22 juillet 2020 | International, Aérospatial, Naval, Terrestre, C4ISR, Sécurité

Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - July 21, 2020

AIR FORCE

Raytheon Co. Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, has been awarded a $375,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a miniature self-defense missile. The contract provides for the research and development of a flight-test ready missile. The first task order is $93,380,234. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed by October 2023. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $26,712,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8651-20-D-0001).

ARMY

Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (W9124L-20-D-0006); Calibre Systems Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (W9124L-20-D-0007); Janus Research Group LLC, Evans, Georgia (W9124L-20-D-0008); Tec-Masters Inc., Huntsville, Alabama (W9124L-20-D-0009); and Yorktown Systems Group Inc., Huntsville, Alabama (W9124L-20-D-0010), will compete for each order of the $247,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide support to the Fires Center of Excellence; all commands on Fort Sill, Oklahoma; and Army Futures Command, to develop and produce training strategies, doctrine, concepts, instruction and products for the current and future force. Bids were solicited via the internet with 12 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 20, 2025. U.S. Army Field Directorate Office, Fort Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity.

Walsh Motor City JV, Chicago, Illinois, was awarded a $22,344,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a high-voltage substation at Detroit Arsenal, Michigan. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Warren, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of July 16, 2022. Fiscal 2020 military construction (Army) funds in the amount of $22,344,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-20-C-0027).

WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES

Qbase LLC, Beavercreek, Ohio, has been awarded a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) contract with an overall ceiling of $103,569,634. This BPA contract will provide a broad range of information technology support services for all of the Defense Acquisition University locations. Specifically, the BPA will support the following areas: video services operations, enterprise service desk/regional information technology, transition services, enterprise architecture, enterprise/network infrastructure, enterprise cybersecurity, telecommunications, web application design/development/maintenance and software, data warehousing, acquisition workforce qualification initiatives, systems engineering, talent management system, learning management system, human resources system and hardware installation. No funds are being obligated at the time of the award. The expected completion date is July 22, 2025. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HQ0034-20-A-0008).

NAVY

POWER Engineers Inc., Meridian, Idaho, is awarded a $60,000,000 maximum amount, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, architect-engineering contract for architect-engineer (AE) services for various electrical engineering projects and related services at multiple locations in all areas under the cognizance of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed at various Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and other government facilities within the NAVFAC Pacific area of responsibility, including, but not limited to, Guam and the Northern Marianas Islands (70%); Australia (10%); Hawaii (10%); and other areas under the NAVFAC Pacific area of responsibility (10%). The work to be performed provides for AE electrical services with associated multi-discipline AE support services. AE services include engineering studies; preparation of Department of Defense 1391 documents; plans, specifications and cost estimates/parametric cost estimates, including preparation of design-build request for proposal contract documents or design-bid-build contract documents; functional analysis and conceptual design development; as-built drawings; and post-construction services. Projects may involve new construction, alteration, repair and installation of electrical facilities and systems. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months and work is expected to be completed by July 2025. Fiscal 2019 military construction (MILCON) (planning and design) contract funds in the amount of $10,000 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by MILCON. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website and two proposals were received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-20-D-0003).

Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. LLC, Baltimore, Maryland, is awarded an $18,577,008 modification under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N32205-19-C-3506 to fund the second six-month option period. The option will continue to provide one cable ship (CS Global Sentinel) which will be utilized to lay and repair cable for the Department of Defense worldwide. This contract includes a 12-month base period, two six-month option periods, two 12-month option periods and one 11-month option period. Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed by December 2023. Operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $17,477,326 are obligated and will expire at the end of fiscal 2020. Other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,099,681 are obligated and will expire at the end of fiscal 2022. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N32205-19-C-3506).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Applied Physical Sciences Corp., Groton, Connecticut, has been awarded a $10,305,072 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to support a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency research program. Fiscal 2020 research and development funds in the amount of $5,800,000 are being obligated at the time of award, with an estimated completion date of September 2021. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HR001120C0138).

