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WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES American Systems Corp., Chantilly, Virginia (HQ0034-21-D-0003); Applied Research Associates Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (HQ0034-21-D-0004); and Modern Technology Solutions Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (HQ0034-21-D-0002), have been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinitely-quantify contract with a maximum amount of $496,000,000. This requirement will provide the range of research, development, test and evaluation technical and engineering services required to assist the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering in accomplishing its mission to create innovative warfighting technologies and advanced capabilities required to maintain U.S. technological superiority. Work performance will take place in the Northern Capital Region, including Alexandria, Virginia; and Chantilly, Virginia. No funds will be obligated at time of the award. The expected completion date is Nov. 18, 2025. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Vermilion Valley Produce Co.,* Danville, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $265,500,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a four-year six-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Illinois, with a May 18, 2025, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Air Force, and Department of Agriculture schools. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-21-D-P359). Hill-Rom Co. Inc., Batesville, Indiana, has been awarded a maximum $48,000,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for medical equipment and accessories for the Defense Logistics Agency electronic catalog. This was a competitive acquisition with 135 responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Indiana, with a Nov. 16, 2025, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DH-21-D-0052). AIR FORCE Journey Construction Inc., Taylor, Texas (FA4661-21-D-0001); Pace-Amtex JV LLC, Boerne, Texas (FA4661-21-D-0002); GMA Construction Group, Chicago, Illinois (FA4661-21-D-0003); Pro-Mark Services Inc., Rapid City, South Dakota (FA4661-21-D-0004); and Sea Pac Engineering Inc., Los Angeles, California (FA4661-21-D-0005), have collectively been awarded a ceiling $150,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract for $150,000,000. Work will be performed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and is expected to be completed Nov. 18, 2027. Current fiscal operation and maintenance funds will be used per individual task order. The 7th Contracting Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity. Siemens Industry Inc., Buffalo Grove, Illinois, has been awarded a $54,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, supply/install contract for the switchgear replacement effort program. This contract will provide for a streamlined means to provide supply and installation of gas insulated switchgear. Work will be performed at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee; Mountain View, California; Eglin AFB, Florida; Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and is expected to be completed Nov. 16, 2025. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $8,365,562 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Test Center, Arnold AFB, Tennessee, is the contracting activity (FA9101-21-D-0003). L-3 Technologies, Greenville, Texas, has been awarded an $18,796,399 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification (P00009) to contract FA8620-18-F-4801 for an additional engineering effort. This modification provides for additional non-recurring and recurring engineering required to develop and install structural reinforcements to the aircraft. Work will be performed in Greenville, Texas, and is expected to be completed Dec. 24, 2022. This contract involves 100% Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and is the result of a sole-source acquisition. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $273,945,200. FMS funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of the award. The 645th Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. Siemens Healthineers, Flanders, New Jersey, has been awarded a $12,381,645 firm-fixed-price contract for an industrial base expansion. The contract provides building modifications, equipment purchases, installation and qualification testing to expand U.S. domestic production capacity for SARS-CoV-2 antigen assays. Work will be performed in Walpole, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2021. This contract award is part of the ongoing collaboration between the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services and is funded through the Health Care Enhancement Act. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-21-C-0006). BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, has been awarded a $12,342,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages support. This contract provides support for Air Force (AF) and non-AF users, supporting the AF, to proactively reduce mission capability impacts to improve logistics support and weapon system sustainability. Work will be performed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Robins AFB, Georgia; Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, with some work performed at Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The work is expected to be complete by June 20, 2025. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition resulting in receipt of one offer. Fiscal 2021 Consolidated Sustainment Activity Group engineering funds in the amount of $10,285,000 are being obligated in the first task order at the time of award. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8109-21-D-0001). Hardwood Products Co. LP, Guilford, Maine, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $11,640,270 firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract action as a modification (P00003) to contract FA8730-20-C-0056 for industrial base expansion for U.S. domestic production capacity for medical flock tip swabs. This contract modification funds the design, procurement and expedited implementation of facility upgrades, enabling an early, interim production capability of flock tip swabs. Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Maine, and is expected to be completed March 30, 2021. Fiscal 2021 other procurement funds in the amount of $5,078,350 are being obligated at the time of award. The cumulative face value of the contract is $62,599,861. The Air Force Life Cycle Management, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity. FCN Inc., Rockville, Maryland, has been awarded a $7,846,260 firm-fixed-price modification to exercise the first option period for the Endgame Endpoint Security program software subscription to maintain the weapon system components and weapon system baseline to meet Air Force Space Command authority to operate configurations. Work will be performed in Rockville, Maryland, and is expected to be completed Nov. 29, 2024. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and four offers were received. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance; and Air National Guard procurement funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of modification to exercise the first option period. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Joint-Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8307-20-F-0005). NAVY IAP-ECC LLC, Burlingame, California, is awarded firm-fixed-price task order N62742-21-F-4000 for $84,547,765 under a multiple award contingency contract for construction and maintenance of a contractor berthing camp at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS), China Lake, California. The work to be performed provides for incidental temporary facilities and facility services for a berthing camp in support of the China Lake Earthquake Recovery project at NAWS, China Lake. Incidental temporary facilities include fencing, living/sleeping units, operational center and a security station. Facility services include management and administration, unaccompanied housing, facility investment, custodial, pest control, integrated solid waste management, grounds maintenance and landscaping, pavement clearance, wastewater and water. The need for the berthing camp to support 11 military construction (MILCON) project contractors is an emergency response to the earthquakes that affected the China Lake area in July 2019. The task order also contains four unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase the cumulative task order value to $138,743,035. Work will be performed in Ridgecrest, California, and is expected to be completed by March 2025. Fiscal 2020 MILCON (Navy) funds; and fiscal 2021 working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $84,547,765 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One proposal was received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-16-D-3553). Cherokee Nation Management and Consulting LLC, * Catoosa, Oklahoma, is awarded an $80,943,352 firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials contract for a two-month phase-in period and a 10-month base period with two 12-month option periods for logistics services to manage, support and operate the Marine Corps Consolidated Storage Program warehouse network. Work will be performed in Barstow, California (23%); Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (18%); Camp Pendleton, California (13%); Okinawa, Japan (10%); Miramar, California (9%); Camp Geiger, North Carolina (7%); Twenty-nine Palms, California (4%); Cherry Point, North Carolina (4%); Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (3%); Yuma, Arizona (2%); Beaufort, South Carolina (2%); Iwakuni, Japan (2%); New River, North Carolina (2%); and Bridgeport, California (1%). Work is expected to be completed January 2024. No funding will be obligated at time of award and the award will be made contingent to the availability of funds. This contract was competitively solicited via beta.sam.gov with seven proposals received. The Marine Corps Logistics Command, Albany, Georgia, is the contracting activity (M67004-21-C-0001). Marine Group Boat Works LLC,* Chula Vista, California, is awarded a $48,717,886 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-2223 in support of the government of Jordan for two 37-meter patrol boats, communications equipment and other technical assistance. Work will be performed in Chula Vista, California, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Foreign Military Sales (Jordan) in the amount of $48,717,886 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c) (4), this contract was not competitively procured: International Agreement. This contract is for two 37-meter Patrol Boats, communications equipment and other technical assistance for the Royal Jordanian Navy. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Kings Bay Support Services LLC, Alexandria, Virginia, is awarded a $24,085,883 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification for a bridge contract to extend services for base operating support services at Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia. The work to be performed provides for all labor, facilities management, supervision, tools, materials, equipment, incidental engineering, environmental services and transportation to effectively execute base operations support services. All work will be performed in St. Mary's, Georgia. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $392,424,567. This option period is from December 2020 to May 2021. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $16,213,566 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the option period. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-11-D-7578). Insitu Inc., Bingen, Washington, is awarded a $9,769,387 modification (P00009) to firm-fixed-price order N68335-19-F-0434 against previously issued basic ordering agreement N68335-16-G-0046. This modification definitizes pricing and exercises options for the procurement of 15 ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles, nine ScanEagle payloads, and three spares lots needed to provide the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and support current ANA ScanEagle efforts. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington (100%), and is expected to be completed in July 2021. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $9,769,387 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. I.E. Pacific Inc.,* Escondido, California, is awarded firm-fixed-price task order N62473-20-F-5102 for $8,123,000 under a multiple award construction contract for repair of a bachelors enlisted quarters (BEQ) and repair of water channel at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Virginia. The work to be performed provides for the repair of BEQ Building 53451 with 64 units and the existing open channel/swale and culvert system through this corridor. BEQ Building 53451 requires work to bring it up to current building code and life safety standards. The channel is undersized and needs to be upgraded to provide higher flow rates without spilling over the channel. The renovation project includes replacement of the existing built-up roof with a standing seam metal roof and the replacement of exterior hollow metal doors, windows, window screens, shades, hollow metal doors/frames and door locks with an electronic card reading lock system; the patching, repairing, and repainting of all existing interior walls and ceilings, exterior walls/façade, balcony, stair panels, handrails and guardrails, and other surfaces; and the installation of new ceiling fans in each billeting room, the duty room and the lounge. Work will be performed in Oceanside, California, and is expected to be completed by May 2022. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $8,123,000 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 Systems Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-17-D-4628). ARMY Franconia Real Estate Services Inc., doing business as Franconia Allegiance Government Relocation, Woodbridge, Virginia, was awarded a $65,000,000 blanket purchase agreement (W912DR-21-A-0001) for the Defense National Relocation Program. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Reliance Relocation Services Inc., doing business as Relo Direct, Chicago, Illinois, was awarded a $65,000,000 blanket purchase agreement (W912DR-21-A-0002) for the Defense National Relocation Program. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Attain LLC, McLean, Virginia, was awarded a $19,125,495 modification (BA0733) to contract W91QUZ-11-D-0016 for contractor resources to support the Army Shared Services Center. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2022. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. *Small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2421845/source/GovDelivery/

By: Andrew Chuter LONDON — The British government has approved the largest rise in its defense budget since the end of the Cold War, with £16.5 billion (U.S. $21.9 billion) in additional funding made available for spending on shipbuilding, space, cyber, research and other sectors over a four-year period. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the increase could transform the military and bring to an end an era of retreat in the armed forces. “For decades, U.K. government has pared and trimmed our defense budget. If we go on like this, we risk waking up to discover our armed forces have fallen below the minimum threshold of viability. I have refused to pick up the scalpel yet again. I've decided the era of cutting must end, and end now,” the prime minister told Parliament in a statement. The retreat to which Johnson referred is made up of capability cuts, program delays and cancellations, reductions in research and development, and slashed personnel numbers amid defense budgets that have regularly failed to match ambitions. Winners and losers Among the efforts likely to benefit from the commitment of new money are the Tempest future combat air program; a number of shipbuilding projects, including a fleet of logistics ships; and various space and cyberspace assets. Specifically, the spending commitment will finance the country's order of eight Type 26 and five Type 31 frigates, which are under construction in Scotland, where the U.K. government faces renewed calls for independence. Johnson said he is also committed to the embryonic Type 32 next-generation frigate and the building of a multipurpose research ship. Also included in Britain's transformation plans are the creation of a Space Command capable of launching a rocket from a site in Scotland by 2022 as well as a new agency focused on artificial intelligence. But Johnson also warned some programs would not receive equal attention. “We will need to act speedily to remove or reduce less relevant capabilities — and this will allow our new investment to be focused on the technologies that will revolutionize warfare,” he said. Johnson gave no clues to where the ax might fall, but new armored vehicle programs, of which the British Army have several currently running, are often cited by analysts as a potential target for cuts. “Now is the right time to press ahead because emerging technology on the horizon will make the returns from defense investment infinitely greater,” he told Parliament. “We have a chance to break free from the vicious circle where we ordered ever deceasing numbers of evermore expensive pieces of military hardware, squandering billions of pounds along the way.” The government said military modernization will be underpinned by a record investment of at least £1.5 billion extra and £5.8 billion in total on military research and development, including a commitment to further invest in the future combat air system. “This reverses the systematic decline in this crucial area in the last 30 years,” according to the Prime Minister's Office. What's been the reaction? Commitment to the major hike in extra spending came after the Treasury gave in to pressure from Johnson to provide extra funding for the armed forces over a four-year period rather than accept the chancellor's preference for a one-year funding settlement. The announcement is being termed as the first phase of an integrated defense review being conducted to coordinate defense, security, foreign and development policies. The review was expected to already be published, but with plans in flux and the new factor of additional cash, a more detailed review will not likely be public until next year. The Royal United Services Institute think tank in London said that over the next four years, the “additional cash represents a real-term increase of between 10 percent and 15 percent in the defense budget: equivalent to some £4 billion more annually than had been promised.” RUSI also noted the announcement, “provided little clarity on the foreign policy ambition, and it appears likely that we will have to wait until the new year for the full integrated review to be revealed. In the meantime, the [Ministry of Defence] will be under considerable pressure to ensure that its ambitions do not again outrun its (now significantly enhanced) means.” Analysts here say that despite