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  • Space Development Agency orders its first satellites

    September 1, 2020 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR

    Space Development Agency orders its first satellites

    Nathan Strout WASHINGTON — The Space Development Agency has selected Lockheed Martin and York Space Systems to build the satellites for the first tranche of its transport layer ― an on-orbit mesh network that is key to the Pentagon's plans to connect on orbit sensors with terrestrial shooters ― the agency announced Aug. 31. Each company will build 10 satellites for SDA, though at vastly different prices. While York Space Systems will receive $94 million to build its 10 satellites, Lockheed Martin will receive $188 million for the same number. According to SDA Director Derek Tournear, that difference reflects the agency's firm-fixed-price contract approach to this solicitation, where they asked companies to give them a price point to meet SDA's detailed specifications. “We have two providers roughly providing the same thing at different prices. How does that work? It works simply as we put out a solicitation that gave requirements and gave a schedule, and we asked for firm-fixed-price bids based on those requirements and schedule,” explained Tournear in a media call following the announcement. “We had several providers that bid that came back with a range of different technical solutions and a range of prices. “We awarded them based completely on the technical merit and what we thought was their ability to be able to make schedule and provide a solution, and then price was factored into that,” he added. “That's what led York and Lockheed Martin to come out on top.” The satellites will comprise Tranche 0 of the agency's planned transport layer, a constellation of satellites that can transfer data globally through optical intersatellite links. Tournear has previously noted the space-based mesh network will form the space component to the Defense Department's Joint All-Domain Command and Control enterprise, or JADC2. “The transport layer, which is what the draft [request for proposals] and the industry day was talking about today, is going to be the unifying effort across the department. That is going to be what we use for low-latency [communications] to be able to pull these networks together, and that, in essence, is going to be the main unifying truss for the JADC2 and that effort moving forward. That is going to be the space network that is utilized for that,” Tournear explained in April. Six of the 20 satellites will have Link-16 transmitters, allowing them to connect to warfighters through the military's tactical network. The contracts include on-time delivery of space vehicles and paths to optical intersatellite link interoperability. Work is expected to kick off within 30 days, said Tournear. While Tranche 0 will be made up of just 20 satellites in low Earth orbit, SDA plans to add more satellites every two years as part of a spiral development approach. The transport layer will serve as the base for the new multi-layered National Defense Space Architecture, which will be made up of hundreds of interconnected satellites serving a number of missions — including tracking hypersonic weapons and providing beyond-line-of-sight targeting--primarily from low Earth orbit. SDA plans to launch Tranche 0 into orbit in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022. “We're looking about this time in exactly two years, we will be launching 20 satellites from two different performers to make up the nucleus of our Tranche 0 transport layer,” said Tournear. According to the May 1 contract solicitation, the agency has six goals for its Tranche 0 transport layer: Demonstrate low-latency data transport to the war fighter over the optical cross link mesh network. Demonstrate the ability to deliver data from an external, space-based sensor to the war fighter via the transport layer. Demonstrate a limited battle management C3 functionality. Transfer Integrated Broadcast System data across the mesh network to the war fighter. Store, relay and transmit Link 16 data over the network in near real time. Operate a common timing reference independent of GPS. https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/space/2020/08/31/space-development-agency-orders-its-first-satellites/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EBB%2009.01.20&utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief

  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - August 31, 2020

    September 1, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - August 31, 2020

