Nouvelles

DENVER, Oct. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Bremen, Germany, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) experts revealed the company's crewed lunar lander concept and showed how the reusable lander aligns with NASA's lunar Gateway and future Mars missions. Concept video: https://vimeo.com/293133933 Lockheed Martin Crewed-Lunar-Lander The crewed lunar lander is a single stage, fully reusable system that incorporates flight-proven technologies and systems from NASA's Orion spacecraft. In its initial configuration, the lander would accommodate a crew of four and 2,000 lbs. of cargo payload on the surface for up to two weeks before returning to the Gateway without refueling on the surface. "NASA asked industry for innovative and new approaches to advance America's goal of returning humans to the Moon, and establishing a sustainable, enduring presence there," said Lisa Callahan, vice president and general manager of Commercial Civil Space at Lockheed Martin Space. "This is a concept that takes full advantage of both the Gateway and existing technologies to create a versatile, powerful lander that can be built quickly and affordably. This lander could be used to establish a surface base, deliver scientific or commercial cargo, and conduct extraordinary exploration of the Moon." The unique orbit of the lunar Gateway provides global lunar access for a lander. Having the ability to visit multiple sites with a reusable lander supports many international, commercial, and scientific communities, in addition to NASA's sustainable exploration of the Moon. After a surface mission, it would return to the Gateway, where it can be refueled, serviced, and then kept in orbit until the next surface sortie mission. "The Gateway is key to full, frequent and fast reusability of this lander," said Tim Cichan, space exploration architect at Lockheed Martin Space, who presented the lander concept at IAC. "Because this lander doesn't have to endure the punishment of re-entering Earth's atmosphere, it can be re-flown many times over without needing significant and costly refurbishment. That's a major advantage of the Gateway and of a modular, flexible, reusable approach to deep space exploration." The investments made in technology developed for Orion can be re-used to reduce the cost, complexity and development timeline. Some of the human-rated, flight-proven systems used in the design include avionics, life support, communications and navigation systems, and a light-weight version of its crew module pressure vessel. Reusable landers are enabled by the lunar Gateway and are important for sustainable exploration. Additionally, landed human lunar missions and a lunar orbiting outpost are valuable to prepare for sending humans to Mars. While the Moon doesn't have an atmosphere, there are still many lessons that apply to a future crewed Mars lander, such as: operations experience in a challenging and dynamic environment, operating and refueling out of orbit, long-duration cryogenic propulsion, and terminal descent navigation, guidance and control. To learn more about the Lockheed Martin's crewed reusable lunar lander concept, visit: Lander animation: https://vimeo.com/293133933 Lander illustrations: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lockheedmartin/albums/ 72157671935059557 Lander white paper: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/space/documents/ahead/LM-Crewed-Lunar-Lander-from-Gateway-IAC-2018-Rev1.pdf About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy. SOURCE Lockheed Martin https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2018-10-03-Lockheed-Martin-Reveals-New-Human-Lunar-Lander-Concept

By Asha McLean The Australian Space Agency now has arrangements with France, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Australia's newly stood up space agency has announced signing two agreements with counterpart agencies in Canada and the United Kingdom. The Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Australian Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, and the United Kingdom Space Agency, with the three-way deal expected to help the nations develop their respective space programs and take advantage of the global industry. "Forging international partnerships is vital to building Australia's space industry and ensuring our businesses can compete on the world stage," Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Wednesday. "These agreements with counterpart space agencies in Canada and the United Kingdom will increase opportunities to work together and share information, technology, and personnel between our nations." The signing of the new MoUs took place at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) being held this week in Bremen, Germany. The IAC is an annual meeting of international space agencies and industry. The Australian Space Agency last month signed a similar MoU with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), with both agencies joining forces to develop their space capabilities, particularly in the areas of operations, science, Earth observation, positioning systems, and communications. The federal government announced during the 2018-19 Budget that it would be committing AU$41 million to the creation of the Australian Space Agency. Full article: https://www.zdnet.com/article/australia-signs-space-agreements-with-the-uk-and-canada

