Nouvelles

Contracts for Sept. 21, 2018 CONTRACTS DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Harris Corp., Clifton, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $255,421,604 fixed-price, requirements contract for B-52 and C-130 Special Operation Forces aircraft parts. This is a seven-year contract with no option periods. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Location of performance is New Jersey with a May 24, 2026, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Warner Robins, Georgia (SPRWA1-18-D-0014). Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $48,365,907 firm-fixed-price delivery order (SPRPA1-18-F-LS9Q) against basic ordering agreement SPRPA1-15-G-001Y for V-22 PRGB right hand aircraft assembly parts. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Location of performance is Texas, with an April 21, 2024, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2024 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $48,365,907 firm-fixed-price delivery order (SPRPA1-18-F-LS9R) against basic ordering agreement SPRPA1-15-G-001Y for V-22 PRGB left hand aircraft assembly parts. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Location of performance is Texas, with an April 21, 2024, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2024 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Interstate Storage and Pipeline Co., Nashua, New Hampshire, has been awarded a maximum $42,888,271 firm-fixed-price contract for contractor-owned, contractor-operated storage and handling facilities. This is a four-year base contract with one five-year option period and an option to extend, not to exceed six months. Locations of performance are New Hampshire and New Jersey, with a Sept. 30, 2022, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and other federal government agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2022 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE603-18-C-5026). Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, has been awarded a maximum $35,262,656 firm-fixed-price, requirements contract for High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle parts. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Wisconsin and New Jersey, with a Sept. 6, 2021, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2021 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-18-D-0138). Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $18,439,388 firm-fixed-price, requirements contract in support of the V-22 aircraft platform hub assembly. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a seven-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Texas, with an April 30, 2026, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2026 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPRPA1-18-F-LS9S). Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $13,655,072 firm-fixed-price, requirements contract in support of the V-22 aircraft platform hub assembly. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a seven-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Texas, with an Oct. 31, 2025, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2025 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPRPA1-18-F-LS9T). Gentex Corp., Simpson, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $12,719,425 modification (P00011) exercising the fourth one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-14-D-1078) with four one-year option periods for the aircrew integrated helmet system, HGU-56/P and components. This is a firm-fixed-price, requirements contract. Location of performance is Pennsylvania, with a Sept. 25, 2019, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bluewater Defense Inc., Corazol, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $12,315,000 modification (P00006) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-18-D-1030) with four one-year option periods for Army Combat Uniform coats and trousers. The modification brings the maximum dollar value of the contract to $24,564,000 from $12,249,000. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is Puerto Rico, with a Sept. 23, 2019, performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Labatt Food Service, San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $9,954,437 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract for full-line food distribution. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) as stated in the Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a 238-day contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Texas and New Mexico, with a May 18, 2019, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-18-D-3202). Rockwell Collins Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has been awarded a $9,550,512.00 firm-fixed-price contract for control-display units. 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 one-time buy contract. Location of performance is Iowa, with an Oct. 30, 2020, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA1-18-C-0061). (Awarded Sept. 20, 2018) Constellation NewEnergy Inc., Baltimore, Maryland, has been awarded a maximum $8,219,513 firm-fixed-price, requirements contract to supply and deliver retail electricity and ancillary/incidental services. This was a competitive acquisition with five offers received. This is a two-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Maryland and New York, with a Dec. 31, 2020, performance completion date. Using customers are Customs and Border Protection, Department of Labor, and Department of Energy. Using customers are solely responsible to fund this requirements contract and vary in appropriation type and fiscal year. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE60418D8012). AIR FORCE JT4 LLC, Las Vegas, Nevada, has been awarded a $222,100,000 cost-plus-award-fee modification (P00004) to contract FA8240-18-C-7218 for technical engineering services. This modification provides for updated technical performance requirements and exercises the first available option for range engineering services to be performed at Edwards Air Force Base, California; Nevada Test and Training Range, Nellis AFB, Nevada; Utah Test and Training Range, Hill AFB, Utah; and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Ranges at China Lake and Pt. Mugu, California. The work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds; and working capital funds in the amount of $17,200,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $289,100,000. Air Force Test Center, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity. Chugach Federal Solutions Inc., has been awarded a not-to-exceed $19,495,814 firm-fixed-price modification to contract FA500-13-C-00005 for Installation Support Services – Geographically Separated Locations. This contract modification provides operations and maintenance of installation infrastructure, utilities, services, and airfields capable of receiving emergency aircraft diverts within 30 minutes notice for Eareckson Air Station, Alaska; King Salmon Airport, Alaska; and Wake Island Airfield, Wake Island. Work will be performed at Eareckson Air Station, Alaska, and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,453,001 are being obligated at the time of award. The 766th Specialized Contracting Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been awarded a $14,071,825 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Phase II risk reduction for the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). This contract provides for risk reduction activities related to early system-level integration; AWACS-specific modifications to the existing sensor electronics unit; AWACS-specific antenna solutions; and integration prototyping. Work will be performed in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is expected to be completed by March 20, 2020. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,612,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-18-C-0065). L3 Technologies Inc., Arlington, Texas, has been awarded an $8,655,585 firm-fixed-price contract modification (P00193) to contract FA8621-09-C-6292 for the F-16 Mission Training Center (MTC). The contract modification is for incorporation of the F-16 MTC distributed mission operations mission package 18 standards update engineering change proposal. Work will be primarily performed in Arlington, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 29, 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $8,655,585 are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $605,958,036. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. ARMY American Ordnance LLC, Middletown, Iowa, was awarded a $92,341,823 modification (P00017) to contract W15QKN-15-C-0044 for the acquisition of M918E1 40mm high velocity target practice cartridge. Work will be performed in Middletown, Iowa; Bonaparte, Iowa; Mountainside, New Jersey; Lynchburg, Virginia; O'Fallon, Missouri; Radford, Virginia; Coachella, California; and Louisville, Kentucky, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2020. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $92,341,823 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. LOC Performance,* Plymouth, Michigan, was awarded a $58,838,967 modification (0002) to contract W56HZV-17-D-0078 for 345 each Bradley Engineering Change Proposal kits and installation. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2020. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. American Ordnance LLC, Middletown, Iowa, was awarded a $56,883,137 modification (0003 19) to foreign military sales (Austria and Lebanon) contract W52P1J-16-D-0050 for 155mm HE projectile M795 TNT. Work will be performed in Middleton, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2021. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Ernst & Young LLP, Washington, District of Columbia, was awarded a $24,026,244 time-and-materials contract for commercial audit support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Washington, District of Columbia, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 20, 2021. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $644,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-18-F-0238). SRCTEC LLC, Syracuse, New York, was awarded a $20,429,720 modification (P00002) to contract W56KGY-15-D-0022 for reliability, maintainability, and improvement kits to upgrade the Duke V3 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 Sept. 22, 2019. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Creative Times Dayschool Inc., doing business as Creative Times,* Ogden, Utah, was awarded a $20,264,866 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of classrooms, conference rooms, training space, instructor offices, supply rooms, team rooms for training, administrative space, elevator, building information systems, and covered training area (General Instruction Building). Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of March 16, 2020. Fiscal 2018 military construction funds in the amount of $20,264,866 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, California, is the contracting activity (W912PL-18-C-0036). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Boulder, Colorado, was awarded a $15,156,662 modification (P00069) to contract W9113M-12-C-0005 for operational systems. Work will be performed in Boulder, Colorado, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $15,156,662 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Mission 1st Group Inc.,* Arlington, Virginia, was awarded a $14,538,390 modification (P00020) to contract W52P1J-15-F-0039 for subject matter experts to assist with theater communications and networking infrastructure mission requirements, as well as perform critical functions such as project management and information assurance. Work will be performed in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Jordan, with an estimated completion date of March 23, 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $2,522,577 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. GP Strategies Corp., Columbia, Maryland, was awarded a $13,356,046 modification (0005) to contract W52P1J-15-D-0087 for life cycle logistics support and chemical demilitarization training facility operation and maintenance. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 23, 2020. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army; and research, development, test and evaluation funds in the combined amount of $13,356,046 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. General Dynamics Information Technology Inc., Fairfax, Virginia, was awarded a $12,190,571 modification (P00010) to contract W81XWH-17-F-0078 for services to support all aspects of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity mission. Work will be performed in Fort Detrick, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 25, 2019. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $12,190,571 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 13, 2018) Jjbrun JV LLC,* San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $11,396,361 firm-fixed-price contract to design and construct an ambulatory care center, dental addition and alteration to existing clinic at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. Three bids were solicited with two bids received. Work will be performed in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with an estimated completion date of May 14, 2021. Fiscal 2014 and 2018 military construction; and operations and maintenance Army funds in the combined amount of $11,396,361 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (W9128F-18-F-0281). City of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Maryland, was awarded a $10,469,784 modification (P00099) to contract DAAD05-99-C-0008 for water and wastewater utility capital improvements. Work will be performed in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $4,720,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Tompco-Triton,* Seabeck, Washington, was awarded a $10,050,800 firm-fixed-price contract for repairs to bridges at Military Ocean Terminal Concord, California. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Concord, California, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 1, 2019. Fiscal 2018 military construction funds in the amount of $10,050,800 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, California, is the contracting activity (W91238-18-C-0037). Goodloe Marine Inc.,* Wimauma, Florida, was awarded a $9,362,765 firm-fixed-price contract for Atlantic Intercostal Waterway maintenance dredging. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Charleston, South Carolina, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $9,362,765 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity (W912HP-18-C-0011). L3 Technologies Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah, was awarded a $9,054,373 firm-fixed-price contract to procure RQ-7B Shadow spares. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2020. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $9,054,373 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QY-18-C-0233). AeroVironment, Monrovia, California, was awarded an $8,868,341 firm-fixed-price foreign military sales (Estonia) contract for RQ-20B Puma AE II. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Monrovia, California, with an estimated completion date of March 23, 2021. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $8,868,341 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QY-18-C-0219). Power Engineering Construction Co., Alameda, California, was awarded a $7,110,250 firm-fixed-price contract for pier repairs at Military Ocean Terminal Concord, California. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Concord, California, with an estimated completion date of May 1, 2019. Fiscal 2018 military construction funds in the amount of $7,110,250 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, California, is the contracting activity (W91238-18-C-0046). NAVY Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, is awarded $64,800,000 for firm-fixed-price delivery order N0001918F2470 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0026). This delivery order provides for the low rate initial production 3 initial spares operational requirement to support organizational level maintenance for the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS). The initial spares requirement consists of six antenna group assemblies, six wideband receivers/exciters, ten radar signal processors (RSP), two antenna drive electronics and two RSP external power supplies for the MFAS. Work will be performed in Linthicum, Maryland (35 percent); Andover, Massachusetts (21.5 percent); Baltimore, Maryland (12.3 percent); Exeter, New Hampshire (9.1 percent); San Diego, California (6.3 percent); Annapolis, Maryland (4.5 percent); Stafford Springs, Connecticut (3.8 percent); Hampstead, Maryland (2 percent); various locations within the continental U.S. (4.8 percent), and various locations outside the continental U.S. (0.7 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2022. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $64,800,000 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. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, St. Petersburg, Florida, is awarded a $61,992,392 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-only modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-13-C-5212) for Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) design agent and engineering services requirements. CEC is a sensor netting system that significantly improves battle force anti-air warfare capability by extracting and distributing sensor-derived information such that the superset of this data is available to all participating CEC units. CEC improves battle force effectiveness by improving overall situational awareness and by enabling longer range, cooperative, multiple, or layered engagement strategies. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (86 percent) and the governments of Australia (9 percent) and Japan (5 percent) under the foreign military sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is expected to be completed by September 2019. Fiscal 2018 and 2017 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); 2018 other procurement (Navy); foreign military sales (Australia, Japan); fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Navy and Marine Corps), funding in the amount of $8,617,678 will be obligated at the time of award and funds in the amount of $690,772 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. L3 Technologies Inc., Londonberry, New Hampshire, is awarded a $48,500,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of Squad Aiming Lasers (SAL), spare parts, and training in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. The SAL is a compact, ruggedized, aiming, pointing and illuminating laser system for compact rifles and assault rifles. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the performance period to ten years. Work will be performed in Londonberry, New Hampshire, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. If options are exercised, work will continue through September 2028. Fiscal 2018 Defense-wide procurement funding in the amount of $8,668,680 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-18-D-JQ27). Johnson Controls Navy Systems LLC, York, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $38,941,842cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering and technical services in support of Naval research, development, testing and evaluation program for shipboard air conditioning and refrigeration programs. The services under this contract will provide for development and fabrication of compressors, control systems, refrigeration systems and air conditioning systems and technology integration kits based upon current Navy designs, testing and qualification of modified air conditioning and refrigeration systems; installation start-up services; carryout engineering analyses and in-service field support. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by September 2021. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $100,000 will be obligated at time of award and 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 Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N64498-18-D-4007). Kranze Technology Solutions Inc.,* Prospect Heights, Illinois, is awarded a $37,370,955 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to support production, testing, installation, supportability, and technical documentation upgrades on an emerging Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence suite of equipment known as the Roll On/Roll Off Communications Suite for the V-22 Program. Work will be performed in Prospect Heights, Illinois, and is expected to be completed in September 2020. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy) and fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluations (Navy) funds in the amount of $37,370,955 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-18-C-0780). G-W Management Services LLC,* Rockville, Maryland (N40080-17-D-0022); Desbuild Inc.,* Hyattsville, Maryland (N40080-17-D-0023); CFM/Severn JV,* Millersville, Maryland (N40080-17-D-0025); Ocean Construction Services Inc.,* Virginia Beach, Virginia (N40080-17-D-0026); C.E.R. Inc.,* Baltimore, Maryland (N40080-17-D-0027); and Tidewater Inc.,*Elkridge, Maryland (N40080-17-D-0028), are awarded Option Year One under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price multiple award contract for design and construction services within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Washington Integrated Product Team (IPT) Gold area of responsibility (AOR). The combined total value for all six contractors is $33,000,000. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $66,000,000. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed primarily within the NAVFAC Washington IPT Gold AOR to include Washington, District of Columbia (40 percent); Virginia (40 percent); and Maryland (20 percent). The term for this option is from September 2018 to September 2019. Future task orders will be primarily funded by fiscal 2019 military construction, (Navy); fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy and Marine Corps); and fiscal 2019 Navy working capital funds. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Hawaii Shipyards Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, is awarded a $31,927,422 cost-plus-award-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to definitize previously-awarded undefinitized contract action N00024-14-C-4412 for scheduled extended docking selected restricted availability (EDSRA) for USS Hopper (DDG 70), homeported in Honolulu, Hawaii. A focal point of the work is to support alteration installation team modernization packages. The scheduled EDSRA is the opportunity in the ship's life cycle primarily to conduct repair and alteration to systems that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. Work will be performed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by July, 2020. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $19,641,877, fiscal 2018 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $2,790,109, and fiscal 2018 working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $111,793, will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Telephonics Corp., Farmingdale, New York, is awarded a not-to-exceed $23,523,298 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of AN/ZPY-4 Radar supplies for the MQ-8B Fire Scout Unmanned Air System for the Navy. The maximum quantities that can be procured under this contract include a quantity of 14 complete AN/ZPY-4 Radar sets; 17 antenna pedestals; 17 receiver transmitters; 20 signal processors; 48 waveguide assemblies; 15 harness assemblies; 15 radio frequency (RF) cable assemblies (W110); 15 RF cable assemblies (W111); 15 RF cable assemblies (W112); 19 Radar Command and Control Systems. Work will be performed in Huntington, New York, and is expected to be completed in September 2019. No funds are being obligated at 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 Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001918D0130). The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded $22,757,050 for modification P00009 to a delivery order (0025) previously issued against basic ordering agreement N00019-16-G-0001. This modification exercises an option for engineering, logistics, and program management in support of F/A-18A-D, E-F and EA-18G aircraft in support of reducing fleet out of reporting rates and maintenance planning. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed in September 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,157,000 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. Advancia Technologies LLC,* Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is awarded a ceiling price $20,054,685 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide non-centrally managed Home Station Role Players services. Work will be performed at 11 active duty and reserve Fleet Marine Force training locations (Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Bogue Field, North Carolina; Quantico Marine Corps Base, Virginia; Fort Story (Joint Expeditionary Base), Virginia; Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia; Camp Pendleton, California; Twentynine Palms, California; Bridgeport, California; Fort Hunter Liggett, Monterey County, California; Yuma, Arizona; and Hawaii); and work will be completed by Sept. 21, 2020. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $543,800 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 not competitively procured in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5 and 15 U.S. Code 637. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contract activity (M67854-18-D-7850). L-3 Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, is awarded $16,332,950 for modification P00007 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N61340-17-D-0005) to exercise an option to provide for intermediate level maintenance, repair, and logistics services in support of the Chief of Naval Aircraft Training aircraft. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida (50 percent); NAS Corpus Christi, Texas (45 percent); and NAS Whiting Field, Florida (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. MACNAK Construction LLC,* Lakewood, Washington, is awarded $11,737,841 for firm-fixed-price task order N4425518F4410 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N44255-17-D-4013) for the removal and replacement of three generators at Naval Radio Station Jim Creek. The work to be performed provides for the removal and replacement of two existing Mitsubishi generators in Building 76 and one Worthington generator in Building 38. This work also includes modifications to Building 39 which include the removal of the fan room, remote radiators, fuel pumps, fuel day tanks, fuel piping, and switch gear. Additional requirements for Building 39 include seismic upgrades, installation of a fire sprinkler and alarm system, and demolishing and replacing the restroom. Work will be performed in Arlington, Washington, and is expected to be completed by December 2020. Navy working capital funds in the amount of $11,737,841 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, Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity. BEAT LLC,* San Antonio, Texas (N62645-18-D-5060); and QED Systems Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia (N62645-18-D-5065), are each awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity, multiple award task order contract for Dental Digital Imaging (DDI) systems in support of various Naval Dental Treatment Facilities. These contracts have a combined maximum aggregate dollar value of $11,587,255. The multiple award contracts have a five year ordering period or until the time that orders totaling the sum of the maximum quantities have been issued, whichever occurs first. Places of performance will be various dental treatment facilities yet to be determined - specific sites will be specified on individual delivery orders as they are issued. Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 27, 2023. Initial task orders using fiscal 2018 Defense Health Program other procurement funds will be obligated upon award in the amount of $742,943 to BEAT LLC, and $477,579 to QED Systems Inc., and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with two offers received. The Naval Medical Logistics Command, Fort Detrick, Maryland, is the contracting activity. U.S Marine Management Inc., Norfolk, Virginia, is awarded a $10,545,649 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N3220517C3503) to fund the second one-year option period for one U.S. flagged Jones Act Tanker, M/T Maersk Peary for the transportation of petroleum products in support of Operation Deep Freeze in accordance with the terms of the charter. The vessel is capable of deployment to worldwide locations. Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2021. Subject to availability of funds, fiscal 2019 working capital funds (Transportation) funds in the amount of $10,545,649 will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with eight proposals received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems, Rockville, Maryland, is awarded $9,919,748 for firm-fixed-price contract modification P00001 under a previously awarded contract (N00604-18-C-4001) to exercise option period one for munitions handling and management services which involves receiving, storing, segregating, issuing, inspecting, and transporting various types of ammunition, explosives, expendable and technical ordnance material and weapons for Joint Service commands. This contract includes a nine-month base period, and four 12-month option periods. The exercise of this option will bring the estimated value of the contract to $14,835,063, and if all options are exercised, it will bring the total value to $44,923,252. Work will be performed in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and work is expected to be completed by September 2019; if all options on the contract are exercised, work will be completed by September 2022. Subject to availability of funds, fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the full amount of $9,919,748 will be obligated once the modification to exercise option year one is awarded, and funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with the solicitation posted to the Federal Business Opportunities and Navy Electronic Commerce Online websites, with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. Textron Aviation Defense LLC, Wichita, Kansas, is awarded $7,263,870 for modification P00013 to exercise an option to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement contract (N00019-15-C-0124). This option provides for the procurement of 255 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (AD-B) Out production kits for the T-6 aircraft for the Navy (251) and the Army (4). The ADS-B Out capability ensures receipt of information in real-time precision, shared situational awareness, advanced applications for pilots and controllers. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas, and is expected to be completed in September 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity. WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, Fairbanks, Alaska, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a $46,730,000 ceiling for a DoD-wide University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) for research, development, testing, and evaluation services in the area of geophysical detection of nuclear proliferation. The UARC will be managed by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control, reporting to the assistant secretary of defense for nuclear, chemical, and biological defense programs. This was a sole-source acquisition in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-3(a)(2)(ii). The face value of this action is a ceiling amount of $46,730,000. No funding is issued with the award. Funding will be executed at the task order level using operations and maintenance; and research, development, test and evaluation funds. Work will be performed in Fairbanks, Alaska. The period of performance is a five-year ordering period. The Washington Headquarters Services, Acquisition Directorate, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HQ0034-18-D-0027). DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE EDUCATION ACTIVITY NCS Technologies Inc., Gainesville, Virginia, is awarded firm-fixed priced delivery order HE125418F3012 in the amount of $15,844,337 via the NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) for life-cycle replacement of laptop and desktop computers with storage carts to be delivered to multiple Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools and offices in the U.S., Europe and Pacific areas. DoDEA received eight quotes. The one time purchase will use operations and maintenance funding. DoDEA Headquarters, Alexandria, Virginia, is the contracting activity. *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1642195/source/GovDelivery/

Le 21 septembre 2018 – Petawawa (Ontario) – Défense nationale/Forces armées canadiennes Dans le cadre de la politique de défense du Canada Protection, Sécurité, Engagement, le gouvernement du Canada s'est engagé à fournir aux femmes et aux hommes des Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) le matériel dont ils ont besoin pour faire leur travail. Dans l'esprit de cet engagement, le ministre de la Défense Harjit S. Sajjan a souligné aujourd'hui la livraison de nouveaux camions de modèle militaire normalisé. Les véhicules logistiques comme ces camions constituent le pilier du transport terrestre pour nos Forces régulières et de réserve et se trouvent au cœur de presque toutes les opérations des Forces armées canadiennes. Ils sont utilisés pour déplacer l'équipement, le personnel et les fournitures essentiels à l'endroit où ils doivent se trouver. Qu'il s'agisse d'aider les collectivités canadiennes à faire face à de graves inondations ou à d'autres catastrophes nationales, ou d'appuyer les opérations de l'OTAN en Lettonie et dans toute l'Europe de l'Est, nos femmes et nos hommes pourront compter sur ces nouveaux camions pour les décennies à venir. Plus de 1 500 camions, 300 remorques et 150 systèmes de protection blindés devraient être livrés au cours des deux prochaines années. Ce projet de 834 millions de dollars respecte le budget établi. L'achat de ces camions est assujetti à la politique des Retombées industrielles et technologiques, qui stipule que pour chaque dollar investi par le gouvernement dans des acquisitions majeures en matière de défense, l'entrepreneur retenu doit réinvestir un dollar dans l'économie canadienne. Ainsi, le gouvernement se sert de son pouvoir d'achat pour appuyer l'innovation et la création d'emplois bien rémunérés pour la classe moyenne. Citations « Comme l'énonce notre politique de défense Protection, Sécurité, Engagement, le gouvernement est résolu à s'assurer que les femmes et les hommes des Forces armées canadiennes disposent des outils et de