Nouvelles

Le 12 février 2019 – Ottawa – Défense nationale/Forces armées canadiennes Le général Jonathan Vance, Chef d'état-major de la Défense, a publié un CANFORGEN annonçant la liste des nominations, promotions supérieures et départs à la retraite des officiers généraux des Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) qui auront lieu en 2019. Les officiers généraux dirigent les FAC dans la défense des valeurs et des intérêts de notre pays, chez nous et à l'étranger. Ils partagent la responsabilité de la gestion de toute l'institution et de la profession des armes dans son ensemble. En 2019, le nombre total de postes permanents d'officier général requis pour répondre à la demande des FAC était de 116 (105 membres de la Force régulière et 11 membres de la Force de réserve). Le nombre de personnel supérieur d'état-major fluctue en fonction des besoins des forces armées pour répondre aux objectifs du gouvernement du Canada et des institutions, lesquels changent constamment. Certains postes ont été créés pour nous aider à respecter les engagements suivants énoncés dans la politique de défense du Canada, Protection, Sécurité, Engagement : soutien de la santé et de la résilience, investissements dans la Marine royale canadienne, renforcement des capacités cybernétiques, transformation de l'innovation afin d'assurer l'excellence et la sécurité de la défense, et poursuite de l'engagement international en matière de défense. Les biographies des officiers supérieurs peuvent être obtenues sur demande en communiquant avec les Relations avec les médias. Citations « Le rôle d'officier général dans les Forces armées canadiennes comprend d'énormes responsabilités. Les personnes choisies démontrent qu'elles sont capables de surmonter les défis importants relatifs à la direction et à l'amélioration des forces armées du Canada. Ceux et celles qui quittent les Forces devraient le faire avec fierté, car ils et elles témoignent des qualités requises pour que les Forces armées canadiennes demeurent fortes et efficaces.» – Général Jonathan Vance, Chef d'état-major de la Défense Faits en bref Afin d'aligner les autorités, les responsabilités et les obligations de rendre compte avec les autorités américaines du NORAD, le major-général D.W. Joyce sera nommé commandant adjoint de la région continentale américaine du NORAD, à Tyndall, en Floride, à un poste qui a été élevé au grade de major-général. Pour diriger la modernisation et la croissance du Groupe des services de santé des Forces canadiennes, le brigadier-général A.M.T. Downes sera promu au grade de major-général et continuera d'occuper son poste actuel de commandant, Groupe des Services de santé des Forces canadiennes / médecin général des FAC, au QGDN à Ottawa, à un poste qui a été élevé. Colonel J.G.M. Bilodeau sera promu au grade de brigadier-général et nommé à un nouveau poste de directeur général des services cliniques / commandant adjoint du groupe des Services de santé des Forces canadiennes, à Ottawa, et deviendra le conseiller en matière de santé du CEMD. Afin de renforcer le commandement, le contrôle et la coopération maritimes continentaux avec la US Navy, le commodore S.M. Waddell sera promu au grade de contre-amiral et nommé au nouveau poste de commandant adjoint de la 2e flotte de la marine américaine, à Norfolk, en Virginie. Pour élaborer des stratégies et des politiques relatives aux données des FAC et du MDN et de diriger la gouvernance de la gestion des données, le brigadier-général A.T. Benson sera nommé au nouveau poste de directeur général adjoint, Stratégie de données et innovation, à Ottawa. Des capacités supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour se concentrer sur les initiatives ministérielles clés. Le brigadier général S.T. Boyle sera en conséquence nommé au nouveau poste de directeur général adjoint, Politique continental, au QGDN à Ottawa. https://www.canada.ca/fr/ministere-defense-nationale/nouvelles/2019/02/le-chef-detat-major-de-la-defense-annonce-les-nominations-promotions-et-departs-a-la-retraite-dofficiers-generaux-des-forces-armees-canadiennes.html

Ottawa commencera à prendre possession des avions de chasse d'occasion australiens dès la mi-février, a appris Radio-Canada. Deux F-18 sont attendus à la base de Cold Lake en Alberta. Et tout indique que le reste des 25 appareils achetés par le Canada sera livré... par avion. Un texte de Marc Godbout La livraison commencera le 16 février, confirment des sources proches du dossier. C'est quelques semaines plus tôt que prévu. Deux des F-18 australiens que doit recevoir le Canada se trouvent au Nevada, aux États-Unis. Les chasseurs participent à un entraînement aérien et se poseront par la suite à Cold Lake. La Défense nationale ne veut pas dévoiler la date de leur arrivée au pays, mais confirme que les deux appareils sont dans la région de Las Vegas. Les deux premiers appareils devraient arriver ce mois-ci. Ils devraient être intégrés aux opérations plus tard cette année. Ashley Lemire, ministère de la Défense nationale Une fois à la base de Cold Lake, les deux avions de chasse de l'Australie seront confiés au Centre d'essais techniques de l'Aviation royale canadienne pour y subir des évaluations. Ils seront par la suite reconfigurés. Et 18 appareils viendront compléter la flotte actuelle de CF-18, les autres seront utilisés pour des pièces de remplacement et la formation des mécaniciens et des techniciens. Livraison par avion? Selon nos informations, le scénario privilégié par Ottawa pour apporter ces avions de chasse au Canada n'est pas de les faire voler de leurs propres ailes, mais de les transporter à bord d'un avion-cargo. Des sources ont indiqué à Radio-Canada que la Défense nationale souhaite « très sérieusement » noliser un appareil Antonov qui peut transporter deux appareils à la fois. Les