ARMY Center for Disease Detection, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $59,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for medical laboratory testing services. 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 Feb. 29, 2024. U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (W81K04-19-D-0003). NAVY EMCOR Government Services Inc., Arlington, Virginia, was awarded a $33,076,238 modification to extend the period of performance under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N40080-10-D-0464) for base operations support at federal installations within a 100-mile radius of the National Capitol Region. The work to be performed provides for all labor, management, supervision, tools, materials and equipment required to perform facility investment services for federal installations. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $310,373,231. Work will be performed at various installations in and around the National Capitol Region. This extension covers the period from October 2018 to September 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy); and fiscal 2019 Navy working capital contract funds in the amount of $23,332,381 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the base period of the contract extension. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) John C. Grimberg Co. Inc., Rockville, Maryland, was awarded a $30,824,949 firm-fixed-price contract for the renovation of the Agile Chemical Facility, Phase III at Naval Support Facility Indian Head. The work to be performed provides for the construction of an Otto Fuel II (OFII) transfer pipeline and reconfigures other piping to accommodate the new OFII piping within the Agile Chemical Facility (ACF) compound. Project constructs one building and renovates portions of the following Buildings: 775, 781, 786A, 786B, 786C, 786E, 786F, 1006, 1695, 1696, 1769, 1784, 1829, 3152, 3177, 3464, and 3790. Renovations will repurpose facilities to complete the ACF to provide a safer and more efficient process to produce the full complement of nitrate esters and related fuels. The existing control system equipment throughout the plant will be replaced with new equipment which is forward and backward compatible with the existing Siemens process control system. Project will also upgrade, integrate and consolidate heating, lighting, process piping processes for a more efficient plant operation. Work will be performed in Indian Head, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by August 2021. Fiscal 2017 military construction, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $30,824,949 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-01(a)(iii)(A) and (B), authorizes the use of other than full and open competition when there is only one available source. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N40080-18-C-0008). (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. Inc., Greenbelt, Maryland, was awarded a $20,450,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the improvement of Fuller Road at Marine Corps Base Quantico. The work to be performed provides for the reconstruction, widening and minor realignment of existing Fuller Road from U.S. Route 1 to Mason Drive, and new entry control facility/access control point with entrance to security building(s). The security facilities include new gate house, two sentry houses, inspection shelters, a canopy structure, and personnel weather shelters. The work includes forest clearing; demolition and removals; grading; retaining walls; utility relocations; site utilities (storm drain, sanitary sewer, telecom, and power); buildings structures; vehicle inspection canopy; active vehicle barrier; and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Quantico, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by June 2020. Fiscal 2014 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $20,450,000 are obligated on this award and expired at the end of fiscal 2018. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N40080-18-C-0034). (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Aerospace Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is awarded $7,560,586 for firm-fixed-price delivery order N0001919F0267 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0026). This delivery order provides for the procurement of 163 repairable spare items in support of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Palmdale, California (81.96 percent); Irvine, California (4.79 percent); Ronkonkoma, New York (4.10 percent); Marlborough, Massachusetts (2.26 percent); San Diego, California (2.09 percent); Hauppauge, New York (2.07 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (2.73 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2020. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,560,586 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Diversified Service Contracting Inc.,* Dunn, North Carolina, was awarded a $7,269,740 modification to extend the period of performance under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N40080-11-D-3020) for base operations support at Patuxent River. The work to be performed provides for all labor, management, supervision, tools, materials and equipment required to perform pest services, grounds services, janitorial services, and transportation services. After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $78,351,571. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland. This extension covers the period from October 2018 to September 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy); and fiscal 2019 Navy working capital contract funds in the amount of $6,069,740 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the base period of the contract extension. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) AIR FORCE The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been award a $30,000,000 firm-fixed-price requirements, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity single award contract for Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15QA aircrew and maintenance courseware. The contractor will provide F-15QA aircrew and maintenance courseware, syllabi, student tracking system and program management to support the QEAF. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed Dec. 28, 2020. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $24,857,542 are being obligated at the time of award. The 338th Specialized Contracting Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-19-D-0011). Parsons Government Services, Pasadena, California, has been awarded a $17,769,011 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Agent-Based Data Analytics and Persistence Technology. The scope of this effort is to generate input data; perform data modeling; research, design, develop, and implement novel algorithms, frameworks, information management tools, data stores and services; and integrate capabilities and services into robotic and content production systems. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, and is expected to be completed Sept. 28, 2023. This award is a result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $10,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity (FA8750-18-C-0138). (Awarded Sept. 28, 2018) Motorola Solutions Inc., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, has been awarded a $16,348,704 contract for performing a land mobile radio trunking system technology refresh. This contract provides for updating and replacing outdated technology on Air Force Global Strike Command and Air Force Space Command land mobile radio trunking systems across 23 Air Force bases. Work will be performed in Eglin, Illinois, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 28, 2019. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $16,348,704 are being obligated at the time of award. The 21st Contracting Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, is the contracting activity (FA251718C7005). (Awarded Sept. 28, 2018) AeroVironment Inc. has been awarded a $13,000,000, single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, for Raven RQ-11B small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS). This contract satisfies recurring requirements for RQ-11B SUAS, spares kits, ancillary equipment, and recurring related training. The location of performance is U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility which includes Central America, South America and the Caribbean nations. The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 28, 2023. This award is the result of a non-competitive acquisition and one offer was received. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,800,000 is being obligated at the time of award. Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity (FA4890-18-D-0010). (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) GSD&M Idea City LLC, Austin, Texas, has been awarded a $9,870,088 task order modification against a previously awarded requirements contract for national television advertising. The contractor will provide online and television media in support of the Air Force Recruiting Service television campaign for calendar year 2018. Work will be performed in Austin, Texas, and is expected to be completed March 29, 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,870,088 are being obligated at the time of award. The 338th Specialized Contracting Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-08-D-0019). (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) ACE World Companies, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $7,290,103, firm-fixed-price contract for four Aerial Work Platforms. The contractor will provide all equipment, labor, transportation, tools, consumables, design, fabrication, delivery, assembly, installation, inspection, testing, training, and documentation for the four Aerial Work Platforms. Work will be performed at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and is expected to be completed by April 28, 2020. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Capital improvement funds in the amount of $7,290,103 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8125-18-C-0015). (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) CORRECTION: A Sept. 27, 2018, announcement that Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa (FA8540-18-D-0018), was awarded a $28,914,642 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the Defense Advanced Global Positioning System Receiver was incorrectly posted. The contract was awarded Sept. 28, 2018. DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY Leidos, Reston, Virginia, was awarded a five-year, $21,208,213, firm-fixed-price task order (HHSN316201200044W) utilizing the National Institutes of Health Information Technology Acquisition and Assessment Center contract tool. This contract providesshared services to support current and future infrastructure for enterprise data transport and data processing, and performance and performance management operations for the Defense Health Agency Health Information Technology Directorate, Infrastructure and Operations Division. In addition, the contract will develop engineering and performance monitoring supporting optimization of networks. This award was open competition with two quotes received. Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 28, 2018) Tuknik Government, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded a five-year, $7,137,145, firm-fixed-price task order (HT001-18-C-0030) through the U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program. This contract supports the Medical Circuit Management Program in the Military Health System, Defense Health Agency Information Technology division. Contract supports communications, telephone switches and computing infrastructure required to maintain the Military Health System circuits worldwide. The base year of $1,614,917 is being funded with fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds. This award is a non-competitive direct 8(a) acquisition. Place of performance is Falls Church. Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 28, 2018) *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1650791/