l'équipement nécessaires pour accomplir les importantes t'ches que nous leur confions. La livraison de ces nouveaux camions viendra appuyer nos femmes et nos hommes en uniforme, en particulier nos réservistes, dans leurs opérations. Nous attendons avec impatience leur livraison dans les bases partout au pays. » Le ministre de la Défense Harjit S. Sajjan « La Politique des retombées industrielles et régionales engendre des investissements qui favorisent la création d'emplois spécialisés et bien rémunérés pour la classe moyenne canadienne. Nous misons sur des investissements indispensables dans la Garde côtière et les Forces armées canadiennes pour favoriser l'innovation et la croissance des entreprises, ce qui contribue à stimuler notre économie dans son ensemble. » Le ministre de l'Innovation, des Sciences et du Développement économique Navdeep Bains « Ces camions représentent un élément essentiel de l'équipement des Forces armées canadiennes, qui s'en serviront pour effectuer à la fois des missions d'envergure et des t'ches quotidiennes qui leur permet d'assurer le bon fonctionnement des opérations. La livraison de ces camions est un autre bel exemple de la volonté de notre gouvernement à fournir l'équipement nécessaire pour mener à bien d'importantes missions au nom de tous les Canadiens. » La ministre des Services publics et de l'Approvisionnement Carla Qualtrough En bref · En juillet 2015, le gouvernement du Canada a accordé deux contrats à Mack Defense, d'une valeur totale de 834 millions de dollars, pour la livraison de nouveaux camions, de remorques, de systèmes de protection blindés et de soutien en service. · L'acquisition de ces camions s'inscrit dans le cadre de nos efforts de modernisation de notre flotte de camions logistiques et d'espaces de travail mobiles. · Les nouveaux camions peuvent transporter jusqu'à 9,5 tonnes. · La livraison des nouveaux camions a commencé en avril 2018 à Edmonton et a aussi débuté à Petawawa. La livraison commencera sous peu à Montréal, à Valcartier et à Gagetown. À ce jour, 46 nouveaux camions logistiques ont été livrés aux FAC. - 30 - Liens pertinents Projet de système de véhicules de soutien moyen Contacts Byrne Furlong Attachée de presse Cabinet du ministre de la Défense nationale Téléphone : 613-996-3100 Relations avec les médias Ministère de la Défense nationale Téléphone : 613-996-2353 Courriel : mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

Thailand, – Airbus Helicopters has secured an additional order of four H225M (previously known as EC725) multirole utility helicopters from the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), as part of the fleet strengthening programme. This follow-on order will bring the RTAF's H225M fleet to 12 units by 2021. Specially equipped with emergency flotation gear, fast roping, cargo sling, search light and electro-optical systems, these four new multirole H225M helicopters will join RTAF's existing fleet of six H225Ms for combat search and rescue missions, search and rescue flights and troop transport operations. The air force will also be receiving two H225Ms from its earlier order, by end of this year. This latest contract will also cover on-site technical support and continuing airworthiness management organisation services, fully supported by Airbus' Thailand team. “The H225Ms have served the Royal Thai Air Force well since the delivery of its first batch in 2015, and we are truly honoured by this renewed order, underscoring their continued trust and confidence in our helicopters and the committed support to their fleet. With its proven versatility, reliability and endurance, we know that the H225 will continue to capably fulfil the most challenging missions. RTAF can count on our Thailand-based customer centre for continued availability of the fleet,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Southeast Asia and Pacific region. Featuring state-of-the-art electronic instruments and the renowned 4-axis autopilot system, the 11-ton-catergory twin-turbine H225M offers outstanding endurance and fast cruise speed, and may be fitted with various equipment to suit any role. Close to 90 units are in service, achieving 100,700 flight hours to-date. About Airbus Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2017 it generated revenues of € 59 billion restated for IFRS 15 and employed a workforce of around 129,000. Airbus offers the most comprehensive range of passenger airliners from 100 to more than 600 seats. Airbus is also a European leader providing tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, as well as one of the world's leading space companies. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions worldwide. https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2018/09/royal-thai-air-force-expands-fleet-with-additional-h225m-order.html

Five-year, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract vehicle to equip warfighters with the benefits of MUOS communications CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Sept. 20, 2018) – Rockwell Collins has been awarded the first long-term contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to supply Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)-capable airborne radios and ancillaries for DoD platforms including fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, ships and ground installations. A five-year agreement through the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for sixth-generation ARC-210 RT-2036(C) radios begins with a base award of $82.6 million in 2018 with four option years to follow. The contract also includes fifth-generation ARC-210 radios and ancillaries, as well as associated data and services. “This is the next big step in arming warfighters with next-generation communications capabilities including those available through MUOS, which brings greater overall capacity and signal quality for high reliability when it's needed most,” said Troy Brunk, vice president and general manager, Communication, Navigation and Electronic Warfare Solutions for Rockwell Collins. The ARC-210 RT-2036(C) can utilize the MUOS network to provide military forces with worldwide, crystal-clear voice, video and mission data over a secure high-speed Internet Protocol-based system. The radio is also part of Rockwell Collins' TruNet™family of products that ensures secure connectivity between ground and airborne units. As the sixth-generation solution, the ARC-210 RT-2036(C) features a software-defined radio architecture enabling multiple legacy and advanced waveforms, high-speed mobile ad hoc networking and beyond-line-of-sight connectivity capabilities. It will join the more than 45,000 highly-reliable ARC-210 radios currently fielded across the globe on more than 180 platforms. About Rockwell Collins Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) is a leader in aviation and high-integrity solutions for commercial and military customers around the world. Every day we help pilots safely and reliably navigate to the far corners of the earth; keep warfighters aware and informed in battle; deliver millions of messages for airlines and airports; and help passengers stay connected and comfortable throughout their journey. As experts in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, cabin interiors, information management, mission communications, and simulation and training, we offer a comprehensive portfolio of products and services that can transform our customers' futures. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com. https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Data/News/2018-Cal-Yr/GS/20180920-first-long-term-contract-awarded-DoD-MUOS-SATCOM-capable-airborne-radios.aspx

