Nouvelles

The next generation of aircraft will be different from anything seen before. Disruptive technologies enabled by digitalization are transforming the industry, creating new business models and empowering new market entrants. The digitalization disruption is here. Are you ready for innovation through simulation? The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry is challenged to design more fuel-efficient, quieter and safer evolutionary and derivative aircraft to reduce operation lifecycle costs for the airlines. Simultaneously it is wrestling with the rapid revolutions of urban air mobility (UAM) and commercial drones. Global defense spending is increasing as organizations innovate to maintain or establish technology leadership. The new space race has begun as nontraditional companies and new spacefaring nations challenge the historic dominance of government funded agencies. Across the whole industry, these trends demand innovation at a pace never seen before, combined with the globally disruptive cross-industry forces of autonomy, electrification, connectivity and the digital twin, as well as new materials and additive manufacturing. It requires innovation in a design space for which there is no precedent. Full report: http://images.link.pentonaviation.com/Web/PentonAv/%7B8abc8a86-ee52-4ae3-b46f-5df9036d89fd%7D_Aerospace_and_Defense_Whitepaper.pdf

Lee Hudson | Aerospace Daily & Defense Report Bell's experience with V-22Osprey and V-280 Valor tiltrotor aircraft position the company well for the U.S. Marine Corps' Group 5 unmanned aerial system (UAS) competition, the chief executive says. Mitch Snyder, Bell chief executive officer, said Oct. 2 during a Defense One event that the company's offering for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Expeditionary (MUX) UAS, the V-247 Vigilant, is the next iteration in tiltrotor technology for the company. The multimission aircraft “it could be airborne early warning on one mission, it can be an attack vehicle, it could just be an operating node—it's whatever you want it to be,” Snyder says. Keith Flail, vice president of advanced tiltrotor systems at Bell, told Aerospace DAILY Sept. 25 during Modern Day Marine at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, that the company is focused on the seven key capability gaps the service outlined during an industry day in June. Full article: http://aviationweek.com/defense/tiltrotor-experience-positions-bell-mux-competition

By LOLITA C. BALDOR BRUSSELS (AP) — Acting to counter Russia's aggressive use of cyberattacks across Europe and around the world, the U.S. is expected to announce that, if asked, it will use its formidable cyberwarfare capabilities on NATO's behalf, according to a senior U.S. official. The announcement is expected in the coming days as U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis attends a meeting of NATO defense ministers on Wednesday and Thursday. Katie Wheelbarger, the principal deputy assistant defense secretary for international security affairs, said the U.S. is committing to use offensive and defensive cyber operations for NATO allies, but America will maintain control over its own personnel and capabilities. The decision comes on the heels of the NATO summit in July, when members agreed to allow the alliance to use cyber capabilities that are provided voluntarily by allies to protect networks and respond to cyberattacks. It reflects growing concerns by the U.S. and its allies over Moscow's use of cyber operations to influence elections in America and elsewhere. “Russia is constantly pushing its cyber and information operations,” said Wheelbarger, adding that this is a way for the U.S. to show its continued commitment to NATO. She told reporters traveling to NATO with Mattis that the move is a signal to other nations that NATO is prepared to counter cyberattacks waged against the alliance or its members. Much like America's nuclear capabilities, the formal declaration of cyber support can help serve as a military deterrent to other nations and adversaries. The U.S. has, for some time, considered cyber as a warfighting domain, much like air, sea, space and ground operations. In recent weeks the Pentagon released a new cybersecurity strategy that maps out a more aggressive use of military cyber capabilities. And it specifically calls out Russia and China for their use of cyberattacks. China, it said, has been “persistently” stealing data from the public and private sector to gain an economic advantage. And it said Russia has use cyber information operations to “influence our population and challenge our diplomatic processes.” U.S. officials have repeatedly accused Moscow of interfering in the 2016 elections, including through online social media. “We will conduct cyberspace operations to collect intelligence and prepare military cyber capabilities to be used in the event of a crisis or conflict,” the new strategy states, adding that the U.S. is prepared to use cyberwarfare along with other military weapons against its enemies when needed, including to counter malicious cyber activities targeting the country. The document adds that the Pentagon will “work to strengthen the capacity” of allies and partners. NATO has moved cautiously on offensive cyber capabilities. At the Warsaw Summit in 2016, allies recognized cyberspace as a warfighting domain. It has said that a computer-based attack on an ally would trigger NATO's commitment to defend its members. And last year the alliance agreed to create a new cyber operations center. But the focus has always been on defending NATO networks and those of its members, not offensive cyberwar. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday that the defense ministers will have a working session this week to address cyber and other risks, and how allies can cooperate to counter such threats. He did not provide details. https://www.apnews.com/292c4d08912c4e3f8ae29973e0ecfbbc/US-to-offer-cyberwar-capabilities-to-NATO-allies

By Jane Perlez BEIJING — China canceled an important annual security meeting planned for mid-October with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis in Beijing, saying a senior Chinese military officer would not be available to meet him, an American official said on Sunday. The decision to withdraw from the high-level encounter, known as the diplomatic and security dialogue, was the latest sign of bad blood between China and the United States, and capped a week of tit-for-tat actions by both nations as they settled into a newly chilly relationship. The cancellation of the dialogue, an event that China until recently had advertised as a productive way for the two sides to talk, showed how quickly the tensions over an escalating trade war have infected other parts of the relationship, particularly vital strategic concerns including Taiwan, arms sales and the South China Sea. A senior American foreign policy official summarized the administration's attitude to China last week, telling a crowd at the celebration of national day at the Chinese Embassy in Washington that the United States was intent on competing with China — brittle language that is usually absent from formal events. Full article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/30/world/asia/china-us-security-mattis.html

