Nouvelles

Murray Brewster · CBC News It was more than the usual sky-is-falling rhetoric we're used to seeing in national security reports out of Washington. It came from some pretty sober, respected voices in the defence community. A special commission report, presented to the U.S. Congress this week, delivered one of the most stark — even startling — assessments in the last two decades of the limits of American military power. The independent, nonpartisan review of the Trump administration's 2018 National Defence Strategy said the U.S. could lose future wars with Russia or China. "This Commission believes that America has reached the point of a full-blown national security crisis," reads the 116-page document written by 12 leading defence and security experts and released Wednesday. "If the United States had to fight Russia in a Baltic contingency, or China in a war over Taiwan, Americans could face a decisive military defeat." Those are sobering words for Canada, in light of this country's contribution of over 450 troops to the NATO-led deterrence mission in Latvia. Time for a defence policy rewrite? And it has prompted a call from at least one Canadian defence expert for a re-assessment — perhaps even a full-blown rewrite — of the Liberal government's own defence policy. More than simply another rote, boilerplate plea for fatter U.S. defence budgets, the commission's report lays out in precise detail the kind of geopolitical threats Washington — and, by extension, other Western capitals — are facing from rivals and enemies at many levels and in multiple spheres. "The security and well-being of the United States are at greater risk than at any time in decades. America's military superiority — the hard-power backbone of its global influence and national security — has eroded to a dangerous degree," says the report. "America's ability to defend its allies, its partners, and its own vital interests is increasingly in doubt. If the nation does not act promptly to remedy these circumstances, the consequences will be grave and lasting." The report acknowledges that the U.S. and its allies may be forced to fight a localized nuclear war in the future, given how Russia has restored the once-unthinkable concept to its military planning and training exercises. The commission also paints various grim scenarios that could confront Western allies between now and 2022, including an invasion of the Baltics under the guise of a "peacekeeping" mission to protect Russian minorities: "As U.S. and NATO forces prepare to respond, Russia declares that strikes against Russian forces in those states will be treated as attacks on Russia itself — implying a potential nuclear response. "Meanwhile, to keep America off balance, Russia escalates in disruptive ways. Russian submarines attack transatlantic fibre optic cables. Russian hackers shut down power grids and compromise the security of U.S. banks." The consequences, said the report, would be severe: "Major cities are paralyzed; use of the internet and smartphones is disrupted. Financial markets plummet as commerce seizes up and online financial transactions slow to a crawl. The banking system is thrown into chaos." While the report doesn't mention U.S. President Donald Trump by name, it notes the effect of his bruising rhetorical fights with world leaders and criticism of international institutions, such as NATO. "Doubts about America's ability to deter and, if necessary, defeat opponents and honour its global commitments have proliferated," said the report. Cautious optimism At this weekend's Halifax International Security Forum, Canada's marquee defence conference, some leading experts struck a less pessimistic note and suggested that the West still has a major technological lead on Moscow. "Russia is a great country. It is a great country, historically. But Russia is also a failing country," said Peter Van Praagh, president of the Halifax Security Forum, at the opening of the event on Friday. "Russia does not have the same advanced tools that NATO has, that Canada and NATO and the American alliance [have]." Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan also expressed cautious optimism about the threat. "In NATO we're taking this extremely seriously. We're learning from the various missions that are ongoing," he said. A former military adviser to one of Sajjan's predecessors said Canada could learn from the commission exercise, which was meant to challenge the Trump administration's defence plans. "It's certainly something we don't have," said Richard Cohen, an ex-army officer who served as former defence minister Peter MacKay's adviser. "Our government would never dream of inviting anyone to come and criticize its defence policy." The current government sought extensive input before the new Canadian policy was presented 18 months ago. The U.S. commission report calls on NATO and its allies to "rebuild" substantial military forces in Europe, among things. Cohen said that, if anything, should trigger a fresh look at the Liberal government's own defence policy. "Our defence policy is predicated on the kind of asymmetric warfare we have faced since the end of the Cold War and it really ignores the looming strategic threats that Russia, China and maybe some others pose as well," he said. "At least the United States realizes this growing strategic threat," Cohen added, noting that the current Liberal defence policy makes only passing mention of China "in very gentle terms" and limited references to Russia. "If the United States is in a national security crisis, then we're in a national security crisis." https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/defence-policy-trump-china-russia-1.4910038

David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen Neither Canada's top soldier nor the commander of the air force had or produced any records about a fighter jet “capability gap” in the year leading up to the Liberal government's announcement that such a critical issue had to be dealt with by spending billions to buy aircraft. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan used the capability gap argument in November 2016 to justify a $5-billion program to buy new Super Hornet jets, a deal since scuttled, and later a $500-million program to purchase used F-18 planes from Australia. But in the year leading up to Sajjan's announcement about the urgent need to acquire such planes, neither Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Jon Vance nor Lt.-Gen. Mike Hood, then head of the Royal Canadian Air Force, produced any documentation indicating there was ever a capability gap, according to Department of National Defence's Access to Information branch. In addition, no such documents exist among the records of various members of Sajjan's staff, according to the department. It would be normal practice to have hundreds, if not thousands of pages of records, discussing such a key defence issue or gap if it existed, military insiders tell Postmedia. But records obtained by Postmedia through the Access law do show that just before Sajjan's announcement that the 18 jets were needed in the “interim” to deal with the capability gap, the minister was told the existing fleet of CF-18s was in better shape than expected and could keep flying until 2032. Conservative MPs allege the capability gap didn't exist and was concocted by the government to delay a larger project to buy new jets, a competition that might end up selecting the F-35 stealth fighter the Liberals vowed never to purchase. When asked about the lack of documentation about the capability gap, a DND official said the department could not comment. Taxpayers may get more information Tuesday when the Auditor General's office releases its examination of the fighter jet plan. Full article: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/military-has-no-documents-about-fighter-jet-capability-gap-claim-used-to-justify-aircraft-purchase

