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Lee Hudson | Aerospace Daily & Defense Report Bell's experience with V-22Osprey and V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft position the company well for the U.S. Marine Corps' Group 5 unmanned aerial system (UAS) competition, the chief executive says. Mitch Snyder, Bell chief executive officer, said Oct. 2 during a Defense One event that the company's offering for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Expeditionary (MUX) UAS, the V-247 Vigilant, is the next iteration in tiltrotor technology for the company. The multimission aircraft “it could be airborne early warning on one mission, it can be an attack vehicle, it could just be an operating node—it's whatever you want it to be,” Snyder says. Keith Flail, vice president of advanced tiltrotor systems at Bell, told Aerospace DAILY Sept. 25 during Modern Day Marine at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, that the company is focused on the seven key capability gaps the service outlined during an industry day in June. Full article: http://aviationweek.com/defense/tiltrotor-experience-positions-bell-mux-competition

Longueuil, Quebec, October 1st, 2018 - Héroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX: HRX) (“Héroux-Devtek” or the “Corporation”), a leading international manufacturer of aerospace products, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Compañia Española de Sistemas Aeronáuticos, S.A. (“CESA”), a subsidiary of Airbus SE (PA: AIR) for a purchase price of 137 million euros (approximately $206 million) enterprise value, including CESA's net outstanding debt of 23 million euros (approximately $35 million), subject to customary closing adjustments. “We are very pleased to have completed this acquisition which is the largest in our history and represents an important milestone in our international expansion,” said Héroux-Devtek President & CEO, Gilles Labbé. “CESA will allow us to increase our market presence in Europe, gain important content on several key aircraft programs and leverage customer relationships with Airbus and other key customers. We are honoured to welcome the CESA team to the HérouxDevtek family.” “The acquisition also expands Héroux-Devtek's product and service offering into the actuation and hydraulic systems and adds new technology, such as electromechanical actuation, to our portfolio. Our product mix will also evolve with 42% of revenues being generated from proprietary products,” continued Mr. Labbé. “Partnered with the complementary addition of Beaver's expertise in ball screws, we see great opportunity to grow the business in the actuation market, which is significantly larger than the landing gear market,” he concluded. “We look forward to continuing our close business relationship with CESA, which remains a key supplier for Airbus,” said Fernando Alonso, Head of Military Aircraft at Airbus Defence and Space. “CESA and its employees are set to benefit from the new strategic owner's strong industrial plan over the coming years.” The transaction was funded through a combination of a $50 million seven-year unsecured subordinated term loan provided by Fonds de solidarité FTQ, the Corporation's revolving credit facility and available cash on hand. In connection with this acquisition, the Corporation's credit facility was amended, increasing the borrowing limit to $250 million from $200 million. Headquartered in Madrid, Spain, CESA is a leading European provider of fluid mechanical and electromechanical systems for the aerospace industry. Its main product lines include actuation and hydraulic systems as well as landing gear products. CESA provides an integrated product and service offering comprised of design and development engineering, certification, manufacturing, assembly and fleet support to a broad range of customers and aircraft programs. It operates a 366,000 square foot state-of-the-art industrial complex in Madrid, as well as another facility in Seville. CESA employs a skilled workforce of approximately 300 employees. UPDATED GUIDANCE Management is updating its sales guidance for fiscal 2019 to reflect the CESA acquisition. Management now expects sales for fiscal 2019 to be in the range of $460 million to $470 million, representing an increase of approximately 20% over last year. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $20 million. Management is also issuing new long-term sales growth guidance reflecting both the Beaver acquisition completed last July and the CESA acquisition. Management expects fiscal 2022 sales in the range of $620 million to $650 million. http://www.herouxdevtek.com/news-events/press-releases/2018

ARMY Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $631,757,949 fixed-price-incentive Foreign Military Sales (Netherlands and Japan) contract to procure a variety of Hellfire II missile variants in containers. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 foreign military sales; and other procurement, Army funds in the combined amount of $631,757,949 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-15-C-0130). CACI-ISS Inc., Chantilly, Virginia, was awarded a $126,799,620 modification (P00044) to contract W15QKN-15-C-0049 for training, sustainment and deployment of the Integrated Personnel and Pay System. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2018 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $12,140,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. Alion Science and Technology Corp., was awarded a $49,873,115 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to increase knowledge and understanding of state-of-the art technologies and techniques suitable to developing the agile and adaptive capabilities needed to ensure the success of the future Army. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in McLean, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2021. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,130,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911NF-18-C-0090). Greenman-Pedersen Inc., Babylon, New York, was awarded a $49,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for resident engineer and inspection services for the East River Bridges Program. 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 Sept. 27, 2028. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, New York, is the contracting activity (W912DS-18-D-0003). Nordic PCL Construction Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded a $41,476,374 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an F-22 Fighter Alert Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2016 military construction funds in the amount of $41,476,374 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-18-C-0009). Altus LLC,* Darlington, Maryland (W91CRB-19-D-0001); Applied Research Associates Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico (W91CRB-19-D-0002); Joint Research and Development Inc.,* Stafford, Virginia (W91CRB-19-D-0003); and SURVICE Engineer Co. LLC,* Belcamp, Maryland (W91CRB-19-D-0004), will compete for each order of the $48,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for performance of analytical services associated with target descriptions, vulnerability, survivability and weapons effectiveness studies, and support to current operations. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, was awarded a $37,701,755 firm-fixed-price contract for tank engine parts for the AGT-1500 tank engine. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $37,701,755 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Kansas, is the contracting activity (W912JC-19-C-5707). Raytheon IDS, Andover, Massachusetts, was awarded a $35,000,000 firm-fixed-price domestic and Foreign Military Sales (Taiwan) contract for Sweep 9 modification kits. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Andover, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2022. Fiscal 2018 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $35,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-18-C-0112). Ames Construction Inc., Burnsville, Minnesota, was awarded a $34,775,560 firm-fixed-price contract for fish bypass channel and replacement weir at Lower Yellowstone River Intake. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Glendive, Montana, with an estimated completion date of March 19, 2021. Fiscal 2015 and 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $22,500,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (W9128F-18-C-0031). MOCA Systems, Boston, Massachusetts (W912DQ-18-D-7000); Accura Engineering and Consulting Services Inc.,* Atlanta, Georgia (W912DQ-18-D-7001); and Crawford Consulting Services,* East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (W912DQ-18-D-7002), will compete for each order of the $28,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect-engineering services for construction management services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 14 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 28, 2027. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Missouri, is the contracting activity. Sheffield Korte Team LLC,* Lawton, Oklahoma, was awarded a $27,227,500 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Army Reserve Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Washington, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 1, 2020. Fiscal 2018 military construction; and operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $27,227,500 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-18-C-0040). Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, was awarded a $23,013,694 firm-fixed-price contract for tank engine parts for the AGT-1500 tank engine. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $23,013,694 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Kansas, is the contracting activity (W912JC-19-C-5704). exp Federal Inc.,* Chicago, Illinois, was awarded a $16,128,727 firm-fixed-price contract to supply and install a pulse generating system, a pulse generating control system, a power monitoring system and a pulse generating cooling system as part of an integrated system at the Permanent Barrier I Aquatic Nuisance Species. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Romeoville, Illinois, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2018 civil works funds in the amount of $16,128,727 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W912P6-18-C-0021). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $12,500,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for development, test, and purchase of Counter Unmanned Aerial System solutions. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QX-18-D-0008). Navqsys LLC,* Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, was awarded a $10,514,449 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for expertise in program of record requirements, engineering requirements development, implementation management, logistics coordination, supply chain management, technical documentation, operational reporting, issue resolution, site surveys, contract preparation, execution management and budgetary planning and execution. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2022. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $10,514,449 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W56KGY-18-C-0008). Emerson Construction Co. Inc.,* Temple, Texas, was awarded a $10,453,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a new standard design Supply Storage Activity Warehouse. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 4, 2021. Fiscal 2018 military construction funds in the amount of $10,453,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-18-C-0078). Terra Construction Inc.,* Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was awarded a $9,854,000 firm-fixed-price contract to renovate and repair Buildings 3426, 3427 and 3428 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Two bids were solicited with two bids received. Work will be performed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with an estimated completion date of Sept, 21, 2020. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $10,447,648 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (W912BV-18-F-0185). Emerson Construction Co. Inc.,* Temple, Texas, was awarded a $10,453,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a new standard design Supply Storage Activity Warehouse. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 4, 2021. Fiscal 2018 military construction funds in the amount of $9,854,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-18-C-0079). K-W Construction,* San Marcos, Texas, was awarded a $9,515,500 firm-fixed-price contract for renovations of Building B44 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $9,515,500 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-18-C-0100). CORRECTION: A Sept. 28, 2018, announcement that Norfolk Dredging Co., Chesapeake, Virginia, was awarded an $11,311,500 firm-fixed-price contract (W912BU-18-C-0047) for maintenance dredging of the Delaware River is incorrect. That contracts has not yet been awarded. U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND Nine companies have been awarded task orders under the following International Charter Airlift Services in Support of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet contracts: HTC711-18-D-CC37 -- Atlas Air Inc., Purchase, New York (HTC711-19-F-1000; $231,789,791); Federal Express, Memphis, Tennessee (HTC711-19-F-1001; $34,326,712); HTC711-18-D-CC39 -- ABX Air,* Wilmington, Ohio (HTC711-19-F-1004; $10,694,315): Air Transport International Inc.,* Wilmington, Ohio (HTC711-19-F-1005; $16,873,851); Kalitta Air LLC,* Ypsilanti, Michigan (HTC711-19-F-1006; $160,621,410); Omni Air International Inc.,* Tulsa, Oklahoma (HTC711-19-F-1007; $97,084,582); United Parcel Service Co., Louisville, Kentucky (HTC711-19-F-1008; $14,903,387); Western Global Airlines,* Estero, Florida (HTC711-19-F-1009; $7,495,547); and HTC711-18-D-CC40 -- National Airlines,* Orlando, Florida (HTC711-19-F-1010; $8,110,420). The task orders provide international long-range and short-range charter airlift services for the Department of Defense. Work will be performed globally. The task order period of performance is from Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. International Auto Logistics LLC, Brunswick, Georgia, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery requirements-type, fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract (HTC71119DR001) in the amount of $295,057,155. The contract provides complete transportation and storage services for Department of Defense (DoD) sponsored shipments of privately-owned vehicles (POVs) belonging to military service members and transportation of DoD-sponsored shipments of POVs for DoD civilian employees. Work will be performed at multiple locations inside and outside the continental U.S. The contract base period of performance is from Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2020. Fiscal year 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds were obligated at award. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Air Transport International has been awarded a task order in the amount of $84,833,663 under fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with economic price adjustments and incentives contract HTC711-18-D-CC16 for combination passenger and cargo charter airlift services. This contract provides global air charter transportation services utilizing Part 121 aircraft configured to simultaneously transport both passengers and cargo. Services required include full planeload port-to-port airlift transportation services, commercial equivalent economy passenger services, 463L pallet cargo services, and mission coordination. Work will be performed globally. Contract period of performance is Jan. 16, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2021; task order period of performance is Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019. The cumulative value of the contract has increased to $125,534,228 from $40,700,565. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds were obligated at time of award. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. International Auto Logistics LLC, Brunswick, Georgia, has been awarded a task order modification P00020, in the amount of $74,743,060, on contract HTC711-14-D-R025. This modification provides continued support of transportation and storage of Department of Defense (DoD)-sponsored shipments of privately-owned vehicles belonging to military service members, and transportation of DoD-sponsored shipments of privately-owned vehicles belonging to DoD civilian employees. Work will be performed at multiple locations within the U.S. and outside the U.S. The option period of performance is Oct. 1, 2018, to Feb. 28, 2019. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds were obligated at award. This modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $837,708,354 from $762,965,293. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Affigent LLC, Herndon, Virginia, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price task order (HTC71118FD112) in the amount of $12,637,147. The contract provides Oracle annual license maintenance and support renewal to the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) TCJ6. This renewal is for Oracle annual maintenance and support for USTRANSCOM and its component commands, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Air Mobility Command, Military Sealift Command and Joint Enabling Capabilities Command. Work will be performed in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The contract period of performance is from Oct.1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Operating Funds were obligated at award. USTRANSCOM, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Technical Services Inc., Herndon, Virginia, was awarded an $11,816,167 modification exercising the third option period on task order HTC711-16-F-D011. The modification provides continued non-personal advisory and assistance service for consulting and planning of acquisition and life cycle phases of supply value chain systems in support of U.S. Transportation Command and other associated supporting organizations. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $39,936,618 from $28,120,451. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Performance is from Oct. 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds have been obligated. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. AMYX Inc.,* Reston, Virginia, has been awarded a $10,836,764 modification on GSA One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract GSA00Q14OADS103, exercising the second option period on task order HTC711-17-F-D001 for continued non-personal advisory and assistance service support providing functional, engineering and resource management services for entire acquisition life cycles, information technology systems supported and in support of the U.S. Transportation Command and other associated supporting organizations. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $28,567,462 from $17,730,698. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Performance is from Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds will be obligated. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Tapestry Solutions Inc., San Diego, California, has been awarded an $8,229,223 modification (P00015) exercising the fourth option period under a firm-fixed-price contract HTC711-15-C-D001with cost-plus-fixed-fee, labor hour and cost reimbursable contract line items. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $27,367,062 from $19,137,840. This contract provides Integrated Computerized Deployment System sustainment and modifications to implement software solutions in support of Department of Defense transportation requirements. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, as well as at the contractor's offsite facility in San Diego, California. The option period of performance is Oct. 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2019. This support is funded by fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE M1 Support Services LP, Denton, Texas, has been awarded a $71,318,065 modification (A00039) to previously awarded contract FA3002-16-C-0006 for aircraft maintenance services. This modification exercises the third option period of a seven-year, firm-fixed price contract for T-6, T-38 undergraduate pilot training, and T-38 Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals aircraft maintenance services. This modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $202,434,619. Work will be performed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds the full amount being obligated at the time of award. The 82nd Contracting Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity. COLSA Corp., Huntsville, Alabama, has been awarded a $69,618,375 modification (P00039) to contract FA2486-16-F-0031 for Technical and Management Advisory Services Command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR)/cyber support. The contractor will provide additional research, development, test and evaluation, and acquisition support services. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts; Gunter Annex, Alabama; Patrick AFB, Florida; Edwards AFB, California; Scott AFB, Illinois; Robins AFB, Georgia; Beale AFB, California; Hill AFB, Utah; Langley AFB, Virginia; and San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2019. This modification involves foreign military sales to Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, NATO, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds; production funds; and operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $17,165,708 will be obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $183,437,730. Air Force Test Center, Eglin AFB, Florida, is the contracting activity. DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $68,254,084 modification (P00023) to contract FA4890-17-C-0005 for Air Force Central Command War Reserve Materiel. Work will be performed at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina; Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Unite Arab Emirates. The contract modification provides for the exercise of option year two period of performance (Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019) for services being provided under the basic contract. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $66,698,421 are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $168,357,739. Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity. M1 Support Services, Denton, Texas, has been awarded a $12,047,564 modification (A00032) to contract FA3002-15-C-0006 for trainer maintenance services. Work will be performed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; and Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2019. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $76,720,526. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $6,023,939 will be obligated at the time of award. The 82nd Contracting Squadron, Sheppard AFB, Texas, is the administrative contracting activity. Enhanced Veterans Solutions Inc., Springfield, Virginia, has been awarded a $10,196,413 unilateral modification (P00035) to previously awarded contract FA4452-15-C-0001 for Communication, Operation & Maintenance Functions II support. This modification provides for the funding of the fourth option of a multiple year contract, and brings the total cumulative face value of contract to $38,391,010. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and is expected to be complete by Oct. 1, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds; and transportation working capital funds in the amount of $10,196,413 are being obligated at time of award. The 763rd Specialized Contracting Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Tapestry Solutions, San Diego, California, has been awarded an $8,538,289 unilateral modification (P00022) to previously awarded contract FA4452-15-C-0003 for sustainment and integration support for the Mobility Enterprise Information Service. This modification provides for the funding of the fourth option of a multiple year contract, and brings the total cumulative face value of contract to $45,271,093. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal year 2019 transportation working capital funds in the amount of $8,538,289 are being obligated at the time of award. The 763rd Specialized Contracting Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. TFOM-HHS Group JV, Austin, Texas, has been awarded an $8,182,232 for Healthcare Aseptic Management Services. The contract provides for medical aseptic housekeeping, waste management, and linen management. These services constitute the enterprise-level Healthcare Aseptic Management Services requirement for the Air Force Medical Service as directed by the Healthcare Aseptic Management Services Requirement Approval Document. Work will be performed in the Southwest Region of the U.S. The award includes a transition period from Feb. 14, 2019, to March 31, 2019, funded with fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds. A base period plus five option periods will follow the transition period from June 1, 2019, to Feb. 13, 2025. The base period will be funded incrementally using fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and 11 offers were received. The 773rd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8052-18-C-0008). InfoReliance Corp., Fairfax, Virginia, has been awarded a $7,865,267 unilateral modification (P00004) to previously awarded contract FA4452-18-F-0003 for the Global Air Transportation Execution System. This modification provides for the funding of the first option of a multiple year contract, and brings the total cumulative face value of contract to $15,561,738. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 transportation working capital funds in the amount of $7,865,267 are being obligated at time of award. The 763rd Specialized Contracting Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. NAVY Custom Mechanical Systems Corp.,* Bargersville, Indiana, was awarded $34,685,621 for firm-fixed-price task order N4425518F4438 under a previously awarded, multiple award construction contract (N44255-17-D-4034) for the construction of a low rise, steel framed, blast hardened reinforced concrete masonry waterfront support facility and the construction of an upland general purpose storage facility at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. This project will consolidate operations on the pier, expand shops and expand upland capabilities closer to the point of use. The increased capability minimizes the time and resources required to coordinate production workers, tools, and equipment. Work will be performed in Bangor, Washington, and is expected to be completed by June 2021. Fiscal 2017 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $34,685,621 are obligated on this award; of which $13,178,808 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC, Covington, Louisiana, was being awarded a $33,619,420 modification to the fixed-price portion of a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N6238715C2507) to exercise a one-year option period for the operation and maintenance of four modified offshore-supply vessels identified as T-AGSEs serving as blocking vessels in support of the Navy. The contract includes a 215-day base period, nine one-year option periods and one 150-day option period. Work for this option period will be performed at sea worldwide, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2019. Working capital funds (Navy and Transportation) funds in the amount of $33,619,420 are obligated at the time of award. The funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) Ocean Ships Inc.,* Houston, Texas, was awarded a $32,745,387 firm-fixed-price contract for the operation and maintenance of the Oceanographic Survey (T-AGS) fleet of vessels. This contract includes four 12-month option periods, one 150-day option period and one 215-day option period, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $176,193,231. Work will be performed at sea worldwide and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2019. Working capital funds in the amount of $32,745,387 are obligated for fiscal 2019 and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was awarded as a small business set aside. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220517C3100). (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, California, is awarded a $26,663,956 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide the U.S. and United Kingdom Trident II (D5) maintenance and rebuilding and technical services in support of the Navigation subsystem. Work will be performed in Huntington Beach, California (75.0 percent); and Heath, Ohio (25.0 percent), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2020. United Kingdom funds in the amount of $1,512,629 are being obligated on this award. Subject to the availability of funding, fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $25,151,327 will be obligated. Funds in the amount of $25,151,327 will expire at the end of fiscal 2019. This contract was a sole-source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1)&(4). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N-00030-19-C-0002). Raytheon Co., Marlborough, Massachusetts, is awarded a $22,733,022 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-14-C-5315 for engineering services, travel, and other direct costs in support of AN/SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) low-rate initial production. The AMDR suite is being developed to fulfill Integrated Air and Missile Defense requirements for multiple ship classes. This suite consists of an S-Band radar (AMDR-S), an X-band radar and a Radar Suite Controller. AMDR will provide multi-mission capabilities, simultaneously supporting long range, exoatmospheric detection, tracking and discrimination of ballistic missiles, as well as Area and Self Defense against air and surface threats. Work will be performed in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by November 2018. Fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and fiscal 2018 research, development, technology and evaluation funding the amount of $13,057,902 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. Systems Application and Technologies Inc., Largo, Maryland, is awarded $20,489,591 for modification P00050 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-15-C-0036) to procure continued support services to include the design, development, procurement, building, installation, test, evaluation, calibration, modification, operation and maintenance on aircraft and engines for the Air Vehicle Modification and Instrumentation Department in support of the Navy, and other government and commercial customers. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (95 percent); China Lake, California (2.5 percent); and Point Mugu, California (2.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. Working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,100,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, is awarded a $19,645,973 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide logistics engineering and integration support of the U.S. Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class Strategic Weapon System (SWS) platforms, including support of future concepts. Work will be performed in Saint Mary's, Georgia (47.9 percent); Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (30.9 percent); Rockville, Maryland (11.7 percent); Silverdale, Washington (3.2 percent); Portsmouth, Virginia (1.1 percent); Mount Dora, Florida (1.1 percent); New Market, Maryland (1.1 percent); Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1.0 percent); Mooresboro, North Carolina (1.0 percent); and Mesa, Arizona (1.0 percent), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. United Kingdom funds, in the amount of $3,466,833, are being obligated on this award. Subject to the availability of funding, fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $15,779,579; and fiscal 2019 research development test and evaluation (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $399,561 will be obligated. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1)&(4). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N-00030-19-C-0007). Lightforce USA Inc.,* Orofina, Idaho, is awarded a $15,760,499 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (S-VPS) in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. This procurement is for the S-VPS, spare parts and training. The S-VPS is a low-profile, wide-field-of-view, passive scope for near-range engagements out to and beyond the maximum effective range of the weapon system, for small arms employed by special operations forces. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $21,172,435. Work will be performed in Orofino, Idaho, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Fiscal 2018 procurement (Defense-wide) funding in the amount of $1,512,000 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 five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-19-D-JQ31). The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is awarded a $13,380,171 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide research into the applications of technologies to meet guidance requirements for operations on the Common Missile Compartment for the U.S. Columbia-class program and the United Kingdom Dreadnought-class program; provide specialized technical knowledge and support for the hypersonic guidance, navigation and control application; provide technical and engineering services to support the Guidance, Navigation and Control system that will support the Navy's hypersonic flight experiments. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts (81 percent); and El Segundo, California (19 percent), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. Subject to the availability of funds, fiscal 2019 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $13,380,171 will be obligated. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1)&(4). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00030-19-C-0001). Systems Planning and Analysis Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, is awarded an $11,053,897 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for program management and financial support of the Trident II (D5) Strategic Weapons System life extension program and future concepts, including the Common Missile Compartment. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Virginia (82 percent); Washington, District of Columbia (15 percent); Greenville, South Carolina (2 percent); and Orlando, Florida (1 percent), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. Subject to availability of funding, fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $8,299,018; and fiscal 2019 research development test and evaluation, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $2,754,880 will be obligated. This contract was a sole-source acquisition in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N-00030-19-C-0032). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Melbourne, Florida, is awarded $10,833,190 for modification P00062 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-13-C-9999). This modification provides non-recurring and recurring engineering support to incorporate crew comfort provisions on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft in support of the government of Japan. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (76.13 percent); St. Augustine, Florida (21.89 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (1.98 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2020. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds in the amount of $10,833,190 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. Knowledge Management Inc., Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, was awarded a ceiling $10,000,000 firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity task order contract to support the Marine Corps Training Command, Center for Distance Education and Training (CDET). This effort is to provide interactive multimedia instructional support services for the Marine Corps Training Command CDET. These objectives include: 1) initial project assessment; 2) front end analysis; 3) design product; 4) development product; and 5) post-production courseware updates in support of CDET's interactive multimedia design needs for the Marine Corps. This contract includes five 12-month ordering periods with an aggregate ceiling value of $10,000,000. The majority of the work will be performed at the contractor's facilities, and work is expected to be completed by September 2023. This is a non- severable service contract in which each deliverable procured at the task order will include a delivery date. No funds were obligated at the time of award. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance will be obligated on task orders as they are issued. This contract was set aside to small businesses and competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 16 offers received in response to this solicitation. The Marine Corps Installations Command, National Capital Region, Regional Contracting Office, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M00264-18-D-0004). (Awarded Sept. 25, 2018) Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Syracuse, New York, was awarded a $9,591,348 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-6247) for the procurement of electronic warfare AN/BLQ-10 kits and spares. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York (99 percent); and Manassas, Virginia (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2020. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 other procurement (Navy); fiscal 2015 and 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) in the amount of $9,591,348 will be obligated at time of award, and no funding will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 28, 2018) Mnemonics Inc.,* Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $7,654,967 firm-fixed-price contract to procure 109 radio frequency blanking units and associated special test equipment in support of F/A-18E/F/G aircraft production and the retrofit of all existing EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida, and is expected to be completed in March 2020. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy); and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds in the amount of $7,654,967 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This award combines purchases for the Navy ($5,167,003; 67 percent); and FMS ($2,287,964; 33 percent). This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-19-C-0017). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., Akron, Ohio, has been awarded an estimated $26,448,587 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract for tires used in the Global Tire Program. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. This acquisition was limited to approved sources with one response received. Location of performance is Ohio, with a Nov. 30, 2021, performance completion date. Using customer is Defense Logistics Agency. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio (SPE7LX-18-D-0127). (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) Kearfott Corp.,* Black Mountain, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $17,185,308 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for actuators. This is a five-year contract with no options. 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 North Carolina and Alabama, with a Sept. 30, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA1-18-D-0216). Kearfott Corp.,* Black Mountain, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $15,540,500 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for roll trim servos. This is a five-year contract with no options. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Location of performance is North Carolina, with a Sept. 30, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2023 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA1-18-D-0223). CORRECTION: The contract announced on Sept. 28, 2018, for American States Utility Services Inc., Fredericksburg, Virginia, (SP0600-17-C-8328, modification P00004) was announced with incorrect obligation amounts. The correct value for the modification is $80,107,521, which increases the obligated value from $5,554,732 to $5,966,669. *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1650440/source/GovDelivery/

A travers l'Europe, un sentiment de gêne se développe quant à la valeur morale et légale de ventes d'armes à l'Arabie saoudite et aux Emirats arabes unis, alors que l'intervention militaire de ces deux Etats au Yémen – lancée en mars 2015 – s'éternise, et que des accusations de crimes de guerre s'étayent contre eux. Les firmes européennes avaient exporté, entre 2001 et 2015, pour 57 milliards d'euros d'armements vers Riyad, deuxième plus gros importateur mondial, selon l'Institut international de recherche sur la paix de Stockholm (Sipri). De fait, près de 60 % de l'armement saoudien provenait alors d'Europe. Depuis, certains Etats ont poursuivi ces ventes, comme le Royaume-Uni, soutien indéfectible de Riyad. D'autres ont adopté une posture de prudence, discrètement pour la France, de façon plus velléitaire pour l'Allemagne et l'Espagne. Quitte à faire marche arrière, pour des raisons économiques. En Allemagne, la coalition prise en défaut L'hebdomadaire Der Spiegel a révélé, le 19 septembre, que le gouvernement allemand avait autorisé l'exportation de systèmes de navigation pour chars à l'Arabie saoudite, et de 48 ogives et 91 missiles destinés à des navires de guerre des Emirats arabes unis (EAU). L'opposition a vivement protesté, particulièrement les Verts et le parti de gauche Die Linke : ils font noter que de telles exportations contreviennent au « contrat de coalition » scellé, en février, entre les conservateurs (CDU-CSU) et les sociaux-démocrates (SPD). « A partir de maintenant, nous n'approuverons plus les exportations [de matériel militaire] vers les pays impliqués dans la guerre au Yémen », indique cet accord. Cet épisode s'intègre dans un rapprochement diplomatique entre Berlin et Riyad. Les relations s'étaient fortement dégradées, fin 2017, après que Sigmar Gabriel (SPD), alors ministre des affaires étrangères, eut mis en cause la politique régionale « aventurière »... Article complet: https://www.lemonde.fr/yemen/article/2018/10/01/ventes-d-armes-a-l-arabie-saoudite-le-timide-embarras-des-pays-europeens_5362768_1667193.html

By: Aaron Mehta and The Associated Press WASHINGTON — A national referendum on changing Macedonia's name won with overwhelming support Sunday, paving the way for the nation to join NATO as the alliance's 30th member. The referendum, pushed by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, received international attention in recent weeks, with U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and German chancellor Angela Merkel among other world leaders travelling to Skopje to show support for the vote. The result: upholding Zaev's agreement with Greece to name the former Yugoslav republic to “North Macedonia.” Greece, arguing its neighbor's name implied territorial ambitions on its own province of the same name, has blocked Macedonia's efforts to join NATO since 1990; Greece has agreed to drop its opposition with the name change. Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White issued a statement following the results, saying the department “strongly” supports the vote and calling it a “historical moment.” Defense officials in Washington have been vocal with their support of Macedonia coming into NATO, with Mattis, during his visit to Skopje, noting it would represent a blow to Russia. In July, NATO formally opened the door for Macedonia to join the alliance if the name referendum passed, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warning that the vote represents a “once in a lifetime” chance for the nation to enter the alliance. In a joint statement Monday, Stoltenberg and the President of the European Union Donald Tusk praised the vote, saying “The name agreement between Athens and Skopje has created a historic opportunity for the country to join the transatlantic and European community as an equal member. This would change the life of the people of the country and that of their children for the better.” “It is now in the hands of politicians in Skopje to decide on the way forward,” the two added. “The decisions they take in the next days and weeks will determine the fate of their country and their people for many generations to come. We encourage them to seize this historic opportunity.” Low turnout marred what should have been a major victory for Zaev and his supports. Results from more than 97 percent of polling stations showed 91.3 percent of voters approving the deal. However, turnout stood at just 36.8 percent, a far cry from the massive support the government had hoped for. Opponents to the name change had called for a boycott of the vote and celebrated in the street outside Parliament when turnout figures were announced, chanting slogans and waving flags. "The people made a great choice and said 'yes' to our future. It is time for lawmakers to follow the voice of the people and to provide support," Zaev said. "There will be no better agreement with Greece, nor an alternative for NATO and the EU." The agreement faces more hurdles before it can be finalized. If the constitutional amendments are approved by Macedonia's parliament, Greece will then also need to ratify it. But Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras faces political problems of his own. His governing coalition partner, right-wing Independent Greeks head Panos Kammenos, has vowed to vote against the deal, leaving Tsipras reliant on opposition parties and independent lawmakers to push it through. Should everything go right, Macedonia will begin the long process of joining the alliance. How long remains to be seen, with analysts predicting the process will not be finished by the time world leaders gather for the 2020 NATO Summit. With Elena Becatoros and Konstantin Testorides, Associated Press. AP reporters Ivana Bzganovic and Nicolae Dumitrache in Skopje and Demetri Nellas in Athens, Greece contributed to this report. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/10/01/macedonia-just-took-a-big-step-to-becoming-natos-30th-member/

Frédéric Lert, Bordeaux - Jane's International Defence Review Turgis et Gaillard Industrie group presented its SEFIAM 1602e, a new electric and optionally manned ammunition loader that could work with the exported Dassault Rafale multirole fighter, at the ADS Show in Bordeaux. Today the French forces largely use the diesel-powered SOVAM ammo loader. However, the SOVAM dates back to the early 1980s and does not fit well with the modern Rafale. When Dassault exports its jet, the SOVAM is not part of the sales package. "There is therefore a real need for modern, simple, and easy-to-use equipment that can be offered to Rafale customers," argued Patrick Gaillard, general manager of Turgis et Gaillard. The SEFIAM 1602e features an electric powertrain and the option of being remote controlled. Two packs of lithium ion batteries develop 36 kW and 10 hours of autonomy. The SEFIAM 1602e can be used in a confined environment, weighs 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) empty, and can drive up to 20 km/h (12 mph). It can load 1,500 kg and tow a 5-ton trailer. The use of a remote control enables the technician to stay close to the pylon when guiding the loader. "Manoeuvres are faster and safer," Gaillard said. https://www.janes.com/article/83474/a-new-electric-unmanned-ammunition-loader-emerges-for-the-rafale

By: Sam LaGrone ABOARD HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH, OFF THE COAST OF NEW JERSEY – The Royal Navy lays out the intentions of its largest warship to visitors immediately. “HMS Queen Elizabeth: Welcome to Britain's Conventional Deterrent,” reads a giant sign hanging in the carrier's second island, over a ladder well just off the flight deck. The 70,000-ton carrier and its sister ship, Prince of Wales (R09), and their embarked air wings of F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters are set to be the centerpiece of Britain's nascent carrier strike group construct. The move – after years of starts and stops – is reshaping the Royal Navy from a force that was a key NATO partner focused on anti-submarine and mine warfare in the Cold War to one that will blend closely with the carrier forces of American and French allies. “The U.S. has 11 carriers,” ship commander Capt. Jerry Kyd told USNI News last week. “We'll bring two more for the good guys, as we see it.” The ship was off the East Coast last week conducting the first shipboard F-35 tests with American aircraft, kicking off several years of testing ahead of a planned deployment in 2021. “We used to do this a lot in the U.K., but we've had a bit of a gap getting back into the carrier strike business,” Royal Navy Commodore Andrew Betton, commander of the U.K. carrier strike group, told USNI News last week. “[We're] working alongside our French and U.S. partners to understand the most effective way of fighting and operating a carrier strike group.” Last year, the heads of the U.K., French and U.S. navies signed a formal trilateral cooperation agreement for three navies to work together in the realm of carrier operations and anti-submarine warfare. “[We] share many national security challenges, including the threats posed by violent extremism and the increasing competition from conventional state actors,” the one-page agreement read. “More than ever, these threats manifest in the maritime domain. Given these common values, capabilities, and challenges it makes sense for our navies to strengthen our cooperation.” In particular, the Russian submarine force has been on an aggressive modernization drive and operating attack boats at a rate not seen since the Cold War – which is seen as the prime driver of the recent U.S. focus in the Atlantic. That boost in activity in the Atlantic comes as the U.S. and U.K. are in a period of naval reset after 17 years of operating in support of ground forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. The U.K. is working through a gap in fixed-wing aviation at sea, after London decided to scrap the Royal Navy's light carriers and fleet of GR7 and GR9 Harrier strike aircraft earlier in the decade. To maintain skills, the U.K. has relied on an extensive exchange program with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and the French to keep some carrier skills native in the Royal Navy. “We've had lots of individuals, pilots, maintainers, etc., operating onboard your flattops of various descriptions, but also we've had U.K. units join American [aircraft carriers] on deployments around the world and indeed the French carrier,” Betton said. “The mutual support and interoperability – we haven't stepped completely away from that, and what we're trying to rebuild now is the sovereign carrier strike group that we can plug in with allies as and where required.” While the intent of the Ministry of Defence was to field a completely U.K.-generated carrier strike group and air wing, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force are still years off from that capability. The first operational deployment of the U.K. carrier strike group in 2021 will have an air wing built around U.S. Marine Corps F-35Bs assigned to the “Wake Island Avengers” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211, in addition to the RAF's 617 Lightning F-35B Squadron. As of this summer, the U.K. has received about 16 of the 43 F-35Bs it's ordered, which prompted the planned deployment of the U.S. Marines on Elizabeth. The reliance on Marines for the first deployment was presented as a benefit of the program rather than a liability. “We're international by design, but there will be a sovereign core to the task force. But we very much look forward to working with allies, whether that is at range or as an integral part of the task group,” Royal Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Harv Smyth, the commander of the U.K.'s fast-jet units, told reporters last week on Elizabeth. “There are options there.” While the Royal Navy has operated fixed-wing aviation from ships in the recent past, the level of cooperation proposed between the U.S. and the U.K. for carriers strike group operations will be the largest in decades, Chris Carlson, a retired U.S. Navy captain and naval analyst, told USNI News on Friday. “With the Brits now trying to integrate their carrier with ours, there isn't anything in the recent past that gives them something to base this on,” he said. During the Cold War, the U.K. had a fleet of three 22,000-ton Invincible-class carriers that