Longueuil (Québec), le 1er octobre 2018 — Héroux-Devtek Inc. (TSX : HRX) (« HérouxDevtek » ou la « Société »), un important fabricant international de produits aérospatiaux, a le plaisir d'annoncer la finalisation de l'acquisition de l'entreprise Compañia Española de Sistemas Aeronáuticos, S.A. (« CESA »), une filiale d'Airbus SE (PA : AIR). Le prix d'achat s'élève à 137 millions d'euros (soit environ 206 millions de dollars) pour la valeur globale de l'entreprise, y compris l'encours de la dette nette de CESA de 23 millions d'euros (environ 35 millions de dollars), sous réserve des ajustements de clôture habituels. « Nous sommes ravis d'avoir finalisé la plus grande acquisition de notre histoire qui représente une étape charnière de notre expansion à l'échelle internationale, » a déclaré le président et chef de la direction de Héroux-Devtek, Gilles Labbé. « L'acquisition de CESA nous permettra de renforcer notre présence sur le marché européen, nous donnera accès à un important contenu dans le cadre de plusieurs programmes d'aéronefs d'envergure et nous aidera à développer encore davantage nos relations d'affaires avec Airbus et d'autres clients importants. Nous sommes honorés d'accueillir l'équipe de CESA au sein de la famille Héroux-Devtek. » « L'acquisition élargit également l'offre de produits et services de Héroux-Devtek dans les domaines des systèmes d'actionnement et hydrauliques, en plus d'ajouter de nouvelles technologies, comme l'actionnement électromécanique, à notre portefeuille. Notre offre évoluera aussi, et 42 % de nos revenus seront désormais générés par des produits propriétaires, » a poursuivi M. Labbé. « De concert avec l'ajout de l'expertise complémentaire de Beaver dans le domaine des vis à billes, nous voyons d'excellentes occasions de développer nos activités sur le marché des systèmes d'actionnement, dont la taille est considérablement supérieure au marché des trains d'atterrissage, » a conclu M. Labbé. « Nous comptons maintenir notre relation d'affaires étroite avec CESA, qui demeure un fournisseur de grande importance pour Airbus, » a déclaré Fernando Alonso, chef de la division Avions militaires d'Airbus Defence and Space. « CESA et ses employés tireront profit du plan industriel solide du nouveau propriétaire stratégique au cours des années à venir. » La transaction a été financée au moyen d'un emprunt à terme subordonné non garanti de 50 millions de dollars d'une durée de sept ans consenti par le Fonds de solidarité FTQ, de la facilité de crédit renouvelable de la Société, ainsi que de l'encaisse disponible. Dans le cadre de cette acquisition, la facilité de crédit de la Société a été modifiée: le plafond d'emprunt a été augmenté, passant ainsi de 200 millions de dollars à 250 millions de dollars. CESA, dont le siège social est situé à Madrid, en Espagne, est l'un des plus grands fournisseurs européens de systèmes hydrauliques et électromécaniques destinés à l'industrie aérospatiale. Ses principales gammes de produits comprennent des systèmes d'actionnement et hydrauliques ainsi que des trains d'atterrissage. CESA propose une offre de produits et de services intégrée à un large éventail de clients et de programmes d'aéronefs : ingénierie de conception et de développement, certification, fabrication, assemblage et soutien de la flotte. L'entreprise exploite un parc industriel de pointe d'une superficie de 366 000 pi2 à Madrid et une autre installation à Séville. CESA emploie une main-d'œuvre qualifiée constituée d'environ 300 employés. MISE À JOUR DES PRÉVISIONS La direction met à jour ses prévisions à l'égard des ventes pour l'exercice 2019 afin de tenir compte de l'acquisition de CESA. La direction s'attend maintenant à réaliser des ventes de l'ordre de 460 millions de dollars à 470 millions de dollars pour l'exercice 2019, ce qui représente une progression d'environ 20 % par rapport au précédent exercice. Les dépenses en immobilisations devraient s'élever à environ 20 millions de dollars. La direction publie également de nouvelles prévisions de croissance à long terme de ses ventes qui tiennent compte de l'acquisition de Beaver complétée en juillet dernier et de celle de CESA. La direction s'attend à ce que les ventes de la Société pour l'exercice 2022 se situent dans une fourchette de 620 millions de dollars à 650 millions de dollars. http://www.herouxdevtek.com/fr-CA/nouvelles-evenements/communiques-presse/2018

ARMY Lockheed Martin, Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $631,757,949 fixed-price-incentive Foreign Military Sales (Netherlands and Japan) contract to procure a variety of Hellfire II missile variants in containers. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 foreign military sales; and other procurement, Army funds in the combined amount of $631,757,949 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-15-C-0130). CACI-ISS Inc., Chantilly, Virginia, was awarded a $126,799,620 modification (P00044) to contract W15QKN-15-C-0049 for training, sustainment and deployment of the Integrated Personnel and Pay System. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2021. Fiscal 2018 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $12,140,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. Alion Science and Technology Corp., was awarded a $49,873,115 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to increase knowledge and understanding of state-of-the art technologies and techniques suitable to developing the agile and adaptive capabilities needed to ensure the success of the future Army. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in McLean, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2021. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,130,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911NF-18-C-0090). Greenman-Pedersen Inc., Babylon, New York, was awarded a $49,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for resident engineer and inspection services for the East River Bridges Program. 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. 27, 2028. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, New York, is the contracting activity (W912DS-18-D-0003). Nordic PCL Construction Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded a $41,476,374 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an F-22 Fighter Alert Facility at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2016 military construction funds in the amount of $41,476,374 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Honolulu, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-18-C-0009). Altus LLC,* Darlington, Maryland (W91CRB-19-D-0001); Applied Research Associates Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico (W91CRB-19-D-0002); Joint Research and Development Inc.,* Stafford, Virginia (W91CRB-19-D-0003); and SURVICE Engineer Co. LLC,* Belcamp, Maryland (W91CRB-19-D-0004), will compete for each order of the $48,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for performance of analytical services associated with target descriptions, vulnerability, survivability and weapons effectiveness studies, and support to current operations. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, was awarded a $37,701,755 firm-fixed-price contract for tank engine parts for the AGT-1500 tank engine. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $37,701,755 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Kansas, is the contracting activity (W912JC-19-C-5707). Raytheon IDS, Andover, Massachusetts, was awarded a $35,000,000 firm-fixed-price domestic and Foreign Military Sales (Taiwan) contract for Sweep 9 modification kits. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Andover, Massachusetts, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2022. Fiscal 2018 other procurement, Army funds in the amount of $35,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-18-C-0112). Ames Construction Inc., Burnsville, Minnesota, was awarded a $34,775,560 firm-fixed-price contract for fish bypass channel and replacement weir at Lower Yellowstone River Intake. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Glendive, Montana, with an estimated completion date of March 19, 2021. Fiscal 2015 and 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $22,500,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (W9128F-18-C-0031). MOCA Systems, Boston, Massachusetts (W912DQ-18-D-7000); Accura Engineering and Consulting Services Inc.,* Atlanta, Georgia (W912DQ-18-D-7001); and Crawford Consulting Services,* East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (W912DQ-18-D-7002), will compete for each order of the $28,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect-engineering services for construction management services. Bids were solicited via the internet with 14 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of March 28, 2027. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Missouri, is the contracting activity. Sheffield Korte Team LLC,* Lawton, Oklahoma, was awarded a $27,227,500 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an Army Reserve Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Washington, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 1, 2020. Fiscal 2018 military construction; and operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $27,227,500 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-18-C-0040). Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, was awarded a $23,013,694 firm-fixed-price contract for tank engine parts for the AGT-1500 tank engine. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Phoenix, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $23,013,694 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Property and Fiscal Office, Kansas, is the contracting activity (W912JC-19-C-5704). exp Federal Inc.,* Chicago, Illinois, was awarded a $16,128,727 firm-fixed-price contract to supply and install a pulse generating system, a pulse generating control system, a power monitoring system and a pulse generating cooling system as part of an integrated system at the Permanent Barrier I Aquatic Nuisance Species. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Romeoville, Illinois, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021. Fiscal 2018 civil works funds in the amount of $16,128,727 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W912P6-18-C-0021). Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $12,500,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for development, test, and purchase of Counter Unmanned Aerial System solutions. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W911QX-18-D-0008). Navqsys LLC,* Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, was awarded a $10,514,449 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for expertise in program of record requirements, engineering requirements development, implementation management, logistics coordination, supply chain management, technical documentation, operational reporting, issue resolution, site surveys, contract preparation, execution management and budgetary planning and execution. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2022. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $10,514,449 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W56KGY-18-C-0008). Emerson Construction Co. Inc.,* Temple, Texas, was awarded a $10,453,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a new standard design Supply Storage Activity Warehouse. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 4, 2021. Fiscal 2018 military construction funds in the amount of $10,453,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-18-C-0078). Terra Construction Inc.,* Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, was awarded a $9,854,000 firm-fixed-price contract to renovate and repair Buildings 3426, 3427 and 3428 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Two bids were solicited with two bids received. Work will be performed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with an estimated completion date of Sept, 21, 2020. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $10,447,648 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (W912BV-18-F-0185). Emerson Construction Co. Inc.,* Temple, Texas, was awarded a $10,453,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a new standard design Supply Storage Activity Warehouse. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Fort Hood, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 4, 2021. Fiscal 2018 military construction funds in the amount of $9,854,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-18-C-0079). K-W Construction,* San Marcos, Texas, was awarded a $9,515,500 firm-fixed-price contract for renovations of Building B44 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $9,515,500 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-18-C-0100). CORRECTION: A Sept. 28, 2018, announcement that Norfolk Dredging Co., Chesapeake, Virginia, was awarded an $11,311,500 firm-fixed-price contract (W912BU-18-C-0047) for maintenance dredging of the Delaware River is incorrect. That contracts has not yet been awarded. U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND Nine companies have been awarded task orders under the following International Charter Airlift Services in Support of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet contracts: HTC711-18-D-CC37 -- Atlas Air Inc., Purchase, New York (HTC711-19-F-1000; $231,789,791); Federal Express, Memphis, Tennessee (HTC711-19-F-1001; $34,326,712); HTC711-18-D-CC39 -- ABX Air,* Wilmington, Ohio (HTC711-19-F-1004; $10,694,315): Air Transport International Inc.,* Wilmington, Ohio (HTC711-19-F-1005; $16,873,851); Kalitta Air LLC,* Ypsilanti, Michigan (HTC711-19-F-1006; $160,621,410); Omni Air International Inc.,* Tulsa, Oklahoma (HTC711-19-F-1007; $97,084,582); United Parcel Service Co., Louisville, Kentucky (HTC711-19-F-1008; $14,903,387); Western Global Airlines,* Estero, Florida (HTC711-19-F-1009; $7,495,547); and HTC711-18-D-CC40 -- National