News

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY DTechLogic LLC, a joint venture** Huntsville, Alabama, is being awarded a competitive cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-reimbursable contract. The total value of this contract is $255,909,986. The contractor will provide the infrastructure and cybersecurity engineering necessary to support ballistic missile defense system (BMDS) hardware-in-the-loop (HWIL) and related ground testing in a continuous integration/continuous agile testing (CI/CAT) environment. The work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama. The performance period is from June 2019 through June 2024. This award is the result of a competitively awarded acquisition in which four offers were received. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $100,000 are being obligated on this award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (HQ0147-19-C-0012). AIR FORCE ArmorWorks Enterprises, Chandler, Arizona, has been awarded a $206,073,316 firm-fixed-price contract for delivery of payload transporters. This contract provides for replacement of aging payload transporters. Work will be performed in Chandler, Arizona, and is expected to be complete by July 30, 2024. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2018 procurement funds in the amount of $31,322,624 are being obligated at the time of award. The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Contracting Division, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8204-19-C-0005). DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY Dell Federal Systems, Round Rock, Texas, was awarded a firm fixed order for $82,895,710 (Base-plus-2) and FAR 52.217-8 six months extension in the estimated amount of $13,815,951 with an estimated total of $96,711,662, using fiscal 19 O&M funds (HT0015-19-F-0087). This is an enterprise-level blanket purchase agreement (BPA) call for Microsoft software and support against the Enterprise Software Initiative (ESI) BPA for Microsoft. This procurement is to renew Microsoft licenses for 72 customers within Defense Health Agency (DHA), Air Force, Army, and Navy. These licenses are required for products including VISIO Professional, Windows Server Standard, Project Standard, and SQL Server Enterprise. The requirement was competitively solicited among all awardees under the ESI multi-award BPA for Microsoft, and the proposals were evaluated on the lowest-price-technically-acceptable (LPTA) basis. The amount of $27,631,903 for the base year is obligated at the time of the award. The DHA Health Information Technology Contracting Division (HIT-CD), located in San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (HT0015). (Awarded June 10, 2019) NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $76,670,049 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-5103 to exercise options for AEGIS development and test sites operation and maintenance at the Combat Systems Engineering Development Site, SPY-1A Test Facility and Naval Systems Computing Center. This option exercise is for continued technical engineering, configuration management, associated equipment/supplies, quality assurance, information assurance and other operation and maintenance efforts required for the AEGIS development and test sites. This option exercise also provides for the continuing site maintenance and planned improvements of the sites for AEGIS Combat System and Aegis Weapon System upgrades to CG-47 and DDG-51 class ships through the completion of Advanced Capability Build 20 and Technology Insertion 16, in addition to AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense and FMS requirements. This contract modification combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (34.7%), Missile Defense Agency (MDA) (22.7%) and the governments of Japan (34.4%), Australia (4.7%), South Korea (2.1%), and Norway (1.4%) under the foreign military sales program. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be complete by June 2020. Foreign military sales (Japan, Australia, South Korea, Norway); fiscal 2014 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (MDA); fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (MDA); fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $29,746,093 will be obligated at time of award, and funding in the amount of $4,617,194 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Data Intelligence LLC,* Marlton, New Jersey, is awarded a $12,584,840 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide cybersecurity and security engineering-related services to the Department of Defense, National Guard Bureau and Department of Homeland Security. This two-year contract includes one, three-year option period which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to an estimated $31,832,280. Work will be performed in Marlton, New Jersey (25%) and in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (75%), and work is expected to be completed June 18, 2021. If the option is exercised, work will continue through June 18, 2024. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as task orders are issued using operations and maintenance (Navy and Army); other procurement (Navy); research and development (Air Force); research, development, test and evaluation (Navy), and acquisition, contracts and improvements (Coast Guard). This contract was competitively procured via Request for Proposal N66001-17-R-0066 and publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and NAVWAR e-Commerce Central website. Nine offers were received, and one was selected for award. The Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-D-0076). Ultralife Corp., Newark, New York, is awarded a $9,985,687 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract procures Universal Vehicle Adapter radio battery chargers, MRC-UVA-V1, in support of the Family of Special Operations Vehicles Ground Mobility Vehicle and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected platforms. Work will be performed in Newark, New York, and is expected to be completed in June 2024. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was a limited competition in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 3.02-1(c) via an electronic request for proposal posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website, with one offer received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-19-D-0132). ARMY B.L. Harbert International LLC, Birmingham, Alabama, was awarded a $67,147,000 firm-fixed-price contract for a general purpose warehouse at Red River Army Depot, Texas. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Texarkana, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 22, 2023. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 military construction and operations and maintenance Army funds in the combined amount of $67,147,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-19-C-0029). General Dynamics Mission Systems, Taunton, Massachusetts, was awarded a $20,576,456 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for system engineering and program management support for the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical Increment 2 systems and equipment. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Taunton, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 13, 2020. Fiscal 2019 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $17,582,214 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W15P7T-10-D-C007). Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $14,991,526 modification (P00005) to foreign military sales (Saudi Arabia) contract W58RGZ-17-C-0009 to procure the Post Green DD250 aircraft support, storage and maintenance for UH-60M aircraft for the Saudi Arabian Ministry of the National Guard. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2022. Fiscal 2019 foreign military sales funds in the amount of $14,991,526 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel Co., White Hall, Arkansas, was awarded a $9,925,269 modification (P00009) to contract W912EQ-16-C-0008 for the rental of the dustpan hydraulic pipeline dredge for up to six month to perform maintenance dredging within the Mississippi River and tributaries to authorized channel dimensions. Work will be performed in New Orleans, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 23, 2019. Fiscal 2019 Mississippi River and tributaries civil funds in the amount of $9,925,269 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Memphis, Tennessee, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Pama Inc.,* Elgin, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $7,102,814 firm-fixed-price contract for horizontal boring mills. This is a one-year contract with no option periods. 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 Illinois and Italy, with an Oct. 30, 2020, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Richmond, Virginia (SPE4A8-19-C-0002). *Small business **Woman Owned Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1881299/source/GovDelivery/

DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY Inmarsat Government Inc., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a competitive single-award blanket purchase agreement (BPA), GS-35F-0016X/HC1013-19-A-0005, for commercial satellite communication services. The total cumulative face value of this BPA is $246,000,000 (ceiling amount). The place of performance will be at Inmarsat Government Inc. Quotations were solicited via the General Services Administration's Federal Supply Schedule, Information Technology Schedule 70, and two quotations were received from 28 offerors solicited. The period of performance is five years, consisting of a one year base period of June 19, 2019, through June 18, 2020, and four 12-month option periods. The Defense Information Technology Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity (GS-35F-0016X/HC1013-19-A-0005). CORRECTION: A contract announced on June 17, 2019, for Cisco Systems Inc., San Jose, California (HC1084-19-D-0004), for $724,096,866, has not yet been awarded. AIR FORCE Systems Implementers Inc., Clearfield, Utah, has been awarded a ceiling $54,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) system implementation and sustainment. This contract provides for implementation and sustainment support. Work will be performed in Hill Air Force Base, Utah, and is expected to be complete by July 9, 2026. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2019 consolidated sustainment activity group maintenance working capital funds in the amount of $4,172,930 are being obligated on the first task order which will be awarded immediately after the basic contract. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8224-19-D-A003). Management Services Group Inc., doing business as Global Technical Systems, Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been awarded a $20,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Mid-Size Munitions (MSM) technology effort. This contract provides for the prototyping and demonstration program which focuses on an intermediate weight capable of defeating challenging targets. This program leads to flight test demonstrations, effectiveness assessments, and manufacturing readiness assessments adequate to support weapon system transitions. Work will be performed at Virginia Beach, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by June 17, 2024. This award is the result of a broad agency announcement and one offer was received. Fiscal 2019 research and development funds in the amount of $4,526,000 are being obligated on the first task order which will be awarded immediately with the basic contract. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8651-19-D-0073). ARMY Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., Oak Brook, Illinois, was awarded a $20,967,250 firm-fixed-price contract for hopper dredging with beach placement of dredged material. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Galveston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 13, 2020. Fiscal 2019 non-federal and operations and maintenance, civil funds in the amount of $20,967,250 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W912HY-19-C-0006). DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, has been awarded a $9,919,398 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00007) to previously awarded contract HR0011-18-C-0026 for a research project for undersea systems. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $19,208,634 from $9,289,236. Work will be performed in Linthicum Heights, Maryland (71%); Reston, Virginia (27%); and Cambridge, Massachusetts (2%), with an estimated completion date of May 2020. Fiscal 2019 research and development funds in the amount of $9,919,398 are being obligated at time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1880092/source/GovDelivery/

DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY Cisco Systems Inc., San Jose, California, was awarded a competitive, firm-fixed-price, single award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (HC1084-19-D-0004) for Cisco Smart Net Total Care Joint Enterprise License Agreement (JELA) II. The contract ceiling is $724,096,866. The period of performance is for one base year period with a one-year option. The period of performance for the base year is June 18, 2019, through June 17, 2020, and the option year follows consecutively through June 17, 2021. The place of performance will be across the Department of Defense. The solicitation was issued as other competitive action pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S. Code §2304(c)(1) and Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, only one responsible source, and no other supplies or services, will satisfy agency requirements. Four proposals were received. Solicitation HC1084-19-R-0013 was posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website (www.fbo.gov). The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity (HC1084-19-D-0004). AIR FORCE General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded $90,961,866 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the United Kingdom (UK) MQ-9A Contractor Logistics Support Phase IV Program. This contract provides for depot repair, life cycle sustainment, and software maintenance services for UK's MQ-9A fleet. Work will be performed in Poway, California. Performance and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2021. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. This contract involves 100 percent foreign military sales to the UK. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $90,961,866 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-19-C-2003). Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Defense Electronic Systems Business Unit, Northridge, California, has been awarded a $38,950,511 indefinite-delivery requirements contract for Common Munition Built-In-Tester Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) production units. This contract provides for the production of the following items associated with the CMBRE system: AN/GYQ-79A CMBRE Plus, ADU-890/E, ADU-891-(V) 1/E, ADU-891-(V) 3/E, CMBRE initial spares kits and assorted items belonging to the CMBRE configuration. Work will be performed in Northridge, California, and is expected to be complete by June 16, 2022. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2019 procurement funds are being obligated via an individual delivery order against the production contract as requirements are made known. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8533-19-D-0009). Canadian Commercial Corp., Ottawa, Canada, on behalf of Honeywell Canada, has been awarded a $10,371,078 firm-fixed-price contract for C5 Super Galaxy Communication, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Production. This contract provides for the purchase of Honeywell Inmarsat satellite communication kits, interim contractor support, initial spares, data and program management. Work will be performed in Ottawa, Canada, and is expected to be complete by Oct. 30, 2019. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2019 procurement funds in the amount of $10,371,078 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-19-C-6607). NAVY Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded $29,633,004 for cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order N00019-19-F-2593 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0003). This order provides for the upgrade of the Block IV Tomahawk test equipment, including the system Integration Laboratory, the Air Vehicle System Integration Laboratory, hot-benches, automated flight test equipment and associated test equipment. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (74.90 percent); Carlsbad, California (4.36 percent); Denver, Colorado (2.55 percent); Englewood, Colorado (1.56 percent); Mosheim, Tennessee (1.37 percent); Scottsdale, Arizona (1.34 percent); Irvine, California (1.03 percent); North Sutton, New Hampshire (1.02 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (11.87 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2021. Fiscal 2019 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $29,633,004 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. ARMY Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $21,709,189 fixed-price-incentive contract for Palletized Load System Trailers. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2021. Fiscal 2017 and 2019 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $21,709,189 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-F-0468). SGS LLC,* Yukon, Oklahoma, was awarded a $13,456,297 firm-fixed-price contract for a design-bid-build construction project for the KC-46A Fuselage Trainer Facility Phase 3 at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2021. Fiscal 2015, 2016 and 2019 Corps of Engineers civil construction funds in the amount of $13,456,297 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (W912BV-19-C-0011). R.E. Staite Engineering Inc.,* San Diego, California, was awarded a $7,052,735 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging the Redwood City Harbor Channel. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Redwood City, California, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 9, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $7,052,735 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco, California, is the contracting activity (W912P7-19-C-0010). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan, has been awarded an estimated $14,771,246 modification (P00036) to a three-year base contract (SPE7MX-16-D-0100) with two one-year option periods adding vehicle spare parts. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Michigan and South Carolina, with an Aug. 11, 2020, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio. Eddy Pump Corp.,* El Cajon, California, has been awarded a maximum $8,427,827 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for pump assemblies. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a three-year base contract with two one-year option periods. Location of performance is California, with a June 16, 2022, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2022 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (SPRMM1-19-D-TR01). Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, Plymouth, Minnesota, has been awarded a maximum $8,346,345 firm-fixed-price contract for automatic feeders. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a one-year base contract with one one-year option period. Locations of performance are Minnesota and Arizona, with a Sept. 10, 2021, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2020 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-19-C-042). *Small business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1878725/source/GovDelivery/