Company will support rotor blades on more than 450 U.S. Army Chinooks around the globe Boeing manages rotor blade support work at its Philadelphia site PLANO, Texas, Oct. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) will continue its support for the U.S. Army's inventory of H-47 Chinook rotor blades with a new $160 million contract award. The five-year performance-based logistics agreement extends work that began in 2012 and calls for the continued management of stock availability and the overhauling of all Chinook blades for the U.S. Army. Boeing is responsible for rotor blade maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as developing innovative ways to save blades that would typically be removed from service. There are more than 450 U.S. Army Chinooks worldwide. "The Chinook has proved itself to be critical to the U.S. Army's wide range of missions, and supply availability is critical to the Chinook's operational readiness," said Kathleen Jolivette, director of U.S. Army Services for Boeing Global Services. "With our demonstrated performance and expertise, we look forward to partnering with our customers on reducing ownership costs and extending blade life for mission success." Operating as one of Boeing's three business units, Global Services is headquartered in the Dallas area. For more information, visit www.boeing.com/services. Contact Jessica Carlton Communications Office: +1 256-937-5692 Mobile: +1 256-603-7137 jessica.m.carlton@boeing.com SOURCE Boeing http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2018-10-01-U-S-Army-Awards-Boeing-160-Million-to-Continue-Chinook-Rotor-Blade-Support