    ARMY Blazar Technology Solutions,* Denver, Colorado (W52P1J-20-D-0039); Blue Tech Inc., San Diego, California (W52P1J-20-D-0041); Carahsoft Technology Corp., Reston, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0042); CDW Government, Vernon Hills, Illinois (W52P1J-20-D-0043); Countertrade Products, Arvada, Colorado (W52P1J-20-D-0044); Cypher Analytics/Crowne Point Systems,* San Diego, California (W52P1J-20-D-0045); DH Technology,* Leesburg, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0046); DLT Solutions, Herndon, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0047); Dynamic Systems Inc., El Segundo, California (W52P1J-20-D-0048); Enterprise Technologies Solutions,* Bethesda, Maryland (W52P1J-20-D-0049); Epoch Concepts, Highlands Ranch, Colorado (W52P1J-20-D0050); FedBiz It Solutions,* Leesburg, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0051); Force 3 LLC, Crofton, Maryland (W52P1J-20-D-0052); Four Inc.,* Herndon, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0053); GovConnection Inc., Rockville, Maryland (W52P1J-20-D-0054); GovPlace, Reston, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0055); ID Technologies, Ashburn, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0056); ImmixTechnologies, McLean, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0057); Iron Bow Technologies, Herndon, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0058); Integration Technologies Group, Falls Church, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0059); MicroTech,* Tysons Corner, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0060); New Tech Solutions Inc., Fremont, California (W52P1J-20-D-0061); PCMG, Herndon, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0062); Red River Technology LLC, Claremont, New Hampshire (W52P1J-20-D-0063); SHI International Corp, Somerset, New Jersey (W52P1J-20-D-0064); Strategic Communication LLC, Louisville, Kentucky (W52P1J-20-D-0065); ThunderCat Technology LLC, Reston, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0066); Vertosoft,* Leesburg, Virginia (W52P1J-20-D-0067); Walker and Associates, Welcome, North Carolina (W52P1J-20-D-0068); World Wide Technologies, St. Louis, Missouri (W52P1J-20-D-0069); and York Telcom, Eatontown, New Jersey (W52P1J-20-D-0070), will compete for each order of the $13,000,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to support the Army, Department of Defense and all federal agencies in their enterprise infrastructure and infostructure goals by leveraging commercial-off-the-shelf software products and maintenance in specific product categories. Bids were solicited via the internet with 32 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 30, 2030. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Missile Fire Controls, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded an $183,182,541 modification (P00016) to contract W31P4Q1-9-C-0101 for M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers. Work will be performed in Camden, Arizona; and Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 20, 2023. Fiscal 2020 U.S. Marine Corps and Foreign Military Sales (Romania) funds in the amount of $183,182,541 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. AAI Corp., doing business as Textron Systems, Hunt Valley, Maryland, was awarded an $84,734,180 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to acquire technical, engineering, scientific and logistical services to support the S3I Directorate's Joint Systems Integration Laboratory in the areas of research, development, integration, experimentation, test and evaluation, maintenance, sustainment and operation. 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 Aug. 30, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-20-D-0029). Brice Environmental Services Corp.,* Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded a $40,899,412 firm-fixed-price contract for environmental remediation activities at Beale Air Force Base. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed at Beale AFB, California, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 30, 2020. Fiscal 2020 revolving funds in the amount of $40,899,412 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, California, is the contracting activity (W91238-20-C-0015). SAIC, Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $36,290,371 hybrid (cost-no-fee, time-and-materials) contract for the procurement of information technology services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama; and Corpus Christi, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $36,290,371 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W9124P-20-F-0397). Leidos Inc., Gaithersburg, Maryland, was awarded a $35,778,346 modification (P00035) to contract W58RGZ-17-C-0058 for continued contractor logistics support services for special mission wing Mi-17/PC-12 aircraft fleets in support of the government of Afghanistan. Work will be performed in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2020. Fiscal 2020 Afghanistan Security Forces Fund (Army) funds in the amount of $35,778,346 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. The Ross Group Construction Corp., Tulsa, Oklahoma, was awarded a $35,396,600 firm-fixed-price contract to design and construct a C-130 H/J fuselage trainer facility at Little Rock Air Force Base. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Arkansas, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2022. Fiscal 2020 military construction (defense-wide) funds in the amount of $35,396,600 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock, Arkansas, is the contracting activity (W9127S-20-C-6006). C.J. Mahan Construction Co. LLC, Columbus, Ohio, was awarded a $29,707,005 firm-fixed-price contract for the demolition and removal of Lock and Dam 53 at Olmsted Lock and Dam, Grand Chain, Illinois. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Olmsted, Illinois, with an estimated completion date of June 2, 2022. Fiscal 2020 civil construction funds in the amount of $29,707,005 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-20-C-0031). Northrop Grumman, McLean, Virginia, was awarded an $18,137,372 modification (P00088) to contract W58RGZ-17-C-0014 for contractor logistics support services for government-owned, fixed-wing fleet performing Special Electronic Mission Aircraft missions. Work will be performed in McLean, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $18,137,372 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Liqid Inc.,* Broomfield, Colorado, was awarded a $16,480,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Department of Defense high performing computing modernization programs. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Vicksburg, Mississippi, with an estimated completion date of April 28, 2026. Fiscal 2020 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $16,480,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W912DY-20-F-0576). BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, was awarded an $11,723,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide U.S. Army Cyber Command with command, control, communications, computers and information management augmentation services. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Augusta, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2021. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $11,723,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-20-C-0037). DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY International SOS Government Services Inc., Trevose, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $960,362,689 single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity fixed-price task order contract for health care support services by the Defense Health Agency (DHA). This contract supports the TRICARE Overseas Program (TOP) by supplementing the healthcare capabilities and capacities of overseas military treatment facilities and provides healthcare in remote overseas locations. This was a full and open competitive acquisition. The TOP contract is for $19,803,735 operations and maintenance funds for a base year (transition-in) and seven one-year option periods. It provides a wide range of health care support services for TRICARE eligible beneficiaries outside the U.S. and Washington, D.C. The performance completion date is Aug. 31, 2028. The DHA Managed Care Contracting Division, Aurora, Colorado, is the contracting activity (HT9402-20-D-0002). AIR FORCE Quantico Tactical, Aberdeen, North Carolina (FA8629-20-D-5059); and Rapid Response Defense Systems Inc., Irvine, California (FA8629-20-D-5060), have collectively been awarded a $950,000,000, 10-year, multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide equipment, training and product support to approximately 3,500 Air Force Special Warfare operators, as well as authorized users in support of Special Warfare mission requirements. Work will be performed in various U.S. locations and is expected to be completed June 2030. These awards are the result of a competitive acquisition and 17 offers were received. Fiscal 2019 other procurement funds in the amount of $2,000 are being obligated on the initial order placed against each of the contracts. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Fullerton, California, has been awarded a maximum $92,500,000 five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for weapons datalink radios and support. This contract provides for the procurement of standoff precision guided munition situational awareness datalink radios under a firm-fixed-price contract line item number (CLIN) along with integration, test, qualification and operational support under a cost-plus-fixed-fee CLIN. Work will be performed in Fullerton, California, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2021. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 Special Operations Command funds in the amount of $1,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8656-20-D-0004). Environmental Chemical Corp., Burlingame, California, has been awarded a ceiling $60,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) environmental construction optimization services to support the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) Installations Directorate (CIB). This contract provides BRAC environmental remediation activities at BRAC installations. These performance-based remediation efforts support the AFCEC BRAC mission and enhance BRAC program capabilities within AFCEC/CIB. Work will be performed at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire; Loring Air Force Base (deactivated), Maine; Griffiss AFB (deactivated), New York; and Plattsburgh AFB (deactivated), New York, and is expected to be completed Aug. 23, 2030. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. BRAC funds in the amount of $2,309,735 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Installation Contracting Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8903-20-D-0001). General Dynamics Mission Systems, Marion, Virginia, has been awarded a $17,536,819 firm-fixed-price contract for wide band radomes. This contract provides for production of wide band radomes supporting Air Force F-16 aircraft outfitted with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars. Work will be performed in Marion, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2032. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $12,681,392; and fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $4,855,427 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-20-D-6067). Beaver Aerospace & Defense Inc., Livonia, Michigan, has been awarded a $14,658,882 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for sustainment of the Fast Rising B-Plug components. This contract provides for remanufacture, shipping, testing and packaging for the Fast Rising B-Plug components used for the Fast Rising B-Plug program by the Air Force. Work will be performed in Livonia, Michigan, and is expected to be completed Aug. 26, 2025. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 working capital funds in the amount of $34,255 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Material Command, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8206-20-D-0001). Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a $10,753,325 for the Multiple Threat Emitter System (MUTES) and Mini-MUTES program. This contract provides for repair of circuit cards and circuit card assemblies for multiple threat emitters. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed Aug. 30, 2025. This award is the result of non-competitive acquisition. Fiscal 2020 Consolidated Sustainment Activity Group – Supply funds in the amount of $189,573 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Sustainment Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8250-20-D-0003). Copan Industries Inc., Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract action for the increased domestic manufacturing capability of diagnostic sample collection supplies (e.g., nasal swabs). This contract will deliver the retrofit of a production facility, to include procurement of machinery, to increase flock tip swab production capacity in the U.S. allowing for domestic acquisition of critical COVID-19 testing capability. Work will primarily be performed in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and is expected to be completed Feb. 28, 2021. This award is the result of a COVID-19 Joint Acquisition Task Force Commercial Solution Opening. Fiscal 2020 Health Care Enhancement Act, Department of Health and Human Services funds in the amount of $5,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-20-C-0062). Communications & Power Industries LLC, Beverly, Massachusetts, has been awarded a $9,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for electron tubes repair. This contract includes teardown, test and evaluation, minor repair, major repair and total rebuild of the electron tubes. Work will be performed in Beverly, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2025. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and three offers were received. Fiscal 2020 working capital funds will be used, but no funds will be obligated at the time of award. Air Force Sustainment Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8250-20-D-0006). RiverTech LLC, Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded an $8,939,038 firm-fixed-price contract for Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Aviation Squadron administrative support services. This contract provides for flying squadron operations support at PACAF locations. Work will be performed in Kadena Air Base (AB), Japan; Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska; Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Misawa AB, Japan; Osan AB, South Korea; Kunsan AB, South Korea; Yokota AB, Japan; and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed Sept. 29, 2021, with two option years. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $5,113,013 are being obligated at the time of award. The 766th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (FA5215-20-F-0025). (Awarded Aug. 27, 2020) NAVY Archer Western Federal JV, Chicago, Illinois, is awarded a $326,625,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of Hurricane Florence Recovery Package Seven for facilities located in Marine Corps Air Station New River. The contract also contains four unexercised planned modifications, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $339,544,200. This project provides replacements for facilities damaged during Hurricane Florence. The proposed replacements consist of: construction of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training classroom building. The building includes a combination passenger/freight elevators, classrooms, administrative spaces, aircraft trainer spaces, auditorium and personal support spaces. Site improvements include demolition, utilities, and parking; and construction of the bachelor enlisted quarters, a building providing 165 rooms with semi-private baths in the standard 2+0 room configuration. Community and service core areas consist of laundry facilities, lounges, administrative offices, housekeeping areas and public restrooms. Site improvements include demolition, utilities and parking; and construction of the CH-53K maintenance hangar, an aircraft maintenance hangar in support of three CH-53K aircraft squadrons. The hangar will include a multi-story crew/equipment/administrative area at the rear of the hangar bay. Work includes an aircraft hangar, associated maintenance shops, administrative spaces, personnel spaces, aviation operations spaces, parts and tool storage space, hazardous materials storage area and associated aircraft support equipment. Built-in equipment includes four passenger/freight elevators, three eight-ton bridge cranes, fabric hangar doors, backup generator, waste fluid collection system, aircraft power system, aircraft grounding grid, lightning protection, compressed air system and an aqueous film-forming foam system with hangar floor drainage and containment. This project also constructs a vehicle parking facility, an aircraft access apron, an aircraft parking apron, two aircraft wash racks to support the CH-53K, a master storm water detention facility with pumping station, and an oil/water separator. Site improvements include demolition, utilities, roadways and flight line fencing; and construction of the C-12W aircraft maintenance hangar, an aircraft maintenance hangar and aircraft operations facility to support air station C-12W operations. The hangar will provide space for aircraft operations function, Transient Aircraft Services Division, ground support equipment storage and C-12W aircraft maintenance. The project includes fabric hangar doors, radiant gas heat, five-ton overhead bridge crane, embedded grounding grid, aircraft grounding points, a two stop combination passenger/freight elevator and loading dock. The hangar will provide high bay maintenance space, hazardous material storage, a climate controlled battery service locker, avionics vault, tool room, equipment storage spaces, administrative spaces, briefing room, conference room, pilot ready room, VIP lounge, classroom and personnel support spaces. The project includes purchased temporary facilities to accommodate the aircraft operations function displaced by the demolition of building AS843. Site improvements include demolition, utilities and parking. Work will be performed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by February 2025. Fiscal 2020 military construction Marine Corps contract funds in the amount of $326,625,000 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov website with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-20-C-0060). RQ-W.M. Jordan JV, Carlsbad, California, is awarded a $191,120,897 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of Hurricane Florence Recovery Package Three, storage and training facilities, located in Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The contract also contains six unexercised planned modifications and 12 unexercised options which, if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $211,013,178. This project provides replacements for training and storage facilities damaged during Hurricane Florence. The proposed replacements consist of construction of the Marine Corps Combat Service Support School (MCCSSS) Logistics Operations School, a practical application facility for military occupancy specialty motor transport entry/intermediate level training and a joint reception center facility to include headquarters/support functions and student in-processing functions for MCCSSS at Camp Johnson. The project will also renovate and convert the current MCCSSS motor transport training building into an administrative and training center to support tenant and other training and education command functions. Two low-rise steel frame multi-story academic and reception facilities will be constructed. These facilities include academic, administrative and support space necessary to conduct the day-to-day operations of Log Ops School and MCCSSS in-processing. Site improvements include demolition, utilities and parking; and construction of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) simulation training center, a low-rise training facility to contain the II MEF battle simulation center and combined arms staff trainer. The facility will be constructed with secure storage space containing multiple configurable training classrooms, indoor simulated marksmanship trainer - enhanced, audio/visual, computer and server room equipment spaces and personnel and administrative support spaces. Site improvements include demolition, utilities and parking; and construction of the Logistics Command Consolidated Storage Program (LOGCOM CSP) warehouse replacement, a low-rise steel frame warehouse facility for LOGCOM CSP. Facilities will include the support space necessary to conduct the day-to-day operations. Site improvements include demolition, utilities and parking. Work will be performed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by May 2025. Fiscal 2020 military construction Marine Corps contract funds in the amount of $191,120,897 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov website, with 12 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-20-C-0059). Sevenson-USA Environmental JV II,* Niagara Falls, New York, is awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum amount of $95,000,000 for environmental remediation services for projects at various location within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic area of operations (AO). No task orders are being issued at this time. All work on this contract will be performed primarily within the NAVFAC Atlantic AO which includes Virginia (30%); North Carolina (15%); Maine (10%); Maryland (10%); New York (10%); Rhode Island (5%); Washington, D.C. (5%); Pennsylvania (3%); West Virginia (3%); Connecticut (2%); Massachusetts (2%); New Hampshire (2%); New Jersey (2%); and Europe (1%). Although principle geographical areas are identified for the contract, the contractor may be required to perform at any Naval or Marine Corps activity in the NAVFAC Atlantic AO. The work to be performed is for remedial actions at environmentally contaminated sites predominately located at Navy and Marine Corps installations and other government agencies. The sites will consist of those ranked on the Superfund National Priority List (NPL) as well as non-NPL sites regulated under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act; underground storage tanks regulations; state specific regulations; and other sites which might require remedial action. Work may also be added and performed anywhere outside of NAVFAC Atlantic AO, as required by the government. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of August 2025. Fiscal 2020 environmental restoration (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 environmental restoration (Navy). This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with four proposals received. NAVFAC Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62470-20-D-0015). Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, Northridge, California, is awarded an $80,963,388 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides for the development of new technology to increase the capability of the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile family of weapon systems. This contract provides for technology demonstrations, product improvement initiatives, technology insertion and transition activities, integration and testing of various warfare systems, mission analysis and mission architecture development. Additionally, this effort will provide recommendations in support of Concept of Operations development and military utility analysis. Work will be performed in Northridge, California, and is expected to be completed in August 2025. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity (N68936-20-D-0024). Day & Zimmermann Lone Star LLC, Texarkana, Texas (N00104-20-D-VL01); and AMTEC Corp. doing business as Tech Ord, Clear Lake, South Dakota (N00104-20-D-VM01), are awarded an estimated $39,437,018 multiple award of firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts for the manufacture of M500 cartridge actuated cutters used on the C-130 and C-17 aircraft during load airdrop sequence. This contract includes a five-year ordering period with no options. Work will be performed in Texarkana, Texas (60%); and Clear Lake, South Dakota (40%), for the first delivery order. Percentage for remainder of contract cannot be determined at this time. Work is expected to be completed August 2025. Fiscal 2020 procurement of ammunition (Army) funds in the amount of $2,047,464 to Day & Zimmermann Lone Star LLC (N00104-20-F-VL01); and $1,455,992 to Tech Ord (N00104-20-F-VM01) will be issued as delivery orders that will be awarded concurrently with the contracts and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a fully competitive requirement, with six offers received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Viasat Inc., Carlsbad, California is awarded a $13,965,530 modification to an existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a maximum potential value of $17,822,995 for the production of KOR 24A multi-channel small tactical terminals. The KOR 24A is interoperable with the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) family of radios. This contract supports Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases for international partner nations. No contract funds will be obligated on the contract modification. Non-appropriated contract funds for FMS in the amount of $649,672 will be obligated on the second delivery order and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, California. The ordering period is through September 2021. This sole-source contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(4) – International Agreement (Federal Acquisition Regulation subpart 6.302-4). Naval Information Warfare System Command San Diego, California, is the contracting authority and awarded the contract on behalf of the MIDS Program Office (N00039-19-D-0036). ProSecure LLC,* Fairfax, Virginia, is awarded a $10,083,876 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for regional security services at various installations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest area of operations. The maximum dollar value including the base period and four option years is $55,075,836. The work to be performed provides for armed security guard services to meet region operational requirements. Such actions include access control, surveillance, screening, detaining and conducting preliminary investigations of real or potential violations of installations orders and/or applicable regulations. Work will be performed at various NAVFAC Northwest installations in Washington (96%); and Idaho (4%), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2025. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $9,502,242 for recurring work will be obligated on an individual task order issued during the base period. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website with seven proposals received. NAVFAC Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity (N44255-20-D-5018). Bristol Engineering Services Co. LLC,* Anchorage, Alaska, is awarded an $8,819,114 firm-fixed-price task order (N62473-20-F-5251) under a multiple award construction contract to replace fuel farm tanks at Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, San Clemente Island. The task order also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative task order value to $10,214,469. The work to be performed replaces six single wall diesel fuel tanks with double wall tanks, including all associated appurtenance: pipes, valves and catwalk. The new fuel storage tanks and associated piping/distribution system will support the required training and testing missions. The option, if exercised, provides for a new above ground pipeline and associated control systems connecting the power plant, fueling station and the six tank fuel compounds. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by November 2022. Fiscal 2020 defense working capital funds (Defense-wide) in the amount of $8,819,114 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 (N39430-20-D-2221). Hydraulics International Inc.,* Chatsworth, California, is awarded an $8,002,881 firm-fixed-price contract to procure 38 diesel portable hydraulic power supplies and 16 electric portable hydraulic power supplies. Additionally, this contract includes a physical configuration audit and a request for variance for the units being procured in support of the V-22 aircraft program for the Navy and government of Japan. Both the diesel and electric portable hydraulic power supplies are designed to power the aircraft hydraulic systems for operational maintenance and testing of aircraft hydraulic components while on the aircraft. Work will be performed in Chatsworth, California, and is expected to be completed in August 2021. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,854,327; fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $282,915; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $865,639 will be obligated at time of award, $6,854,327 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-20-C-0224). SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY Lockheed Martin Corp., Littleton, Colorado, is awarded a $187,542,461 firm-fixed-price contract for the Space Development Agency Transport Layer Tranche 0. The proposal was received and evaluated under request for proposal HQ0850-20-R-0001. The work to be performed under this contract will include on-time delivery of space vehicles and paths to optical intersatellite link interoperability success. Work will be performed in Littleton, Colorado (54.2%); Irvine, California (24.4%); Backnang, Germany (10.6%); Centennial, Colorado (5.9%); Camarillo, California (1.3%); San Diego, California (1.3%); Tempe, Arizona (0.7%); Quebec, Canada (0.5%); Madrid, Spain (0.4%); Cedar Rapids, Iowa (0.3%); Annapolis Junction, Maryland (0.2%); Bedford, New Hampshire. (0.2%); and Ottawa, Canada (0.1%). Fiscal 2020 defense wide research, development, test and evaluation funds will be obligated at the time of award. The Space Development Agency, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (HQ0850-20-C-0009). York Space Systems,* Denver, Colorado, is awarded a $94,036,666 firm-fixed-price contract for the Space Development Agency Transport Layer Tranche 0. The proposal was received and evaluated under request for proposal HQ0850-20-R-0001. The work to be performed under this contract will include on-time delivery of space vehicles and paths to optical intersatellite link interoperability success. Work will be performed in Denver, Colorado (45.5%); San Diego, California (13.4%); Los Gatos, California (11.0%); Carlsbad, California (9.0%); Los Angeles, California (6.5%); Scottsdale, Arizona (4.4%); Longmont, Colorado (4.1%); Bothell, Washington (3.3%); and Colorado Springs, Colorado (2.8%). Fiscal 2020 defense wide research, development, test and evaluation funds will be obligated at the time of award. The Space Development Agency, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (HQ0850-20-C-0008). DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $32,493,889 modification (P00022) to contract HR0011-15-C-0081, adding Phase 3 tasks to the previously-awarded procurement contract for the Multi- Azimuth Defense Fast Intercept Round Engagement System (MAD-FIRES) program. During the 27-month Phase 3 baseline program, the Raytheon team will focus on seeker development and performance. Raytheon proposes to make performance enhancements to the successful Phase 2 projectile and develop a functional demonstration illuminator and engagement manager to engage and defeat a representative surrogate target. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $100,325,347 from $67,831,458. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (95%); Chelmsford, Massachusetts (2%); and McKinney, Texas (3%), with an expected completion date of November 2022. Fiscal 2020 research and development funds in the amount of $29,435,306 are being obligated at time of award. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Thomas Scientific LLC, Swedesboro, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $12,644,524 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for medical and surgical products. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a one-year base contract with nine one-year options periods. Location of performance is New Jersey, with an Aug. 30, 2021, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2021 warstopper funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2D0-20-D-0013). AM General LLC, South Bend, Indiana, has been awarded a maximum $7,232,621 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle diesel engine cylinder heads. 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 five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Indiana, with an Aug. 30, 2025, ordering period end date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2025 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-20-D-0130). *Small Business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2331179/