AIR FORCE Space Vector Corp., Chatsworth, California (FA8818-19-D-0001); and OrbitalATK Inc., Chandler, Arizona (FA8818-19-D-0002), have been awarded a combined ceiling $424,000,000 multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee for Sounding Rocket Program-4 (SRP-4). The SRP-4 contract provides suborbital launch services and launch support services necessary to accomplish the Rocket Systems Launch Program's suborbital mission. This contract will be used to meet Department of Defense and other government agency requirements for sub-orbital research, development, and test launch services, including prototype demonstrations and missile defense targets. Work will primarily be performed in Chatsworth, California; Chandler, Arizona, and a variety of government launch sites, depending on mission requirements. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with a seven-year ordering period. Space and Missile Systems Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Labatt Food Service, San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $295,636,225 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with economic-price-adjustment contract for full line food distribution support for the San Antonio region. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a two-year base contract with one one-year option period, and one two-year option period. Location of performance is Texas, with a Nov. 15, 2023, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-19-D-3206). Allison Transmission, Indianapolis, Indiana, has been awarded a maximum $20,781,402 firm-fixed-price contract for transmission overhaul kits. 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 13-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Indiana, with a Dec. 31, 2019, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-19-C-0057). Peckham Vocational Industries,** Lansing, Michigan, has been awarded an $8,609,660modification (P00003) exercising the first one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-18-D-N029) with two one-year option periods for drawers. This is a firm-fixed-price contract. Location of performance is Michigan, with a Nov. 21, 2019, performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Baltimore, Maryland, is awarded a $282,085,646 not-to-exceed undefinitized contract action modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-18-C-2301 for long-lead-time material and detail design in support of the construction of four Multi-Mission Surface Combatant ships (MMSC). The MMSC is a lethal and highly maneuverable surface combatant capable of littoral and open-ocean operation. This contract involves foreign military sales to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Work will be performed in Marinette, Wisconsin (55 percent); Baltimore, Maryland (23 percent); Herndon, Virginia (11 percent); Moorestown, New Jersey (6 percent); Manassas, Virginia (1 percent); San Diego, California (1 percent); and various places below one percent (3 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2025. Foreign military sales (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) funding in the amount of $124,201,733 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured, in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(4) (international agreement). The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia (N00189-19-D-Z012); Cydecor Inc., Arlington, Virginia (N00189-19-D-Z013); and Whitney, Bradley and Brown Inc., Reston, Virginia (N00189-19-D-Z014), are awarded an estimated $69,920,361 multiple award cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts that will include terms and conditions for the placement of both cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price task orders to provide management support services to facilitate warfighting, manpower and business transformation initiatives in support of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Information Dominance. The contracts will run concurrently and will include a 60-month base ordering period with no additional options. Work will be performed at government facilities in Arlington, Virginia (90 percent), and at the various contractor locations in which the percentage of work at each of those locations cannot be determined at this time (10 percent). The ordering period will begin March 2019 and is expected to be completed by February 2024. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $100,000 will be obligated (approximately $33,333 on each of the three contracts to fund the contracts' minimum amounts) and funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured for the award of multiple contracts pursuant to the authority set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation 16.504. The requirement was posted to the Federal Business Opportunities website, with ten offers received. Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. Kellogg Brown and Root Services Inc., Houston, Texas, is awarded $55,452,842 for task order A00011 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62470-17-D-4012) to exercise the first option period for base operations support services at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and other areas within Africa. The work to be performed provides for all management and administration, public safety, galley, ordnance, air operations, fire and emergency services, bachelor quarters, housing, pest control, integrated solid waste, base support vehicles and equipment, custodial, electrical, water, wastewater, port operations, supply, morale-welfare-recreation, facilities investment, and environmental services to provide base operations support services. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $122,263,227. Work will be performed at various installations in Territory of Djibouti, Africa and other areas within Africa, and work is expected to be completed November 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe Africa Southwest Asia, Naples, Italy, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Space, Sunnyvale, California is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee $49,069,660 modification (P00002) to a previously awarded contract (N00030-18-C-0100) for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed system support. The work will be performed in Kings Bay, Georgia (22.25 percent); Bangor, Washington (22.80 percent); Cape Canaveral, Florida (22.22 percent); Sunnyvale, California (12.59 percent); Borgo San Dalmazzo, Italy (6.81 percent); Biddeford, Maine (3.70 percent); Denver, Colorado (2.06 percent); and other various locations (less than 1.00 percent each; 7.57 percent total), and work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2023. Fiscal 2019 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $31,281,073; and fiscal 2019 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $17,788,587 will be obligated on this award. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Space, Sunnyvale, California, is awarded $41,329,513 for cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification P00016 to a previously awarded contract (N00030-17-C-0100) for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed system support. The work will be performed in Sunnyvale, California (69.71 percent); Denver, Colorado (10.92 percent); Clearwater, Florida (8.78 percent); Cape Canaveral, Florida (3.04 percent); Valley Forge, Pennsylvania (1.99 percent); Santa Clara, California (1.06 percent); and other various locations (less than 1.00 percent each; 4.50 percent total) with work expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2023. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $11,513,121; and fiscal 2019 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $29,816,392 are being obligated on this award. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Military Aircraft Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is being awarded $32,730,879 for modification P00003 to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-18-C-1037) for long-lead items for Japan E-2D Aircraft JAA5 under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York (22.04 percent); Potez, Aire-sur-l'Adour, France (11.50 percent); Edgewood, New York (8.42 percent); Menlo Park, California (6.12 percent); Woodland Hills, California (5.53 percent); Rolling Meadows, Illinois (5.01 percent); Marlborough, Massachusetts (4.59 percent); Greenlawn, New York (3.06 percent); Owego, New York (3.06 percent); Independence, Ohio (3.06 percent); Gardena, California (2.29 percent); Melbourne, Florida (2.09 percent); Clemmons, North Carolina (1.81 percent); Falls Church, Virginia (1.53 percent); Melville, New York (1.49 percent); Long Beach, California (1.17 percent); Laval, Quebec, Canada (0.04 percent); and various locations within the U.S. (17.19 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2022. Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $32,730,879 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. IAP Worldwide Services Inc., Cape Canaveral, Florida, is awarded a $20,881,626 contract modification for recurring/non-recurring services type contract for base operations services at Naval Support Activity Annapolis. The work to be performed provides for all management, supervision, labor hours, training, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform base operating services to include but not limited to facility investment, service calls, pest control, operation of utility plants, refuse collection, special events, and snow and ice removal. Work will be performed in Annapolis, Maryland, and work is expected to be completed July 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy); and fiscal 2019 Navy working capital funds in the amount of $14,629,883.85 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the contract period. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N40080-18-D-0500). Triton Marine Construction Corp., Bremerton, Washington, is awarded a $17,914,200 firm-fixed-price contract for the repair of trestle box beams at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle. The work to be performed provides for concrete spall repairs on the underside of Trestle 1A to the pile caps, beams, and deck; carbon fiber reinforced polymer strengthening of existing reinforced concrete box beams using the wet layup process; and installation of five new pile bents ten new piles will be driven on Trestle 1A to strengthen the existing box beams at NWS Earle waterfront complex. Work will be performed in Colts Neck, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by March 2024. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $17,914,200 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-19-C-9032). EMR Inc.,* Niceville, Florida, is awarded $16,897,000 for firm-fixed-price task order N6945019F1000 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N69450-17-D-0507) for renovations to Colmer Dining Facility Building 367 at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport. Renovations include expansion of cold storage areas, improvements to electrical and mechanical systems, updated parking and architectural components. In addition, a temporary kitchen facility composed of modular units will be placed in service at a separate location. The contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, engineering, materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies and transportation to perform all work described in the request for proposal. Work will be performed in Gulfport, Mississippi, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $16,897,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One proposal was received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. Technology Unlimited Group,* San Diego, California, is awarded a $15,059,071 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple-award contract to provide systems engineering support for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence programs. This is one of six contracts awarded. All awardees will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. This two-year contract includes three, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to an estimated $38,798,332. All work will be performed in San Diego, California. The period of performance of the base award is from Nov. 16, 2018 through Nov. 15, 2020. If the options are exercised, the period of performance would extend through Nov. 15, 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as task orders are issued using research, development, test and evaluation (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); operations and maintenance (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); other procurement (Navy and Air Force); foreign military sales; and Navy working capital funds. This contract was competitively procured via Request for Proposal N66001-16-R-0180 published on the Federal Business Opportunities and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 21 offers received and six selected for award. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-D-0005). Harmonia Holdings Group LLC,* Blacksburg, Virginia, is awarded a $15,028,289 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple-award contract to provide systems engineering support for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence programs. This is one of six contracts awarded. All awardees will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. This two-year contract includes three, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to an estimated $39,540,512. Work will be performed at government facilities in San Diego, California (90 percent), and at contractor facilities in Blacksburg, Virginia (10 percent). The period of performance of the base award is from Nov. 16, 2018 through Nov. 15, 2020. If the options are exercised, the period of performance would extend through Nov. 15, 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as task orders are issued using research, development, test and evaluation (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); operations and maintenance (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); other procurement (Navy and Air Force); foreign military sales; and Navy working capital funds. This contract was competitively procured via Request for Proposal N66001-16-R-0180 published on the Federal Business Opportunities and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 21 offers received and six selected for award. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-D-0004). Effecture LLC,* San Diego, California, is awarded a $14,803,612 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple-award contract to provide systems engineering support for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence programs. This is one of six contracts awarded. All awardees will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. This two-year contract includes three, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to an estimated $38,403,117. All work will be performed in San Diego, California. The period of performance of the base award is from Nov. 16, 2018 through Nov. 15, 2020. If the options are exercised, the period of performance would extend through Nov. 15, 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as task orders are issued using research, development, test and evaluation (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); operations and maintenance (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); other procurement (Navy and Air Force); foreign military sales; and Navy working capital funds. This contract was competitively procured via Request for Proposal N66001-16-R-0180 published on the Federal Business Opportunities and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 21 offers received and six selected for award. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-D-0002). Trabus Technologies Inc.,* San Diego, California, is awarded a $14,704,521 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple-award contract to provide systems engineering support for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence programs. This is one of six contracts awarded. All awardees will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. This two-year contract includes three, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to an estimated $38,129,755. All work will be performed in San Diego, California. The period of performance of the base award is from Nov. 16, 2018 through Nov, 15, 2020. If the options are exercised, the period of performance would extend through Nov. 15, 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as task orders are issued using research, development, test and evaluation (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); operations and maintenance (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); other procurement (Navy and Air Force); foreign military sales; and Navy working capital funds. This contract was competitively procured via Request for Proposal N66001-16-R-0180 published on the Federal Business Opportunities and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 21 offers received and six selected for award. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-D-0007). Grove Resource Solutions Inc.,* Frederick, Maryland, is awarded a $14,704,521 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple-award contract to provide systems engineering support for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence programs. This is one of six contracts awarded. All awardees will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. This two-year contract includes three, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to an estimated $39,258,893. Work will be performed at Government facilities in San Diego (90 percent) and at contractor facilities in Frederick, Maryland (10 percent). The period of performance of the base award is from Nov. 16, 2018 through Nov.15, 2020. If the options are exercised, the period of performance would extend through Nov. 15, 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as task orders are issued using research, development, test and evaluation (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); operations and maintenance (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); other procurement (Navy and Air Force); foreign military sales; and Navy working capital funds. This contract was competitively procured via Request for Proposal N66001-16-R-0180 published on the Federal Business Opportunities and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 21 offers received and six selected for award. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-D-0003). Vigor Marine LLC, Portland, Oregon, is awarded an $11,668,324 firm-fixed-price contract for a 56-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry docking of USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204). Work includes general services, structural steel repairs, repair oil leaks in both port and starboard main engines, replace ballast tank level indicators, repairs to the emergency diesel generator, tank repairs and preservation to the marine sanitation device and vacuum collection holding and transfer tanks, renew valves for the ballast system, repairs to the main seawater piping, overhaul number one main seawater cooling, pump, overhaul number three ships service diesel generator turbocharger, repairs to staterooms, ship dry-docking and undocking, preservation to the ship's underwater hull and freeboard, refurbish the hauling winch assembly and motors on station number three, refurbishment of the rollers on the sliding block/transfer head/guide and refurbishment to the kingpost for station three. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $13,586,233. Work will be performed in Portland, Oregon, and is expected to begin on Jan. 7, 2019 and is expected to be completed by March 3, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $11,668,324 will be obligated. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with one offer received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220519C4001). Trandes Corp.,* Lanham, Maryland, is awarded an estimated $11,619,097 contract modification to increase the ceiling of an existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-reimbursement contract (N66001-15-D-0146). Support includes removal of old and installation of new commercial-off-the-shelf precision approach radar; logistics and training support; remote landing site tower generator repair; tactical air navigation systems installation support; and Marine Air Traffic Control and Landing System, and Amphibious Assault Direction System sustainment support. This modification increases the estimated value of the contract from $19,226,946 to $30,846,043. This ceiling increase does not obligate funds. Funding will be obligated via task/delivery orders, which will be placed using operations and maintenance (Navy); and other procurement (Navy) funds. This modification is issued using other than full and open competition in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 6.302-1 and 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) - only one responsible source. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. Data Intelligence LLC,* Marlton, New Jersey, is awarded a $11,314,171 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple-award contract to provide systems engineering support for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence programs. This is one of six contracts awarded. All awardees will have the opportunity to compete for task orders during the ordering period. This two-year contract includes three, one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to an estimated $28,840,430. Work will be performed at government facilities in San Diego, California (90 percent), and at contractor facilities in Marlton, New Jersey (10 percent). The period of performance of the base award is from Nov. 16, 2018 through Nov. 15, 2020. If the options are exercised, the period of performance would extend through Nov. 15, 2023. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as task orders are issued using research, development, test and evaluation (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); operations and maintenance (Navy, Air Force and Defense Agency); other procurement (Navy and Air Force); foreign military sales; and Navy working capital funds. This contract was competitively procured via Request for Proposal N66001-16-R-0180 published on the Federal Business Opportunities and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 21 offers received and six selected for award. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N66001-19-D-0006). Ratcliff Construction Inc.,* Orange Park, Florida, is awarded $9,990,000 for firm-fixed-price task order N6945019F0850 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N69450-18-D-1315) for consolidation and repair of Aviation Hangar 600 at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The work to be performed provides for complete exterior and interior repairs consisting of underutilized space in the west “lean-to” two story structure. Remotely located areas will be consolidated into renovated spaces. This includes complete renovation of Aviation Hangar 600 to include demolition of structures and repair by replacement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems. Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and is expected to be completed by August 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $9,990,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Six proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. ARMY DRS Sustainment Systems Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, was awarded a $30,439,974 firm-fixed-price contract for small enclosure kits to support production of the Chemical Biological Protective 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 Nov. 15, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-19-D-3009). General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, St. Petersburg, Florida, was awarded a $14,413,028 firm-fixed-price contract for Army Ground Mobility Vehicles and associated kits. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 16, 2019. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-19-F-0072). VSE Corp., Alexandria, Virginia, was awarded a $13,068,557 modification (P00014) to contract W911SA-16-C-0002 for labor, equipment and transportation necessary to provide logistics readiness support services to perform and assist with property accountability, vehicle operations and supporting functions, maintenance management services, field and sustainment level maintenance, storage site operations, hands-on-training mission support, and refurbishment support at various locations in Arizona, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, Arkansas and New Mexico. Work will be performed in Mountain View, California, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 29, 2019. Fiscal 2019 other funds in the amount of $11,715,802 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, is the contracting activity. *Small business **Mandatory source https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1693147/source/GovDelivery/

By: Kelsey D. Atherton Russia's Defense Ministry announced Nov. 6 that the nation had extended the range on its drone-carried jammers to 100 km, or over 60 miles. Drones as a platform for, and not just the target of, electronic warfare means that the sight of a flying robot overhead could signal incoming strikes as well as a sudden inability to call for help. “Russia has been using a UAV-mounted cellphone jammer for a number of years now,” said Samuel Bendett, a research analyst at the Center for Naval Analyses. The drones operate in a two- or three-vehicle pod with a ground station, collectively grouped as a “Leer-3” system. “When these UAVs fly in teams, one acts as a signal-and-comms relay while another acts as a jammer,” Bendett said. “These Leer-3 systems have been around for about two years at this point.” What is changed is the range of the jammer. The Orlan-10 drones already have a range of 75 miles, which means that, with the latest update on the jammer, the drone pod can interfere with signals up to 135 miles away from where the drone was launched. TASS reports that the 60-mile range is a 3.5 times increase in distance from the initial range. In addition, Bendett said there's a chance this capability, or an earlier version of it, has already been witnessed in conflict. “Ukrainian forces claim to spot Leer-3 systems in eastern Ukraine, while there is potential evidence that Leer-3 was used in Syria as well,” Bendett said. “Russian forces are constantly training with Leer-3 UAVs as they practice adversary signal and cell comms suppression, identification and eventual destruction of the enemy force. In fact, this kind of training is part of the official [tactics, techniques and procedures] in electronic warfare and other forces across the Russian military.” Advancements in electronic warfare are one of the key components guiding the development of autonomous systems for the military. For now, drones are conducting electronic warfare against cellular communications, but it's not hard to imagine the same doctrines applied with new technology. In that scenario, it easy to picture other vehicles transforming into jamming machines on future battlefields ... and maybe even present ones. https://www.c4isrnet.com/newsletters/unmanned-systems/2018/11/16/russian-drones-can-jam-cell-phones-60-miles-away

