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ARMY Isometrics Inc.,* Reidsville, North Carolina, was awarded an $82,510,281 firm-fixed-price contract for the Modular Fuel System - Tank Rack Module. 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 Feb. 6, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-D-0048). Goodwin Brothers Construction, St. Louis, Missouri, was awarded a $33,900,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a new water treatment plant for the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Missouri. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Independence, Missouri, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 22, 2021. Fiscal 2018 other procurement Army funds in the amount of $33,900,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Missouri, is the contracting activity (W912DQ-19-C-4002). Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Virginia, was awarded a $12,884,834 modification (P00006) to contract W91RUS-18-C-0024 for cybersecurity support services. Work will be performed in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 2, 2029. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $12,884,834 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Gilbane Federal JV, Concord, California, was awarded a $10,041,983 firm-fixed-price contract for two-phase design build construction of a blood donor center. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Fort Gordon, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 21, 2020. Fiscal 2018 military construction funds in the amount of $10,041,983 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W912HN-19-C-3002). NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded $52,367,561 for modification P00002 to a previously issued cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order (N0001918F0472) placed against basic ordering agreement N00019-14-G-0020. This modification provides for additional ancillary mission equipment for F-35 Lightning II aircraft in support of the Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, non-U.S. Department of Defense (non-U.S. DoD), participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in June 2022. Fiscal 2017 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy); fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps); non-U.S. DoD participant; and FMS funding in the amount of $52,367,561 will be obligated at time of award, $35,913,912 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Marine Corps ($20,791,984; 39 percent); Air Force ($11,338,222; 22 percent); Navy ($5,016,648; 10 percent); non-U.S. DoD participants ($12,112,092; 23 percent), and FMS customers ($3,108,615; 6 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. General Dynamics NASSCO-Bremerton, Bremerton, Washington, is awarded a $34,305,282 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-14-C-4321 to exercise an option for repair and alteration requirements for USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) fiscal 2019 dry-docking planned incremental availability (DPIA). The DPIA is the opportunity in the ship's life cycle to conduct repairs and alterations. The option will authorize the fourth major availability of the contract, and entails modification and repair of ship equipment, hull and systems. Work will be performed in Bremerton, Washington, and is expected to be completed by July 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $34,305,282 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Washington, is the contracting activity. Huntington Ingalls Industries Fleet Support Group LLC (formerly AMSEC LLC), Virginia Beach, Virginia (N4523A-19-D-1301); Gryphon (formerly CDI Marine Co. LLC), Norfolk, Virginia (N4523A-19-D-1302); and Tridentis LLC,* Alexandria, Virginia (N4523A-19-D-1303), are awarded a combined not-to-exceed $40,000,000 shared capacity, multiple-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for marine design and engineering services for all current and former U.S. naval vessels, ships, craft and boats in the areas of naval architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, electronics, industrial and environmental engineering. The work will include planning and estimating, engineering designs and calculations, technical research, troubleshooting and failure mode analysis, assessments and inspections, oversight and technical support of industrial work, training, and detailed reports based on engineering studies and analysis relating to marine vessels and equipment (including, but not limited to cranes, caissons and similar equipment used to support ship repairs, overhaul and dismantling). This requirement also includes computer aided drafting and design drafting and modeling, and technical document preparation, publication and reproduction. Work will be performed in Bremerton, Washington (60 percent); and throughout the world depending on need (40 percent), and is expected to be complete by February 2024. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $15,000 will be obligated at time of award through the issuance of three separate task orders ($5,000 for each company) and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Washington, is the contracting activity. Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, California, is awarded $23,958,623 for firm-fixed-price task order N6247319F4285 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-18-D-5853) for bachelor enlisted quarters (BEQ) repairs at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. The work to be performed provides for a Design-Build project, consisting of whole barracks renovation and modernization of BEQ Towers D, E, and F. The project also includes repairs for the core building in the complex, which houses administration, utilities, and boilers for the BEQ. Building shell work for Towers D, E and F will repair the roof, provide roof anchors, replace metal panels to match existing building walls, replace all exterior doors, frames, and hardware, replace windows, and repair exterior walls. The task order also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative task order value to $45,234,567. Work will be performed in Lemoore, California, and is expected to be completed by February 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $23,958,623 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Six proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. Vigor Marine Inc., Portland, Oregon, is awarded a $17,044,892 firm-fixed-price contract for a 75-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry docking of USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7). Work will include clean and gas-free tanks, voids, cofferdams and spaces, propulsion motor and cooler, main generator maintenance and cleaning, high voltage switchboard and emergency switchboard cleaning, five-year main engine flex hose replacement, dry-docking and undocking, propeller shaft and stern tube inspect, freshwater (closed loop) stern tube lubrication, underwater hull cleaning and painting, freeboard cleaning and painting, sea valve replacements, renew flight deck nonskid, and reverse osmosis unit sea-chest installation. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $19,374,570. Work will be performed in Portland, Oregon, and is expected to be completed by May 15, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $17,044,892 are obligated at the time of award. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with two offers received. The U. S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220519C6004). Jacobs Technology Inc., Ridgecrest, California, is awarded $12,328,002 for modification P00060 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost contract (N68936-15-C-0026). This modification provides for the retrofit of existing test equipment, design and development of new testing equipment and test support for Air Launch Testing and Underwater Testing of a conventional prompt strike weapon. Work will be performed in China Lake, California, and is expected to be completed in August 2019. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $270,000 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 Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity. General Dynamics, Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is awarded a $10,826,033 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification under a previously awarded contract N00024-14-C-4313 for Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Planning Yard Services. This modification procures waterjet assembly battle spares for the LCS-5 and follow ships (Freedom Class), from Rolls-Royce Marine North America Inc. Work will be performed in Walpole, Massachusetts (98 percent); and Bath, Maine (2 percent), and is expected to be complete by August 2021. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $10,826,033 will be obligated at award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair, Bath, Maine, is the contracting activity. Donjon Marine Co. Inc., Hillside, New Jersey, is awarded a $10,364,915 cost-plus-award-fee delivery order under previously-awarded contract N00024-18-D-4307 to provide pumping assets (equipment and personnel) to Puerto Rico to assist with pumping operations designated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). This contract modification is under Zone A Salvage Services Contract. Action is in response to a salvage services request from ACOE to provide pumping assets given hurricane season commencement and anticipated near-term heavy rainfall. Work will be performed in Puerto Rico and is expected to be completed by December 2019. Non-expiring ACOE funding in the amount of $9,528,240 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Homeland Security Solutions Inc., Hampton, Virginia, is awarded a $10,250,351 firm-fixed-price, six-month contract for program management support, training, human resources services and non-guard security support services. This contract includes three one-year option periods, and one six-month option period which, if exercised, could bring the cumulative value of this contract to $35,291,550. Work will be performed in: Camp Lejeune/New River, North Carolina (11 Percent); Camp Pendleton, California (10 percent); Washington, District of Columbia (9 percent); Cherry Point, North Carolina (8 percent); Miramar, California (8 percent); Quantico, Virginia (8 percent); Camp Smith and Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (7 percent); Beaufort/Parris Island, South Carolina (6 percent); Yuma, Arizona (5 percent); Barstow, California (5 percent); San Diego, California (5 percent); Albany, Georgia (5 percent); Okinawa, Japan (5 percent); Bridgeport, California (2 percent); Blount Island, Florida (2 percent); New Orleans, Louisiana (2 percent); and Iwakuni, Japan (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed September 2019. If all options are exercised, work will continue through March 2023. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) in the amount of $10,250,351 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via solicitation on the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The Marine Corps Installations National Capitol Region - Regional Contracting Office, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity for M00264-19-C-0007. Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp., Atlanta, Georgia, is awarded a $9,775,501 cost-plus fixed-fee contract for Low Cost UAS Swarm Technology Distributed Autonomy prototyping, analysis, and support. This contract contains options, which if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to $17,441,037. Work will be performed in Atlanta, Georgia, and work is expected to be completed Jan. 31, 2020. If options are exercised, work will continue through Jan. 31, 2022. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,061,486 are obligated at the time of award. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under N00014-18-S-B001, a long range broad agency announcement (BAA) for science and technology projects for advancement and improvement of Navy and Marine Corps operations, including expeditionary maneuver warfare and combating terrorism. Since proposals will be received throughout the year under the long range BAA, therefore, the number of proposals received in response to the solicitation is unknown. The Office of Naval Research, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00014-19-C-2023). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, Redondo Beach, California, is being awarded a $17,416,113 modification (P00359) to a previously awarded F04701-02-C-0009 contract to exercise an option. The value of this contract is increased from $1,898,989,472 to $1,916,405,585. Under this modification, the contractor will provide on-orbit operations and sustainment for the Space Tracking and Surveillance System. The work will be performed at the Missile Defense Space Center at Colorado Springs, Colorado; and at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in Redondo Beach, California. The performance period is from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $7,000,000 is being obligated at time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Textron Aviation Defense, Wichita, Kansas, has been awarded a $10,362,128 undefinitized contract modification (P0005) to a previously awarded undefinitized contract action FA8617-17-C-6216, increasing the not-to-exceed price to $135,279,753 for 12 T-6C aircraft, maintenance and pilot training, and interim contractor support for maintenance. Contractor will provide supplies and services to provide for the replacement of current training aircraft fleet and the enhancement of the Argentina air force surveillance and border security mission. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas, and is expected to be complete by June 30, 2021. This contract is 100 percent Foreign Military Sales to Argentina. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1752961/source/GovDelivery/