  • Airbus unveils B-model Lakota helos to enter US Army fleet next year

    August 31, 2020 | International, Aerospace

    Airbus unveils B-model Lakota helos to enter US Army fleet next year

    By: Jen Judson WASHINGTON — The newest version of the UH-72B Lakota light utility helicopter will enter the U.S. Army fleet in 2021, aircraft manufacturer Airbus announced Aug. 28 at the National Guard Association of the United States virtual trade show. Beginning with the newest orders placed in 2020, Airbus will deliver 17 UH-72Bs next year after supplying 460 UH-72As across the Army, Navy and National Guard. In September, the last UH-72A (the 463rd) will roll off the production line in Columbus, Missouri, according to the statement. The “B” model will look distinctly different from the “A” variant. The aircraft is based off the Airbus H145 and will feature a Fenestron tail rotor, which the current A model does not have, according to Airbus. The B model will also have more powerful engine technology, “enhanced” controls and the Airbus Helionix avionics suite, the company said. The new helicopter variant will go to the Army National Guard. “Since we first began operations with the UH-72 Lakota some 15 years ago, this helicopter has been the workhorse of the Army and National Guard, saving lives, assisting in disaster relief, training thousands of pilots, and, more importantly, helping to protect our communities and our country,” Col. Calvin Lane, the Army's project manager for utility helicopters, said in the statement. “Procuring the UH-72B Lakota provides tremendous value with no research and development costs for the Army.” Since the program's inception in 2006, the Army and National Guard have logged nearly 800,000 flight hours, serving as the initial entry rotary-wing training aircraft for the Army at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and has flown search and rescue, medical evacuation and disaster relief missions as well counter-drug operations at the Southwest border. The Army chose to make the Lakota the primary training helicopter and retire its TH-67 aircraft when it restructured its entire aviation fleet in 2013. The decision met some resistance. Several companies like Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland were hoping at the time to sell military training helicopters to several armed services, including the Army. AgustaWestland, a Leonardo subsidiary, filed a lawsuit four years ago in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims over the Army's plan to buy 16 of the aircraft for the training fleet. The court ruled in favor of AgustaWestland, and the Army was barred from buying the Lakotas. But the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned the lower court's decision in early 2018, allowing the service to move forward in procuring Lakotas. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2020/08/28/airbus-unveils-b-model-lakotas-will-enter-us-army-fleet-in-2021/

  • Suisse: Six milliards en jeu pour renouveler la flotte aérienne de l’armée

    August 31, 2020 | International, Aerospace

    Suisse: Six milliards en jeu pour renouveler la flotte aérienne de l’armée

    Après l'échec de l'achat des avions Gripen en 2014, le peuple suisse est à nouveau appelé à voter pour ou contre l'acquisition d'avions de combats. La Suisse doit renouveler sa flotte d'avions de combat. Les appareils en service actuellement seront en fin de vie d'ici 2030. Le Conseil fédéral et le Parlement veulent acquérir de nouveaux avions pour six milliards de francs. Les opposants y voient une dépense inutile. Le peuple tranchera le 27 septembre. La votation porte sur le montant maximal destiné à l'achat des avions de combat qui remplaceront les 26 F-5 Tiger et les 30 F/A-18 de l'armée. Les premiers, acquis en 1978, sont déjà obsolètes. Ils ne peuvent voler que de jour et par temps clair, et ne servent plus qu'à l'instruction. Les seconds atteindront leur limite dans une dizaine d'années. Après l'échec de l'achat des avions Gripen en 2014, le gouvernement a décidé de ne soumettre aux urnes que le cadre général de l'acquisition. Le choix du type et du nombre d'appareils nécessaires lui reviendra ensuite. L'enveloppe de 6 milliards de francs, soit deux fois plus que le Gripen, est plafonnée et ne pourra pas être augmentée. Elle pourra en revanche être ajustée à l'évolution des prix. L'achat des nouveaux avions de combat recueille dans les derniers sondages une majorité en sa faveur. Le clivage droite/gauche est marqué, le camp bourgeois étant favorable à la dépense et le camp rose-vert opposé. Objectif controversé Pour le comité référendaire, composé du PS, des Verts et du Groupe pour une suisse sans armée, dépenser 6 milliards de francs pour les avions est une fausse promesse de sécurité. Le scénario d'une guerre aérienne en Europe n'est pas réaliste. La Suisse doit plutôt se préparer à de nouveaux types de menace: catastrophes, cyberattaques, pandémies ou changement climatique. Les avions de combat ne pourront pas contrer ces menaces. Des investissements dans la lutte contre le réchauffement climatique ou la pénurie d'électricité seraient plus sensés, selon les opposants. L'émergence de nouvelles formes de guerre ne remplace pas les anciennes menaces, répond le camp des partisans dans les rangs duquel se trouvent des membres du PLR, de l'UDC, du PDC, du PBD, des Vert'libéraux, du PEV et de nombreuses organisations militaires. Bien qu'il n'y ait pas de conflit armé en Suisse, les conditions peuvent rapidement changer. Il s'agit de l'avenir de la politique de sécurité. Une menace imprévisible La menace évolue constamment et la population doit être protégée contre les attaques imprévisibles, argumente la ministre de la Défense Viola Amherd. L'armée de l'air a de nombreuses t'ches pour lesquelles des avions de combat sont nécessaires. Elle intervient si un avion se trouve en situation critique ou s'il viole les règles. Lorsque Genève accueille une conférence internationale sur la paix, des avions doivent en permanence être dans les airs. L'armée doit également pouvoir contrôler de manière plus intense ses frontières en cas de tensions dans les environs et s'assurer qu'aucun appareil militaire étranger ne survole le territoire. Elle doit protéger son espace aérien en cas d'attaque directe. Coûts à définir L'argent dépensé pour les avions fera défaut dans d'autres domaines comme l'éducation, la santé, la sécurité publique ou sociale ou encore la culture, rétorquent les opposants. Cet achat serait en outre un chèque en blanc donné au gouvernement et au Parlement. Le jour de la votation, les électeurs ne connaîtront pas les coûts concrets. Si l'on prend en compte l'ensemble des coûts sur la durée de vie des avions, la facture s'élève à 24 milliards, avancent les référendaires. Le Département fédéral de la défense estime pour sa part la dépense à 18 milliards. Le PS propose l'acquisition d'avions de combat légers, moins onéreux. Pour Viola Amherd, ces appareils ne valent rien pour le service de police de l'air et encore moins pour protéger la Suisse en cas de crise. Ils ne volent pas assez haut, sont trop lents ou n'ont pas les radars ou l'armement nécessaires. Compensations prévues L'arrêté sur lequel le peuple doit se prononcer inclut des conditions. Il précise que le constructeur remportant l'appel d'offres devra investir 60% du montant du contrat dans l'économie suisse (65% en Suisse alémanique, 30% en Suisse romande et 5% en Suisse italienne). L'achat sera coordonné avec la modernisation du système de défense sol-air. Quatre jets sont encore en lice: le Rafale du français Dassault, l'Eurofighter de l'européen Airbus et les deux avions américains, le Super Hornet de Boeing et le F-35A de Lockheed-Martin. https://www.lematin.ch/story/six-milliards-en-jeu-pour-renouveler-la-flotte-aerienne-de-larmee-442405814349