By: Daniel Cebul WASHINGTON — The U.S. strategic bomber program plays a vital role in U.S. nuclear and conventional posture, providing both penetrating and standoff capabilities that allow the U.S. to hit targets almost anywhere in the world. But as the Air Force expands from 312 to 386 operational squadrons — planning to increase the bomber squadron from nine to 14 — how can the service keep costs within reason? A key to keeping down modernization costs will be the force's ability to field systems that can easily be updated as new technology develops, according to Gen. Timothy Ray, commander of Global Strike Command. “What I really want to drive home is that if we have a force, whatever the size of the force, it has to be affordable,” Ray said at the Air Force Association's annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Sept. 18. Ray believes prices will be affordable depending on the service's “ability to field a relevant force as part of our integrated capabilities, both nuclear and conventional, that has a rapid capability to be updated and modified.” Communications systems, weapons, sensors and defensive capabilities are very sensitive to technological change, which “is already going on much faster than what we can field right now using the old legacy processes,” Ray said. Ray pointed to the B-21 bomber as having "the right attributes that are going to set us up for success.” Others suggest that looking at the unit price for bombers is deceptive and does not allow the Air Force to address its critical modernization needs. “It is very easy to look at individual unit cost [per bomber], but that does not equate to value," Retired Lt. Gen David Deptula said. "People, particularly programmers, like to talk about cost, but they don't talk about the effectiveness piece.” This sentiment was echoed by retired Lt. Gen. Bob Elder Jr., who feels the public and some military members do not appreciate the active role bombers play in defending the U.S. As busy as these bombers are, Edler said, “it's a bargain” for how much the Air Force pays for them. Deptula also believes that if the Air Force is serious about modernization, it is past time that requirements for meeting U.S. strategic goals determine force structure, rather than depending on “arbitrary budget lines.” “For way too long our force structure has been solely driven by the budget and not the war-fighting demands of our nation's security strategy,” he said. “I dare say no one will argue with the preamble of the Constitution, which basically talks about how we form government to provide for the common defense, and then to promote the general welfare. It doesn't say the other way around.” “People will say the new enterprise is going to be too expensive, so don't keep it. I don't agree,” Ray said, adding that a more competitive approach will enable the Air Force to drive down procurement and modernization costs. “I have got to know our competitive nature of our approach will draw the talent from industry; or if I'm not quite certain with a technical capability or the capability is so far advanced I can't draw the talent from industry, now I find myself with an important issue,” Ray noted. In regard to ensuring the service can get the funding to grow its squadrons, Ray added: “Where you drop cost down and have a rapid modification capability or a relevant force for an extended period of time, then you begin to tell a more complete story,” which he explained should help dollars keep flowing into necessary programs. https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/air-force-association/2018/09/20/how-does-the-us-air-force-plan-to-keep-bombers-affordable

By: Kyle Rempfer As the U.S. military turns its attention to the threats posed by near-peer adversaries, Air Force leadership is shifting its focus to great power approaches to combat, like multi-domain operations and expeditionary warfare. A culture of innovation among airmen will be pivotal in preparing for such a conflict, and the effort to foster that independence and creativity is already underway. In the coming weeks, the Air Force will be rolling out a new initiative to crowdsource solutions from airmen around the service. Across all specialty codes, the service is calling on airmen to design apps, develop algorithms and create new approaches to the problems that plague their career fields or help the Air Force carry out its missions. The program — dubbed the Vice Chief's Challenge — will be spearheaded by Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson. “We want to take the ideas our airmen have to see around corners, anticipate what's next and solve these really complex national security challenges,” Wilson told Air Force Times. Those challenges range from fusing open-source social media information into actionable intelligence with new software, to upgrading legacy aircraft with gadgets to help airmen stay in the fight longer. “Navigation apps like Waze change the way we travel across town by giving us an intuitive display that integrates traffic, hazards, and route recommendations in real time. Companies like Uber and Amazon have transformed our view of logistics," according to a copy of the Vice Chief's Challenge provided to Air Force Times. "They are not the only ones leaning forward. I am sure each of you have seen opportunities to enhance [multi-domain operations]. I want to hear your best ideas.” The initiative is designed to deliver capabilities to the Air Force in months, rather than the usual years, Wilson said. And it's going to become routine, always running against the backdrop of the service's other acquisition initiatives. “It's this cultural change and this shift that happens ... and today, I think it's clear in this great power competition, we need this urgently," Wilson said. “I need to remove barriers to innovation." The Vice Chief's Challenge will consist of three phases. First, ideas will be solicited from across the service in a broad announcement. Then, workshops will be set up in which subject matter experts help refine the most promising proposals and draft development plans for the budding ideas. The final phase will involve developing and demonstrating prototypes for the chosen concepts. “We'll start small by gathering ideas from individual airmen, rapidly evolve concepts with national thought leaders, and scale fast by working with industry to build and demonstrate prototypes in the next year,” Wilson said. Each phase will be led by a different