By: Hans Binnendijk and Jim Townsend While the German decision last week to remove the Lockheed Martin F-35 from consideration as a replacement for 90 aging Tornado fighters solidifies Franco-German industrial cooperation, it could come at the expense of making Germany's Luftwaffe a less capable air force until at least 2040, when a new advanced Franco-German fighter becomes available. The decision also places German domestic political considerations ahead of Germany's leadership role in NATO. This would be understandable for a nation that does not perceive a significant military threat from Russia, but it is disturbing for those who emphasize the need to maximize NATO's deterrent posture in the East. The decision should be reconsidered. After removing the F-35 (and also the older F-15) from consideration, Germany now has three choices. It can augment its planned 177 Eurofighter Typhoon fleet with up to 90 additional Typhoons adapted for suppression of enemy air defense and electronic warfare missions. That fleet of some 267 Typhoons would simplify servicing and training, but it could also ground the entire German fighter fleet should major structural problems appear in the aircraft. The Typhoon has had considerable readiness problems: Germany would be putting all of its fighter eggs in one basket. Germany could alternatively buy 90 Boeing F-18s (Super Hornets and Growlers), which is still under active German consideration. That decision would provide better air-to-ground and electronic-warfare capabilities for Germany than the additional Typhoons. But it would still leave Germany behind without a fifth-generation fighter as other allies move onto the future of air power. Or Germany could buy some mix of additional Typhoons and F-18s. Today, Germany flies no U.S.-built aircraft, and some observers are betting against the F-18 for that reason. These three remaining alternatives are all second best from the perspective of maximizing Germany's air power and its leadership among NATO air forces. Operationally, the F-35 is by far the best airplane in this mix. It has stealth and battle-management capabilities that are a generation ahead of the Typhoon or F-18. It is a force multiplier that enhances the capabilities of lesser allied aircraft. If the Luftwaffe needs to penetrate heavy air defenses in a future fight, their pilots would be more secure in the F-35. The Luftwaffe without F-35s would be hard-pressed to fight alone in a contested air environment. Currently eight NATO nations have agreed to purchase the F-35. Those nations will have highly interoperable fifth-generation aircraft. They will provide for the elite fighters in future NATO air-superiority and defense-suppression missions. Without the F-35, Germany will be absent from that elite group, and German pilots would probably be given only secondary missions. The F-35 also has advantages to perform Germany's NATO nuclear mission. The ability of the F-35 to penetrate and survive these missions is superior. The F-35 would have been nuclear-certified prior to delivery. Certification for the Typhoon and F-18s would take additional time, money and German political capital. The default position, therefore, might be further life extensions for the old Tornados and further degradation of NATO's nuclear deterrence. It is no wonder that the chief of the German Luftwaffe publicly declared his support for the F-35. He was silenced and retired early. So why did German political leaders make this decision? Money alone is not the answer. While the F-35 is a much better plane, its costs are coming down considerably to the point where they would be about as much as a Typhoon. The Typhoon would, of course, have local labor benefits. Nor is availability the answer. Lockheed has told the Germans that they could have their first F-35 three years after a contract is signed. The answer is more political and industrial. The Merkel government rules by grand coalition, with Social Democrats holding key positions in the Federal Foreign Office and the Finance Ministry. The Social Democrats tend to resist greater defense spending and have a more benign view of Russia's intentions. Many resist Germany's nuclear mission. And no one in the coalition wants to reward U.S. President Donald Trump. More important, France and Germany are drawing closer together on defense policy in the wake of Brexit and President Trump's criticisms of NATO. The recently signed Aachen Treaty committed the two nationsto new levels of cooperation in defense and foreign policy. A center piece of this reinforced Franco-German defense cooperation is an agreement reached last summer to jointly design and produce a next-generation fighter by 2040. Dassault and Airbus plan to leverage their current Rafale and Typhoon aircraft as a bridge to this new joint aircraft. Paris fears that a German purchase of the F-35, especially in large numbers, could undercut the need for the next-gen fighter and harm European capabilities to produce advanced fighters. They have let Berlin know this. A strong Franco-German engine at the heart of European defense is to be encouraged. But it should not come at the expense of optimal NATO air power and deterrence. Nor should it come at the expense of broader NATO solidarity. Germany should reconsider its F-35 decision and purchase at least enough F-35s to retain its leadership position in European air power and its familiarity with fifth-generation aircraft technology. Its European allies, who will also be negatively impacted, should weigh in. Failing this, a purchase of the F-18 would be a second-best option. Hans Binnendijk is a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council and formerly served as the U.S. National Security Council's senior director for defense policy. James Townsend is a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security and formerly served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy. https://www.defensenews.com/opinion/commentary/2019/02/08/german-f-35-decision-sacrifices-nato-capability-for-franco-german-industrial-cooperation/

Boeing, qui a pris le contrôle du programme F/A-18 en rachetant McDonnell Douglas, peut-être satisfait : alors que l'US Navy retire ses derniers F/A-18 Hornet des unités de première ligne, son successeur, le Super Hornet, reste bien présent sur le marché des avions de combat où il tient tête (Canada, Finlande, Allemagne...) au F-35 de Lockheed [...](...) https://www.aerocontact.com/actualite-aeronautique-spatiale/57137-la-navy-debarque-le-hornet-alors-que-le-super-hornet-marque-des-points