fielded Harriers that arguably provided little utility in maritime operations and air defense operations, Carlson said. “Harriers had short legs. They didn't have a really good air intercept radar, it was just really hard for us to put them in, so [the Invincibles] were looked at as being the centers of ASW escort groups because they could carry a ton of helicopters and the Brits were really good with ASW.” The new cooperation between the U.S., French and U.K. navies will be key to making the British and French get the most out of their carrier forces. Both the U.K. and French are short on carrier escorts and will have to rely on allies. “It's making a virtue out of a necessity,” Carlson said. “They're going to have to partner with us. They're going to have to partner with the French because neither one – the French or the Brits – can do sustained operations with a decently balanced [carrier strike] group.” The current plan is for the Royal Navy to continue testing the carrier strike group into the next decade, with more F-35B testing off the East Coast of the United States next year and a group sail to certify the strike group in 2020, Elizabeth commander Kyd said. “That'll be another two years before we're ready to go out,” he said. “The first deployment is '21. Who knows where, but we'll be ready.” https://news.usni.org/2018/10/01/video-u-k-carrier-program-brings-two-good-guys-royal-navy-set-partner-u-s-french-navies

By: Aaron Mehta and Joe Gould WASHINGTON – Following a wave of criticism from the defense industry and members of Congress, the Pentagon on Monday backed off proposed changes to how companies receive cash flow on their contracts. In a statement released at the unusual time of 7:19 PM, Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan said the decision to withdraw the proposed acquisition changes stemmed from a lack of “coordination” inside the department. “Recently, proposed amendments to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) were prematurely released, absent full coordination,” Shanahan's statement read. “As a result, the Department will rescind the proposed amendments. In coordination with industry, the Department will create a revised rule to implement section 831 of the FY2017 NDAA.” "The department will continue to partner closely with Congress and industry to examine all reform opportunities, ensuring we provide the best value to taxpayers and critical capabilities to military personnel who defend this great Nation,” Shanahan said. Unsaid in the statement: that since word of the proposed changes got out, the defense industry has been loud and unanimous in its opposition, and has enlisted its supporters on the Hill to help fight against the plan, put forth by Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord. As part of a broader set of changes to the acquisition rules, Lord hoped to change how companies receive their cash flow based on performance measurements, to act as an incentive for good behavior. In a Sept. 5 interview with Defense News, she laid out the rationale, saying “I believe the lifeblood of most industry is cash flow, so what we will do is regulate the percentage of payments or the amount of profit that can be achieved through what type of performance they demonstrate by the numbers.” However, three major trade groups — The National Defense Industrial Association, Professional Services Council and the Aerospace Industries Association — objected to the proposal, which would slash the payments on work to be performed from 80 percent to 50 percent, with incremental increases for maintaining quality or on-time delivery — and decreases for companies that have committed fraud. Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, and Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., the chairs of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, sent a Sept. 21 letter to Shanahan calling the proposal “fundamentally flawed" and asking that it be rescinded and revisited. “We should not make it harder to do business with the Department of Defense than it is to do business with other parts of government — and that's exactly what this regulation does,” Thornberry told reporters last Tuesday. “We try to streamline acquisition, we try to make it easier to do business with these small companies; and then something like this comes out.” The Pentagon had hoped to implement the rule changes by the end of the year and had planned to hold a public meeting on Oct. 10, before the public comment period ended on Oct. 23. Whether that event will still happen is unclear. https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2018/10/02/facing-industry-pressure-pentagon-backs-off-contract-payment-changes

UAS Centre of Excellence Press Release On Sept. 25 and 26, more than 150 key influencers of the drone industry have gathered at Alma's UAS Centre of Excellence for the first ever Tech Demo annual edition. With the objective of sharing the latest trends and capabilities of the drone industry, the trade show hosted conferences, discussion panels and drone flight demonstrations. The attendees had a chance to learn more about data integration in the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) industry, UAS traffic management, the niche of excellence in UAS as part of the Accord initiative and the establishment of a pre-qualification centre. ‘ Furthermore, the event presented the latest developments by Nav Canada, Transport Canada and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). The participants also attended presentations on sale and marketing of airborne and space systems and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada's various programs. The two-day event allowed people to attend two discussion panels during which they shared ideas about certifications and operations beyond line of sight. People were also given the opportunity to share knowledge with other experts and watch two drone flight demonstrations on giant screens. According to the UAS Centre of Excellence's director general, Marc Moffatt, an event such as Tech Demo is crucial for the industry. “The drone community needs such gathering events,” he said. “We are obviously very pleased with the first edition's success, but what we are most proud of is the quality of the participants. Many of the key actors in setting the regulation for drones in Canada were among us to hear what the community had to teach them and to learn more about the UAS Centre of Excellence's potential.” Moffatt also spoke of how Tech Demo had once again proven the strategic role the UAS CE can play in the drone regulation and technology in Canada. “People of the industry from all over the world came to our trade show,” he said. “The UAS CE succeeded in gathering our own local influencers who understand the CE's strategic role. In recent years, the CE and its partners have built a regional hub that will allow the drone industry to break new ground in Canada but also here in our region of Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean,” he concluded. Alain Fortin, the CE's president, said: “Whereas the UAS CE is used to organize events with people from the drone community, Tech Demo was more technically oriented. The UAS CE invited representatives from various sectors in order to demystify the possible uses of drones and to inform participants of the rules and technical aspects of unmanned aerial systems. I'm happy to see that people came from all over the world to discuss the issues arising with the integration of drones in our lives.” https://www.skiesmag.com/press-releases/drone-community-comes-together-for-tech-demo