  • How Canada Fights

    August 31, 2020 | Local, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR

    How Canada Fights

    DEFENCE DECONSTRUCTED PODCAST August 28, 2020 On this episode of the Defence Deconstructed Podcast, David Perry speaks to Canadian Joint Operations Command's BGen David Anderson and Dr. Michael Roi about how the Canadian Armed Forces are adapting their operations in a new defence and security environment. Defence Deconstructed is part of the CGAI Podcast Network and is brought to you by the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI). Participant Biographies: Brigadier-General David J. Anderson: is the Chief of Staff Readiness of the Canadian Joint Operations Command. Dr. Michael L. Roi: a Senior Strategic Analyst at the Canadian Joint Operations Command. Host Biography: Dave Perry (host): Senior Analyst and Vice President with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute. https://www.cgai.ca/how_canada_fights

  • Armaments consortium launches new path to field high-tech prototypes

    August 31, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR

    Armaments consortium launches new path to field high-tech prototypes

    By: Joe Gould WASHINGTON ― The National Armaments Consortium, along with the DoD Ordnance Technology Consortium and Army Contracting Command-New Jersey, is taking steps to fast-track their armament prototyping efforts, it was announced Thursday. A year after the Army's high-profile reorganization to more quickly field cutting-edge weapons technologies, the Charleston, South Carolina-based National Armaments Consortium ― made up of 900 companies and academic institutions ― wants to better sync with both the government's increased demand and its actual bandwidth for turning research into prototypes. Pentagon modernization efforts have prioritized, in recent years, long-range precision fires, hypersonic and extended-range missiles, and anti-jam GPS devices ― all of which fall in the lane of the armaments consortium, said National Armaments Consortium Executive Director Charlie Zisette. “Armaments is kind of where the rubber hits the road for our war fighter because we're dealing with everything in the kill chain, protection and survivability,” Zisette told Defense News. “All of these things created a fairly large demand signal for modernization of our systems and components.” The 20-year-old NAC is one of a growing number of Pentagon-sponsored consortia that work to translate the government's notional requirements into technological breakthroughs and business opportunities. Consortia members will work with the government through collective “other transaction agreements” or “other transaction authorities.” These OTAs have become a popular tool to allow the government to communicate more openly about its needs and to work with nontraditional defense contractors whose innovations the Department of Defense wants to harness. According to Zisette, the NAC has 650 active projects at various stages to solve tough problems like developing a new heat-resistant composite material, new types of explosives and a complex long-range precision artillery system. So far this year, its efforts have led to 150 new-start acquisition programs, half awarded to “non-traditionals.” Historically, the NAC would release one annual solicitation based on government requirements, and host one annual collaboration event for NAC members to tout their technologies and ask government representatives about requirements. NAC also hosts a members-only online collaboration portal along similar lines. But something had to change. Amid the DoD's modernization efforts, the NAC has grown such that there would be 350 government solicitations and upward of 1,400 whitepapers, almost simultaneously. It was a “huge bow wave” that overwhelmed the procurement, legal and program staffs involved, Zisette said. “It became too much for the Department of Defense, so we were seeing our award-cycle times getting stretched out,” he said. “We realized we had to level that workload out: put in more agreements officers and contracts specialists so we could ... get quickly through the process itself.” The NAC unveiled Thursday it will initiate faster deadlines to develop prototypes, but it will also move to monthly solicitation releases and three virtual collaboration events per year instead of one. Other consortia will often either deal with requirements on an annual or ad hoc basis, meaning they're emailed out as they're developed. To Zisette's knowledge, no other DoD-sponsored consortia have monthly solicitation releases like the NAC is planning, but the idea for tri-annual events was something Zisette borrowed. “The total model will be a pathfinder,” he said, “but absolutely leveraging some of the best practices and input from across the department.” https://www.defensenews.com/2020/08/27/armaments-consortium-launches-new-path-to-field-high-tech-prototypes/

  • Orb Takes Flight

    August 31, 2020 | International, Aerospace

    Orb Takes Flight

    By Kimberly Underwood The Air Force's Agility Prime program conducts first demonstration of electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOL, aircraft. Last Thursday afternoon, leaders deemed the first demonstration of a flying orb by AFWERX's Agility Prime effort a success. The event was the first in a series of steps toward the U.S. Air Force fielding electric vertical takeoff and landing, or eVTOLs, by 2023. Held at Camp Mabry, near Austin Texas, with the Texas National Guard as hosts, the exhibition of LIFT Aircraft's Hexa eVTOL vehicle included the service's top brass. Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, new Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., and new Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass were all on hand to see the new aircraft, flown by LIFT CEO Matthew Chasen. “It was really exciting,” said Col. Nathan Diller, USAF, AFWERX director and Agility Prime lead, “These demonstrations start to show some of the maturity of the vehicle. And the fact that LIFT was able to do all the preparations and do an on-time takeoff and have all the maintenance pieces together [was great].” Col. Diller, who is spearheading Agility Prime's Air Race to Certification, which aims to have a first series of initial eVTOL capability by December, spoke to SIGNAL Magazine on Saturday. In the coming weeks, Agility Prime will conduct more demonstrations like the LIFT Aircraft event, with a “handful of companies,” he said. “And when that testing gets to a level where we feel this learning campaign would bring military utility at cost, we can start to purchase hardware, data or potential services, such as flight test-as-a-service.” Following the demonstrations with the companies, they may proceed into a full test plan, using combined operational testing, the colonel added. For the demonstration, the service also had to achieve the appropriate regulatory approvals. To use the airspace for the basic maneuvering, they needed much lower altitudes than a conventional aircraft would use, and in an urban environment. “The FAA gave us authorization to operate, both manned and unmanned [aircraft] within a few miles of downtown Austin,” Col. Diller shared. “And the CEO of LIFT actually flew the aircraft, so he hopped into the orb. The Hexa has a very interesting architecture, and when you think of the reliability....and to hear the acoustics, that was something to see.” The Air Force leaders were really impressed, the colonel shared. “There is kind of this ‘ahh moment' where, there is actually something flying,” he said. “And then [you see] that it is actually a demonstration more of the maturity when you start to look at it, the maturity of the vehicle and the maturity of the technology. There was a build-up that allowed us to have the confidence to do that and operate at Camp Mabry. And given that is was Texas in August, with an air temperature of about 100 degrees, the colonel said it also was a test of the e-VOTL's operations in such as environment. Col. Diller added that it was quite something to see the eVTOL aircraft as well as the Guard's F-16s at Camp Mabry, and it put into perspective where the flying orb technology could play a role in urban air mobility. “The ability to fly one of those, with the advances in new aircraft controls, there are some interesting opportunities to think about pilot training in the future, and to think about who across our service might be able to fly these in the future,” Col. Diller pondered. https://www.afcea.org/content/orb-takes-flight

  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - August 28, 2020

    August 31, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security, Other Defence

