Congressman wants faster drone testing, fielding to fill inventory gap

Sur le même sujet

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  11 décembre 2023 | International, Terrestre

  BAE Systems announces team for the UK's future artillery programme

  The three companies, each with a well-established supply chain in the UK, plan to work with other UK businesses as plans progress.

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  1 août 2019 | International, Naval

  3-D Scanning Technology Makes Splash at NNSY Thanks to Partnership with Puget Sound

  By Kristi Britt, Public Affairs Specialist, PORTSMOUTH, Va (NNS) -- Although they have only worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for less than 10 months, two employees are already involved in the future of innovative technologies in America's Shipyard. Code 268 Engineering Technician Jason Ewick and Code 2340 Assist Shift Test Engineer (ASTE) Joey Hoellerich were brought into the NNSY Technology and Innovation (T&I) Lab, a group dedicated to bringing the real ideas and technologies of the shipyard to the forefront. With their arrival to the team, both were given the unique opportunity to share knowledge with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF), using laser scanning to provide accurate measurements for shipboard work. “The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) was at NNSY in years past, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) brought Puget Sound representatives to our shipyard to use their laser scanning technology to cut off all added material from four sponsons onboard the vessel,” said NNSY T&I Lab Lead Dan Adams. Sponsons are the projections extending from both sides of the watercraft to provide protection, stability, mounting locations, etc. “During the time, we observed the process and wanted to learn what we could from our sister shipyard team.” The team from PSNS&IMF returned to NNSY to give guidance on the process, with Code 290 representative Dan Hager, and Shop 11 Mold Loft representatives Jason Anderson and Jeremiah Swain taking charge in sharing what they knew to Ewick and Hoellerich. “The team from Puget was absolutely amazing and shared the ins and outs of the 3-D scanning technology with us,” said Ewick. “I had done laser scanning work in the private industry but it was my first time tackling something like this. Hager, Anderson, and Swain guided us through each step, sharing as much knowledge as they could with us about two different processes we could use to get the results we needed.” The first process is photogrammetry, where you place targets an inch apart on a desired object or space for scanning. Once complete, you take multiple photographs which are then compiled into a software to build the 3-D model. The second process is the 3-D laser scanning, which requires more space for a larger read. The targets would be placed and then someone would operate the laser tracker and scanner from the pier to get the scan needed. Once completed, the 3-D model would be compiled in the software for use. With the knowledge provided by PSNS&IMF and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in drydock, Ewick and Hoellerich were ready to tackle the process for NNSY. “We began at Colonna's Shipyard in Norfolk where the sponsons are being produced,” said Ewick. “We use the scanning technology to analyze where the sponson would meet the shell of the ship. It helps provide an accurate measurement for our workers when it comes to installation and repair.” Next up was scanning after the pieces were installed. At this time three of the four sponsons have been installed onboard the Bush. “The two forward sponsons were scanned using photogrammetry,” said Ewick. “It was a first for us and required coordination across various shops and codes throughout the shipyard.” The Pipefitter Shop (Shop 56), The Optical Diesel Mechanics (Shop 38), the Shipfitter Shop (Shop 11), the Shipyard Operations Department (Code 300), and partners at Puget all played a part in this evolution. “It was a collaborative effort and we were able to be successful thanks to our shipyard family coming together to make it happen.” This process was a first for NNSY and a first for using the software directly in the drydock instead from piers and barges. “It's amazing to see something come together like this, especially when you think that we were two blank slates coming into the project,” said Hoellerich who had no prior experience working with 3-D scanning and metrology before joining the lab. “We were able to partner with our sister shipyard and work with shops and codes that I never thought I'd be able to do when I first joined the ranks of NNSY. Being able to gain that knowledge from our shipyard family and utilize what we've learned in the field is something those of us working in innovation live for.” The team will be completing the rear scans for the Bush in the future and hope to continue to perfect the process. In addition, they hope to continue to work with other shipyard entities to further expand on the technologies of the future. “This partnership has been a major success for us and we hope to continue to build those relationships with the other shipyards and beyond,” said Hoellerich. “We can all learn from each other and build from each other's experiences. We all share a mission and together we can succeed.” Ewick added, “we've also begun expanding more ways we can use the scanning technology at our shipyard. For example, we are looking into a future project where we scan inside the ship and build a path for extracting heavy equipment from within as to avoid interferences. We've seen more interest from others within the shipyard since we began to do work with this technology, seeing what ways it could help improve what we do here. That's what innovation is all about, taking those first steps in seeing what works. Even if what you try doesn't pan out, at least you gave it a shot. But you'll never know if it works or not unless you take that step. Don't be scared to try out something new.” For more information regarding innovation, contact the NNSY T&I Lab at 757-396-7180 or email the REAL Ideas program at NNSY_REALIdeas@navy.mil. https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=110422