By: Mark Pomerleau Contractors, facing an increasing barrage of cyber intrusions by foreign entities, should protect themselves using traditional regulatory approaches but also new techniques such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, according to a new report from Deloitte. As companies in the defense supply chain began following the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) cybersecurity regulations and the Department of Defense started to assess how adoption went, “we started to form our own ideas on what we see as emerging issues and solutions that [can] ... improve the cybersecurity posture against our enemies,” Jeff Lucy, managing director in cyber risk services practice at Deloitte, told Fifth Domain. On the regulatory side, the report, titled “Third-party risk management: Cybersecurity in the Defense Industrial Base,” says prime contractors must comply with the defense regulations measuring their companies' compliance with national cybersecurity standards. They should also create awareness among their subcontractors and smaller companies by providing training. Third, primes should create third party assessment programs for performing cybersecurity evaluations of their suppliers. However, the paper also suggests non-regulatory approaches, including automating supply chain functions, integrating blockchain to boost cybersecurity and using artificial intelligence to gain real time visibility into the threat landscape. Lucy noted that the Pentagon is beginning to take these regulations seriously and the problems aren't going away. “In 2019 we've seen that the DoD has started to move forward, start to take action to enforce their expectations around the DFARS requirements,” he said. “It's clear now with the steps that we're seeing with [Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment] Ellen Lord getting the [Defense Contract Management Agency] on board to start auditing the suppliers processes for assessing their suppliers.” Cyber intrusions into the supply chains of defense contractors have become more prevalent in recent years. In a recent example, the Chinese government was blamed for a series of hacks and while the information they stole was not technically classified, in aggregate, it was considered to be quite damaging to the U.S. This year's Department-wide annual report on Chinese military activity included a new section highlighting that China's exfiltration of sensitive military information from the defense industrial base could allow it to gain a military advantage. Ultimately, Lucy said the solution to the supply chain and cybersecurity for the defense industrial base is manageable. “Most primes, from what I've seen with interactions with our customers, have put some level of the basic elements for a supplier assessment program in place already,” he said. “They've done some level of canvassing their suppliers, critical suppliers, taking a risk based approach to understand whether their suppliers are in adopting” standards. https://www.fifthdomain.com/industry/2019/06/14/how-contractors-can-guard-against-cyber-intrusions/

Canadian Space Agency LONGUEUIL, QC, June 14, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Our digital economy depends on keeping data safe from hackers. Cybersecurity is a priority for the Government of Canada. The Canadian Space Agency's Quantum EncrYption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission will test quantum technology that protects communications in space. The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is awarding a contract worth $30 million to Honeywell for the design and implementation phases of the QEYSSat mission. Current encryption methods are expected to be rendered obsolete within the next decade by the exceptional processing power of quantum computers. Slated for launch in 2022, QEYSSat will demonstrate quantum key distribution (QKD) technology in space. This emerging encryption technology will offer Canada a new, more effective method of securing the transfer of information. Under this contract, Honeywell will build, test, deliver, provide training for and commission the QEYSSat satellite, which will create a link between ground and space to transmit encryption keys. The work is expected to extend until the end of 2022. The QEYSSat mission is the culmination of a series of research and technology development activities undertaken by the Institute for Quantum Computing, with support from the Government of Canada. It will bring Canada a step closer to an operational quantum communications service from space, and will advance technology to help meet Canada's cybersecurity priorities. The lessons learned from the QEYSSat mission will be applied to develop future operational systems for government and provide safer, more secure access to services for Canadians. Commercial applications will include enhanced security for internet-based activities, as well as daily financial transactions such as ATM banking. In addition to the safety and security principle of Canada's Digital Charter, this initiative aligns with the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Planand the new Space Strategy for Canada through enabling future secure communications, as well as enhancing security and sovereignty. Quote "The QEYSSat mission is another step forward in our government's plan to foster a Canada where citizens have confidence that their data is safe and privacy is respected. In doing so, the development of these new technologies will also bring tremendous potential to transform markets and build a stronger economy that works for everyone." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Quick facts Quantum computers will be millions of times faster than any conventional computer, which means that they will be able to decipher passwords, personal identification numbers and other current safeguards quickly, putting confidential and personal information at risk. Current quantum encryption technology (QKD), relies on ground fibre-optic cables and is currently limited to a 200-kilometre distance. QEYSSat will seek to demonstrate QKD between a satellite and a ground network as a way to overcome the distance limits. Through testing and demonstration of the QKD in space, the CSA will provide a government-owned, space-based platform for federal stakeholders and Canada's scientific community. Budget 2017 provided $80.9 million to the Canadian Space Agency to support new projects and utilize Canadian innovations in space including the Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission. This mission will support emerging Canadian capabilities in the area of quantum key distribution, which has the potential to support secure communications through unbreakable encryption codes. The contract amount ($30 million) excludes taxes. https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/cybersecurity-from-space-the-government-of-canada-invests-in-quantum-technology-896853258.html