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - August 28, 2020

    MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, California, is being awarded a $911,765,000 modification (P00049) for existing sole source, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract HQ0147-12-D-0001 for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense element development and support services. This modification brings the total maximum ceiling value of this contract from $2,335,000,000 to $3,246,765,000. This modification provides for the extension of the period of performance for additional incremental development, support to flight and ground test programs and responsive support to warfighter requirements to sustain the Ballistic Missile Defense System throughout the acquisition life cycle. Expected completion dates will be established under subsequent task order awards. The work will be performed at Sunnyvale, California; and Huntsville, Alabama. No funding is being obligated at the time of award. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Abbott Rapid DX North America LLC, Orlando, Florida, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production and delivery of BinaxNOW rapid point-of-care antigen tests for COVID-19. The initial order is valued at $760,000,000 for 150 million tests and distribution costs. This was a sole-source acquisition to meet an urgent and compelling national need. An Emergency Use Authorization has been approved and signed by the Food and Drug Administration for this contract award. This is a four-month contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Florida and Maine, with a Dec. 31, 2020, ordering period end date. Using customer is the Department of Health and Human Services. The maximum dollar value on the contract is $1,500,000,000. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 CARES Act funding. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DE-20-D-0027). (Awarded Aug. 27, 2020) Petro Star, Inc.,* Anchorage, Alaska (SPE605-20-D-4008, $62,088,432); Delta Western LLC, Seattle, Washington (SPE605-20-D-4002, $32,629,727); Crowley Government Services, Jacksonville, Florida (SPE605-20-D-4005, $26,468,885); and Petro 49 Inc.,* doing business as Petro Marine Services, Seward, Alaska (SPE605-20-D-4009, $15,852,473), have each been awarded a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract under solicitation SPE0600-20-R-0222 for various types of fuel. These were competitive acquisitions with 18 responses received. They are 60-month contracts with a six-month option period. Locations of performance are Alaska, Florida and Washington, with a Sept. 30, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Breton Industries Inc.,* Amsterdam, New York, has been awarded a maximum $17,810,477 firm-fixed-price contract for vehicular door handles, soft top parts kits, vehicular fitted covers and vehicular curtain assemblies. This was a competitive acquisition with four offers received. This is a three-year base contract with two one-year option periods. Location of performance is New York, with an Aug. 27, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio (SPE7LX-20-D-0166). Immix Technology Inc., McLean, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $17,637,924 firm-fixed-price delivery order (SP4701-20-F-0161) against five-year basic ordering agreement NNG-15-S-C39B with one five-year option period for IBM software maintenance support renewal. This was a competitive acquisition with four responses received. This is a one-year base contract with two one-year option periods. Location of performance is Virginia, with an Aug. 31, 2021, performance completion date. Using customer is the Defense Logistics Agency. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Contracting Services Office, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. AMG Engineering & Machining Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana (SPE4A7-20-D-0363, $17,236,056); and Janel's Industries Inc., Dowagiac, Michigan (SPE4A7-20-D-0362, $13,155,156), have each been awarded a maximum firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPE4A7-20-R-0032 for aircraft structural fittings. This was a competitive acquisition using justification 15 U.S. Code 657f, as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.206. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Michigan, Florida and Indiana, with an Aug. 28, 2025, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Richmond, Virginia. AIR FORCE National Strategic Research Institute – University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, has been awarded a maximum $92,000,000 single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for research and development services supporting U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and other government agencies. The contract is specifically for obtaining Department of Defense essential engineering, research and development capabilities and mission-related research including test, evaluation, and systems analysis of related topics for USSTRATCOM in the defined core competencies of nuclear detection and forensics, detection of chemical and biological weapons, active and passive defense against weapons of mass destruction and consequence management. Work will primarily be performed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska; and University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, and is expected to be completed Feb. 28, 2026. This award is a result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $1,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The 55th Contracting Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (FA4600-20-D-0003). PLEXSYS Interface Products, Camas, Washington, has been awarded a $66,771,502 firm-fixed-price, time and materials contract to the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) Mission Crew Training Set (MCTS) effort. This contract will provide services to support the AWACS Block 40/45 system by providing operations and maintenance to eight MCTS systems. This contract will ensure that these MCTS systems are ready for training at the beginning of each training day, ensuring it remains operational throughout training events and then securing it at the conclusion of the training day. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Kadena Air Base, Japan; Nellis AFB, Nevada; and Joint Base Elmendorf, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by July 2024. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 centralized asset management aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $12,142,258 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-20-C-0009). M1 Support Services, Denton, Texas, has been awarded a $25,649,894 modification (P00050) to contract FA4890-16-C-0012 for the T‐38 aircraft maintenance program. The modification will provide intermediate and organizational maintenance of T‐38 aircraft for Air Combat Command, Air Force Materiel Command and Air Force Global Strike Command. Work will be performed at Beale Air Force Base, California; Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; Tyndall AFB, Florida; and Whiteman AFB, Missouri, and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance funds will be used, but no funds will be obligated at time of award. Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Joint Base Langley-Eustis AFB, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Frontier Technology Inc., Beavercreek, Ohio, has been awarded an $18,838,565 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00016) to life cycle decision support contract FA8806-19-C-0004 for additional support and analysis. The contract modification provides for the support and analysis to aid in the rapid prototyping and delivery of Enterprise Ground Services to future and existing U.S. Space Force missions. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Los Angeles, California, and work is expected to be completed by Sept. 4, 2021. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $6,700,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $85,525,491. Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, California, is the contracting activity. Range Generation Next LLC, Sterling, Virginia, has been awarded a $17,620,089 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P000313) to contract FA8806-15-C-0001 for cyber hardened infrastructure support Phases Three and Four. This modification supports an increase in launch and test range requirements. Work will be performed at Eastern Range, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida; and Western Range, Vandenberg AFB, California, and is expected to be completed Feb. 24, 2023. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of award. Space and Missile Systems Center, Peterson AFB, Colorado, is the contracting activity (FA8806-15-C-0001). Credence Management Solutions LLC, Vienna, Virginia, has been awarded an $8,661,142, bilateral second option for task order FA3002-18-F-0162 to continue providing flight training operations support to Air Education and Training Command fighter aircrew at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Randolph and Lackland, Texas; Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi; Laughlin AFB, Texas; Vance AFB, Oklahoma; Tucson Air National Guard (ANG) Base, Arizona; Little Rock ANG Base, Arkansas; Altus AFB, Oklahoma; Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida; Fort Rucker, Alabama; and the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, and is expected to be completed August 2021. This task order incorporates the addition of two schedulers at JBSA–Randolph, and the Service Contract Labor Standards, Department of Labor Wage Determinations and the Collective Bargaining Unit for Altus AFB. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Installation Contracting Center, JBSA-Randolph, Texas, is the contracting activity. ARMY EFW Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $55,365,964 modification (P00010) to contract W15QKN-20-F-0331 to increase the contract ceiling amount and extend the contract period of performance to procure hardware in support of the Mortar Fire Control System. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 28, 2022. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. (Awarded April 1, 2020) Legacy Joint Venture Group LLC,* Warner Robins, Georgia, was awarded a $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide rapid response with new construction, renovation, upgrades, improvement, maintenance or repair of government facilities. 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 30, 2025. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W912HN-20-D-4007). Advanced Systems Technology Inc.,* Lawton, Oklahoma, was awarded a $24,331,428 firm-fixed-price contract for to replace the existing tactical communication subsystems towers and antenna system equipment to properly operate, display and protect the Joint Readiness Training Center instrumented systems. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Lawton, Oklahoma, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 27, 2022. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Army) funds; and 2019 and 2020 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $24,331,428 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-20-C-0018). Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, Maryland, was awarded an $18,808,103 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for medical research to implement a multifaceted artificial intelligence initiative at the Biotechnology High-Performance Computing Software Applications Institute to support scientific research in multiple areas of military medicine. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Bethesda, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 16, 2023. Fiscal 2020 Defense Health Program and research, development, test and evaluation (Army) funds in the amount of $4,673,419 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Fort Detrick, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W81XWH-20-C-0031). Alstom Renewable US LLC, Greenwood Village, Colorado, was awarded a $15,943,367 firm-fixed-price contract to perform all work required to rewind two hydroelectric generating units at Hartwell Powerhouse. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Hartwell, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2022. Fiscal 2020 hydropower customer funded funds in the amount of $15,943,367 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W91278-20-C-0025). McMillen LLC, Boise, Idaho, was awarded a $12,231,000 firm-fixed-price contract for equipment, structures and all labor, plant, equipment and materials for the rehabilitation of the two low-level outlets of the Coolidge Dam. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed at the Coolidge Dam, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 22, 2022. Fiscal 2020 Bureau of Indian Affairs construction funds in the amount of $12,231,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (W912PP-20-C-0018). EA Engineering, Science and Technology Inc.,* Hunt Valley, Maryland, was awarded an $8,025,292 firm-fixed-price contract to address groundwater contamination resulting from historical releases at Kirtland Air Force Base. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 27, 2025. Fiscal 2020 environmental restoration, defense funds in the amount of $8,025,292 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (W912PP-20-C-0020). NAVY La Jolla Logic, San Diego, California (M68909-20-D-7601); Pueo Business Solutions LLC, Fredericksburg, Virginia (M68909-20-D-7602); Axcend, Inc., Fairfax, Virginia (M68909-20-D-7604); Lumbee Tribe Enterprises LLC, Pembroke, North Carolina (M68909-20-D-7605); and Trillion Technology Solutions, Inc., Reston, Virginia (M68909-20-D-7606), are being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for network, engineering, testing and cybersecurity support services with an estimated ceiling value of $46,000,000. Work will be performed in Camp Pendleton, California, and is expected to be complete by May 2025. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $1,500 will be obligated on the first task order immediately following contract award and funds will expire the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov website, with 17 offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity, Camp Pendleton, California, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Aug. 27, 2020) Coastal Marine Services Inc., San Diego, California (N50054-20-D-0007); and Thermcor Inc., Norfolk, Virginia (N50054-20-D-0008), are each being awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts to provide insulation and lagging removal and installation. Coastal Marine Services Inc. is awarded an $18,903,577 contract and Thermcor Inc. is awarded a $23,020,821 contract for a total amount of $41,924,398. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by August 2021, and if all options are exercised, by August 2025. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $24,000 ($12,000 minimum guarantee per contract) will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This multiple award contract was procured as a small business set-aside via the beta.Sam.gov website with two offers received. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Mare Island Dry Dock, Vallejo, California, is awarded a $15,378,728, 50-calendar day, firm-fixed-price contract (N32205-20-C-4066) for the mid-term availability of the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187). The $15,378,728 consists of the amounts listed in the following areas: Category “A” work item cost, additional government requirement, other direct costs and the general and administrative costs. Work will include forward and port side superstructure preservation and steel repairs, ballast tank preservation forepeak, flight deck non-skid renewal, miscellaneous steel repairs, tank preservation 1S, 8C and 10C, main engine 12,000-hour overhaul, multiple cable transit repair, marine sanitation device tank replacement, number 4 ship service diesel generators resilient engine mount replacement and vent plenum preservation. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total value to $16,715,800. Work will be performed in Vallejo, California. Expected period of performance is Oct. 14, 2020, through Dec. 2, 2020. Fiscal 2021 working capital (Navy) funds, excluding options, in the amount of $15,378,728 will be obligated at time of the award. This contract was competitively procured, with proposals solicited via the beta.sam.gov website and two offers were received. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N32205-20-C-4066). Basic Commerce and Industries Inc.,* Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $12,281,171 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-reimbursement-type contract for research, development, production, integration, installation, software support and maintenance of Weather Radar Through-the-Sensor systems. This five-year contract includes no options. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey (95%); and San Diego, California (5%). The period of performance is from Aug. 28, 2020, through Aug. 27, 2025. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Funding will be obligated via task orders using research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); other procurement (Navy); and operations and maintenance (Navy) funds. This contract was awarded with circumstances permitting other than full and open competition pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(5) as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5. Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-20-D-3413). *Small Business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2329454/