Contract finalizes seventh full rate production lot of AARGM, providing unmatched protection from surface-to-air threats LOS ANGELES – Oct. 2, 2018 – The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) a $171 million contract for Lot 7 full rate production (FRP) of the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM). The contract will deliver advanced capability to U.S. warfighters as well as the Italian Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force to counter the accelerating proliferation of surface-to-air threats. “The rapid proliferation of today's threats require the most advanced solution to detect and defeat surface-to-air-threats and protect our nation and allies,” said Cary Ralston, vice president and general manager, defense electronic systems, Northrop Grumman. “AARGM is an affordable, game-changing solution and we are proud to provide this capability to the warfighter.” AARGM is a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile system, upgrading legacy AGM-88 HARM systems with capability to perform destruction of enemy air defense missions. AARGM is the most advanced system for pilots, with in-cockpit, real-time electronic order of battle situational awareness against today's modern surface-to-air threats. It is able to rapidly engage traditional and non-traditional advanced land- and sea-based air-defense threats, as well as striking, time-sensitive targets. AARGM is a U.S. Navy and Italian Air Force international cooperative major acquisition program with the U.S. Navy as the executive agent. AARGM is currently deployed and supporting operational requirements for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. The missile is integrated into the weapons systems on the FA-18C/D Hornet, FA-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft. The Italian Air Force (ItAF) recently completed operational testing of AARGM on their Tornado Electronic Combat and Reconnaissance (ECR) aircraft. A series of flight tests culminated with direct hits on critical air defense threat targets, confirming the operational effectiveness and suitability of AARGM on the Italian Air Force Tornado and allowing the Italian Air Force to transition AARGM into operational squadrons. Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit news.northropgrumman.com and follow us on Twitter, @NGCNews, for more information. https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/northrop-grumman-awarded-171-million-for-advanced-anti-radiation-guided-missile-contract

Meggitt PLC, a leading international company specialising in high performance components and sub-systems for the aerospace, defence and energy markets, has been awarded a five year Indefinite Demand/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement with U.S. Defence Logistics Agency to supply wheels, brakes and related spare parts. The contract, worth $323m over the life of the award, covers the supply of depot-level spares for a number of defence platforms including F-16 Falcon, H-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook. The contract includes a further five year option period and replaces a prior five year IDIQ agreement which expired on 30 September 2018. President of Meggitt's Aircraft Braking Systems, Luke Durudogan said: “This award demonstrates the trust and confidence that our customers have in our employee's expertise, products and services. We look forward to working in partnership with the U.S. Defence Logistics Agency.” ENDS Enquiries Sarah Taylor Communications Manager Meggitt PLC Tel: +44 (0) 7395 788 748 Email: press.office@meggitt.com About Meggitt PLC Headquartered in the United Kingdom, this international group operates in North America, Europe and Asia. Known for its specialised extreme environment engineering, Meggitt is a world leader in aerospace, defence and energy. Meggitt employs more than 11,000 people at over 40 manufacturing facilities and regional offices worldwide. https://www.meggitt.com/news/meggitt-awarded-323-million-multi-year-agreement-with-u-s-defense-logistics-agency/

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has selected BAE Systems to compete for future research and development (R&D) task orders awarded under a nine-year, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract. The contract provides fast, flexible, low-cost solutions across technical disciplines to meet the current and future technology needs of the U.S. military. “This large-scale contract provides us with a tremendous opportunity to reach across BAE Systems and leverage our own internal research and development investments to help the DoD solve its most difficult mission challenges,” said Al Whitmore, president of BAE Systems' Intelligence & Security sector. “We are excited to help the government leverage innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and directed energy technologies to enhance the security and effectiveness of our warfighters across physical and digital domains.” BAE Systems is one of 15 companies selected by the Defense Technical Information Center to compete for future R&D and support task orders expected to exceed $15 million. These task orders will be awarded by the Air Force Installation Contract Agency/KD Offutt AFB, Nebraska and support the DoD Information Analysis Center Program Management Office. The ceiling value for all future work awarded under the IDIQ is $28 billion. BAE Systems delivers a broad range of solutions and services enabling militaries and governments to successfully carryout their missions. The company provides large-scale systems engineering, integration, and sustainment services across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. BAE Systems takes pride in its support of national security and those who serve. https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/the-u-s--department-of-defense-selects-bae-systems-to-help-develop-and-deliver-next-generation-mission-technologies