NAVY BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, San Diego, California (N00024-16-D-4419); Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc., San Diego, California (N00024-16-D-4420); and General Dynamics, National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, California (N00024-16-D-4421), are each awarded firm-fixed-price modifications to exercise Option Period Three under previously-awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple-award contracts for complex, emergent and continuous maintenance and Chief of Naval Operations availabilities on amphibious ships. Each company will have the opportunity to provide offers for individual delivery orders during Option Period Three, with an estimated cumulative combined value of $406,853,897. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be complete by March 2020. No funding will be obligated at time of award. Funding will be provided as individual delivery orders are issued. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded $240,266,448 for modification P00009 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (N00019-17-C-0030) for the manufacture and delivery of 12 Lot 16 AH-1Z aircraft for the kingdom of Bahrain under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (60 percent); and Amarillo, Texas (40 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2022. FMS funds in the amount of $240,266,448 are being obligated at the 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. Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia, is awarded a $33,001,816 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity supply contract with cost-reimbursable services for the Digital Video Surveillance System in support of guided-missile destroyer (DDG) modernization. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division is the Navy's agent for the coordination and planning of all the engineering and technical support services for the modernization program. The modernization program provides a full spectrum of technical support encompassing all phases of the alteration installation process. Supplies are to be delivered to various Navy bases, shipyards, repair facilities and contractor facilities in the continental U.S. Work will be performed in Reston, Virginia (85 percent); and at various places below one percent (15 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2024. Fiscal 2018 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,916,500 will be obligated 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 one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. (N64498-19-D-4011) The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded $23,108,547 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order N00383-19-F-0AY1 under previously awarded basic ordering agreement N00383-18-G-AY01 for the repair of various avionics equipment used on the F/A-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Lemoore, California (99 percent); and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed by December 2021. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $23,108,547 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One source was solicited for this non-competitive requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, and one offer was received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. URS Group Inc., Morrisville, North Carolina, is awarded a $21,000,000 modification on a firm-fixed-price task order under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62470-13-D-6022) for Phase One of Hurricane Michael repairs for stabilization and repairs to multiple buildings at Naval Support Activity Panama City, Florida. The work to be performed provides for removal of carpet, walls, windows and other unsalvageable items due to water penetration, clean-up of roofing materials and tarping of rooftops to mitigate further water intrusion. Repairs include roof replacement, roof decking, and sealing roof penetrations. The repairs also include correction of architectural, structural, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, fire protection, electrical deficiencies and any other incidental related work as found due to damage from the hurricane. After award of this modification, the total task order value will be $42,510,000. Work will be performed in Panama City, Florida, and is expected to be completed by September 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $21,000,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded $18,265,659 for modification P00045 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-16-C-0004). This modification provides for the maintenance and operation of the Australia, Canada, United Kingdom Reprogramming Laboratory (ACURL). This effort includes support for all ACURL systems to include consumables for the F-35 aircraft in support of the governments of Australia, Canada and the U.K. Work will be performed in Valparaiso, Florida, and is expected to be completed in February 2020. Non-Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $18,265,659 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. Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, Marlborough, Massachusetts, is awarded a $16,680,230 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00039-16-C-0050) to exercise options to deliver spare items for the Navy Multiband Terminal (NMT) system and to produce, test and deliver fully integrated NMT. NMT is a multiband capable satellite communications terminal that provides protected and wideband communications. NMT supports Extremely High Frequency (EHF) / Advanced EHF Low Data Rate / Medium Data Rate / Extended Data Rate, Super High Frequency, Military Ka (transmit and receive) and Global Broadcast Service receive-only communications. Work will be performed in Largo, Florida (54 percent); South Deerfield, Massachusetts (25 percent); Stow, Massachusetts (13 percent); and Marlborough, Massachusetts (8 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy); Navy working capital funds; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $16,680,230 will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This sole-source contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. General Dynamics, Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is awarded a $15,637,609 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification, against previously awarded contract N00024-14-C-4313 for LCS Planning Yard Services. This modification procures waterjet assembly battle spares for the LCS-6 and follow ships (Independence Class). Work will be performed in Chesapeake, Virginia (99 percent); and Bath, Maine (1 percent), and is expected to be complete by March 2021. Fiscal 2018 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $15,637,609 will be obligated at award, and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion, and Repair, Bath, Maine, is the contracting activity. American Petroleum Tankers LLC, Blue Bay, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $15,111,000 firm-fixed-price option with reimbursable elements under a previously awarded contract (N3220517C3502) to exercise Option One for the vessel the M/V Evergreen State in support of the Department of Defense Logistics Agency Energy. The U.S. flagged vessel provided under the contract is employed in the worldwide transportation of petroleum products. The vessel will primarily be expected to operate in, but not limited to, the U.S. East Coast/Gulf Coast region, in accordance with the terms of this charter. Work for this option is expected to be completed February 2020. Working capital funds in the amount of $9,687,600 are obligated on this award. The cumulative value of this contract, if all options are exercised, is $81,048,250. This procurement was released under full and open competition, with an unlimited number of companies solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Mission Systems, Fairfax, Virginia, is awarded a $14,512,050 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-16-C-5352 to exercise options for Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 1B3 full-rate production. SEWIP is an evolutionary acquisition and incremental development program to upgrade the existing AN/SLQ-32(V) electronic warfare system. SEWIP provides enhanced shipboard electronic warfare for early detection, analysis, threat warning, and protection from anti-ship missiles. SEWIP Block 1 focuses on obsolescence mitigation and special signal intercept. Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (55 percent); Thousand Oaks, California (25 percent); Mountain View, California (15 percent); and Fairfax, Virginia (5 percent), and is expected to be complete by May 2020. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2019 and 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,512,050 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Assurance Technology Corp., Carlisle, Massachusetts, is awarded $11,471,334 for cost-plus-fixed-fee modification P00029 to task order N00173-15-F-6201 under previously awarded contract (N00173-15-F-6201). This contract action is for research, development, and integration as it relates to Software Definable/Reconfigurable Systems design. This modification provides additional level of effort to be executed under the task order. The total cumulative face value of this task order is $46,792,500. Work will be performed in Washington, District of Columbia (93 percent); and Carlisle, Massachusetts (7 percent), and work is expected to be completed in July 2019. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,500,000 are obligated at the time of award. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. ARMY The Raytheon Co., Fort Wayne, Indiana, was awarded a $406,280,000 hybrid (cost, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price and fixed-price-incentive) contract for AN/ARC-231 Multiple-Mode Aviation Radio Suite, hardware components, repair services, technical, engineering and logistical support services. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W56JSR-19-D-0014). Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $107,390,788 fixed-price-incentive contract for recapitalized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, Palletized Load System (PLS) trucks, and new PLS trailers. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2017 and 2019 other procurement Army funds in the amount of $107,390,788 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-F-0193). Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $55,093,787 fixed-price-incentive contract for recapitalized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, Palletized Load System (PLS) trucks, and new PLS trailers. One bid was solicited via the internet with one bid received. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2020. Fiscal 2017, 2018 and 2019 other procurement Army funds in the amount of $55,093,787 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-F-0192). Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $40,946,478 fixed-price-incentive contract for recapitalized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2020. Fiscal 2019 other procurement Army funds in the amount of $40,946,478 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-F-0194). Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $29,319,096 fixed-price-incentive contract for recapitalized Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2017 other procurement Army funds in the amount of $29,319,096 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-F-0195). Record Steel and Construction Inc., Boise, Idaho, was awarded a $25,393,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an E-3G mission and flight simulator training facility at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work will be performed in Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 21, 2021. Fiscal 2017 military construction funds in the amount of $25,393,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (W912BV-19-C-0002). STANTEC Consulting Services, Raleigh, North Carolina, was awarded a $12,250,000 firm-fixed-price contract for vertical architectural and engineering. Bids were solicited via the internet with 28 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 6, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912PM-19-D-0001). Clark Nexsen Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, was awarded a $12,250,000 firm-fixed-price contract for vertical architectural and engineering. Bids were solicited via the internet with 28 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 6, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912PM-19-D-0002). AECOM Technical Services Inc., Los Angeles, California, was awarded a $12,250,000 firm-fixed-price contract for vertical architectural and engineering. Bids were solicited via the internet with 28 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 6, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912PM-19-D-0003). Whitman, Requardt and Associates LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, was awarded a $12,250,000 firm-fixed-price contract for vertical architectural and engineering. Bids were solicited via the internet with 28 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 6, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912PM-19-D-0004). AAI Corp. doing business as Textron Systems, Hunt Valley, Maryland, was awarded a $7,050,000 modification (0004 10) to Foreign Military Sales (Australia) contract W58RGZ-17-D-0006 for contractor logistics support of the One System Remote Video Terminal. Work will be performed in Hunt Valley, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of May 7, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Army; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $7,050,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Parsons, Pasadena, California, has been awarded a $94,359,257 firm-fixed-price contract, for Launch Manifest Systems Integrator (LMSI). This acquisition will allow for necessary integration and manifesting services for the LMSI requirement. Work will be performed in Pasadena and Torrance, California, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 6, 2024. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and one offer was received. Fiscal 2019 space procurement funds in the amount of $5,898,895 will be obligated at the time of award. The Contracting Division, Launch Systems Enterprise Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA8811-19-F-0003). https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1751801/source/GovDelivery/