NAVY Resource Management Concepts Inc.,* Lexington Park, Maryland, is awarded a $101,231,753 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides for information technology engineering and management services for aircraft, avionics, and weapons system requirements in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's Integrated Battlespace Simulation and Test Department (AD 5.4). Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (71 percent); Orlando, Florida (7 percent); San Diego, California (6 percent); Jacksonville, Florida (6 percent); Point Mugu, California (5 percent); and Cherry Point, North Carolina (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2023. No funds are being obligated at time of award, funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; two offers were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00421-19-D-0065). Harper Construction Co. Inc., San Diego, California, is awarded $56,127,477 for firm-fixed-price task order N6247317F4705 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-16-D-1881) for construction of a maintenance hangar, maintenance shop and administrative building at Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona. The work to be performed provides for the construction of three facilities in support of project P612 which includes a maintenance hangar, maintenance shop, and an administrative building. Associated work at all three sites includes, but is not limited to, testing and abatement for hazardous materials, demolition/disposal, site grading/prep, utility infrastructure work and relocation of aircraft point-of-service power, repair and install of airfield and other paving, optional photovoltaic system at the hangar site, testing, commissioning, and all incidental related work necessary to provide complete and usable facilities. The task order also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase the cumulative task order value to $56,826,414. Work will be performed in Yuma, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by April 2022. Fiscal 2017 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $56,127,477 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. Multi-MAC JV,* Yuma, Arizona, is awarded a maximum amount $50,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract for compliance with air emission regulations, Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act regulations, greenhouse gas and all other environmental media regulations to support Navy, Marine Corps, and other Department of Defense installations and federal agencies worldwide. No task orders are being issued at this time. All work on this contract will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic area of responsibility including, but not limited to, California (45 percent); Virginia (15 percent); North Carolina (15 percent); Florida (5 percent); Maryland (5 percent); Washington (5 percent); Georgia (5 percent); and Europe Africa Southwest Asia (5 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of June 2024. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $10,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by operation and maintenance (Navy). This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62470-19-D-4010). Technical Data Analysis Inc.,* Falls Church, Virginia, is awarded a $37,735,874 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide engineering and technical support services for the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Air Vehicle Department. Engineering and technical support services for this effort shall include analysis, development, and integration of warfare systems, aircraft structural life surveillance, service life assessments and service life extensions in support of various Navy and Marine Corps platforms. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in August 2024. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was a small business set-aside, competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00421-19-D-0069). Raytheon Co., Goleta, California, is awarded a $32,977,260 firm-fixed-price contract to conduct a demonstration of existing technologies (DET) in support of the Dual Band Decoy Program. This DET will demonstrate expanded capabilities of the Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures AN/ALE-55 Fiber Optic Towed Decoy and AN/ALE-50 Advanced Airborne Expendable Decoy used on the F/A-18E/F aircraft. Work will be performed in Goleta, California, and is expected to be completed in September 2021. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $12,000,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a broad agency announcement, with three offers received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001919C1026). Cape Environmental Management Inc.,* Honolulu, Hawaii, is awarded $13,611,247 for cost-plus-award-fee task order N6274219F0129 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62742-16-D-1807) for implementation of remedial alternatives to address sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls and metals at the Pearl Harbor sediment site. The selected remedies to be implemented will include placement of a thin-layer of clean material for enhanced natural recovery (ENR) and treatment of contaminated sediment with activated carbon amendment material in under-pier areas where dredging or other active remedies are impracticable. The remedy action also includes pre-ENR dredging of sediment where necessary, to provide sufficient clearance below the authorized maintenance dredging elevation for the placement of clean material for ENR. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by June 2022. Fiscal 2019 environmental restoration (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $13,611,247 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One proposal was received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. WR Systems, Fairfax, Virginia, is awarded a $10,918,406 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production, engineering, technical and logistical services associated with delivery and technical support of the AN/SPA-25H Indicator Group. These systems support surface ships and are the standard data and distribution system from radar sensors to navigational and tactical displays. Additionally, the Navy has a need to procure durable and reliable state-of the-art switchboards, decoders, converters, switches and upgrades, for existing AN/SPA-25G and AN/SPA-25H installations. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia (90 percent); and various Navy shipyards (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2024. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 other procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2016 and 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,335,439 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured on the basis of full and open competition via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N0017819D4505). ARMY Baker Jacobs JV, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $46,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect-engineer 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 June 12, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-19-D-0030). CGI Federal Inc., Fairfax, Virginia, was awarded a $34,414,693 modification (P00049) to contract W911S0-15-C-0004 for Operational and Environment Core functions support services. Work will be performed in Fort Eustis, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 9, 2020. Fiscal 2190 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $23,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity. TiER1 Performance Solutions LLC,* was awarded a $19,000,000 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for research and development. Bids were solicited via the internet with 63 received. Work locations and funds will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 13, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911NF-19-D-0002). Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $17,335,100 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for re-baselining the current production configuration and the procurement of capability enhancements to Government Furnished M1070A1 Heavy Equipment Transporters. One bid was solicited with one 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 $17,355,100 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-15-D-0031). Avion Solutions Inc.,* Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $15,189,965 modification (0002 18) to Foreign Military Sales (Afghanistan, Bahrain, Croatia, Egypt, Jordan, Latvia, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Sweden, Tunisia and United Arab Emirates) contract W31P4Q-15-A-0029 for logistics support services. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of June 16, 2020. Fiscal 2019 Foreign Military Sales; other procurement, Army; operations and maintenance, Army; and research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $15,189,965 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. GTA Containers Inc.,* South Bend, Indiana, was awarded a $14,706,913 firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of collapsible fabric tanks. Two bids were solicited with two bids received. Work will be performed in South Bend, Indiana, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 6, 2022. Fiscal 2019 Army working capital funds in the amount of $14,706,913 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-F-0409). Goodrich Corp., Brea, California, was awarded a $12,634,182 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance and overhaul of the Hoist, Internal Rescue. 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 June 10, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-19-D-0037). Oxford Federal LLC, Sheridan, Wyoming, was awarded a $7,762,098 firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales (Israel) contract for Site 13900. Six bids were solicited with three bids received. Work will be performed in Tel Aviv, Israel, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2020. Fiscal 2019 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $7,762,098 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wiesbaden, Germany, is the contracting activity (W912GB-19-F-0111). CORRECTION: A contract announced on June 12, 2019, for IBM Corp., Bethesda, Maryland (W912DY-19-F-0396), for $9,500,000 incorrectly identified the purpose of the contract. The contract is for the Department Of Defense High Performance Computing Modernization Program, Technology Insertion, Army Research Laboratory, Order 17 - Containerized Machine Learning System. All other information in the announcement was correct. U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $30,778,000 firm-fixed-price type delivery order (H92241-19-F-0091) under an existing contract (W91215-16-G-0001) to procure components and parts in support of MH-47G rotary wing aircraft. This action is required to satisfy an urgent need to sustain U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) heavy assault, rotary wing aircraft, to mitigate the impact of the MH-47G aircraft availability in light of increased SOF operational demands and to procure H-47 long-range, rotary wing aircraft under foreign military sales acquisition procedures for the United Kingdom. Fiscal 2019 Aircraft Procurement, Army funds in the amount of $20,778,000 and no-year Foreign Military Spending funding from the United Kingdom in the amount of $10,000,000 shall be obligated at time of award for the acquisition of long-lead components and parts in support of the MH-47G Block II Production Program. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The majority of the work will be performed in Ridley Park. U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Sea Box,* Cinnaminson, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $7,364,845 firm-fixed-price contract for TRICON containers. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(2) and 41 U.S. Code 3304(A)(2), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-2(a)(2). This is a one-year base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is New Jersey, with Dec. 31, 2019, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRD11-19-C-0220). *Small business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1875427/source/GovDelivery/