organization, but the Air Force Research Lab and the Office of the Vice Chief of Staff will serve as executive agents to ensure smooth transition between phases. The initiative is similar to last year's first-ever Spark Tank innovation proposals. “Each of the [major commands] went out to their different wings and solicited ideas, picked their best ones and came to us," Wilson said. "There were a dozen ideas, of which we picked six of them and presented them at the [Warfighter's Edge] conference.” The idea chosen for development ended up being that of a boom operator on the KC-135 Stratotanker. He proposed a plan to re-engineer the boom operator platform instructor position for the entire KC-135 fleet at a projected cost of $1.5 million. The proposed innovation aims to both reduce back and neck injuries and save the Air Force $132 million each year in this critical aircrew specialty, according to Air Mobility Command. “It was across the fleet, easy to implement, and that's what we're using now,” Wilson said. Other innovative ideas that Wilson has already seen, and clearly wants more of, involve software development that connects sensors, platforms and nodes to share information across the force. “We had an airman and second lieutenant who briefed me on software development they had done that was unbelievable — the capability they were bringing me and the speed at which they were doing it,” Wilson said. The duo took SIPRNet information and found a way to fuse it together using complex computer coding for targeting purposes. The result was a tool dreamed up in-house that directly solved a pressing issue. Much of that is simply owed to the fact that those airmen knew what they needed to do, how to do it and already worked in a position to provide the service. “The CEO of Pivotal [Software Inc.] pulled me aside and said ‘I work with all the Fortune 500 companies across the world, and I would put these two people against any company, anywhere,'” Wilson said. That's the sort of innovation the Vice Chief's Challenge is looking to tap into. Wilson doesn't know yet how many ideas will be taken to completion, but by this time next year, he's hoping that the Vice Chief's Challenge will be handing out some awards. “I can't compensate them like industry can, but I can offer them purpose," he said. https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2018/09/20/ill-be-their-angel-investor-air-force-vice-chief-wants-to-crowdsource-airmens-ideas

By: Sebastian Sprenger COLOGNE, Germany – Dutch defense minister Ank Bijleveld has eliminated the country's budget cap for F-35 purchases, opening the possibility of buying more planes in the future, a spokesman confirmed to Defense News. The defense ministry spokesman described the move as “just a formality” that would not require parliamentary approval, as the Dutch objective of buying 37 copies of the Lockheed Martin-made jet for €4.7 billion remains in place. But it means “we leave the option open to buy new planes” beyond those already envisioned in the budget, the spokesman said. The development was first reported by the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, which wrote that the air force was angling to eventually get 67 aircraft. That amount would be enough to field four squadrons in the Netherlands, according to the newspaper. Dick Zandee, a defense analyst at the Dutch Clingendael foreign policy think tank, said the recently released 2019 budget still reflects the government's target of buying 37 planes. But the budget cap elimination at this time could set the stage for additional contracts in a few years' time, once deliveries of the batch already on order are nearing completion. The Dutch are set to take delivery of eight F-35s in 2019. That's in addition to two test aircraft already produced. The fifth-generation aircraft are meant to replace the country's fleet of 60 or so F-16s, with yearly deliveries scheduled between six to eight planes until the target number of 37 is reached. That inventory will allow the Netherlands to field four F-35s for operations, considering that a certain number is always set aside for training, undergoing maintenance or otherwise unavailable to deploy, said Zandee. “There is a lot of pressure from NATO that 37 are not enough,” he said, adding that there has been talk in Dutch defense circles to up the number to 52. “The air force always wants more” of the planes, and the service would consider an increase to 52 as an intermediate step to get an even greater number later, Zandee told Defense News. Meanwhile, the jet is facing some pushback in the Netherlands over its development price tag and the high cost of ownership. “The criticism is that you're buying an aircraft that is not fully developed yet," said Zandee. But, he added,"The attitude is that the Americans are throwing so many billions at the program that problems will be solved." https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/09/20/dutch-defense-chief-opens-door-for-more-f-35s

By: Christopher Torchia, The Associated Press JOHANNESBURG — South Africa is one of the continent's biggest defense spenders but its military is increasingly stretched as the country faces recession and a weakening currency. This week's biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition is a showcase for the country's military, which is one of the top 20 contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions and helps with anti-piracy operations off Mozambique's coast. Concerns also are growing about possible corruption linked to state-owned defense conglomerate Denel, part of a wider inquiry into the alleged plundering of state resources under former President Jacob Zuma. South Africa's military "has got a lot on its plate," said Guy Martin, editor of defenceWeb, an industry news site. The country has a defense budget of more than $3 billion. However, the weakening South African currency and the economic recession are making it harder for the military to acquire new equipment and training. President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the fair this week with a speech acknowledging the "economic reality" and pledging support for the defense industry, a key earner of foreign currency. Despite the problems, soldiers at the five-day trade fair were enthusiastic. Capt. T.G. Netshineulu encouraged a group of schoolchildren to consider joining the military after they finish their studies. “I can die for this country,” he said. “And I'm willing to do so.” https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2018/09/20/how-a-defense-expo-reflects-troubles-for-south-african-military

DAVID PUGLIESE, OTTAWA CITIZEN The Department of National Defence has released this photo above of the first C-295W in the process of being built by Airbus for the RCAF. The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered next year. The RCAF will receive 16 such aircraft for search and rescue missions. https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canadas-new-fixed-wing-search-and-rescue-aircraft-takes-shape-first-delivery-expected-next-year