the new spending commitment, the MoD will still have to cut a number of programs to balance it's books. The National Audit Office, the government's financial watchdog, has repeatedly warned the 10-year equipment plan is unaffordable, saying it could be too costly by as much as £13 billion. The current annual defense budget is about £40 billion. The new spending pledge will see the defense budget account for 2.2 percent of gross domestic product, meeting NATO guidelines. Johnson, who is currently self-isolating, having recently come into contact with a lawmaker who has subsequently tested positive for COVID-19, said he had taken the decision to raise spending in the teeth of the pandemic because the “defense of the realm must come first.” “The international situation is more perilous and more intensely competitive than at any time since the Cold War, and Britain must be true to our history and stand alongside our allies,” he said. A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said the increase will cement the U.K.'s position as the largest defense spender in Europe and the second largest in NATO, after the U.S. The announcement drew an immediate and welcoming response from acting U.S. Defense Secretary Christopher Miller. “The [Department of Defense] applauds the announcement by the U.K. to significantly increase defense spending. The U.K. is our most stalwart and capable ally, and this increase in spending is indicative of their commitment to NATO and our shared security,” he said. “With this increase, the U.K. military will continue to be one of the finest fighting forces in the world. Their commitment to increased defense funding should be a message to all free nations that the most capable among us can — and must — do more to counter emerging threats to our shared freedoms and security.” The move was also welcomed locally by ADS, a major industry lobby group. “This investment will boost our national security, help the U.K. address new and rapidly evolving threats by developing innovative world-class equipment, and support our economic recovery. The commitment to key projects will embed high-value design and manufacturing skills in all regions and nations of the U.K. for decades to come,” said Paul Everitt, the ADS chief executive. But Everitt also said the money must be quickly spent with the U.K.'s prosperity a priority. “It is important that the procurement regime delivers quickly and in a manner that prioritizes U.K. industrial impact, aiding planning and clarity and helping to build back better,” he said. The £16.5 billion in extra spending is over and above the government's pledge to increase defense spending by 0.5 percent above inflation for every year of the four years remaining of the existing Parliament. The government said that on existing forecasts, this is an overall cash increase of £24.1 billion over four years. Johnson told Parliament that would represent spending of £190 billion over the next four years. But how will the government's massive spending in the fight against COVID-19 impact these spending plans? Media and analysts here reckon Britain's huge overseas development budget is likely to take a hit to make these new efforts a reality. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/11/19/uk-to-boost-defense-budget-by-219-billion-heres-who-benefits-and-loses-out/

By: Joe Gould WASHINGTON ― Oshkosh on Wednesday announced John Pfiefer as its next president and chief executive, replacing Wilson Jones, who plans to retire on April 2. Pfeifer joined Oshkosh in May 2019 as the head of the company's Access Equipment, Fire & Emergency and Commercial segments. In May 2020, he was appointed president and assumed responsibility for the company's defense segment and its global supply chain, digital technology and marketing functions. Prior to Oshkosh, Pfeifer led Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corporation that specializes in marine propulsion systems, and held various global business management positions with the ITT Corporation. Jones, who is also retiring as an Oshkosh board member, served the company for 15 years. “Having worked closely with John since he joined us in 2019, I have seen his commitment to our People First culture,” Jones said in a company announcement. “Under his leadership, the Company will continue to drive innovation, serve our customers and advance our business around the world. I look forward to supporting John and the team to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.” https://www.defensenews.com/2020/11/18/oshkosh-names-new-ceo-john-pfeifer

By: Valerie Insinna WASHINGTON — Despite increasing coronavirus cases in the U.S., the Pentagon's top weapons buyer on Wednesday sounded a note of confidence that defense companies would remain open throughout the winter and keep weapons production on track. “I am concerned about that — as we see within [the Defense Department] — the number of [COVID-19 positive] individuals still are increasing in industry,” Ellen Lord, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said during the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' Ascend conference. However, she added she doesn't anticipate another wave of facility closures. “We're very hopeful that all of the steps that industry took during the pandemic — to space out [production] lines, to do telework, to find ways to comply with all the CDC regulations — that those have really prevented severe cases and the need to shut down,” she said, using an acronym for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “So I'm optimistic that although cases are going up, industry is going to continue to be very resilient. And we will continue at pretty impressive productivity rates,” she added. At the height of the pandemic earlier this year, almost 700 defense companies shut down operations in the hopes of quelling the spread of the virus. By June, that number had decreased to 33 businesses, according to data from the Defense Logistics Agency and the Defense Contracts Management Agency Currently, only one of those companies remains closed, Lord said. However, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has been trending upward in the country since the end of September, with a high of almost 195,000 new cases reported Nov. 12, according to CDC data. But there is cause for hope: On Wednesday morning, Pfizer announced that phase 3 trials of its vaccine showed it was 95 percent effective in preventing the virus, and the company could seek emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration within days, CNN reported. During the conference, Lord was asked whether defense contractors would get priority access to COVID-19 vaccines, given the defense industry's status as an “essential” business sector during the pandemic. “I don't have the answer to that,” she said. “That's being sorted out right now in the White House.” https://www.defensenews.com/2020/11/18/the-pentagon-is-bullish-on-health-of-defense-industrial-base-even-as-covid-19-cases-mount/

