others significant areas. The website also spotlights DDR&E (R&T)'s offices and programs: Research Technology and Laboratories, Strategic Technology Protection and Exploitation, Defense Technical Information Center, Reliance 21, DOD STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and its outreach efforts. DDR&E (R&T) leads the DOD's science and technology (S&T) enterprise effort to rapidly develop and mature key technologies to ensure warfighter dominance. DDR&E(R&T) is responsible for the department's research and technology investments, and the science and technology portfolio. It ensures that DOD (S&T) is postured to develop the next generation of game-changing technologies and enable rapid delivery of superior capabilities to the warfighter. The second new website, https://ac.cto.mil/,highlights the work of the Directorate of Defense Research and Engineering for Advanced Capabilities (DDR&E (AC)), the primary technology transition enabler within the DOD that bridges the divide between technology discovery and capability fielding for the warfighter. DDR&E (AC) recognizes, identifies, explores and ensures the development, integration and funding of new technology and capabilities to maintain U.S. technological superiority. The directorate maintains a focus on the innovative application of technology and works with a robust network of transition partners within and external to the DOD to mitigate gaps through accelerated prototyping, demonstration, and fielding – with the ultimate goal of operational sustainment. The website also features its primary offices, including: Developmental Test, Evaluation and Prototyping, Chief Engineer for Advanced Capabilities and Test Resource Management Center. https://dod.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1920518/research-and-engineering-launches-two-new-public-websites/source/GovDelivery/

ARMY BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP, York, Pennsylvania, was awarded an $88,000,000 modification (P00024) to contract W56HZV-17-C-0001 for long lead material associated with the build of the Self-Propelled Howitzer, Carrier-Ammunition Tracked Vehicle, as well as the gathering of parts associated with the total package fielding package in relation to Option 2. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2023. Fiscal 2019 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $88,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. Tidewater,* Elkridge, Maryland (W912DY-19-D-0017); NIKA Technologies Inc.,* Rockville, Maryland (W912DY-19-D-0004); Bowers & Kubota Consulting,* Waipahu, Hawaii (W912DY-19-D-0019); and HFS Co.,* San Antonio, Texas (W912DY-19-D-0018), will compete for each order of the $25,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for project management support, quantity verification and analysis representative, project integration, and other medical support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 5, 2025. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman, Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a $24,436,905 modification (P00116) to contract W911S0-11-C-0014 for support services in combined arms education, doctrine, and leadership training. Work will be performed in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $24,436,905 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity. General Atomics Aeronautical System Inc., Poway, California, was awarded a $21,742,996 modification (00005P) to contract W58RGZ-18-C-0037 for MQ-1C Gray Eagle extended range aircraft unique initial spares and ground support equipment. Work will be performed in Poway, California, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2021. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement, Army funds in the amount of $21,742,996 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co. Inc., Kansas City, Missouri, was awarded a $15,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for general design architect-engineering services. 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 July 30, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Concord, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (W912WJ-19-D-0011). Accenture Federal Services, Arlington, Virginia, was awarded an $11,793,894 modification (P00026) to contract W52P1J-17-C-0022 for General Fund Enterprise Business System-Sensitive Activities cloud migration to IL6. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2021. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 research, development, test and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $2,681,158 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Schuyler Line Navigation Co. LLC,* Annapolis, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $43,103,161 firm-fixed-price contract for liquefied natural gas. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Maryland and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, with a June 30, 2024, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2024 operations and maintenance funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency, Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE604-19-D-7518). Pocono Profoods Inc., Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $15,610,588 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract for full-line food distribution. 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 361-day contract with no option periods. Location of performance is New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with a July 25, 2020, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-19-D-3229 and Admin contract SPE30019DA047). NAVY Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical Systems Inc. Austin, Texas, is awarded a $39,920,000 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the sustainment and upgrade of the Common Aviation Command and Control System Virtual Air Defense System Integrator. The program is managed within the portfolio of Program Executive Officer Land Systems, Quantico, Virginia. Work will be performed in Austin, Texas, and is expected to be completed by July 29, 2024. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $2,188,092 will be obligated on the first delivery order immediately following contract award, and funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured, in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 and 10 U.S. Code § 2304(c)(1). The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-19-D-0001). Harris Corp., Clifton, New Jersey, is awarded $31,312,350 for firm-fixed-price delivery order N00019-19-F-0046 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-16-G-0003) to procure 77 Generation 2 Digital Receiver/Technique Generator Shop Replaceable Assemblies (SRAs) and Switch Board Assemblies to support (V)4 to A(V)4 conversions and SRAs to support Repair of Repairables, along with the associated AN/ALQ-214B(V)4/5 part number change. Work will be performed in Clifton, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed in July 2021. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount $31,312,350 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. Ultra-Electronics, Undersea Sensor Systems Inc., Columbia City, Indiana, is awarded a $24,865,776 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract containing firm-fixed-price provisions to manufacture, test, inspect, package and deliver first article and production DT-511C and DT-592D hydrophones. Work will be performed in Columbia City, Indiana, and is expected to be complete by July 2024. Fiscal 2019 and 2018 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $3,205,793 will be obligated on the first delivery order at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website with two offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, is the contracting activity (N66604-19-D-E900). Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Marlborough, Massachusetts, is awarded a $14,296,116 firm-fixed-price, definite-quantity contract action for production of AN/SPY-1 radar solid state switch assembly modification kits. Work will be performed in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and is expected to be complete by November 2021. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $14,296,116 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 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, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-19-C-WP57). Power Pro Plus Inc.,* Rancho Cucamonga, California, is awarded $12,204,059 for firm-fixed-price task order N62473-19-F-4769 under a previously awarded, multiple award construction contract (N62473-17-D-4620) for construction of communication line operations to administration at Naval Air Station Lemoore. This project constructs a communication ductbank and manhole system to supplement the existing communication lines in support of F-35C information technology and communication system. This project will provide diverse, multiple path, communication routes within the base in secure underground communication lines. This project will also provide secondary connection between the base operations area and the base administration area. The ductbanks will be concrete encased and reinforced under paved areas and at roadway crossings. At railroad crossings, the ductbank will require directional bore with steel sleeves and will be buried at an appropriate depth under the ground surface. Manholes will be provided in the ductbank runs and as required at transition points. Full size manholes will be provided in the main cantonment areas of the base. Work will be performed in Lemoore, California, and is expected to be completed by May 2021. Fiscal 2019 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $12,204,059 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, is awarded $10,565,320 for modification P00148 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-14-C-0067). This modification procures 16 P-8A A-Kits and 16 Turret Deployment Units for Lots 8 and 9 full-rate production aircraft. Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington (55%); Mesa, Arizona (44%); and Winnipeg, Canada (1%), and is expected to be completed in August 2021. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,565,320 will be obligated at time of award, $5,650,704 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, Oregon, is awarded an $8,741,152 cooperative research agreement to conduct research for a machine common sense (MCS) service for artificial intelligence and robotic systems. The service will learn MCS planning and inference capabilities about objects, agents and places equivalent to the capabilities of an 18-month-old infant. OSU will train the service using a first-person infant simulator, driven by real world infant behavior data. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. Work will be performed at OSU in Corvallis, Oregon. The period of performance of the award is from July 30, 2019, through July 29, 2023. The type of funding to be obligated is research, development, test and evaluation (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). This effort was competitively procured via a broad agency announcement and publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 23 proposals received and nine were selected for award. Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-2-4035). AIR FORCE Watterson Construction Co., Anchorage, Alaska, has been awarded a $9,363,000 firm-fixed-price contract for renovation of weapons load training building at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. This contract provides renovation to Building 1340 to accommodate the addition of operations for the two incoming F-35A squadrons, as well as accommodating unique requirements for the F-35A aircraft to include architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire protection work. Work will be performed at Eielson AFB, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by May 15, 2020. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and seven offers were received. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,363,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The 354th Contracting Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (FA5004-19-C-A010). *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1920997/source/GovDelivery/