Airlines,* Orlando, Florida (HTC711-19-F-1010; $8,110,420). The task orders provide international long-range and short-range charter airlift services for the Department of Defense. Work will be performed globally. The task order period of performance is from Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. International Auto Logistics LLC, Brunswick, Georgia, has been awarded an indefinite-delivery requirements-type, fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract (HTC71119DR001) in the amount of $295,057,155. The contract provides complete transportation and storage services for Department of Defense (DoD) sponsored shipments of privately-owned vehicles (POVs) belonging to military service members and transportation of DoD-sponsored shipments of POVs for DoD civilian employees. Work will be performed at multiple locations inside and outside the continental U.S. The contract base period of performance is from Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2020. Fiscal year 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds were obligated at award. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Air Transport International has been awarded a task order in the amount of $84,833,663 under fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity with economic price adjustments and incentives contract HTC711-18-D-CC16 for combination passenger and cargo charter airlift services. This contract provides global air charter transportation services utilizing Part 121 aircraft configured to simultaneously transport both passengers and cargo. Services required include full planeload port-to-port airlift transportation services, commercial equivalent economy passenger services, 463L pallet cargo services, and mission coordination. Work will be performed globally. Contract period of performance is Jan. 16, 2018, to Dec. 31, 2021; task order period of performance is Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019. The cumulative value of the contract has increased to $125,534,228 from $40,700,565. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds were obligated at time of award. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. International Auto Logistics LLC, Brunswick, Georgia, has been awarded a task order modification P00020, in the amount of $74,743,060, on contract HTC711-14-D-R025. This modification provides continued support of transportation and storage of Department of Defense (DoD)-sponsored shipments of privately-owned vehicles belonging to military service members, and transportation of DoD-sponsored shipments of privately-owned vehicles belonging to DoD civilian employees. Work will be performed at multiple locations within the U.S. and outside the U.S. The option period of performance is Oct. 1, 2018, to Feb. 28, 2019. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds were obligated at award. This modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $837,708,354 from $762,965,293. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Affigent LLC, Herndon, Virginia, has been awarded a firm-fixed-price task order (HTC71118FD112) in the amount of $12,637,147. The contract provides Oracle annual license maintenance and support renewal to the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) TCJ6. This renewal is for Oracle annual maintenance and support for USTRANSCOM and its component commands, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, Air Mobility Command, Military Sealift Command and Joint Enabling Capabilities Command. Work will be performed in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The contract period of performance is from Oct.1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Operating Funds were obligated at award. USTRANSCOM, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Technical Services Inc., Herndon, Virginia, was awarded an $11,816,167 modification exercising the third option period on task order HTC711-16-F-D011. The modification provides continued non-personal advisory and assistance service for consulting and planning of acquisition and life cycle phases of supply value chain systems in support of U.S. Transportation Command and other associated supporting organizations. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $39,936,618 from $28,120,451. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Performance is from Oct. 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds have been obligated. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. AMYX Inc.,* Reston, Virginia, has been awarded a $10,836,764 modification on GSA One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract GSA00Q14OADS103, exercising the second option period on task order HTC711-17-F-D001 for continued non-personal advisory and assistance service support providing functional, engineering and resource management services for entire acquisition life cycles, information technology systems supported and in support of the U.S. Transportation Command and other associated supporting organizations. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $28,567,462 from $17,730,698. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. Performance is from Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds will be obligated. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Tapestry Solutions Inc., San Diego, California, has been awarded an $8,229,223 modification (P00015) exercising the fourth option period under a firm-fixed-price contract HTC711-15-C-D001with cost-plus-fixed-fee, labor hour and cost reimbursable contract line items. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $27,367,062 from $19,137,840. This contract provides Integrated Computerized Deployment System sustainment and modifications to implement software solutions in support of Department of Defense transportation requirements. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, as well as at the contractor's offsite facility in San Diego, California. The option period of performance is Oct. 1, 2018, through Sept. 30, 2019. This support is funded by fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Illinois, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE M1 Support Services LP, Denton, Texas, has been awarded a $71,318,065 modification (A00039) to previously awarded contract FA3002-16-C-0006 for aircraft maintenance services. This modification exercises the third option period of a seven-year, firm-fixed price contract for T-6, T-38 undergraduate pilot training, and T-38 Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals aircraft maintenance services. This modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $202,434,619. Work will be performed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds the full amount being obligated at the time of award. The 82nd Contracting Squadron, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity. COLSA Corp., Huntsville, Alabama, has been awarded a $69,618,375 modification (P00039) to contract FA2486-16-F-0031 for Technical and Management Advisory Services Command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR)/cyber