avions de chasse seraient livrés à Mirabel, où se trouvent les installations de l'entreprise L3 MAS qui devra assurer l'entretien des F-18 australiens. Faire voler ce type d'avion de chasse coûte au minimum 30 000 $ de l'heure. Les placer dans un Antonov permettrait d'éviter, par exemple, de nombreux ravitaillements en carburant entre l'Australie et le Canada. Mais cette solution serait-elle plus rentable? Le ministère de la Défense nationale refuse de confirmer quoi que ce soit. « La méthode de livraison pour les autres aéronefs doit encore être confirmée », précise Ashley Lemire, dans une réponse écrite. « Les livraisons d'avions restants d'Australie auront lieu à intervalles réguliers jusqu'à la fin de 2021 », ajoute-t-elle. Dans la capitale australienne, Canberra, on ne veut rien dévoiler. « Les conditions de vente des aéronefs et des articles associés, y compris les informations sur les aéronefs et les calendriers de livraison, sont traitées à titre confidentiel », explique le ministère de la Défense. Plus tôt dans son mandat, le gouvernement Trudeau avait opté pour une solution provisoire, soit l'achat de 18 nouveaux chasseurs Super Hornet de Boeing. Mais dans la foulée du conflit commercial entre le géant américain et Bombardier, Ottawa avait plutôt opté pour la solution australienne. Le programme coûtera 500 millions de dollars, dont 90 millions pour l'achat des appareils. La saga inachevée En campagne électorale, les libéraux de Justin Trudeau avaient voulu se dissocier du plan conservateur d'acquérir les coûteux F-35. Dans leur programme, ils s'étaient engagés à « lancer immédiatement un appel d'offres ouvert et transparent pour remplacer les CF-18 ». Or, le gouvernement n'a toujours pas demandé officiellement aux grands joueurs de l'industrie de soumissionner pour livrer les 88 nouveaux avions de chasse. Il ne devrait enclencher cette étape qu'au printemps, à quelques mois des élections, de sorte que le Canada n'aura pas de nouveaux chasseurs avant au moins 2025. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1151514/avions-f-18-australie-canada-cold-lake-appareil

by Lee Berthiaume The Canadian Press OTTAWA — A shortage of experienced pilots is forcing the Royal Canadian Air Force to walk a delicate line between keeping enough seasoned aviators available to train new recruits and lead missions in the air. Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Al Meinzinger described the balancing act during a recent interview in which he also revealed many pilots today are likely to have less experience than counterparts in similar positions 10 years ago. Much of the problem can be traced back to veteran aviators leaving for commercial jobs, or other opportunities outside the military, forcing senior commanders into a juggling act over where to put those still in uniform. "In order to (support) your training system ... you've got to pull experienced pilots into those positions, but you have to have experienced pilots on the squadrons to season the youth that are joining the units," he said. "So it's a bit of a delicate balance. And when you're in a situation where you don't have as much experience, broadly speaking, you've got to balance that very carefully. Hence the idea of retaining as much talent as we can." Fixing the problems created by the shortage will become especially critical if the Air Force is to be ready for the arrival of replacements for the CF-18s. Meinzinger said such transitions from one aircraft to another are particularly difficult — the RCAF needs to keep the same number of planes in the air to fly missions and have senior aviators train new pilots, while still sending seasoned pilots for training on the incoming fleet. "Ideally you want to go into those transitions very, very healthy with 100 per cent manning and more experience than you could ever imagine," Meinzinger said. While he is confident the military can address its pilot shortage in the next few years, especially when it comes to those responsible for manning Canada's fighter jets, the stakes to get it right are extremely high. The federal auditor general reported in November that the military doesn't have enough pilots and mechanics to fly and maintain the country's CF-18 fighter jets. Air Force officials revealed in September they were short 275 pilots and need more mechanics, sensor operators and other trained personnel across different aircraft fleets. There are concerns the deficit will get worse as a result of explosive growth predicted in the global commercial airline sector, which could pull many experienced military pilots out of uniform. "That's the expectation, that Canada will need an additional 7,000 to 8,000 pilots just to nourish the demands within the Canadian aerospace sector," Meinzinger said. "And we don't have the capacity as a nation to produce even half of that." Within the military, there also haven't been enough new pilots produced to replace those who have left. The auditor general found that while 40 fighter pilots recently left the Forces, only 30 new ones were trained. The military is working on a contract for a new training program that will let the Air Force increase the number of new pilots trained in a given year when necessary, as the current program allows only a fixed number to be produced. Meanwhile, Meinzinger said the loss of more seasoned pilots means others are being asked to take on more responsibility earlier in their careers, though he denied any significant impact on training or missions. He said the military is managing the situation through the use of new technology, such as simulators, to ensure the Air Force can still do its job. "There's no doubt commanding officers today in RCAF squadrons, they have probably less flying hours than they did 10 years ago," he said. "What that (commanding