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry will be more affected by artificial intelligence (AI) than by any other major emerging technology over the next three years, according to Aerospace & Defense Technology Vision 2019, the annual report from Accenture (NYSE: ACN) that predicts key technology trends likely to redefine business. The study also underscores the growing importance of reskilling programs as a competitive lever. AI, comprising technologies that range from machine learning to natural language processing, enables machines to sense, comprehend, act and learn in order to extend human capabilities. One-third (33%) of A&D executives surveyed cited AI as the technology that will have the greatest impact on their organization over the next three years — more than quantum computing, distributed ledger or extended reality. In fact, two-thirds (67%) of A&D executives said they have either adopted AI within their business or are piloting the technology. Benefits of AI for the industry include enabling predictive analytics for maintenance; facilitating smart manufacturing with connected devices that provide real-time information to workers on the shop floor; providing advanced automation that enables the workforce to offload repetitive tasks; and enhancing real-time responses to customer issues and complaints, among others. “AI has the potential to be a major growth driver for the A&D industry,” said John Schmidt, global leader of Accenture's Aerospace & Defense practice. “However, AI technology is advancing faster than the pace at which many companies are adopting it. A&D executives need to find ways to accelerate their adoption of broader AI solutions that can deliver breakthrough outcomes by focusing not just on the technology but also on how they want to transform their workforce and capabilities.” Workforce Reskilling The importance of reskilling the A&D workforce to ensure success within companies is a prominent theme in the report. More than two-thirds (69%) of A&D executives believe that the speed at which members of the workforce move between roles and organizations has increased the need for reskilling in their organization. In addition, two-thirds (67%) of A&D executives believe that more than 40% of their workforce will move into new roles requiring substantial reskilling within three years. AI is both a cause for and a solution to workforce reskilling. For instance, aerospace specialists can now work alongside AI-assisted design technology to quickly cycle through countless design options and test configurations, with intelligent software learning and improving with each iteration. AI will also play a key role in identifying workers' hidden and adjacent skills and will help them reskill and retain displaced workers. “The rapid adoption of AI has triggered urgent calls for reskilling to prepare for a different way of working,” Schmidt said. “The majority of jobs will be reconfigured as people and intelligent machines collaborate. A&D leaders must reimagine the very nature of work and then build the right training to meet that vision.” Data & The Customer The report also notes the growing role of digital data and demographics and their role in the A&D industry. Nearly all (95%) of the A&D executives surveyed expect the amount of data their organization manages about their operators' digital demographics to increase over the next two years, with nearly three-quarters (74%) expecting it to increase either “significantly” or “exponentially.” The increase in available data could prove beneficial for A&D companies. For example, three-quarters (76%) of executives said that digital demographics give their organizations a new way to identify market opportunities for unmet customer needs. “Insights from digital demographics data allow A&D companies to create a new generation of offerings that foster an ongoing, trustworthy relationship with operators,” said Jeff Wheless, research lead for Accenture's Aerospace & Defense practice. “Maintenance solutions can be fine-tuned to an aircraft operator's specific operating environment or enhanced flight planning, which can maximize fuel savings and minimize greenhouse emissions.” About the Methodology Accenture's Aerospace & Defense Technology Vision 2019 report is based on responses from 113 aerospace and defense executives surveyed as part of the Accenture Technology Vision 2019. The research process for Accenture Technology Vision 2019, which is developed annually by the Accenture Labs and Accenture Research, included gathering input from the Technology Vision External Advisory Board, a group comprising more than two dozen experienced individuals from the public and private sectors, academia, venture capital firms and entrepreneurial companies. In addition, the Technology Vision team conducted interviews with technology luminaries and industry experts, as well as with nearly 100 Accenture business leaders. In parallel, Accenture Research conducted a global online survey of 6,672 business and IT executives to capture insights into the adoption of emerging technologies. The survey helped identify the key issues and priorities for technology adoption and investment. Respondents were C-level executives and directors at companies across 27 countries and 20 industries, with the majority having annual revenues greater than US$6 billion. About Accenture Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions — underpinned by the world's largest delivery network — Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With 477,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190613005051/en

Howard Solomon Canada's electronic spy agency will soon get new authority to launch cyber attacks if the government approves legislation that is in the final stages of being debated. There's a good chance it will be proclaimed before the October federal election. But a discussion paper issued Wednesday by the Canadian Global Affairs Institute says Canadians need to debate the pros and cons of using this new power. “This direction not only opens up new possibilities for Canadian defence, it could also represent significant new risks,” says the report. “Without good answers to the difficult questions this new direction could raise, the country could be headed down a very precarious path.” Among the possible problems: Cyber retaliation. Another: While Canada might try to target a cyber attack, the impact might be bigger than expected — in fact, it might boomerang and smack us back. Third is the lack of international agreement on the use of cyber weapons (although this is a double-edged sword: Without an agreement there are no formal limits on what any country is forbidden from