support. The contractor will provide additional research, development, test and evaluation, and acquisition support services. Work will be performed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts; Gunter Annex, Alabama; Patrick AFB, Florida; Edwards AFB, California; Scott AFB, Illinois; Robins AFB, Georgia; Beale AFB, California; Hill AFB, Utah; Langley AFB, Virginia; and San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2019. This modification involves foreign military sales to Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Morocco, NATO, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds; production funds; and operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $17,165,708 will be obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $183,437,730. Air Force Test Center, Eglin AFB, Florida, is the contracting activity. DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $68,254,084 modification (P00023) to contract FA4890-17-C-0005 for Air Force Central Command War Reserve Materiel. Work will be performed at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina; Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Unite Arab Emirates. The contract modification provides for the exercise of option year two period of performance (Oct. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2019) for services being provided under the basic contract. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $66,698,421 are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $168,357,739. Acquisition Management and Integration Center, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, is the contracting activity. M1 Support Services, Denton, Texas, has been awarded a $12,047,564 modification (A00032) to contract FA3002-15-C-0006 for trainer maintenance services. Work will be performed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas; and Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2019. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $76,720,526. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $6,023,939 will be obligated at the time of award. The 82nd Contracting Squadron, Sheppard AFB, Texas, is the administrative contracting activity. Enhanced Veterans Solutions Inc., Springfield, Virginia, has been awarded a $10,196,413 unilateral modification (P00035) to previously awarded contract FA4452-15-C-0001 for Communication, Operation & Maintenance Functions II support. This modification provides for the funding of the fourth option of a multiple year contract, and brings the total cumulative face value of contract to $38,391,010. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and is expected to be complete by Oct. 1, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds; and transportation working capital funds in the amount of $10,196,413 are being obligated at time of award. The 763rd Specialized Contracting Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Tapestry Solutions, San Diego, California, has been awarded an $8,538,289 unilateral modification (P00022) to previously awarded contract FA4452-15-C-0003 for sustainment and integration support for the Mobility Enterprise Information Service. This modification provides for the funding of the fourth option of a multiple year contract, and brings the total cumulative face value of contract to $45,271,093. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal year 2019 transportation working capital funds in the amount of $8,538,289 are being obligated at the time of award. The 763rd Specialized Contracting Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. TFOM-HHS Group JV, Austin, Texas, has been awarded an $8,182,232 for Healthcare Aseptic Management Services. The contract provides for medical aseptic housekeeping, waste management, and linen management. These services constitute the enterprise-level Healthcare Aseptic Management Services requirement for the Air Force Medical Service as directed by the Healthcare Aseptic Management Services Requirement Approval Document. Work will be performed in the Southwest Region of the U.S. The award includes a transition period from Feb. 14, 2019, to March 31, 2019, funded with fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance funds. A base period plus five option periods will follow the transition period from June 1, 2019, to Feb. 13, 2025. The base period will be funded incrementally using fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and 11 offers were received. The 773rd Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8052-18-C-0008). InfoReliance Corp., Fairfax, Virginia, has been awarded a $7,865,267 unilateral modification (P00004) to previously awarded contract FA4452-18-F-0003 for the Global Air Transportation Execution System. This modification provides for the funding of the first option of a multiple year contract, and brings the total cumulative face value of contract to $15,561,738. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2019. Fiscal 2019 transportation working capital funds in the amount of $7,865,267 are being obligated at time of award. The 763rd Specialized Contracting Squadron, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. NAVY Custom Mechanical Systems Corp.,* Bargersville, Indiana, was awarded $34,685,621 for firm-fixed-price task order N4425518F4438 under a previously awarded, multiple award construction contract (N44255-17-D-4034) for the construction of a low rise, steel framed, blast hardened reinforced concrete masonry waterfront support facility and the construction of an upland general purpose storage facility at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. This project will consolidate operations on the pier, expand shops and expand upland capabilities closer to the point of use. The increased capability minimizes the time and resources required to coordinate production workers, tools, and equipment. Work will be performed in Bangor, Washington, and is expected to be completed by June 2021. Fiscal 2017 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $34,685,621 are obligated on this award; of which $13,178,808 will 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. (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC, Covington, Louisiana, was being awarded a $33,619,420 modification to the fixed-price portion of a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N6238715C2507) to exercise a one-year option period for the operation and maintenance of four modified offshore-supply vessels identified as T-AGSEs serving as blocking vessels in support of the Navy. The contract includes a 215-day base period, nine one-year option periods and one 150-day option period. Work for this option period will be performed at sea worldwide, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2019. Working capital funds (Navy and Transportation) funds in the amount of $33,619,420 are obligated at the time of award. The funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) Ocean Ships Inc.,* Houston, Texas, was awarded a $32,745,387 firm-fixed-price contract for the operation and maintenance of the Oceanographic Survey (T-AGS) fleet of vessels. This contract includes four 12-month option periods, one 150-day option period and one 215-day option period, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $176,193,231. Work will be performed at sea worldwide and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2019. Working capital funds in the amount of $32,745,387 are obligated for fiscal 2019 and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was awarded as a small business set aside. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220517C3100). (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) The Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, California, is awarded a $26,663,956 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide the U.S. and United Kingdom Trident II (D5) maintenance and rebuilding and technical services in support of the Navigation subsystem. Work will be performed in Huntington Beach, California (75.0 percent); and Heath, Ohio (25.0 percent), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2020. United Kingdom funds in the amount of $1,512,629 are being obligated on this award. Subject to the availability of funding, fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $25,151,327 will be obligated. Funds in the amount of $25,151,327 will expire at the end of fiscal 2019. This contract was a sole-source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1)&(4). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N-00030-19-C-0002). Raytheon Co., Marlborough, Massachusetts, is awarded a $22,733,022 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-14-C-5315 for engineering services, travel, and other direct costs in support of AN/SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) low-rate initial production. The AMDR suite is being developed to fulfill Integrated Air and Missile Defense requirements for multiple ship classes. This suite consists of an S-Band radar (AMDR-S), an X-band radar and a Radar Suite Controller. AMDR will provide multi-mission capabilities, simultaneously supporting long range, exoatmospheric detection, tracking and discrimination of ballistic missiles, as well as Area and Self Defense against air and surface threats. Work will be performed in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by November 2018. Fiscal 2016 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and fiscal 2018 research, development, technology and evaluation funding the amount of $13,057,902 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. Systems Application and Technologies Inc., Largo, Maryland, is awarded $20,489,591 for modification P00050 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-15-C-0036) to procure continued support services to include the design, development, procurement, building, installation, test, evaluation, calibration, modification, operation and maintenance on aircraft and engines for the Air Vehicle Modification and Instrumentation Department in support of the Navy, and other government and commercial customers. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (95 percent); China Lake, California (2.5 percent); and Point Mugu, California (2.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. Working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,100,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, is awarded a $19,645,973 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide logistics engineering and integration support of the U.S. Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class Strategic Weapon System (SWS) platforms, including support of future concepts. Work will be performed in Saint Mary's, Georgia (47.9 percent); Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (30.9 percent); Rockville, Maryland (11.7 percent); Silverdale, Washington (3.2 percent); Portsmouth, Virginia (1.1 percent); Mount Dora, Florida (1.1 percent); New Market, Maryland (1.1 percent); Carlisle, Pennsylvania (1.0 percent); Mooresboro, North Carolina (1.0 percent); and Mesa, Arizona (1.0 percent), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. United Kingdom funds, in the amount of $3,466,833, are being obligated on this award. Subject to the availability of funding, fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $15,779,579; and fiscal 2019 research development test and evaluation (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $399,561 will be obligated. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1)&(4). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N-00030-19-C-0007). Lightforce USA Inc.,* Orofina, Idaho, is awarded a $15,760,499 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (S-VPS) in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. This procurement is for the S-VPS, spare parts and training. The S-VPS is a low-profile, wide-field-of-view, passive scope for near-range engagements out to and beyond the maximum effective range of the weapon system, for small arms employed by special operations forces. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $21,172,435. Work will be performed in Orofino, Idaho, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Fiscal 2018 procurement (Defense-wide) funding in the amount of $1,512,000 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 (N00164-19-D-JQ31). The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, Massachusetts, is awarded a $13,380,171 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide research into the applications of technologies to meet guidance requirements for operations on the Common Missile Compartment for the U.S. Columbia-class program and the United Kingdom Dreadnought-class program; provide specialized technical knowledge and support for the hypersonic guidance, navigation and control application; provide technical and engineering services to support the Guidance, Navigation and Control system that will support the Navy's hypersonic flight experiments. Work will be performed in Cambridge, Massachusetts (81 percent); and El Segundo, California (19 percent), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. Subject to the availability of funds, fiscal 2019 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $13,380,171 will be obligated. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source acquisition pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1)&(4). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00030-19-C-0001). Systems Planning and Analysis Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, is awarded an $11,053,897 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for program management and financial support of the Trident II (D5) Strategic Weapons System life extension program and future concepts, including the Common Missile Compartment. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Virginia (82 percent); Washington, District of Columbia (15 percent); Greenville, South Carolina (2 percent); and Orlando, Florida (1 percent), with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2019. Subject to availability of funding, fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $8,299,018; and fiscal 2019 research development test and evaluation, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $2,754,880 will be obligated. This contract was a sole-source acquisition in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N-00030-19-C-0032). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Melbourne, Florida, is awarded $10,833,190 for modification P00062 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-13-C-9999). This modification provides non-recurring and recurring engineering support to incorporate crew comfort provisions on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft in support of the government of Japan. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (76.13 percent); St. Augustine, Florida (21.89 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (1.98 percent), and is expected to be completed in June 2020. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds in the amount of $10,833,190 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. Knowledge Management Inc., Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, was awarded a ceiling $10,000,000 firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity task order contract to support the Marine Corps Training Command, Center for Distance Education and Training (CDET). This effort is to provide interactive multimedia instructional support services for the Marine Corps Training Command CDET. These objectives include: 1) initial project assessment; 2) front end analysis; 3) design product; 4) development product; and 5) post-production courseware updates in support of CDET's interactive multimedia design needs for the Marine Corps. This contract includes five 12-month ordering periods with an aggregate ceiling value of $10,000,000. The majority of the work will be performed at the contractor's facilities, and work is expected to be completed by September 2023. This is a non- severable service contract in which each deliverable procured at the task order will include a delivery date. No funds were obligated at the time of award. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance will be obligated on task orders as they are issued. This contract was set aside to small businesses and competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 16 offers received in response to this solicitation. The Marine Corps Installations Command, National Capital Region, Regional Contracting Office, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M00264-18-D-0004). (Awarded Sept. 25, 2018) Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Syracuse, New York, was awarded a $9,591,348 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-6247) for the procurement of electronic warfare AN/BLQ-10 kits and spares. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York (99 percent); and Manassas, Virginia (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2020. Fiscal 2017 and 2018 other procurement (Navy); fiscal 2015 and 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) in the amount of $9,591,348 will be obligated at time of award, and no funding will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 28, 2018) Mnemonics Inc.,* Melbourne, Florida, is awarded a $7,654,967 firm-fixed-price contract to procure 109 radio frequency blanking units and associated special test equipment in support of F/A-18E/F/G aircraft production and the retrofit of all existing EA-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida, and is expected to be completed in March 2020. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy); and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) funds in the amount of $7,654,967 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This award combines purchases for the Navy ($5,167,003; 67 percent); and FMS ($2,287,964; 33 percent). This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-19-C-0017). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., Akron, Ohio, has been awarded an estimated $26,448,587 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, requirements contract for tires used in the Global Tire Program. This is a three-year contract with no option periods. This acquisition was limited to approved sources with one response received. Location of performance is Ohio, with a Nov. 30, 2021, performance completion date. Using customer is Defense Logistics Agency. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio (SPE7LX-18-D-0127). (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) Kearfott Corp.,* Black Mountain, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $17,185,308 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for actuators. This is a five-year contract with no options. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Locations of performance are North Carolina and Alabama, with a Sept. 30, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA1-18-D-0216). Kearfott Corp.,* Black Mountain, North Carolina, has been awarded a maximum $15,540,500 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for roll trim servos. This is a five-year contract with no options. 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 North Carolina, with a Sept. 30, 2023, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2023 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA1-18-D-0223). CORRECTION: The contract announced on Sept. 28, 2018, for American States Utility Services Inc., Fredericksburg, Virginia, (SP0600-17-C-8328, modification P00004) was announced with incorrect obligation amounts. The correct value for the modification is $80,107,521, which increases the obligated value from $5,554,732 to $5,966,669. *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1650440/source/GovDelivery/

By ARL Public Affairs Future soldiers will be better protected in combat by stronger and lighter body armor thanks to innovative work at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. Materials science engineers are using nature as the inspiration for breakthroughs in additive manufacturing. “My project is to design a system that can 3-D print armor ceramics that will allow production of parts with graded structures similar to an abalone structure in nature that will improve the ceramic armor's toughness and survivability with lower weight,” said Joshua Pelz, a materials science and engineering doctoral candidate at the University of California San Diego. He spent this summer working with Army scientists at ARL's Rodman Materials Science Laboratory at APG to design and build a unique 3-D printer. Two syringes containing distinct, viscous ceramic slurries are connected to a custom-made auger and print head. Pelz took advantage of his computer programming skills to hack into the 3-D printer, tricking it into using its own fan controls to manipulate the ratio of materials being printed. He designed a custom auger and print head and even used the same 3-D printer to create those parts. “Josh found a way to implement our ideas into that machine, take apart machine, take out the polymer FDM heads that are built into it, start to look at how