*Small Business

https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2281833/source/GovDelivery/

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  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - September 16, 2019

    17 septembre 2019 | International, Aérospatial, Naval, Terrestre, C4ISR, Sécurité

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - September 16, 2019

    AIR FORCE General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., Fairfax, Virginia (FA8750-19-D-0005); American Systems Corp., Chantilly, Virginia (FA8750-19-D-0002); Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (FA8750-19-D-0003); and Polaris Alpha LLC, Colorado Springs, Colorado (FA8750-19-D-0004), have been awarded a $427,000,000 maximum ordering amount indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price orders for the enhancements, modifications, integration, testing, demonstrations, deployments, maintenance and research and development of Global Application Research, Development, Engineering and Maintenance software baselines. Work will be performed at Fairfax, Virginia; Chantilly, Virginia; McLean, Virginia; and Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 16, 2026. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and four offers were received. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $88,165 are being obligated at the time of contract award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity. Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, Sacramento, California, has been awarded a $35,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Air Force Subscale Aerial Target peculiar spares. Work will be performed at Sacramento, California, and is expected to be complete by March 30, 2024. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $185,606; and fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $35,255 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8678-19-D-0001). CORRECTION: The Sept. 9, 2019, announcement of a $14,958,516 task order (FA8533-19-F-0091) against contract FA8533-18-D-0002 for Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, included an incorrect completion date. The expected completion date for the work is actually Jan. 8, 2022. WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES NCI Information Systems Inc., Reston, Virginia, has been awarded a $269,990,592 firm-fixed-price contract. This service delivery requirement will consist of satisfying Joint Service Provider (JSP) user needs for secure, accessible and stable information technology (IT) support. Service delivery services requires an understanding of the current operating environment of the JSP and the ability to leverage mature capabilities and industry best practices to improve efficiency and reduce complexity in order to enhance JSP's IT support services. Through the service delivery requirement, the JSP seeks to deliver responsive IT services and support to its users in the most efficient manner as possible. Work performance will take place primarily in the National Capital Region, including the Pentagon, Mark Center and Crystal City, Virginia. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $269,990,592 are being obligated on this award. The expected completion date is July 29, 2023. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HQ0034-19-F-0136). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Reinhart Foodservice LLC, Valdosta, Georgia, has been awarded a maximum $185,615,149 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract for full line food distribution. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a two-year base contract with one one-year option period and one two-year option period. Location of performance is Georgia, with an Aug. 31, 2021, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-19-D-3211). Vinyl Technology, Monrovia, California, has been awarded a maximum $9,518,724 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the CSU-22/P, Advanced Technology Anti-G Suit. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a one-year base contract with three one-year option periods. Location of performance is California, with a Sept. 15, 2020, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2020 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-19-D-1188). NAVY Harper Construction Company Inc., San Diego, California, is awarded a $95,355,749 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of the P-284 F-35C maintenance hangar at Naval Air Station, Lemoore, California. The project includes construction of a two-module Type I aircraft maintenance hangar, associated airfield pavements, operational and munitions storage, renovation of an existing battery shop, and building a new tool room. Project provides temporary facilities. Work will be performed in Lemoore, California, and is expected to be completed by November 2021. Fiscal 2019 military construction (Navy) contract funds for $95,621,143 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, is the contracting activity (N62473-19-C-2455). Environmental Chemical Corp., Burlingame, California, is awarded a $90,696,992 firm-fixed-price task order (N62470-19-F-9101) under the global contingency construction multiple award contract for P001, master time clocks and operations facility, Naval Observatory, District of Columbia. The task order also contains 10 unexercised options and nine planned modifications, which if utilized, would increase the cumulative task order value to $95,546,157. The work to be performed provides for the construction of a new building to house the master clocks, demolition and renovation of existing buildings, rehabilitation of existing foundations, and associated Verizon and Potomac Electric Power Co. work. The options that remain are for electronic security measures, and are available for award up to 365 days after task order award. The planned modifications that remain are for furniture, fixtures, and equipment and audio visual equipment. Work will be performed in Washington, District of Columbia, and is expected to be completed by September 2024. Fiscal 2019 military construction, (Navy) appropriation contract funds for $32,298,969 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Fiscal 2020 military construction (Navy) appropriation contract funds for $58,398,023 will be awarded in fiscal 2020. Options and planned modifications will be fiscal 2020 or later operation and maintenance (Navy) funds. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62470-19-D-8025). Hydroid Inc., Pocasset, Massachusetts, is awarded a $52,300,236 firm-fixed-price modification to previously-awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00174-19-D-0009) to increase the ceiling for production support for the MK 18 family of unmanned underwater vehicle systems. The MK 18 program supports unmanned underwater vehicle systems. This award brings the cumulative value of this contract, if all options are exercised, to $100,170,578. Work will be performed in Pocasset, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by April 2024. No funds are being obligated at the time of this action. This contract is awarded on a sole-source basis in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1(a)(2) — only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, Indian Head, Maryland, is the contracting activity. AECOM Management Services Inc., Germantown, Maryland, is awarded a $26,822,300 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract action for operations, maintenance, engineering, and management services in support of Combined Tactical Training Range systems and equipment. The services under this contract support live training events hosted on multiple tactical training ranges across the U.S. Work will be performed in Fallon, Nevada (30%); Havelock, North Carolina (15%); Virginia Beach, Virginia (14%); Yuma, Arizona (14%); Altoona, Florida (5%); Beaufort, South Carolina (4%); Key West, Florida (4%); Manns Harbor, North Carolina (3%); Jacksonville, Florida (3%); Whidbey Island, Washington (3%); El Centro, California (2%); Miramar, California (2%); Lemoore, California (1%); and is expected to be completed by March 2020. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $53,779,303. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance, (Navy) funding for $6,120,000 will be obligated at time of award and expire at the end of the current fiscal year. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), this contract was not competitively procured (only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements). The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, Norco, California, is the contracting activity (N6426719C0036). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Military Aircraft Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $16,197,311 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-13-C-9999). This modification provides non-recurring engineering to incorporate Phase II of the Multifunctional Information Distribution System/Joint Tactical Radio System on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft in support of the government of Japan. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (75.15%); Norfolk, Virginia (8.98%); Ronkonkoma, New York (8.42%); St. Augustine, Florida (6.34%); various locations within the continental U.S. (0.79%); and Misawa, Japan (0.32%), and is expected to be completed in December 2021. Foreign Military Sales funds for $16,197,311 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. Nan Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, is awarded a $15,128,199 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an ordnance operations facility at Andersen Air Force Base. The work includes construction of a low-rise (one-story) reinforced concrete ordinance operations building, which includes administrative spaces to support Marine Corps ordinance operations. This project also constructs a low-rise (one-story) reinforced concrete inert storehouse. Work will be performed in Yigo, Guam, and is expected to be completed by December 2021. Fiscal 2019 military construction (Navy) contract funds for $15,128,199 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-19-C-1301). Bell Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is awarded a $14,523,096 modification (P00002) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order (N00019-19-F-2768) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-17-G-0002). This modification exercises an option to procure support to implement capability defect packages and problem reports in accordance with work package task lists in support of V-22 fleet sustainment efforts. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania (93%); and Fort Worth, Texas (7%), and is expected to be completed in June 2021. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds for $2,759,590 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. International Marine and Industrial Applicators LLC, Spanish Fort, Alabama, is awarded a $14,152,760 firm-fixed-price contract for the accomplishment of preservation and non-SUBSAFE structural repairs and maintenance on USS Louisiana (SSBN 743). This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $14,495,622. The work to be performed on this contract will support main ballast tank, superstructure, sail, recesses, sonar dome, interior and external hull to include commercial blast, non-SUBSAFE structural repairs and preservation. The contractor shall furnish the necessary management, material support services, labor, supplies and equipment deemed necessary to perform the work. Work will be performed in Bremerton, Washington, and is expected to be completed by December 2020. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,152,760 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with two offers received. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Bremerton, Washington, is the contracting activity (N4523A-19-C-0803). The General Electric Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, is awarded an $11,660,580 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to research future concepts for advanced propulsion system technology for the next generation engine and integrated power and thermal management system as well as potential capabilities for the next generation jet engine aircraft in support of the Propulsion and Power Engineering Department. Work will be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is expected to be completed in September 2022. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds for $11,660,580 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via a broad agency announcement; nine offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-19-C-0622). ARMY General Dynamics Information Technology, Falls Church, Virginia, was awarded a $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to operate, sustain, and maintain the centralized meter data system. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 18, 2024. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W912DY-19-D-0007). The Dutra Group, San Rafael, California, was awarded a $23,168,500 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance dredging. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Southport, North Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina, with an estimated completion date of July 17, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, civil; and operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $23,168,500 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912PM-19-C-0031). Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $12,244,296 firm-price-incentive contract for M984A4 wrecker and self-recovery winch on the Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2021. Fiscal 2018 National Guard and Reserve equipment funds in the amount of $12,244,296 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-F-0511). ZelTech Training Solutions LLC,* Winter Park, Florida, was awarded a $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition of three variant pyrotechnic cartridge launchers, spares, shipping, test cartridges, site surveys, new equipment training, installation, test and integration, interim contractor support, technical data and contractor manpower reporting. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-19-D-0012). B3 Enterprises LLC,* Woodbridge, Virginia, was awarded a $9,443,920 firm-fixed-price contract for refuel and defuel services, personnel, management, parts, supplies and transportation vehicles. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Daleville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2026. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $9,443,920 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity (W9124G-19-C-0006). L3 Doss Aviation, Colorado Springs, Colorado, was awarded a $9,424,653 firm-fixed-price contract for advanced helicopter flight training support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Fort Rucker, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2026. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $7,643 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity (W9124G-19-C-0006). ESA South Inc., Cantonment, Florida, was awarded a $7,672,322 firm-fixed-price contract to renovate and convert Building 87017 from a dining facility to a brigade headquarters at Fort Hood, Texas. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 20, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $7,672,322 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-19-C-0131). DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY Artel LLC, Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification, P00010 to exercise Option Period Three against GS-35F-5151H/HC1013-16-F-0048 for commercial satellite communications service. The face value of this action is $11,817,932 funded by fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds. The total cumulative face value of the task order is $59,098,160. Quotations were solicited via the General Services Administration's Federal Supply Schedule, Information Technology Schedule 70, and one quotation was received from 29 offerors. Performance will be at the contractor's facility located in Herndon, Virginia. The period of performance for the base period was Sept. 25, 2016, through Sept. 24, 2017, with four 12-month option periods. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Inmarsat Government Inc., Reston, Virginia, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification to exercise Option Period One against GS00Q-17-NRD-4014/HC1013-18-F-0243 for commercial satellite communications service. The face value of this action is $10,999,476 funded by fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds. Primary performance will be at the contractor's facility in Reston, Virginia. Proposals were solicited via the General Services Administration's Complex Commercial Satellite Communications contract, and six proposals were received from 22 offerors solicited. The base period of performance is Sept. 17, 2018, through Sept. 16, 2019, with four 12-month option periods. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. *Small Business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/1961889/source/GovDelivery/