doing in cyberspace). “To move forward at this point to implement or even formally endorse a strategy of cyber attack would be risky and premature,” concludes the report's author, computer science professor Ken Barker, who also heads the University of Calgary's Institute for Security, Privacy and Information Assurance. “There are challenging technical controls that must be put in place as well as a critical international discussion on how cyber weaponry fits within the rules of war.” Barker's paper is in response to the 2017 strategy setting out Defence Department goals, where the possibility of Canada having a cyber attack capability first raised. It wasn't written with Bill C-59 in mind — now in its final stage before Parliament — which actually gives Canada's electronic spy agency, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), the power to use what's called “active” as well as defensive cyber operations. In an interview Tuesday, Barker said “in the desire to push this thing they need to have more carefully thought about the questions I raise in this paper.” “Maybe it's late, but at least it's available.” He dismisses the argument that by announcing it has an offensive cyber capability Canada will cause other countries to think twice about attacking us with cyber weapons. “They would attempt to find out what Canada is doing to create cyber attack capabilities,” he argued. “One of the risks once we do endorse this,” he added, “is we open ourselves up to other countries to using Canada as a launching pad for cyber attacks to cover up their involvement, and [then] say ‘That was done by Canada.'” Nation states are already active in cyberspace. Ottawa has blamed China for the 2014 hack of the National Research Council, Washington suspects China was behind the massive hack of employee files at the Office of Personnel Management, and there is strong evidence that Russia mounted a sophisticated social media attack against the U.S. during the 2016 federal election. According to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, The U.S. the U.K. and Australia say they have used offensive cyber operations against the Islamic State. The U.S.-based Council on Foreign Relations notes that Germany increased its offensive cyber capability after a 2016 attack on the country's legislature blamed on Russia. Last year the New York Times reported the U.S. Cyber Command has been empowered to be more offensive. Meanwhile in April the CSE warned it's “very likely” there will be some form of foreign cyber interference during the run-up to October's federal election here, The most commonly-cited interference in a country were two cyber attacks that knocked out electrical power in Ukraine — in December 2015 and again in December 2016 — largely believed to have been launched from Russia. All this is why some experts say Canada has to have an offensive cyber capability to at least keep up. In January, Ray Boisvert, former assistant director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), told a parliamentary committee that “the best defence always begins with a good offense ... “When more than five dozen countries are rumoured to be developing active cyber capabilities, in my view that means we must develop capabilities to respond and in some cases that includes outside our borders.” Background In 2017 the Trudeau government announced a new defence strategy that included the promise of “conducting active cyber operations against potential adversaries in the context of government-authorized military missions.” The same year the government introduced Bill C-59, which in part would give the CSE, which is responsible for securing government networks, the ability to take action online to defend Canadian networks and proactively stop cyber threats before they reach systems here. This would be done as part of new legislation governing the CSE called the Communications Security Act. That act would give CSE the ability to conduct defensive and “active” cyber operations. Active operations are defined as anything that could “degrade, disrupt, influence, respond to or interfere with the capabilities, intentions or activities of a foreign individual, state, organization or terrorist group as they relate to international affairs, defence or security.” Both defensive and active cyber operations can't be used against any portion of the global information infrastructure within this country. And they have to be approved by the Minister of Defence. C-59 has been passed by the House of Commons and slightly amended by the Senate. It was scheduled back in the House last night to debate the Senate amendments. Despite all the cyber incidents blamed on nation states, Barker is reluctant to say we're in an era of low-level cyber war right now. Many incidents can be characterized as cyber espionage and not trying cause harm to another state, he argues. https://www.itworldcanada.com/article/canada-should-think-again-about-having-the-ability-to-use-offensive-cyber-weapons-expert/418912

By: Chloe Rogers House lawmakers passed a bill June 10 that would require the establishment of permanent “cyber incident teams” to help protect both federal agencies and the private sector from cyberattacks. The Department of Homeland Security Cyber Incident Response Teams Act would create permanent teams of cybersecurity specialists within DHS that the government and industry could call on to help them recover from network breaches. “When cyberattacks occur, immediate expertise is needed to mitigate damage and ensure organizations are restored,” the bill's primary sponsor Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said. “Cyber incident response teams provide that expertise and function as our cyber first responders.” The teams, which will be housed under the DHS's National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, could also include cybersecurity experts from the private sector as members. McCaul said the bill fosters “collaboration between the public and private sector to ensure that our nation can continue to adapt to the constant changes in the cyber landscape.” Reps. John Katko, R-N.Y.; Jim Langevin, D-R.I.; John Ratcliffe, R-Texas; and Dutch Ruppersberger, D-Md., also sponsored the bill. The House bill was introduced in February as companion legislature to the bipartisan DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., and Rob Portman, R-Ohio. The Senate version of the bill was approved by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in April. https://www.fifthdomain.com/congress/capitol-hill/2019/06/12/congres