By: Jen Judson WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin-owned Sikorsky's President Dan Schultz is set to retire at the beginning of 2021 and Paul Lemmo, the company's current vice president of integrated warfare systems and sensors, will take over the role, according to a Nov. 18 Lockheed statement. The bench will shift within Lockheed with Jon Rambeau, the current vice president of C6ISR, taking over for Lemmo. Gregg Bauer, vice president for undersea warfare, will assume Rambeau's role. “Just recently the president of our Sikorsky business, Dan Schultz, announced his decision to retire at the beginning of 2021,” Stephanie Hill, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, said in the statement. “Dan has had a tremendous impact to Lockheed Martin and I'm grateful for his contributions.” Schultz joined Lockheed in 2006. Before assuming his current role at Sikorsky, he was the vice president and general manager of ship and aviation systems. Schultz served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was the program manager for the Joint V-22 Osprey tiltrotor program, according to his company biography. Lemmo “built a broad career” that spans more than 30 years at Lockheed Martin, Hill said. “I'm proud of Lockheed Martin's focus on talent development which allows for smooth and seamless transitions and ensures we continue to support our customers' missions without disruption,” Hill said. Sikorsky is in the midst of two major helicopter competitions with the U.S. Army — the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and the Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA). Sikorsky has partnered with Boeing in the FLRAA competition and in both efforts the company is competing head-to-head with Bell. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/11/18/heres-whos-taking-over-as-sikorskys-president/

ARMY Hydrogeologic Inc.,* Reston, Virginia (W9128F-21-D-0006); Cape Environmental Management Inc.,* Norcross, Georgia (W9128F-21-D-0007); Environmental Chemical Corp.,* Burlingame, California (W9128F-21-D-0008); Bhate Environmental Associates Inc.,* Birmingham, Alabama (W9128F-21-D-0009); Bay West-Ahtna JV LLC,* Saint Paul, Minnesota (W9128F-21-D-0010); Bristol Environmental Remediation Services LLC,* Anchorage, Alaska (W9128F-21-D-0011); Kemron Environmental Services Inc.,* Atlanta, Georgia (W9128F-21-D-0012); and North Wind-CDM JV LLC,* Idaho Falls, Idaho (W9128F-21-D-0013), will compete for each order of the $176,250,000 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for environmental remediation projects. Bids were solicited via the internet with 21 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 17, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, was awarded a $93,293,554 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for research, development, test and evaluation of artificial intelligence for the smart sensor prototype unmanned aerial platform. Bids were solicited via the internet with 999 received. Work will be performed in Poway, California, with an estimated completion date of March 2, 2023. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Army) funds in the amount of $13,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QX-21-C-0001). B.L. Harbert International LLC, Birmingham, Alabama, was awarded a $46,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for repair and replacement of existing taxiway pavements, shoulders, drainage, signage, lighting systems, duct banks, paint and markings and temporary taxiways. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 11, 2022. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $46,500,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W912DR-21-C-0002). DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY Logistics Health Inc., La Crosse, Wisconsin, was awarded a $162,000,000 modification to their current indefinite-delivery bridge contract (HT0011-19-D-0002). This award, titled “Reserve Health Readiness Program,” provides health readiness support services to the military service components to meet medical and dental standards essential in maintaining a deployable force. This extension to the current bridge contract will permit time to complete evaluations and award of a competitive follow-on to this requirement. Services include immunizations, physical examinations, periodic health assessments, post-deployment health reassessments, mental health assessments, dental examinations, dental treatment, laboratory services, and other services as required to satisfy military service component health readiness needs. Services are delivered at military service component designated sites during group events, through the contractor's call center, and within an integrated network. The work will be performed in every U.S. state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, and Germany with period of performance from Dec. 1, 2020, to Nov. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance funds will be obligated on task orders issued under this award. This contract was awarded on an other than full and open competition basis; pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1). The Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY The Bell Boeing Joint Program Office, California, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $36,546,991 firm-fixed-price modification (P00009) to three-year delivery order SPE4AX-18-D-9433 against base contract SPRPA1-17-D-009U to extend the period of performance for delivery of V-22 spare consumable and depot-level repairable parts. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Locations of performance are Maryland, Texas, and Pennsylvania, with a May 10, 2023, performance completion date. Using military services are Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NAVY Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $16,441,085 modification (P00001) to firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable order N00019-20-F-0024 against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-19-G-0029. This modification provides for fiscal 2021 special progressive aircraft rework sustainment efforts in support of the VH-3D/VH-60N executive helicopter. Specifically, this modification provides security, project engineering, integrated logistics, material, sustainment engineering, training and program support. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (88%); and Quantico, Virginia (12%), and is expected to be completed in November 2021. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,441,085 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY GE Research, Niskayuna, New York, has been awarded a $14,313,300 cost contract, including options, for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Atmospheric Water Extraction (AWE) program. In Phase 1 of the program, GE Research proposes to develop and select promising water extraction materials. The key objective will be to fabricate an Air2Water prototype device for the production of potable water that will be powered by readily-available fuel and builds directly from pioneering sorbent materials for water harvesting from desert air. Work will be performed in Niskayuna, New York (77%); Berkeley, California (18%); Chicago, Illinois (3%); and Mobile, Alabama (2%), with an estimated completion date for Phase 1 of November 2022. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $858,975 are being obligated at time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HR001121C0020). AIR FORCE Tunista Services LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, has been awarded a $7,606,147, firm-fixed-price modification (P00011) to contract FA4855-18-C-0001 for continuation of operations, maintenance and support services at Melrose Air Force Range, New Mexico. The contract modification provides for the exercise of Option Year Three procured under the basic contract. Work is expected to be completed Nov. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $29,954,509. The 27th Special Operations Contracting Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity. CORRECTION: The multiple award contract announced on Sept. 10, 2020, for a not-to-exceed amount of $95,000,000 for maintenance, repair and minor construction work at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; Creech AFB, Nevada; and Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada, also includes Valwest Construction, Gilbert, Arizona (FA4861-21-D-0003), as an awardee. *Small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2420033/source/GovDelivery/

NAVY General Dynamics, Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is awarded a $146,118,867 cost-plus-award-fee modification against previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-4452 for DDG planning yard services. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be completed by January 2022. Fiscal 2020 other procurement (Navy) (80%); and fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) (20%), funding in the amount of $1,016,645 will be obligated at time of award, of which $200,866 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Bath, Maine, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Liverpool, New York, is awarded a $22,827,962 modification (P00003) to a firm-fixed-price order N00019-20-F-0535 against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-19-G-0029. This modification exercises an option to procure 12 retrofit advanced radar processor systems for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York (54%); and Andover, Massachusetts (46%), and is expected to be completed in April 2025. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $22,827,962 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. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded an $11,977,622 modification (P00003) to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract N00019-20-C-0026. This modification provides continued support required to establish the common reprogramming tool development network and selection of a service-oriented architecture for the development of enhanced reprogramming tools, which is essential for all standing labs in support of the F-35 aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and the governments of Australia and Great Britain. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (90%); and Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (10%), and is expected to be completed in December 2021. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $711,406; fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $711,406; and non-Department of Defense funds in the amount of $2,800,000, 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. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, is awarded an $8,456,902 modification (P00010) to cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order N00019-19-F-0453 against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-15-G-0026. This modification adds scope to provide non-recurring engineering to upgrade the current large aircraft infrared countermeasures system processor replacement in support of efforts to resolve advanced threat warning processor and control indicator unit diminishing manufacturing source issues, and exercises an option to provide expanded growth capability for the AN/AAQ-24 system for the Navy and the Air Force. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and is expected to be completed in April 2023. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,075,661; fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,961,241; and fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $420,000, will be obligated at time of award; $5,075,661 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. ARMY BAE Systems, Nashua, New Hampshire, was awarded a $49,937,097 firm-fixed-price contract for the Common Missile Warning System. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 15, 2025. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-21-D-0010). General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $25,982,972 modification (P00004) to contract W56HZV-20-C-0031 to provide maintenance training and procedural technical assistance to the Kuwait Land Force. Work will be performed in Kuwait City, Kuwait, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 5, 2023. Fiscal 2010 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $25,982,972 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY ARES Technical Services Corp.,* Burlingame, California, is being awarded a $51,962,387 competitive cost-plus-fixed-fee, level-of-effort contract with a three-year base value of $21,651,531 and two one-year options for Technical, Engineering, Advisory, and Management Support (TEAMS) - Next Safety advisory and assistance services. The work will be performed in Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Dahlgren, Virginia; Huntsville, Alabama; Fort Greely, Alaska; Vandenberg Air Force Base, California; Kirkland AFB, New Mexico; Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii; and White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 13, 2025. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the beta.SAM.gov website with three proposals received. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $2,599,751 are being obligated at time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0858-21-C-0011). AIR FORCE L‐3 Communications Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, has been awarded a $38,000,000 firm-fixed‐price, indefinite‐delivery/indefinite‐quantity modification (P00021) to contract FA8106‐17‐D‐0001 for contractor logistic support of the Air Force C‐12 fleet. Work will be performed in Madison, Mississippi; San Angelo, Texas; Okmulgee, Oklahoma; Buenos Ares, Argentina; Gaborone, Botswana; Brasilia, Brazil; Bogota, Colombia; Cairo, Egypt; Accra, Ghana; Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Budapest, Hungary; Joint Base Andrews, Maryland; Nairobi, Kenya; Rabat, Morocco; Manila, Philippines; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Bangkok, Thailand; Ankara, Turkey; Edwards Air Force Base, California; Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Joint Base Elmendorf‐Richardson, Alaska; Oslo, Norway; and Yokota Air Base, Japan. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2021. The estimated cumulative face value of the contract is $158,000,000. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance in the amount of $6,648,772 will be obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity. Engineering Arresting Systems Corp., Ashton, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a $15,691,772 requirements-indefinite-delivery type, firm‐fixed-price production contract for the Mobile Runway Edge Sheave (MRES). Work will be performed in Ashton, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed Nov. 15, 2028. This contract is the result of a sole-source acquisition. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8534-21-D-0001). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $9,602,250 modification (P00010) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-19-D-1113) with four one-year option periods for cloth. This is a firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is North Carolina, with a Nov. 18, 2021, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2022 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. *Small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2416815/source/GovDelivery/

November 13, 2020 - Rheinmetall is supplying the South African military with new 40mm medium-velocity ammunition, underscoring its role as the world's leading one-stop-shop for 40mm ammunition systems. In October 2020 Rheinmetall Denel Munition officially completed Project Kamogelo on behalf of the South African Department of Defence, Armscor and the South African Army. What makes Project Kamogelo so special is not only the introduction of a new 40mm medium-velocity (MV) weapon system: it also marks the first successful Expedited Armament Acquisition Process (EAAP) project in response to an urgent operational requirement of the South African Army. The South African Army initiated the project in 2016 with the aim of fielding a new grenade launcher and family of 40mm ammunition. Armscor, the nation's arms procurement agency, approved the procurement plan in February 2018, subsequently overseeing testing and evaluation of the Milkor Y4 multi-shot weapon. This involved firing Rheinmetall Denel Munition's less-lethal, low-velocity and medium-velocity ammunition. Particular emphasis was placed on speed and accuracy. The South African Army procured more than 20,000 rounds of medium-velocity ammunition, including high explosive ammunition, high explosive dual-purpose ammunition, practice ammunition, practice tracer ammunition, red phosphorous smoke rounds and orange target marker ammunition. Rheinmetall Denel Munition's medium-velocity ammunition has a maximum range of 800 metres, exceeding conventional extended range low-velocity (LV) variants by up to 375 metres while delivering unparalleled accuracy. The company's ammunition suite currently encompasses nine different MV variants, six of which formed part of this procurement package. “This day marks ... an important milestone in the history of the Department of Defence, in particular the South African Army, as we witness the handing and taking over ceremony of the 40mm medium-velocity grenade launcher,” said Rear Admiral A.A.A. Morris, Chief Director Defence Acquisition Management, Material Division. “We're proud to be able to offer our new medium-velocity 40mm family to our home market, the SANDF. With this solution we offer the soldier a unique product solution: a quick-firing multiple grenade launcher with a standoff range in excess of 800 metres”, said Jan-Patrick Helmsen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition. Rheinmetall – the leading one-stop-shop for 40mm systems In the infantry toolbox, the versatile 40mm ammunition pallet closes the gap between hand grenade and mortar. It therefore serves as a veritable combat multiplier for infantry and other dismounted troops. Rheinmetall is one of the world's leading suppliers of ammunition, weapon systems and fire control systems and therefore serves as a one-stop-shop for 40mm systems. Widely used today, Rheinmetall's 40mm x 46 low-velocity ammunition (LV, velocity: 78 m/s) is available in many different versions, including HE/fragmentation, shaped charge with fragmentation jacket (HEDP/high explosive dual purpose) as well a number of other service and practice rounds, together with non-lethal payloads such as kinetic impact munitions or irritant. The range of ammunition is constantly being expanded