officer) has today is probably an exposure to 21st-century technology and training. So I think that certainly offsets the reduction of flying hours." Meinzinger and other top military commanders are nonetheless seized with the importance of keeping veteran pilots in uniform to ensure those climbing into the cockpit for the first time have someone to look to for guidance — now and in the future. New retention strategies are being rolled out that include better support for military families, increased certainty for pilots in terms of career progression and a concerted effort to keep them in the cockpit and away from desks and administrative work. Other militaries, notably the U.S., that are struggling with a shortage of pilots have introduced financial bonuses and other measures to stay in uniform. Meinzinger couldn't commit to such an initiative, but did say that "nothing is off the table." The situation may not represent an existential crisis, at least not yet, but officials know it is one that needs to be addressed if Canada's Air Force is to continue operating at top levels for the foreseeable future. "Experience is what allows us to (transfer knowledge) and grow for the future," Meinzinger said. "And that's why I talk about it as being kind of the centre of gravity. In the extreme, if you lose all your experience, you can't regenerate yourself." https://www.thespec.com/news-story/9169169-royal-canadian-air-force-wants-more-than-a-few-good-pilots-as-it-s-losing-many-of-them-to-commercial-jobs/

by Chris Thatcher An Ontario Senator says defence procurement needs better oversight and an improved process if it is to avoid the problems affecting the government's efforts to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) CF-188 fighter jet fleet. “The fiasco of fighter jet replacement is the best example of a procurement system that is cumbersome, bureaucratic and beset by political interference,” Senator Nicole Eaton wrote in an article originally published in The Hill Times. “Unless ministers start to devote close attention to the management of major projects, or until the process is overhauled, Canadians can continue to expect poor outcomes and wasted taxpayer dollars.” Eaton is a member of the Senate National Finance Committee, which launched a study last fall into the processes and financial aspects of defence procurement. It held its first hearing on Oct. 30 and expects to conclude later this year. In her article, the senator critiqued the process by which Conservative and Liberal governments have struggled to replace the aging CF-188 Hornets, noting that while both Canada and Australia are members of the U.S.-led Joint Strike Fighter program to develop the F-35, Australia received its first two operational F-35s in December while Canada, as part of an interim measure, is poised to take delivery of the first of 25 “well-used” Australian F-18s. “As we take possession of Australia's scrap, Canada is in the early stages of a minimum five-year-long process to pick a replacement for the F-18, which will be more than 50 years old before it is retired in the 2030s,” she wrote. The current government bears blame for creating some of the problems with the fighter file, she wrote, but “military procurement has bedeviled successive governments, Liberal and Conservative alike.” She attributed part of the problem to political interference for both partisan advantage and regional turf protection, but said the main reason for “paralysis in military procurement in Canada is it is too cumbersome and bureaucratic. Process is paramount and results are secondary. “There are layers of committees, depending on the size of the project, with membership from Public Services and Procurement Canada, National Defence, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development,” she wrote. “The consensus-based decision-making process on which these committees operate is supposed to avoid a big mistake — no doubt an appealing quality for a risk-averse bureaucracy, but the downside is the system is not conducive to fast action. Simply put, the buck stops nowhere.” Eaton suggested that bureaucratic morass has resulted in an inability to spend allotted project budgets, an indication the government could struggle to fulfil the commitments laid out in its 2017 defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE). “In the last fiscal year, the policy projected capital spending of $6.1 billion, yet only $3.7 billion was spent. This year, $6.55 billion is called for under SSE, but total appropriations to date amount to $4 billion,” she noted. “Given this poor track record, the idea that military spending can be cranked up by 70 per cent over 10 years, as envisioned in Strong, Secure, Engaged, looks increasingly fanciful. At the Finance committee's first hearing on the procurement system, Patrick Finn, assistant deputy minister, Materiel at the Department of National Defence, and André Fillion, assistant deputy minister for defence and marine procurement at Public Services and Procurement Canada, faced a barrage of questions on ongoing participation in the F-35 program, the authorities and mandates of interdepartmental committees involved in military procurement, and about the challenge of balancing military requirements with equipment costs and opportunities for Canadian industry. “Buying a fighter plane isn't like buying a compact car, and the role of the government is very important. We had to adapt our method of supply to the context of fighter jets,” Fillion told the senators. He said a draft RFP released in late October “was the result of many months of consultation on all five potential options (to replace the CF-188s). “There has been a lot of back and forth over the last several months to make sure that what we are asking meets the requirements of the