7 septembre 2018 | International, Aérospatial, Naval, Terrestre, C4ISR
By: Daniel Cebul
WASHINGTON — In the era of great power competition, the speed at which competing militaries are capable to innovate and evolve could determine who would win in a war. In light of the need for speed, military innovation experts at the Defense News Conference tackled the question of whether the Department of Defense can still move quickly to develop new technologies and capabilities.
While the conversation surrounding innovation tends to revolve around the development of new technology, other organizational changes are arguably more important for military innovation. Col. Liam Collins, director of the Modern War Institute, said that while new technologies play a role, they are not the driving force of innovation.
“Sure, there were technological innovations that were part of it, such as new signals intelligence capabilities, but it was really more of an organizational or doctrinal innovation in which technology played a part,” Collins said. “Technology facilitates those other innovations, which are really often the most critical and often the less studied [of] what we focus on.”
One example of changes to organizational doctrine and behavior is the DoD's uptick in using other contracting authorities, or OTA. Shawn Black, vice president and general manager for electro-optical and infrared systems are Leonardo DRS, said that from the commercial side, these alternative contracting authorities are appealing because they move quicker and better communicate requirements.
“They represent a faster procurement cycle. You are able to move through the process of responding to a solicitation and providing a proposal much quicker. There is more flexibility in the intellectual property provisions,” Black said. "[Leonardo] has seen much-improved communication with the acquiring organization as you move through the process.
“Right up until the submission we are able to zero in right on what they are looking for.”
So how fast are these alternative options able to pump out contracts?
Mike Madsen, partner and head of Washington operations at Defense Innovation Unit, said his office is looking to “leverage the OT authority and put award prototyping contracts within 60 to 90 days."
"The fastest we've been able to do is just under that, and we are averaging 100 days,” he added.
Full article: https://www.defensenews.com/smr/defense-news-conference/2018/09/06/can-the-us-military-still-innovate-quickly
9 novembre 2022 | International, C4ISR
Under the contract, Inmarsat Government, will deliver Inmarsat ELERA-powered worldwide, assured, resilient L-band satellite solutions to allow connectivity between BFT transceivers and satellite earth stations.
20 novembre 2018 | International, Aérospatial
Naval Group and Atmos UAV have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to integrate the latter's vertical take-off and landing unmanned systems for naval use. A preliminary phase will involve the two companies working together to detail and finalise a plan for the integration of Atmos UAVs with Naval Group's capabilities, the companies said. The LOI will leverage Dutch company Atmos UAV's experience in developing systems for surveying, mining, agriculture, environmental, and governmental applications while also strengthening commitments that Naval Group has to Dutch industry, it said. Mark van Rooij, Naval Group Netherlands CEO, said that the company is looking to leverage the capability of industry in the country, and UAVs is a key way of doing this because they will play an increasingly larger role in future requirements. https://www.janes.com/article/84693/naval-group-increases-industrial-participation-in-uav-mcm-projects
18 mars 2019 | International, Terrestre
By: Aaron Mehta WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department has cleared Spain to purchase 11 assault amphibious vehicles, built by BAE systems, in a deal that could be worth $107 million. The possible foreign military sale notification was posted on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Friday. Sale notifications are not guarantees of sale, and quantities and dollar figures can often change during final negotiations. “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the notification reads. “It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Spain in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.” Spain seeks three types of vehicles in the deal, which will join the 19 AAVs already in use by that country. Included in the proposal are eight personnel carriers, two command vehicles and one recovery vehicle. Also included are “Enhanced Armor Applique Kits (EAAK), spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, training and training material,” per the notice. Work will be done at BAE's locations in York, Pennsylvania, and Anniston, Alabama. The announcement marks Spain's first FMS request of fiscal 2019. In FY18, the country requested $1.3 billion worth of CH-47 helicopters. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/03/15/spain-cleared-to-buy-american-assault-amphibious-vehicles