and new capabilities added. With Rheinmetall Denel Munitions's handover, Rheinmetall has taken the first step as the leading maker of new 40mm medium-velocity (MV, ca. 100 m/s) ammunition. The company is currently expanding its MV product. It now includes the new generation of 40mm MV ammunition, which has a maximum effective range of 800 metres, doubling the gunners's operational reach and providing a flatter trajectory for those crucial close-in, accurately placed shots MV ammunition is. Currently undergoing NATO qualification, Rheinmetall's 40mm MV ammunition family will soon be available in service and practice versions. It can be used with the multi-shot grenade launchers Milkor US M32A1 and AV 140. Furthermore, Rheinmetall's 40mm Magazine-Fed Grenade Launcher (MFGL) is currently under development. The Group's 40mm x 53 high-velocity (HV) ammunition reaches a velocity of 240 m/s and has a maximum effective range of 2,200 metres. Here, too, the Group supplies a wide assortment of different cartridges, including newly developed HE and HEDP airburst ammunition programmed by an infrared programming unit. The airburst function also makes this type of ammunition suitable for engaging small unmanned aerial systems. Among other things, it is earmarked for the Bundeswehr's Qualified Air Defence project. Rheinmetall's family of fire control systems enhances combat effectiveness enormously. It provides users with a broad range of enhanced capabilities, increasing the effectiveness of the gunner while maximizing the potential of the host weapon system and the accompanying munitions. The family consists of various fire control solutions, providing increased accuracy and performance: Vingmate FCS 4500 for high-velocity automatic grenade launchers and heavy machine guns, MR-500 and MR-800 for low- and medium-velocity 40mm grenade launchers and Vingmate SL 1000 for shoulder-launched weapons. Rheinmetall AG Corporate Sector Defence Press and Information Oliver Hoffmann Rheinmetall Platz 1 40476 Düsseldorf Germany Phone: +49 211 473-4748 Fax: +49 211 473-4157 View source version on Rheinmetall : https://www.rheinmetall-defence.com/en/rheinmetall_defence/public_relations/news/latest_news/index_25344.php

November 16, 2020 - RUAG Simulation & Training has confirmed its capabilities for full remote monitoring and supervision support for Live training systems on behalf of a European customer. The comprehensive event specifically featured the inclusion of after-action review (AAR) reporting and analysis and was provided to full customer satisfaction. The remote supervision was supported from Switzerland and enabled the customer's scheduled training to proceed in keeping with pandemic guidelines. RUAG Simulation & Training supported army and police forces, deploying force-on-force and Mobile Combat Training Center (CTC) services featuring Gladiator Modular Tactical Engagement Training System. RUAG Simulation & Training's competency for full remote supervision, including data transfer necessary to AAR, was proven within the scope of laser-based force-on-force training exercises. The implementation of the remote protocols was a prerequisite to ensuring highest training fidelity despite COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Remote supervision offset the need for the standard on-site presence of two to four professional supervisors, assuring that international travel from Switzerland was avoided. The customer experienced a reliable and realistic training and a thorough and accurate AAR debriefing, all within their protected training-site environment. The scheduled training, featuring a special operations program, proceeded according to plan, with multiple units and their various specialisations included within the Live system. RUAG's Gladiator Supervision Equipment ensured the data transmitted from positioning and interaction sensors, from the various modules, components and participants comprised in the Mobile CTC Live system, was recorded and analysed for an effective AAR. This achievement strengthened collaboration in an ongoing series of comprehensive laser-based force-on-force trainings commissioned by the customer. The Training-as-a-Service approach included full rental of Gladiator Modular Tactical Engagement Training System components and local consultants for operational system checks and servicing. Together with the customer, the team from RUAG Simulation & Training defined system configuration and component needs to target highest training fidelity and performance accuracy within budget guidelines. RUAG Simulation & Training AG is a professional and trusted partner for Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) simulation & training solutions. Combining cutting-edge technology with an unparalleled depth of experience, RUAG develops affordable products tailored to training goals and designed for saving lives and protecting assets in the complex environment of today's and tomorrow's battlefields. Gladiator Modular Tactical Engagement Training Systems enable live conflict scenario simulations to proceed at the highest levels of fidelity. __________________________________________________________ RUAG MRO International is an independent supplier, support provider and integrator of systems and components for civil and military aviation worldwide. It also develops and supports simulation and training systems and solutions for international trained security forces. Highly specialized in the support of aircraft and helicopters throughout their entire life cycle, the company includes maintenance, repair and overhaul services, upgrades, and the development, manufacture and integration of subsystems and components in their service portfolio. In addition, as the manufacturer (OEM) of the Dornier 228, a versatile aircraft for special missions as well as passenger and cargo operations, RUAG International focuses on customer support solutions, including OEM services. Moreover, RUAG MRO International is a developer, OEM and system support provider for simulation and training systems technology for live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training. Complex and flexible functions, and a holistic approach, support realistic training scenarios, adapted to mission goals, at individual, team and unit instruction levels. View source version on RUAG : https://www.ruag.com/en/news/ruag-international-implements-full-remote-supervision-support-live-simulation-training-system