Gennevilliers, le 6 février 2019. Safran inaugure la nouvelle plateforme de recherche sur les aubes de turbines avancées pour moteurs d'avions et d'hélicoptères en présence de Florence Parly, ministre des Armées, d'Ursula von der Leyen, ministre de la Défense allemande et de Philippe Petitcolin, Directeur Général de Safran. La plateforme de recherche sur les aubes de turbines avancées de Safran Tech, centre de Recherche et Technologie du Groupe, rassemble les compétences d'une trentaine d'ingénieurs et doctorants, dans un b'timent de 3 000 m2 doté d'équipements de haute technologie, pour mener l'ensemble des travaux de développement des futures aubes de turbines à très haute performance. Conception multi-disciplinaire, fonderie mono-cristalline, noyaux céramiques par fabrication additive, barrières thermiques, circuits de refroidissement, digitalisation des procédés, micro-perçage auto-adaptatif, contrôles non destructifs avancés utilisant l'intelligence artificielle sont quelques exemples des domaines d'expertise et d'innovation mis en oeuvre au sein de la plateforme. Les nouvelles aubes de turbines réalisées sur cette plateforme seront intégrées sur les moteurs actuels du Rafale afin d'améliorer la disponibilité opérationnelle des aéronefs et diminuer le coût du maintien en condition opérationnelle ainsi que le coût de production. Les technologies développées par la plateforme intègreront également le futur moteur militaire à haute performance de Safran Aircraft Engines dans la perspective du Système de Combat Aérien du Futur franco-allemand (SCAF). La plateforme développe également des technologies qui seront utilisées sur les moteurs civils et les moteurs d'hélicoptères. A cette occasion, Florence Parly, ministre des Armées et Philippe Petitcolin, Directeur Général de Safran ont signé le renouvellement de la convention de soutien Action PME, en présence de trois PME, Alliance Outillage, Chesneau et MSC Scanning, fournisseurs notamment de la plateforme de recherche. Le site de Gennevilliers, en activité depuis 110 ans, est l'un des sites historiques du Groupe. Situé à une quinzaine de kilomètres au nord-ouest de Paris, il regroupe, sur 15 hectares en bord de Seine, les activités de forge, de fonderie et d'usinage de pièces aéronautiques de Safran Aircraft Engines réparties en trois centres d'excellence industrielle : pour les aubes de turbines, les aubes de compresseurs et les pièces tournantes. https://www.safran-group.com/fr/media/safran-inaugure-sa-plateforme-de-recherche-sur-les-aubes-de-turbines-avancees-gennevilliers-20190206

NAVY BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Hudson, New Hampshire, is awarded $225,034,247 for firm-fixed-price delivery order N0001919F2701 against a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-17-D-5517) to procure 9,999 additional Lot 7, full-rate production units of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II. The procurement of the additional APKWS II weapons will upgrade the current 2.75-inch rocket system to a semi-active laser guided precision weapon in support of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and the governments of Nigeria and the Netherlands. Work will be performed in Hudson, New Hampshire (70 percent); and Austin, Texas (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2020. Fiscal 2019 procurement of ammunition (Army, Navy and Marine Corps and Air Force); and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $225,034,247 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. BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Virginia, was awarded an $114,563,249 firm-fixed-price contract for the execution of USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) fiscal 2019 depot maintenance period Chief of Naval Operations availability. This availability will include a combination of maintenance, modernization, and repair of USS Bulkeley. This is a “long-term” availability and was competed on a coast-wide (East coast) basis without limiting the place of performance to the vessel's homeport. BAE will provide the facilities and human resources capable of completing, coordinating, and integrating multiple areas of ship maintenance, repair, and modernization. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $136,226,668. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by June 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy); and fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $114,563,249 will be obligated at time of award, $85,275,770 of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using full and open competition via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received in response to Solicitation No. N00024-18-R-4448. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-19-C-4448). (Awarded Feb. 1, 2019) Marine Hydraulics International Inc. (MHI), Norfolk, Virginia, was awarded a $103,384,447 firm-fixed-price contract for the execution of USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) fiscal 2019 Chief of Naval Operations-scheduled dry-docking selected restricted availability. This availability will include a combination of maintenance, modernization and repair of USS Gunston Hall. This is a “long-term” availability and was competed on a coast-wide (East Coast) basis without limiting the place of performance to the vessel's homeport. MHI will provide the facilities and human resources capable of completing, coordinating and integrating multiple areas of ship maintenance, repair and modernization. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $149,237,975. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by April 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding; and fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $103,384,447 will be obligated at time of award, and $103,159,625 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured using full and open competition via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received in response to solicitation N00024-18-R-4448. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-19-C-4450). (Awarded Feb. 1, 2019) General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, was awarded a $67,179,025 firm-fixed-price contract for the execution of USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) fiscal 2019 dry-docking selected restricted availability Chief of Naval Operations availability. This availability will include a combination of maintenance, modernization, and repair of USS Arleigh Burke. This is a “long-term” availability and was competed on a coast-wide (East Coast) basis without limiting the place of performance to the vessel's homeport. NASSCO will provide the facilities and human resources capable of completing, coordinating, and integrating multiple areas of ship maintenance, repair, and modernization. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $74,718,063. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $67,179,025 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be complete by November 2019. This contract was competitively procured using full and open competition via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received in response to solicitation No. N00024-18-R-4448. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-19-C-4449). (Awarded Feb. 1, 2019) Group W Inc., Vienna, Virginia, is awarded a $24,999,999 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract with a five-year ordering period for research and innovative technical analysis support services for the Marine Corps Operations Analysis Directorate. Work will be performed in Vienna, Virginia. Work is expected to be completed within the delivery dates set forth in each task order. The ordering period will commence on Feb. 5, 2019 and end on Feb. 4, 2024. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funding on this contract will be obligated at the task order level. Operations and maintenance (Marine Corps), and research and development (Marine Corps and Navy) funding will be used for the task orders. Fiscal 2019, operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $950,200 will be obligated for task orders one and two and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via solicitation on the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three proposals received. The Marine Corps Installations Command, National Capital Region, Regional Contracting Office Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M00264-19-D-0007). PAE Aviation and Technical Services LLC, Arlington, Virginia, is awarded a $23,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract. This contract provides continued Contractor Instruction, Maintenance, Operations and Training Support (CIMOTS). CIMOTS will support the national strategic sealift Cargo Offload Discharge System requirements and facilitate training for the Improved Navy Lighterage System powered and non-powered craft at Expeditionary Warfare Training Groups, Pacific and Atlantic. Work will be performed in Coronado, California (90 percent);and Norfolk, Virginia (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (N61340-19-D-1020). General Atomics, San Diego, California, is awarded $8,417,378 for ceiling-priced delivery order N00383-19-F-NA05 under previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-18-G-NA01) for the manufacture of 17 various line items for initial spares acquisition in support of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System for use on aircraft carriers. Work will be performed in Tupelo, Mississippi, and work will be completed by January 2022. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $6,313,034 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One source was solicited for this non-competitive requirement, and one offer was received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. ARMY MDM Construction,* Rockford, Illinois (W911SA-19-D-2005); Greenstone Construction,* Fargo, North Dakota (W911SA-19-D-2006); Richard Group,* Glenview, Illinois (W911SA-19-D-2007); Allcon Construction,* Butler, Wisconsin (W911SA-19-D-2008); Progressive Construction Services,* Janesville, Wisconsin (W911SA-19-D-2009); JMJ Construction,* Baraboo, Wisconsin (W911SA-19-D-2010); Relyant Global,* Maryville, Tennessee (W911SA-19-D-2011); RHI Construction Services,* West Haven, Utah (W911SA-19-D-2012); Platt Construction,* Franklin, Wisconsin (W911SA-19-D-2013); and Signature Renovations,* Capitol Heights, Maryland (W911SA-19-D-2014), will compete for each order of the $45,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Department of Public Works construction. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 14, 2024. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, is the contracting activity. Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $26,182,720 modification (P00136) to contract W31P4Q-13-C-0129 to procure Command Launch Unit retrofits. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2018 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $26,182,720 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Social Services Missouri Dept., Jefferson City, Missouri, was awarded a $19,195,300 modification (P00003) to contract W911S7-18-C-0011 for full food service. Work will be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 5, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $19,195,300 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, is the contracting activity. Valiant Government Services LLC, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, was awarded a $16,255,102 modification (P00009) to contract W91278-18-C-0011 for operations and maintenance services. Work will be performed in Natick, Massachusetts; Daleville, Alabama; Silver Spring, Maryland; Aberdeen, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland; and Dover, Delaware, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 6, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Army; and research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $16,255,102 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Panamerican Consultants Inc.,* Memphis, Tennessee, was awarded a $7,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for cultural resources related services. Bids were solicited via the internet with nine received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 6, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W912P8-19-D-0003). R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates Inc.,* New Orleans, Louisiana, was awarded a $7,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for cultural resources related services. Bids were solicited via the internet with nine received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 6, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W912P8-19-D-0006). Coastal Environments Inc.,* Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was awarded a $7,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for cultural resources related services. Bids were solicited via the internet with nine received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 6, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W912P8-19-D-0007). MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, San Diego, California, is being awarded a $30,900,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification (P00013) to a previously awarded contract (HQ0277-l 7-C-0001). The value of this contract is increased from $37,850,000 to $68,750,000. Under this modification, the contractor will continue to demonstrate passive Missile Defense Agency configured MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles in Ballistic Missile Defense System tests. The work will be performed in San Diego, California. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and engineering funds in the amount of $l,445,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (HQ0277-17-C- 0001). *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1750408/source/GovDelivery/

By The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The Royal Canadian Air Force is hoping to pull the trigger on the purchase of new drones within six years after spending nearly two decades weighing different options. The Canadian Forces has been working since the early 2000s to find unmanned aerial vehicles that can conduct surveillance over Canada's vast territory and support overseas missions. Yet aside from purchasing a small number of temporary, unarmed drones for the war in Afghanistan, the military has never been able to make much progress on a permanent fleet. Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Al Meinzinger says he believes that is about to change after the Trudeau government became the first to officially authorize the acquisition of a fleet of armed UAVs through its defence policy. In an interview, Meinzinger says the air force is nearly finished drawing up options — where it has been stuck for years — and will soon move into the next phase by presenting its proposals to procurement officials. While the military has welcomed Canada's decision to buy armed drones and promised to abide by international laws, some arms-control advocates have expressed concern about the legal grey zone such weapons inhabit. The Canadian Press https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2019/02/06/air-force-aiming-to-have-armed-drones-in-the-air-in-next-six-years-commander-3/#.XFsws1xKiUl