to design the machine to incorporate our ceramic slurries and print those slurries into the head but then he had to do a lot of really basic work looking at how to actually hack the machine,” said Dr. Lionel Vargas-Gonzalez, Ceramics Synthesis and Processing team lead at the laboratory. “We've got people like Josh who were very gifted and talented and can bring all that kind of capability and use a lot to our advantage it's a huge benefit for us.” Current processing techniques used to create ceramic armor are limited by how engineers can combine materials into a stronger composite material. “For ceramics, that's a bit of a challenge because with you can't really do what a one-step additive manufacturing process like you could if a metal or a polymer,” Vargas-Gonzalez said. “We see this as a next avenue for armor because we're going to be able to, in theory, design armor in a way that we can attach multiple materials together into a single armor plate, and be able to provide ways for the armor to perform better than it can be just based on one material alone.” Full article: http://science.dodlive.mil/2018/10/01/army-looks-to-nature-to-improve-body-armor/

A travers l'Europe, un sentiment de gêne se développe quant à la valeur morale et légale de ventes d'armes à l'Arabie saoudite et aux Emirats arabes unis, alors que l'intervention militaire de ces deux Etats au Yémen – lancée en mars 2015 – s'éternise, et que des accusations de crimes de guerre s'étayent contre eux. Les firmes européennes avaient exporté, entre 2001 et 2015, pour 57 milliards d'euros d'armements vers Riyad, deuxième plus gros importateur mondial, selon l'Institut international de recherche sur la paix de Stockholm (Sipri). De fait, près de 60 % de l'armement saoudien provenait alors d'Europe. Depuis, certains Etats ont poursuivi ces ventes, comme le Royaume-Uni, soutien indéfectible de Riyad. D'autres ont adopté une posture de prudence, discrètement pour la France, de façon plus velléitaire pour l'Allemagne et l'Espagne. Quitte à faire marche arrière, pour des raisons économiques. En Allemagne, la coalition prise en défaut L'hebdomadaire Der Spiegel a révélé, le 19 septembre, que le gouvernement allemand avait autorisé l'exportation de systèmes de navigation pour chars à l'Arabie saoudite, et de 48 ogives et 91 missiles destinés à des navires de guerre des Emirats arabes unis (EAU). L'opposition a vivement protesté, particulièrement les Verts et le parti de gauche Die Linke : ils font noter que de telles exportations contreviennent au « contrat de coalition » scellé, en février, entre les conservateurs (CDU-CSU) et les sociaux-démocrates (SPD). « A partir de maintenant, nous n'approuverons plus les exportations [de matériel militaire] vers les pays impliqués dans la guerre au Yémen », indique cet accord. Cet épisode s'intègre dans un rapprochement diplomatique entre Berlin et Riyad. Les relations s'étaient fortement dégradées, fin 2017, après que Sigmar Gabriel (SPD), alors ministre des affaires étrangères, eut mis en cause la politique régionale « aventurière »... Article complet: https://www.lemonde.fr/yemen/article/2018/10/01/ventes-d-armes-a-l-arabie-saoudite-le-timide-embarras-des-pays-europeens_5362768_1667193.html

By: Aaron Mehta and The Associated Press WASHINGTON — A national referendum on changing Macedonia's name won with overwhelming support Sunday, paving the way for the nation to join NATO as the alliance's 30th member. The referendum, pushed by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, received international attention in recent weeks, with U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and German chancellor Angela Merkel among other world leaders travelling to Skopje to show support for the vote. The result: upholding Zaev's agreement with Greece to name the former Yugoslav republic to “North Macedonia.” Greece, arguing its neighbor's name implied territorial ambitions on its own province of the same name, has blocked Macedonia's efforts to join NATO since 1990; Greece has agreed to drop its opposition with the name change. Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White issued a statement following the results, saying the department “strongly” supports the vote and calling it a “historical moment.” Defense officials in Washington have been vocal with their support of Macedonia coming into NATO, with Mattis, during his visit to Skopje, noting it would represent a blow to Russia. In July, NATO formally opened the door for Macedonia to join the alliance if the name referendum passed, with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warning that the vote represents a “once in a lifetime” chance for the nation to enter the alliance. In a joint statement Monday, Stoltenberg and the President of the European Union Donald Tusk praised the vote, saying “The name agreement between Athens and Skopje has created a historic opportunity for the country to join the transatlantic and European community as an equal member. This would change the life of the people of the country and that of their children for the better.” “It is now in the hands of politicians in Skopje to decide on the way forward,” the two added. “The decisions they take in the next days and weeks will determine the fate of their country and their people for many generations to come. We encourage them to seize this historic opportunity.” Low turnout marred what should have been a major victory for Zaev and his supports. Results from more than 97 percent of polling stations showed 91.3 percent of voters approving the deal. However, turnout stood at just 36.8 percent, a far cry from the massive support the government had hoped for. Opponents to the name change had called for a boycott of the vote and celebrated in the street outside Parliament when turnout figures were announced, chanting slogans and waving flags. "The people made a great choice and said 'yes' to our future. It is time for lawmakers to follow the voice of the people and to provide support," Zaev said. "There will be no better agreement with Greece, nor an alternative for NATO and the EU." The agreement faces more hurdles before it can be finalized. If the constitutional amendments are approved by Macedonia's parliament, Greece will then also need to ratify it. But Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras faces political problems of his own. His governing coalition partner, right-wing Independent Greeks head Panos Kammenos, has vowed to vote against the deal, leaving Tsipras reliant on opposition parties and independent lawmakers to push it through. Should everything go right, Macedonia will begin the long process of joining the alliance. How long remains to be seen, with analysts predicting the process will not be finished by the time world leaders gather for the 2020 NATO Summit. With Elena Becatoros and Konstantin Testorides, Associated Press. AP reporters Ivana Bzganovic and Nicolae Dumitrache in Skopje and Demetri Nellas in Athens, Greece contributed to this report. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2018/10/01/macedonia-just-took-a-big-step-to-becoming-natos-30th-member/