  • Drone maker General Atomics lays off hundreds

    August 28, 2020 | International, Aerospace

    Drone maker General Atomics lays off hundreds

    By: Joe Gould and Valerie Insinna WASHINGTON ― Privately held drone maker General Atomics, of San Diego, is laying off approximately 630 of its roughly 10,000 employees. “General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. can confirm a reduction in force involving 6% of its workforce,” a spokesperson wrote in an email to Defense News late Wednesday. “This reduction was made to balance resources with customer requirements.” The layoffs were announced internally Wednesday and confirmed by the company, which did not specify which operations were impacted. General Atomics and Northrop Grumman were two beneficiaries of the Trump administration's recent decision to ease restrictions on overseas sales of unmanned aircraft. In addition, lawmakers are expected to boost Reaper buys in the near term, with House appropriators proposing to give General Atomics $344 million for 16 more MQ-9s in fiscal 2021. But the company was also dealt a blow earlier this year when the Air Force announced it would stop buying the MQ-9 Reaper in fiscal year 2021, at least four years earlier than expected. And now the future of the program remains uncertain, with the Air Force looking at options to replace the MQ-9 Reaper. Over the past two decades, the Reaper has served as one of the Air Force's workhorse drones for surveillance and for striking targets in the Middle East. But service leaders believe it is ill-suited for a war with Russia and China. In addition, they believe it costs too much time and money to keep the aircraft ready for operations in low-threat environments. “The Reaper has been a great platform for us. Four million flight hours, just undeniable overmatch in a low-end uncontested fight, and it is certainly saving lives,” Air Force acquisition executive Will Roper told lawmakers at a House Armed Services Committee hearing this March. “But as we look to the high-end fight, we just can't take them into the battlefield. They are easily shot down.” In June, the Air Force issued a request for information for an MQ-9 successor, underscoring the service's plan to transition from the Reaper to a new surveillance and strike drone. https://www.defensenews.com/2020/08/27/drone-maker-general-atomics-lays-offs-hundreds/

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