HALIFAX, Canada — NATO member Slovakia is on track to purchase 14 Lockheed Martin F-16V fighters to replace its MiG-29 jets in a wider effort to break from Russia, the Slovak Ministry of Defence's No. 2 official said Saturday. In an interview on the sidelines of the Halifax International Security Forum, MoD State Secretary Róbert Ondrejcsák said of the Russian defense industrial relationship: “We are cutting off as quickly as we can. “The most important connection with Russia is still the MiG-29, which is still Russian manufactured, and it's what we are cutting now with the decision about the F-16s,” Ondrejcsák said. “There several are other smaller systems.” In the same vein, Slovakia also expects to receive five more Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, which completes its planned purchase of nine. (Long-term plans call for at least 18 multi-role helicopters to replace Soviet-designed Mi-17 rotorcraft, though no platform has been selected as yet.) “By replacing them, we are also cutting those ties with Russia,” Ondrejcsák said, adding that Slovakia will fly the UH-60 and Mi-17 for several years while the UH-60 is phased in. Slovakia was a part of the Soviet bloc during the Cold War but joined the European Union and the NATO military alliance in 2004. Slovakian officials understand the purchase of American hardware strengthens their strategic relationship, but Ondrejcsák emphasized — on the anniversary of Czechoslovakia's velvet revolution in 1989 — the partnership is based on faith in liberal democratic values. “We want to see America as a leader in the free world, as they did for 70 years,” Ondrejcsák said. “We hear a lot here [at Halifax] about the values-based international order, but it's very real for us.” Beyond the U.S., leaders of Slovakia and the Czech Republic announced in September the two countries will cooperate on joint purchases of weapons and military equipment. Both have moved to increase their respective defense budgets following Russia's alleged military intervention in Ukraine's eastern part and its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. As to the F-16s, Ondrejcsák said the intent is for his government to finalize the legislative vehicle and contract in the coming months to ensure timely delivery of the first F-16s in 2022 or 2023. In part driven by maintenance costs, Slovakia decided to make a switch from the MiG-29 and ultimately chose the F-16V over the Saab Gripen based on price and internal analysis, according to Ondrejcsák. The announcement came in July after U.S. State Department in April approved the potential sale of 14 Block 70/72 F-16Vs for Slovakia. Otherwise, negotiations are also underway for the U.S. to further improve Slovakian air fields in Sliač, which is in central Slovakia and in Malacky, which is in in Western Slovakia. “We take it as a win-win situation because they are investing in infrastructure, which will be crucial for us too,” Ondrejcsák said of the U.S. military. “Of course its good for them (the U.S. military) because in case of potential operations, they (the airfields) are available.” The U.S. Air Force has ramped up investments that would enable it to deploy to allied bases in Eastern Europe and operate close to Russia's western flank. U.S. air field improvements have already included partner air bases in Hungary, Estonia and elsewhere. As Slovakia upgrades its heavy mechanized units, it is also exploring the modernization of its existing fleet of T-72 main battle tanks, Ondrejcsák said, rather than wait for the next generation of MBT to be developed. No platform has been selected. “We will upgrade them to the highest possible standards which will allow them to operate in the framework of the mechanized brigade,” he said. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/11/18/with-f-16-buy-slovakia-cutting-off-russian-hardware

By: Joe Gould HALIFAX, Canada — A top uniformed NATO official warned Friday the European Union army concept endorsed by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel would be “duplicative” and “unwise.” In an interview at the Halifax International Security Forum, UK Air Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, chairman of the NATO Military Committee, pointed to NATO's strength as a single set of forces, with a unique command and control network and planning process. “It's not rhetoric based. It's real planning based on real data,” Peach said. “And therefore, why would you wish to duplicate or replicate the strengths of an existing strong alliance.” The comments came after Merkel on Tuesday floated the idea of a “real, true European army,” to compliment NATO during a speech before a session of the European Parliament. Those remarks virtually echoed Macron's call a week earlier, in an interview with Europe 1. U.S. President Donald Trump called Macron's comments “very insulting” in a spate of Twitter posts as the two held a meeting last week in Paris. Trump himself has tested the strained bonds with some of America's closest allies by pressuring NATO allies to rely less on the U.S. and dedicate a greater percentage of their gross domestic products to defense. On Tuesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg alluded the proposal of a European force at a NATO conference in Berlin, saying he welcomed, “increased EU efforts on defense, because I think that can actually help to strengthen NATO.” European allied militaries can act without the U.S. so long as they use NATO command structures, Stoltenberg said. “It will be not a wise decision by all those nations who are members of both NATO and the European Union to start to have two sets of command structures, or duplicate what NATO is doing,” Stoltenberg said. On Friday, Peach referred to Stoltenberg's remarks, saying, “Of course, as chairman of the military committee, I agree with [Stoltenberg]. It's unwise to duplicate.” Peach emphasized that NATO has a, “single set of forces, and in our processes, those forces are trained, and assured and certified by NATO.” At the conference, Peach had a broader message that the alliance's 29 members member remain committed to it — and that it is adapting with the times. “Throughout the history of the alliance there have been inevitable tussles about how to go forward,” Peach said. “But throughout as a military alliance, we have adapted our command and control structure, responded to new challenges, embraced new members and continued to adapt to new types of warfare and new threats.” Separately, Finland and Norway intend to launch diplomatic discussions with Moscow over suspected GPS signal-jamming by Russia's military, which overlapped with NATO's Trident Juncture exercises, the largest maneuvers in the High North since the end of the Cold War. Peach on Friday would not confirm the interference took place, but called the principle of freedom of navigation, “very, very important, both to NATO and the International community.” “Freedom of navigation is not just freedom of navigation at sea, so we need to analyze claims with data. And anything that interrupts freedom of navigation is important to be reported," he said. How to manage and operate within the electromagnetic spectrum are important topics that deserve more attention, he said. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/11/17/nato-official-warns-eu-force-would-be-unwise/