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  8 février 2021 | International, Aérospatial, Naval, Terrestre, C4ISR, Sécurité

  Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - February 05, 2021

  NAVY Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $478,605,019 firm-fixed-price modification (P00102) to a previously awarded contract (N0001914C0050). This modification exercises options for the procurement of five Lot Three low rate initial production Presidential Helicopters Replacement Program (VH-92A) aircraft, and associated interim contractor support, two cabin interior reconfiguration kits, support equipment, initial spares, and system parts replenishment. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (50%); Coatesville, Pennsylvania (36%); Owego, New York (10%); Patuxent River, Maryland (2%); Phoenix, Arizona (1%); and Quantico, Virginia (1%), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount $478,605,019 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Invicta Global LLC,* Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $14,600,550 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification for the exercise of Option Three under a contract for base operating support services at various installations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington area of operations (AO). After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $39,316,621. The work to be performed is all labor, material, equipment, management and administration for utilities, transportation and facility support services to include fire protection services, facilities management and investment, base support vehicles and equipment, urgent, emergency and routine services for facility support services. Work will be performed in NAVFAC Washington AO, including but not limited to Bethesda, Maryland (40%); Washington, D.C. (40%); Indian Head, Maryland (10%); and Dahlgren, Virginia (10%). This option period is from Feb. 1, 2021, to Jan. 31, 2022. No funds were obligated at time of award. Operation and maintenance, (Navy); and fiscal 2021 Navy working capital funds in the amount of $6,488,840 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the option period. NAVFAC Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-19-D-0311). (Awarded: Jan. 29, 2021) Opal Soft, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, is awarded an $11,979,099 cost-plus-fixed-fee bridge contract for software support services in support of Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport. Work will be performed in Keyport, Washington, and is expected to be completed by September 2021. This contract includes an option which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $19,049,565. Work is expected to be completed by December 2021. Fiscal 2021 service cost center (Navy) $3,154,151 (82.12%); 2015 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) $246,982 (6.43%); 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) $246,982 (6.43%); 2021 defense working capital fund (Navy) $84,895 (2.21%); 2021 other procurement (Navy) $42,474 (1.11%) 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) $37,996 (0.99%); and 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) $27,092.45 (0.71%) funding will be obligated at award. No contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c) (1) (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport, Keyport, Washington, is the contracting activity. (N0025321C0004) DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY US Foods, La Mirada, California, has been awarded a maximum $114,700,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for full-line food distribution. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are California and Alaska, with a Feb. 4, 2026, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency, Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-21-D-3307). ARMY Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $61,002,554 firm-fixed-price contract for 1,081 Underbody Armor Kit upgrade kits for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2022. Fiscal 2019, 2020 and 2021 European reassurance initiative funds in the amount of $61,002,554 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-21-C-0084). Dyncorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a $42,000,000 modification (P00121) to contract W58RGZ-19-C-0025 for aviation maintenance services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan and Iraq, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $42,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Coastal Contractors Inc.,* Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was awarded a $9,450,839 firm-fixed-price contract for flood control of the Comite River. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work will be performed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Apr. 8, 2022. Fiscal 2021 civil construction funds in the amount of $9,450,839 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W912P8-21-C-0005). Escal Institute of Advanced Technologies Inc., North Bethesda, Maryland, was awarded a $9,443,000 modification (P00004) to contract W911S0-19-D-0009 to provide training and certifications as required to verify and validate student proficiency in cybersecurity roles. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 5, 2022. U.S. Army Field Directorate Office, Fort Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Cottrell Contracting Corp., Chesapeake, Virginia, was awarded a $9,416,500 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Camden County, Georgia. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Kings Bay, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of April 25, 2022. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (defense-wide funds) in the amount of $9,416,500 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (W912EP-21-C-0008). WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES Systems Planning and Analysis Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (HQ0034-21-F-0089), has been awarded a firm-fixed-price and time and materials contract in the amount of $34,891,509. This contract is to provide support to the Office of Industrial Policy in carrying out its mission to ensure robust, secure, resilient and innovative industrial capabilities within the Department of Defense. The contractor will provide program support for the Defense Production Act Titles I and III, Industrial Base Assessments, Industry Engagement/Outreach and Strategic Communications and Business Intelligence and Analytics. Work performance will take place at the Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia; and the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Appropriate fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance funds will be obligated at the award. The expected completion date is Feb. 6, 2026. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. *Small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2495622/source/GovDelivery/