Self-funded teams also invited to compete; media teleconference with program manager Sept. 27 OUTREACH@DARPA.MIL The world beneath us leaves much to be discovered. These uncharted environments pose immense challenges to military and emergency personnel as they respond to threats from adversaries or natural disasters. DARPA has selected nine teams to compete in the Subterranean (SubT) Challenge – seven in the physical Systems track and two in the Virtual track – to develop new approaches to rapidly map, navigate, and search underground environments. The competition seeks to better equip warfighters and first responders to explore human-made tunnel systems, urban underground, and natural cave networks that are too dangerous, dark, or deep to risk human lives. SubT program manager, Timothy Chung, will be available for media Q&A at noon EDT, Sept. 27. Interested reporters must contact outreach@darpa.mil for teleconference details. The SubT Challenge physical Systems and software-focused Virtual competitions aim to create a community of multi-disciplinary teams from distinct fields to foster breakthrough technologies in autonomy, perception, networking, and mobility for underground environments. Teams in the Systems competition will develop and demonstrate physical systems in real-world environments. DARPA has selected seven teams to compete in the funded track of the Systems competition: Carnegie Mellon University Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Australia iRobot Defense Holdings, Inc. dba Endeavor Robotics Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology University of Colorado, Boulder University of Nevada, Reno University of Pennsylvania Teams in the Virtual competition will use simulation models and physics-based environments focusing on software-driven advances. The following organizations have received a contract to compete in the DARPA-funded track of the Virtual competition: Michigan Technological University Scientific Systems Company, Inc. Teams participating in the challenge will be tasked with designing and developing novel solutions that address the challenges of subterranean environments in circuits for each of the subdomains to include tunnel systems, urban underground, and natural cave networks, culminating with a final event encompassing elements from all three environments. DARPA also is seeking self-funded competitors for both the Systems and Virtual competitions. Self-funded teams will compete for prizes in each of the subdomain circuits. DARPA-funded and self-funded teams will vie for a $2 million prize in the Systems track, while the winner of the Virtual track will earn a $750,000 prize. Competitors Day will take place Thursday, Sept. 27, to convey the vision, schedule, registration information, and additional details for the DARPA Subterranean (SubT) Challenge, engage potential entrants, and provide a forum for technical exchange and teaming opportunities. For additional information on the DARPA Subterranean Challenge, please visit www.subtchallenge.com. Please email questions to SubTChallenge@darpa.mil. Image Caption: The DARPA Subterranean Challenge explores innovative approaches and new technologies to rapidly map, navigate, and search complex underground environments. Click below for high-resolution image. # # # Media with inquiries should contact DARPA Public Affairs at outreach@darpa.mil Associated images posted on www.darpa.mil and video posted at www.youtube.com/darpatv may be reused according to the terms of the DARPA User Agreement, available here: http://go.usa.gov/cuTXR. https://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2018-09-26

By: Pierre Tran PARIS — Naval Group, a French shipbuilder, sought to play down media reports of a potential collapse of talks for a major contract with Australia for 12 ocean-going submarines, with elections looming next year in the Commonwealth nation. “We are in the process of pursuing the strategic partnering agreement,” a Naval Group spokesman told Defense News. That agreement covers some 30 years and is an extremely close commitment, he added. “It is plain logic that that takes time,” he said. “We are not particularly worried. We remain confident." Naval Group is working under a 2016 design and mobilization contract on the Australian future submarine program, while negotiating the strategic partnering agreement. The latter is a critical contract which moves the French company closer to building the diesel-electric boats in Adelaide under an Australian $50 billion (U.S. $36 billion) deal. There is concern that failure to reach consensus on intellectual property and warranty conditions have held up a signing of the strategic partnering agreement, with time running out, Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. “Negotiations on that document have stalled and it is feared they may not be resolved before next year's federal election,” ABC reported. Signing the strategic partnering agreement by the end of this year is needed to allow detailed design contracts to be finalized and building of the boats, the broadcaster reported. In Australia, Defense Minister Christopher Pyne sought to calm the waters with an Oct. 1 reply on social media. “There is no delay to the delivery of 12 Future Submarines. Negotiation of strategic partnering agreement is continuing & we will ensure we end up with an equitable & enduring agreement to deliver the capability our servicemen & women need, and get the best deal for Australian taxpayer.” Nigel Pittaway in Melbourne, Australia contributed to this report. https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/euronaval/2018/10/02/naval-group-talks-with-australia-still-underway-for-sub-buy