Air Force and ensures that we do not inadvertently limit the competition. I feel very confident that what we've put together is fair, open and transparent to all the potential suppliers.” Finn said the government had met with and learned lessons from allies who had conducted similar fighter replacement programs. He also dismissed some of the concerns about acquiring used Australian aircraft to fill a gap while the government proceeds with the replacement project. “In our opinion, Canada has the best expertise related to this type of aircraft. Some companies in Montreal do maintenance for the United States and other countries because they have the necessary knowledge,” he said. “This aircraft will really increase our fleet, and it is not the number of aircraft that counts; it is rather the hours of use in the future. We are looking for an aircraft that will remain in service for another 14 years. What is needed is enough hours on the structural side. We will be able to use these aircraft until the entire fleet is no longer in service.” https://www.skiesmag.com/news/senator-critiques-defence-procurement-process

par Dave Blackburn La décision du gouvernement de Justin Trudeau de procéder à l'achat de 25 avions de combat F-18 à l'Australie est fortement discutable sur de multiples facettes. Dans quelques semaines, le Canada commencera à prendre possession de ces « nouveaux » appareils. Personnellement, je suis d'avis que notre nation est une fois de plus la risée mondiale. Quel autre pays du G7 irait dépenser 500 millions de dollars pour faire l'achat de 25 avions de combat qui ont plus de 30 ans de service ? Pourront-ils (au moins) voler de Mirabel à Cold Lake ? Le comble du comble, Radio-Canada nous apprenait que le gouvernement Trudeau considère sérieusement de rapporter au Canada ces vieux appareils à l'aide... d'un avion-cargo de type Antonov. C'est quoi le problème ? Les F-18 australiens ne sont pas en mesure de parcourir la distance entre Canberra en Australie et Mirabel au Canada ? Si cela est le cas, c'est rassurant, car ce sont ces mêmes appareils qui assureront la défense aérienne de notre pays. Pourront-ils voler de Mirabel à Cold Lake ? Si le Canada décide de rapporter les 23 avions par avion-cargo (2 avions sont déjà aux États-Unis), une fortune sera dépensée en transport, car les frais de fonctionnement d'un Antonov sont très élevés. Ils n'ont pas pensé à les transporter par bateau ? Pourquoi ne pas acheter un porte-avion usagé ? Avec nos sous-marins et nos « nouveaux » F-18, un porte-avion usagé ferait aussi l'affaire ! Vous savez quoi, ça me donne l'impression que tout est improvisé ! Technologie désuète Fondamentalement, avons-nous besoin de F-18 dont la technologie est désuète et qui selon toute vraisemblance ne feraient aucunement le poids contre des avions de chasse de 5e génération ? Dans le contexte des guerres modernes et urbaines, quelle est la valeur ajoutée, l'utilité, de procéder à l'achat de ces appareils ? Les gouvernements libéraux ont une f'cheuse habitude d'acheter du matériel militaire usagé. Personne (et surtout pas les contribuables) n'a oublié la désastreuse transaction du gouvernement de Jean Chrétien avec la Grande Bretagne dans les années 1990 pour l'achat de 4 sous-marins, au diesel, technologie qui était déjà dépassée depuis longtemps au moment de l'achat. Ces sous-marins ont coûté jusqu'à présent plus de 3 milliards de dollars et ont passé 91% du temps en cale sèche ou à quai. Mais au-delà de tous ces éléments de discussion, ma réflexion porte sur les répercussions sur le moral des troupes lorsque notre gouvernement fait l'achat d'équipement qui est bon pour la ferraille, pour le musée ou pour être installé en avant d'une filiale de la Légion royale canadienne. Et le moral des troupes ? Si je prends le temps de me mettre dans la tenue de vol d'un pilote de l'Aviation royale canadienne, j'aurais sans doute le moral dans les talons. Je me questionnerais sérieusement. J'aurais sans doute des craintes pour ma propre vie si jamais je devais être impliqué dans un combat aérien. Je me demanderais si notre gouvernement est véritablement sérieux dans sa stratégie de défense. En fait, je serais assez confus et déprimé. De mon point de vue, l'achat d'équipement militaire usagé ne peut qu'avoir un impact négatif sur le moral des troupes et un impact sur l'attrition du personnel. Par de fait même, cela doit aussi affecter le recrutement des personnes qui auraient un intérêt pour la carrière de pilote de chasse. J'ai tenté de rejoindre deux pilotes de chasse que je connais, mais je n'ai pas eu de retour. De toute manière, je doute fortement qu'ils aient commenté cet achat, ils sont trop professionnels. Nous avons l'une des meilleures forces militaires au monde sur le plan des ressources humaines. Une force qui est professionnelle, très bien entraînée et qui a démontré à maintes reprises son excellence lors de conflits ou d'opérations locales ou de maintien de la paix. Toutefois, pour demeurer parmi les meilleurs, nos soldats, marins et aviateurs doivent pouvoir bénéficier d'un équipement militaire à la fine pointe de la technologie. C'est aussi simple que ça ! Il est impossible de séparer le soldat de l'équipement militaire pour obtenir de bons résultats. Une fausse bonne affaire Bien évidemment, l'équipement militaire moderne est extrêmement cher et comme pays, nous avons des moyens financiers limités en matière de défense (budget de +/- 25 milliards en 2017). Comme nation, nous devons faire des choix en matière d'investissements dans les différentes sphères de la société. Conséquemment, avant d'acheter n'importe quoi dont des sous-marins au diesel qui devraient être stationnés à Pointe-au-Père en Gaspésie ou des F-18, il faudrait possiblement avoir une réflexion de fond sur nos intentions en matière de