ADELAIDE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the world's leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), has been advised that, following consideration by the Australian Government, it has been selected to provide the Armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft System under Project Air 7003 for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). “We look forward to providing our world-leading RPAS to meet the Air 7003 requirements,” said Linden Blue, CEO of GA-ASI. “We'll work closely with Team Reaper® Australia partners to provide a highly capable and affordable RPAS to the ADF, while creating meaningful and enduring Australian jobs.” The ADF joins other top-tier military forces in choosing a MQ-9 variant because of its proven multi-role combat performance. Known as the “operators” choice, the MQ-9 is part of GA-ASI's Predator® series of RPAS, which is the world's most trusted and capable Armed Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) RPAS, and hails from a family of RPAS which recently surpassed five million flight hours. GA-ASI announced its intention to offer a MALE RPAS to the ADF during AVALON 2017 – the Australian International Aerospace and Defence Exposition – with the launch of Team Reaper Australia, a robust grouping of Australian industry partners. The team currently consists of ten Australian companies providing a range of innovative sensor, communication, manufacturing and life-cycle support capabilities that includes Cobham, CAE, Raytheon, Flight Data Systems, TAE Aerospace, Quickstep, AirSpeed, Rockwell Collins Australia, Ultra, and SentientVision. About GA-ASI General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator®, Reaper® and Gray Eagle UAS programs of record and the Lynx® Multi-mode Radar. With more than five million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, multi-mission capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight, enabling situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com. Predator, Reaper, and Lynx are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181115006098/en/

HALIFAX — Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says Russia's disruptive behaviour on the world stage is a key concern for Canada. Sajjan made the remark Friday at the opening of the Halifax International Security Forum, a three-day event that has attracted security experts and politicians from around the world. The minister cited Russia's annexation of Crimea and its aggressive posture toward neighbouring Georgia as examples of a worrisome trend. "The disruptive nature that Russia has taken, it goes against the rules-based order that we're used to," he told a news conference at a downtown hotel. He said the recent commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions. "It's even more important now that nations act in a responsible manner; that we do not provoke," he said. "Unfortunately, because of the actions that Russia has taken, we do need to make sure we send a strong message of deterrence, and with NATO we are doing that." Canada has taken a particular interest in confronting Russia's use of so-called hybrid warfare, which blends conventional warfare and cyber-warfare to destabilize democracies, Sajjan said. Peter Van Praagh, president of the Halifax International Security Forum, said Russia's internal struggles have had an impact on the rest of the world. "Russia is a great country historically, but Russia is also a failing country, simultaneously," Van Praagh told reporters. "Russia is struggling with both of those things going on at the same time." On Saturday, a panel of experts will take part in a discussion titled: "Beijing's Cravings, Kremlin's Gremlins: Freedom's Foes." "Russia doesn't have the same advanced tools that Canada and NATO has," Van Praagh said. "Russia is using different tools to exert influence ... We can't allow Russia or any other country to interfere in the operations of domestic democracies." The conference, which has attracted 300 delegates from 70 countries, is being held in conjunction with a meeting of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Van Praagh also cited the end of the First World War 100 years ago, saying delegates to the conference will be keeping that key event in mind. "Looking at 1918 through the prism of 100 years is a good reminder of the cost of war," he said. "It is also a reminder of our responsibility to protect our democracy. The work of democracy is never quite complete." It's the fourth time Sajjan has attended the security conference as defence minister. He said other key issues that require delegates' attention include the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, ongoing political changes on the Korean peninsula and Canada's renewed role as an international peacekeeper. "For a decade, (the forum) has been the place to discuss global defence and security issues that define our times," he said. Among those invited to speak at the forum is U.S. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dunford is the highest-ranking military officer in the United States and an adviser to President Donald Trump. The delegates to the forum are almost exclusively from democratic regimes. Michael MacDonald, The Canadian Press https://www.nationalnewswatch.com/2018/11/16/russian-aggression-and-cyber-warfare-key-issues-for-canada-to-confront-sajjan

NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $348,915,105 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to provide the infrastructure to support developmental laboratory facilities and flight test activities in support of F-35 development, production and sustainment. Work will be performed at Edwards Air Force Base, California (35 percent); Patuxent River, Maryland (35 percent); and Fort Worth, Texas (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2020. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy); and non-Department of Defense (DOD) participant funds in the amount of $177,042,349 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the Air Force ($70,932,017; 40 percent); Marine Corps ($35,466,009; 20 percent); Navy ($35,466,008; 20 percent) and non-DOD participants ($35,178,315; 20 percent). This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, is the contracting activity (N00019-19-C-0004). Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a not-to-exceed value $83,100,000 undefinitized contract action. This contract provides for the development, integration, certification, and testing of dual capable aircraft capability to include hardware and software into the Air Force F-35A. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (70 percent); Edwards Air Force Base, California (29 percent); and St. Charles, Missouri (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2024. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funding in the amount of $24,630,000 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 Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-19-C-0010). CSRA LLC, a General Dynamics Information Technology Co., Falls Church, Virginia, is awarded a $64,664,646 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides project management and engineering support for Navy and Marine Corps land, sea, and air platforms with a responsive, efficient, and reliable means to collect, detect, assess, identify, exploit, neutralize, and disseminate products to the U.S. and its interests. The procurement supports the execution of systems engineering activities to meet current and future electronic warfare mission information engineering capabilities and security protection needs for Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division integrated product teams. Work will be performed in Point Mugu, California (80 percent); Eglin Air Force Base, Florida (15 percent); and other locations in the U.S. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2023. Fiscal 2018 working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $50,000 will be obligated at the time of award. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity (N68936-19-D-0016). Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Indiana, is awarded a $40,890,720 firm-fixed-price modification to previously-awarded contract N00019-17-C-0081 for the procurement of 20 production MT7 marine turbine engines for Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) 100 class craft 109 through 113. This procurement is in support of the Ship-to-Shore Connector program. Each LCAC 100 craft incorporates four MT7 engines. Work to be performed includes production of the MT7 engines and delivery to Textron Marine Systems for the assembly of the LCAC 100 class craft. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is expected to be completed by January, 2020. Fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $16,356,288; and fiscal 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $24,534,432 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity, working in conjunction with the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland. Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, St. Petersburg, Florida, is awarded a $33,848,885 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-13-C-5230 for Common Array Block antenna pre-production unit requirements in support of the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) program. The Common Array Block antenna is an integral component of the CEC system. 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. Work will be performed in Largo, Florida (70 percent); and Andover, Massachusetts (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2020. Fiscal 2019 and 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $14,930,655 will be obligated at time of award, and funds in the amount of $2,494,788 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, is awarded a $172,145,533 fixed-price incentive-fee contract for long range anti-ship missiles (LRASMs) Lot 2 production. The contract allows for the production of 50 LRASMs. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2021. The award is the result of sole- source acquisition. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA8682-19-C-0010). Avix-BGI JV LLC, Yorktown, Virginia, is awarded a $45,262,100 firm-fixed-price contract for the EC-130H/A-10C Contract Aircrew Training and Courseware Development program. The contractor shall furnish all personnel, equipment, tools, materials, supervision and all other items and services that are required to perform the contract. Work will be performed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona; Moody AFB, Georgia; and other places as required. Work is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2024. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and seven offers were received. The Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity (FA4890-19-C-0004). Parker-Hannifin Corp, Irvine, California, is awarded a $39,026,578 modification to contract FA8109-18-D-0004 for 12 additional spare national stock numbers items and the remanufacture of 11additional national stock numbers to support the A-10, B-1, B-52, C-135, C-5, C-130, C-17, E-3, F-15, F-16, and HH-60 aircraft. These items also support the TF33, F100, F101, F110, and F118 engines. Work will be performed in Irvine, California; Glendale, Arizona; Mentor, Ohio; and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is expected to be completed by April 5, 2027. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. This is a requirements contract, so no funding is being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity. Bismark Construction Corp., Newark, New Jersey, is awarded a $17,108,065 modification (P00007) to contract FA4484‐16‐D‐0003 for maintenance and repair services. The maintenance and repair contract is a large tri-service indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity that supports physical infrastructure. Work will be performed at Joint Base McGuire‐Dix‐Lakehurst, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2019. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The 87th Contracting Squadron, JB McGuire‐Dix‐Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Federal Prison Industries Inc.,* doing business as Unicor, Washington, District of Columbia, has been awarded a maximum $49,920,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for various types of trousers. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are District of Columbia, Texas and Alabama, with a May 15, 2023, performance completion date. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-19-D-F016). Southeast Power Systems of Orlando Inc.,** Orlando, Florida, has been awarded a maximum $9,342,729 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fuel pumps for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle. 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 five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Florida, with a Nov. 14, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2024 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Warren, Michigan (SPRDL1-19-D-0013). DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY Peraton Government Communications Inc., Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a $9,289,610 contract modification (P00021) exercising Option Period Three on task order GS-35F-5497H / HC1013-16-F-0005. Performance directly supports American national security interests on the continent of Africa. This action is funded by fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds. The total cumulative face value of the task order is $50,089,527. Proposals were solicited via the General Services Administration's Federal Supply Schedule, Information Technology Schedule 70, and two proposals were received from 27 proposals solicited. The period of performance for Option Period Three is Nov. 15, 2018 – Nov. 14, 2019, and there is one remaining unexercised option period for this task order. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Nov. 14, 2018) *Mandatory Source **Small business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1691653/source/GovDelivery/