  • Defense Department study calls for cutting 2 of the US Navy’s aircraft carriers

    22 avril 2020 | International, Naval

    Defense Department study calls for cutting 2 of the US Navy’s aircraft carriers

    By: David B. Larter WASHINGTON – An internal Office of the Secretary of Defense assessment calls for the Navy to cut two aircraft carriers from its fleet, freeze the large surface combatant fleet of destroyers and cruisers around current levels and add dozens of unmanned or lightly manned ships to the inventory, according to documents obtained by Defense News. The study calls for a fleet of nine carriers, down from the current fleet of 11, and for 65 unmanned or lightly manned surface vessels. The study calls for a surface force of between 80 and 90 large surface combatants, and an increase in the number of small surface combatants – between 55 and 70, which is substantially more than the Navy currently operates. The assessment is part of an ongoing DoD-wide review of Navy force structure and seem to echo what Defense Secretary Mark Esper has been saying for months: the Defense Department wants to begin de-emphasizing aircraft carriers as the centerpiece of the Navy's force projection and put more emphasis on unmanned technologies that can be more easily sacrificed in a conflict and can achieve their missions more affordably. A DoD spokesperson declined to comment on the force structure assessment. "We will not comment on a DoD product that is pre-decisional,” said Navy Capt. Brook DeWalt. The Navy is also working on its own force structure assessment that is slated to be closely aligned with the Marine Corps' stated desire to become more closely integrated with the Navy. Cutting two aircraft carriers would permanently change the way the Navy approaches presence around the globe and force the service to rethink its model for projecting power across the globe, said Jerry Hendrix, a retired Navy captain and analyst with the Telemus Group. “The deployment models we set – and we're still keeping – were developed around 15 carriers so that would all fall apart,” Hendrix said, referring to standing carrier presence requirements in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. “This would be reintroducing reality. A move like this would signal a new pattern for the Navy's deployments that moves away from presence and moves towards surge and exercise as a model for carrier employment.” A surge model would remove standing requirements for carriers and would mean that the regional combatant commanders would get carriers when they are available or when they are needed in an emergency. With 9 carriers, the Navy would have between six and seven available at any given time with one in its mid-life refueling and overhaul and one or two in significant maintenance periods. The net result would be significantly fewer carrier deployments in each calendar year. The assessment reducing the overall number of carriers also suggests that the OSD study didn't revamp the Carrier Air Wing to make it more relevant, Hendrix said. Esper has taken a keen interest in Navy force structure, telling Defense News in March that he had directed the Pentagon's Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE), along with the Navy, to conduct a series of war games and exercises in the coming months in order to figure out the way forward toward a lighter Navy, but said any major decisions will be based around the completion of a new joint war plan for the whole department, which the secretary said should be finished this summer. “I think once we go through this process with the future fleet — that'll really be the new foundation, the guiding post,” Esper told Defense News. “It'll give us the general direction we need to go, and I think that'll be a big game changer in terms of future fleet, for structure, for the Navy and Marine Corps team.” When it comes to carriers, Esper said he saw a lot of value in keeping carriers in the force structure, and that it wasn't going to be an all-or-nothing decision. “This discussion often comes down to a binary: Is it zero or 12?” Esper said. “First of all, I don't know. I think carriers are very important. I think they demonstrate American power, American prestige. They get people's attention. They are a great deterrent. They give us great capability.” Revamped Surface Fleet The OSD assessment also calls for essentially freezing the size of the large surface combatant fleet. There are about 90 cruisers and destroyers in the fleet: the study recommended retaining at least 80 but keeping about as many as the Navy currently operates at the high end. The Navy's small surface combatant program is essentially the 20 littoral combat ships in commission today, with another 15 under contract, as well as the 20 next-generation frigates, which would get to the minimum number in the assessment of 55 small combatants, with the additional 15 presumably being more frigates. The big change comes in the small unmanned or lightly manned surface combatants. In his interview with Defense News, Esper said the Navy needed to focus integrating those technologies into the fleet. “What we have to tease out is, what does that future fleet look like?” Esper said. “I think one of the ways you get there quickly is moving toward lightly manned [ships], which over time can be unmanned. “We can go with lightly manned ships, get them out there. You can build them so they're optionally manned and then, depending on the scenario or the technology, at some point in time they can go unmanned. “To me that's where we need to push. We need to push much more aggressively. That would allow us to get our numbers up quickly, and I believe that we can get to 355, if not higher, by 2030.” The Navy is currently developing a family of unmanned surface vessels that are intended to increase the offensive punch for less money, while increasing the number of targets the Chinese military would have to locate in a fight. That's a push that earned the endorsement of the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday in comments late last year. “I know that the future fleet has to include a mix of unmanned,” Gilday said. “We can't continue to wrap $2 billion ships around 96 missile tubes in the numbers we need to fight in a distributed way, against a potential adversary that is producing capability and platforms at a very high rate of speed. We have to change the way we are thinking.” Aaron Mehta contributed to this report from Washington. https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2020/04/20/defense-department-study-calls-for-cutting-2-of-the-us-navys-aircraft-carriers/

  • Armed with quantum sensors, France eyes leaps in electronic warfare

    25 juin 2024 | International, Terrestre, C4ISR

    Armed with quantum sensors, France eyes leaps in electronic warfare

    Quantum gravimeter technology, used for mapping the seabed, offers the prospect of surreptitiously tracking adversary submarines.

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