défense, sur nos alliances et sur notre capacité financière. Entretemps, le gouvernement de Justin Trudeau pourra continuer de penser qu'il a fait une bonne affaire et se réjouir d'avoir obtenu 7 avions F-18 sur les 25 qui seront utilisés par leurs pièces. À une échelle moins considérable il va sans dire, c'est comme le gars, très fier de son coup, qui s'achète deux Bombardiers ski doo Tundra 250cc 1988 dont l'un sera utilisé pour les pièces ! Il doit aller les chercher à Chibougamau et il habite en banlieue de Montréal. Il pense faire une bonne affaire ! Le Tundra à quand même 30 ans, il doit parcourir des centaines de kilomètres pour aller le chercher et son moral risque d'en prendre un coup lorsqu'il sera « stallé » dans les bois à des kilomètres de chez lui ! Une bonne affaire vous dites ! ? http://www.45enord.ca/2019/02/du-plomb-dans-laile-ou-plutot-de-la-rouille-sur-les-ailes-et-le-moral-dans-les-talons-f-18-australiens-canada/

BERLIN (Reuters) - Britain's departure from the European Union without a deal would doom the prospects for a Franco-German next-generation fighter jet with a rival project in Britain, the head of Airbus Defence and Space told the Handelsblatt German newspaper. Dirk Hoke told the newspaper he considered it “absolutely imperative” that the EU reach an agreement with Britain on security, defence and space given the closely interwoven ties between Europe and Britain. “I consider it extremely dangerous to develop a system like FCAS (the Franco-German fighter programme) without the British,” he said, noting that potential order quantities would rise if Britain participated, making future aircraft more competitive. France and Germany this month awarded a 65 million euro (57 million pounds), two-year contract financed equally by both countries to Dassault Aviation and Airbus to start designing a next-generation combat air system for use from 2040. Hoke said there were discussions about Spain joining the Franco-German programme, but the Brexit negotiations would be decisive in determining any cooperation with Britain. “In Britain's case, we have to wait to see if there will be a hard Brexit,” he told the newspaper. “That would be fatal for the cooperation.” Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Paul Tait https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-airbus-brexit/hard-brexit-would-doom-future-merger-of-uk-franco-german-fighter-projects-airbus-defence-idUSKCN1Q20ID

AIR FORCE Tecolote Research Inc., El Segundo, California, has been awarded a $36,668,258 firm-fixed-price contract for Space and Missile Systems Center acquisition and financial support services. This contract provides the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate with a broad range of acquisition, strategic communication, and administrative capabilities to execute effective and responsive integrated program management of space-related research, development, production, sustainment, and lifecycle acquisition activities. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed by Aug. 17, 2024. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and six offers were received. Fiscal 2019 space procurement in the amount of $974,326; and research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,137,759 are being obligated at the time of award. Space and Missile Systems Center Remote Sensing Systems Contracting Division, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA8810-19-F-0002). Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $19,900,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Advanced Turbine Technologies for Affordable Mission-Capability (ATTAM) Phase I. The mission of the ATTAM Phase I program is to develop, demonstrate and transition advanced turbine propulsion power and thermal technologies that provides improvement in affordable mission capability. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 12, 2027. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and 54 offers were received. The first task order will be initially funded with fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) funds in the amount of $45,000; and fiscal 2019 RDT&E funds in the amount of $315,000 at the time award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-19-D-2059). AAR Manufacturing Inc., Cadillac, Michigan, has been awarded a $10,864,605 delivery order (FA8534-19-F-0023) to contract FA8519-14-D-0002 for the production of 463L cargo pallets. Work will be performed in Cadillac, Michigan, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2017 other procurement funds in the amount of $6,345,157; and fiscal 2019 other procurement funds in the amount of $4,519,448 are being obligated at time of award. Total face value of the delivery order is $10,864,605. This delivery order brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $181,551,615. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity. 22nd Century Technologies Inc., Somerset, New Jersey, has been awarded a $8,344,625 firm-fixed-price contract to exercise Option III to support the 33rd Network Warfare Squadron (NWS) at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, in conducting its mission of Defense Cyber Operations (DCO). The contractor will provide plans and implantation in executing the 33rd NWS managed DCO mission. Work will be performed on Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed Feb. 28, 2020. This contract is the result of a competitive acquisition and eight offers were received. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $8,344,625 will be obligated at the time of award. The 38th Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8773-15-C-0067). ARMY Tiber Creek Consulting Inc.,* Fairfax, Virginia, was awarded a $33,549,985 firm-fixed-price contract for mission essential core information system for operations and sustainment with periodic modernization life cycle phases. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (W81K04-19-D-0007). Osborn Consulting / MGE Engineering / Natural System,* Bellevue, Washington, was awarded a $10,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for miscellaneous water resource civil works engineering, design, and engineering. 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 Feb. 10, 2021. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Washington, is the contracting activity (W912DW-19-D-1011). Fortis Nova A Joint Venture LLC,* Phoenix, Arizona, was awarded a $9,050,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of two new truck fill stands. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Las Vegas, Nevada, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 3, 2020. Fiscal 2019 military construction funds in the amount of $9,050,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, California, is the contracting activity (W912PL-19-C-0006). NAVY Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, is awarded a $27,291,319 fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for integration, testing, delivery, and performance as the lead systems integrator for the AN/AAQ-24 Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures System and the ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management System. These services are in support of Lot 9 and 10 P-8A production aircraft for the Navy and various Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers, including the governments of Australia and the U.K. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and is expected to be completed in February 2021. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy), and FMS funds in the amount of $11,751,506 are obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-19-D-0023). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., St. Augustine, Florida, is awarded $16,883,718 for modification P00012 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-14-D-0022). This contract modification extends the period of performance and provides depot maintenance for 44 Navy and Marine Corps Reserve F-5N/F aircraft. In addition to depot maintenance, this modification provides for aircraft inspections, repairs, overhauls, emergency repairs, modifications, engineering support and procurement of structural components required for the operation and sustainment of the F-5N/F aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Augustine, Florida (96 percent); Springville, Utah (3 percent); and Emmen, Switzerland (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Warfare Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Moran Towing Corp., New Canaan, Connecticut, is awarded a $14,350,538 firm-fixed-price contract with reimbursable elements to support PM4 service support program for the time charter services of eight tugboats. The tugboats will be capable of ship handling, docking and undocking in the Norfolk, Virginia, harbor and surrounding waters. The contract includes a 12-month base period, three 12-month option periods, and one 11-month option which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $74,005,396. Work will be in Norfolk, Virginia, and surrounding waters, and is expected to be completed by February 2020. If all options are exercised, work will continue through Jan. 31, 2024. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,371,147 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with one offer received. The United States Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220519C3503). Cardno-Amec Foster Wheeler Joint Venture, Charlottesville, Virginia, is awarded $8,440,405 for firm-fixed-price task order N6247319F4047 under an indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract for building condition assessments at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton, California; Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton, California; Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California; MCAS Miramar, California; Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California; Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California; MCAS Yuma, Arizona, and MCB Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan. Work will be performed in Oceanside, California (47 percent); Twentynine Palms, California (16 percent); Miramar, California (13 percent); Barstow, California (8 percent); San Diego, California (7 percent); Yuma, Arizona (7 percent); and Okinawa, Japan (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $8,440,405 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, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-16-D-1866). U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND Raytheon Company Space and Airborne Systems, McKinney, Texas, was awarded a $15,000,000 modification (P00002) to an existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (H92222-18-D-0003) with cost-plus-fixed-fee contract line items. This action increases the ceiling from $30,000,000 to $45,000,000 for Silent Knight Radar Operational Flight Program (OFP) development, field service representative support and engineering services in support of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) fixed wing aircraft. This action completes OFP software delivery for the CV-22. Development work will continue to take place at the Raytheon facility in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be complete by December 2021. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $5,450,390 are being obligated at the time of award. USSOCOM Headquarters, Tampa, Florida, is the contacting activity. DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY Artel, LLC, Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract modification (P00019) to exercise Option Period Four on task order GS-35F-5151H / HC101315F0009 for commercial satellite communications service. The face value of this action is $12,560,172 funded by fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds. The total cumulative face value of the task order is $71,314,976. Performance directly supports the U.S. Central Command Southwest Asia area of responsibility and Europe Communications Network Architecture and Contingency Support. Quotations were solicited via the General Services Administration's Federal Supply Schedule, Information Technology Schedule 70, and two quotations were received from 22 offers solicited. The period of performance for Option Period Four is Feb. 16, 2019, through Feb. 15, 2020, and there are no remaining option periods for this task order. The Defense Information Technology Organization, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1755709/

NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $211,996,197 cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-18-C-5105 for incorporation of remaining Baseline J7 scope for new-construction DDG Aegis Weapon System J7 Baseline development and integration in support of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). This modification will provide for continued JMSDF Aegis Combat System J7 Baseline development and integration. These efforts include full operational capability at the development test sites, execution of J7 Baseline development and integration activities, integration of Japanese domestic ship systems, in-country integrated test team support and provision of technical manuals, logistics and staging activities. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey (73 percent); Yokohama, Japan (11 percent); Mount Laurel, New Jersey (6 percent); Kawasaki, Japan (3 percent); Nasu, Japan (3 percent); Nagoya, Japan (2 percent); Tokyo, Japan (1 percent); and Washington, District of Columbia (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by October 2021. Foreign Military Sales funding in the amount of $211,996,197 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. The Raytheon Co., El Segundo, California, is awarded an $88,443,303 cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the modification and upgrade of the sensor system software and hardware for the F/A-18/EA-18G aircraft to incorporate updates, improvements, and enhancements of tactical capabilities. Services to be provided include technical support for hardware and software anomaly investigation, design, development, documentation, integration, test, and evaluation of systems and support equipment. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California, and is expected to be completed in February 2024. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,399,824 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 Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity (N6893619D0001). Amee Bay LLC,* Hanahan, South Carolina (N64498-19-D-4013); Aviation Maritime Support Services LLC,* Chesapeake, Virginia (N64498-19-D-4014); and Thermcor Inc.,* Norfolk, Virginia (N64498-19-D-4015), were each awarded a cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity multiple award contract with firm-fixed-priced ordering provisions for engineering and technical services to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division's (NSWCPD) Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) modernization programs. Amee Bay LLC is awarded $57,337,423; Aviation Maritime Support Services LLC is awarded $63,775,817; and Thermcor Inc. is awarded $63,795,441. The mission of NSWCPD is to transition hull, mechanical and electrical machinery technology to the Navy active/reserve fleet, and support various sponsors for Navy modernization programs. This requires development and execution of various ship changes and ship alterations to upgrade and maintain in a more cost-effective and timely manner the system/equipment readiness of various Navy HM&E and electronic systems. The engineering and technical support services for this requirement are primarily small, minimally intrusive, turn-key equipment level modernization projects that are generally accomplished pierside at the various homeports outside of Chief Naval Operations availabilities. The installation process consists of several phases, including advance planning, ship check, assessments, fabrication, prototype evaluation and installation, final design shipboard installation, testing and completion. Work will be performed at various Navy bases, shipyards, repair facilities and contractor facilities in the continental U.S. and is expected to be completed by January 2024. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $520,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $108,000 will also be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 8, 2019) McKinsey & Co. Inc., Washington, District of Columbia, is awarded $15,730,560 for modification P00002 to a firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-price delivery order N6833518F0362 previously issued against blanket purchase agreement (N68335-18-A-0042) in support of the F-35 Lightning II affordability campaign for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. The modification provides for maturation of the current effort through expansion and refinement of existing scope, including strategic sourcing, senior leadership team offsite, and major contract actions. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, and is expected to be completed in June 2019. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Marine Corps and Air Force) funds in the amount of $15,730,560 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Navy ($6,001,250; 38 percent); Marine Corps ($6,001,250; 38 percent), and Air Force ($3,728,060; 24 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE CACI Inc. Federal, Chantilly, Virginia, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $11,530,702 modification (P00010) to previously awarded contract HQ0423-15-F-5001 for comptroller mission systems support for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). This modification exercises Option Year 4 with a period of performance of Feb. 16, 2019, through Feb. 15, 2020. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $51,604,376 from $40,073,674. Work will be performed at the Pentagon and in remote locations within the National Capital Region with an expected completion date of Feb. 15, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Defense-wide funds in the amount of $11,530,702 are being obligated at time of award. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity. *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1754592/

The F-35 avionic and aircraft component repair hub in North Wales was awarded a second major assignment of work worth some £500M by the US Department of Defense. Following the announcement in 2016 that the UK would be the location of the global repair hub for the initial tranche of F-35 components, today's news sees significantly more UK support work to the cutting-edge jets. This new assignment will support hundreds of additional F-35 jobs in the UK - many of them at the MOD's Defence & Electronics Components Agency (DECA) at MOD Sealand, where the majority of the work will be carried out. It will see crucial maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for an even wider range of F-35 avionic, electronic and electrical systems for hundreds of F-35 aircraft based globally. The winning solution builds on the innovative joint venture formed between the MOD (DECA), BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman called Sealand Support Services Ltd (SSSL). SSSL support work and services for F-35 are scheduled to commence from 2020. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: This announcement keeps Britain right at the centre of the global F-35 partnership, the largest defence programme in history. It is a vote of confidence in our highly-skilled workforce and high-tech industry that provides us and our allies with the very best of what British engineering has to offer. Our vision of Global Britain brings with it new and exciting opportunities to provide top quality goods made in Britain to the rest of the world. This deal builds on the strong foundations of the UK's enduring defence partnership with the US. It is a significant boost for British jobs and those highly-skilled workers who enable these world-class fighter jets to continue keeping us safe and secure. RAF F-35B Lightnings at RAF Marham. Crown copyright. This assignment recognizes the world-class skills and critical support being provided at DECA - a MOD-owned Executive Agency. It places North Wales at the very heart of F-35 support delivery for the next 40 years and directly supports hundreds more high-tech F-35 jobs in the UK. Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said: With this announcement, MoD Sealand is once again proving its credentials as a vital component repair hub for the F-35 aircraft. The UK's defence outlook is bolstered by the skills of thousands of people employed across the industry in Wales, including those supporting essential equipment to the Armed Forces. I'm delighted that the skills of our labour force have been recognised with this reinforced investment in the north-east Wales economy, which will continue to provide a prosperous source of employment and growth to this region through the wider supply chain over the coming years. Sir Simon Bollom, CEO of the MOD's procurement agency, Defence Equipment and Support, added: In winning this work, the UK has demonstrated how the MOD can collaborate effectively with industry bringing together a highly skilled and experienced workforce to offer an innovative and best value support solution for the benefit of F-35 partners. The UK also benefits from a long-term commitment to the F-35 programme and its unique defence relationship with the US. Together with our partners from DECA, BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman, SSSL will be able to offer the F-35 programme engineering excellence, world-class innovation and agility. An RAF F-35B Lightning performing a hover manoeuvre. Crown copyright. DECA has a long and illustrious history in providing avionic services to fast-jet aircraft. This further F-35 assignment reaffirms DECA's role in providing services and support to the world's most advanced fighter aircraft for decades to come. DECA's Chief Executive, Geraint Spearing said: It is particularly pleasing that we will provide such a critical and substantial element of the Global F-35 component sustainment solution. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our workforce and will secure these world class skills in support of defence and security for many years to come. The news follows a November 2018 announcement that the UK has ordered 17 more F-35B aircraft, which will be delivered between 2020 and 2022, to join the 17 British aircraft currently based at RAF Marham and in the US, as well as another already on order. Also, in November 2018, the MOD awarded a £160M contract to Kier VolkerFitzpatrick to deliver infrastructure to ready RAF Lakenheath for 2 squadrons of US Air Force F-35s. The Suffolk airbase will be the first permanent international site for US Air Force F-35s in Europe and continues the base's long and proud history of supporting US Air Force capability in the UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-wins-global-f-35-support-assignment-worth-500m