PARIS (Reuters) - France and Germany will on Wednesday announce a 65 million euro ($74 million) contract financed equally by both countries over two years as the first act of the joint programme to design a next-generation combat jet, a French army source and two other sources familiar with the matter said. Dassault Aviation and Airbus, which will build the jet that is expected to replace Dassault's Rafale and Germany's Eurofighters by 2024, will start work on the concept and architectures of the program, the source said. The French and German governments are expected to award the companies involved additional contracts to advance technologies and work on demonstrators this summer. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel first announced plans in July 2017 for the new Future Combat Air System (FCAS), which will include a fighter jet and a range of associated weapons, including drones. After nearly two years of preparatory work by the companies involved, Wednesday's agreements and contract signing will pave the way for the programme to begin in earnest. The initial contracts being signed on Wednesday will run for two years, the sources said. Airbus and Dassault have been waiting for initial contracts to be signed to start work on the new project. France's Safran and Germany's MTU Aero Engines are expected to join forces to develop the engine for the new warplane, while French electronics firm Thales and European missile maker MBDA would also participate. French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly and German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen will preside over the signing ceremony at a Safran site in northeastern Paris on Wednesday. Germany removed a key obstacle to progress on the project last week when it bowed to French demands and excluded Lockheed Martin's F-35 stealth fighter from a multibillion-euro tender to replace ageing Tornado fighter jets that are fitted to carry U.S. nuclear weapons. Paris, Germany's closest European partner, had warned that buying the F-35 in particular would derail plans to develop the new Franco-German fighter by 2040 since it would constitute a potential competitor to that project. France and Germany will add Spain as a full partner in the programme this summer, sources told Reuters in December. Britain, which is due to exit the European Union in March, unveiled its own rival aircraft development programme, dubbed Tempest, at the Farnborough Air Show in July. European military and industry executives say they believe the two programmes could and should eventually be merged given the need to compete internationally and the many billions of euros needed to develop a new combat aircraft. The French army source said France and Germany were open to more European partners joining the programme. Germany's embargo on arms sales to Saudi Arabia has been a source of friction with France, which has been unable to deliver Meteor missiles built for Saudi Arabia by MBDA, sources said. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-france-defence/france-and-germany-to-launch-first-contracts-on-future-combat-jets-idUSKCN1PU2K0

Airbus will deploy Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform to take major step forward in its digital transformation Airbus makes digital design, manufacturing and services a reality across all divisions and product lines Airbus and Dassault Systèmes (Paris:DSY) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to cooperate on the implementation of collaborative 3D design, engineering, manufacturing, simulation and intelligence applications. This will enable Airbus to take a major step forward in its digital transformation and lay the foundation for a new European industrial ecosystem in aviation. Under the MOA, Airbus will deploy Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, which delivers digital continuity, from design to operations, in a single data model for a unified user experience, making digital design, manufacturing and services (DDMS) a company-wide reality for all Airbus divisions and product lines. DDMS paves the way for breakthroughs in new product design, operational performance, support and maintenance, customer satisfaction and new business models, as it represents a move from sequential to parallel development processes. Instead of first focusing on product performance, Airbus will be able to co-design and develop the next generation of aircraft with the manufacturing facilities that will produce them, reducing costs and time to market. “We are not just talking about digitalisation or a 3D experience, we are rethinking the way aircraft are designed and operated, streamlining and speeding up our processes with customer satisfaction in mind,” said Guillaume Faury, President Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “DDMS is a catalyst for change and with it we are building a new model for the European aerospace industry with state of the art technology. Our target is a robust production setup that offers a reduction in product development lead time.” “Nothing exemplifies the intersection of technology, science and art more than aviation. When we reflect on how the industry has evolved to where it is today, it's a blend of technical prowess, digital precision and inspiration,” said Bernard Charlès, Vice Chairman and CEO, Dassault Systèmes. “The Aerospace industry has a proven track record of fast transformation, faster than in most industries. It delivers high quality innovation and new services for operations in highly complex and regulated environments. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform will accelerate the digital transformation of Airbus. Airbus can capture insights and expertise from across its ecosystem to deliver new experiences that only the digital world makes possible.” Share on Twitter: @Airbus @Dassault3DS embark on strategic partnership to create the European aerospace industry of tomorrow #digitaltransformation #smartmanufacturing #factoryofthefuture #3DEXPERIENCE * * * About Airbus Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world's leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide. About Dassault Systèmes Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to imagine sustainable innovations. Its world-leading solutions transform the way products are designed, produced, and supported. Dassault Systèmes' collaborative solutions foster social innovation, expanding possibilities for the virtual world to improve the real world. The group brings value to over 250,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com. 3DEXPERIENCE, the Compass logo and the 3DS logo, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, ENOVIA, DELMIA, SIMULIA, GEOVIA, EXALEAD, 3D VIA, BIOVIA, NETVIBES and 3DEXCITE are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. This and other press releases and high resolution photos are available on: AirbusNewsroom https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190205006036/en/