Nouvelles

Pat Host, Everett, Washington - Jane's Defence Weekly Key Points The US Air Force is planning to redesign the KC-46A boom to better accommodate lighter aircraft The USAF agreed to pay for this upgrade as Boeing met its international standard The US Air Force (USAF) will redesign the problematic boom on the Boeing KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuelling tanker to better accommodate lighter aircraft such as the Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II. USAF Secretary Heather Wilson said on 24 January that the boom does not disconnect as well from lighter aircraft as it does with heavier aircraft. The service has identified an actuator fix that will make the boom a little more sensitive, and she believes it is likely that the A-10 is the only aircraft affected by this issue. The A-10 is a lighter aircraft compared with some of the USAF's other aircraft such as transports, bombers, and even other tactical combat aircraft. The Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules weighs 34,686 kg empty and the A-10 weighs 9,183 kg empty, while the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) weighs 13,290 kg empty. At Boeing's KC-46A first delivery ceremony, Wilson said that the USAF is paying for the boom redesign as it meets the international standard that the service gave to Boeing. In the deal reached in mid-January over the first delivery, the USAF agreed to pay for the boom fix while Boeing would pay for upgrading the remote vision system (RVS). Boeing is planning both hardware and software fixes to the RVS to allow it to automatically adjust and operate effectively in both the sun's glare and in shadow. Wilson also said that this boom redesign will be the first programme change in the history of the KC-46A. https://www.janes.com/article/86037/us-air-force-eyes-kc-46a-aerial-refuelling-boom-redesign

NAVY Lockheed Martin Space, Sunnyvale, California, is awarded $559,622,074 for cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price-incentive, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification P00004 to a previously awarded contract (N00030-18-C-0100) for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed system support. Work will be performed in Magna, Utah (29.47 percent); Sunnyvale, California (16.75 percent); Cape Canaveral, Florida (14.07 percent); Pittsfield, Massachusetts (6.00 percent); Denver, Colorado (5.56 percent); Camden, Arizona (3.96 percent); Titusville, Florida (3.87 percent); Kingsport, Tennessee (3.87 percent); Kings Bay, Georgia (3.15 percent); El Segundo, California (2.87 percent); Lancaster, Pennsylvania (2.00 percent); Clearwater, Florida (1.11 percent); Inglewood, California (1.08 percent); and other various locations less than one percent (6.24 percent total), and work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2023. Fiscal 2019 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $412,117,013; fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $9,717,587; and United Kingdom funds in the amount of $137,787,474 will be obligated on this award. No funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, is awarded $55,062,919 for modification P00011 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm contract (N00019-16-C-0055). This modification provides for the procurement of five Fire Scout MQ-8C unmanned air systems and two lightweight fuel cells. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (33 percent); Ozark, Alabama (27 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (18 percent); Moss Point, Mississippi (16 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (6 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2021. Fiscal 2018 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $55,062,919 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. DynCorp International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded $43,856,375 for modification P00017 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-15-D-0001). This modification exercises an option for organization, selected intermedia, limited depot level maintenance, and logistics services in support of the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center's (NAWDC) F/A-18A/B/D/D/E/F, EA-18G, MH-60S, F-16A/B, and E-2C aircraft. Work will be performed at NAWDC, Fallon, Nevada, and is expected to be completed in January 2020. No funds are being obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. B.L. Harbert International, Birmingham, Alabama, is awarded a $41,832,719 firm-fixed construction contract for a hangar located at the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The project will construct an 80,000 square foot hangar and associated facility to support research, development, testing, and evaluation of unmanned carrier-launched aerial surveillance systems to be located at the air station. The contract also contains five unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $44,374,719. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed 607 days after award. Fiscal 2017 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $41,832,719 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with three proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N40080-19-C-2015). RQ Construction Inc., Carlsbad, California, is awarded a $41,429,522 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a maintenance hangar in support of the EA-18 Growler aircraft at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. The facility will provide high-bay space for aircraft maintenance, maintenance shops, and open bay warehouse space for aircraft equipment and administrative spaces. Work will be performed in Oak Harbor, Washington, and is expected to be completed by July 2021. Fiscal 2017 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $41,429,522 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with nine proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity (N44255-19-C-0003). Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., McLean, Virginia, is awarded a $36,655,871 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract for Identity Dominance System (IDS) technology refresh for the Department of Defense. The IDS technology refresh effort is a refresh of the entire current configuration. The primary focus of this contract is the acquisition of a hand-held biometric hardware device for the IDS program to replace the current integrated base unit. Work will be performed in McLean, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by January 2024. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $1,522,548 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was solicited on a full and open competition basis via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00178-19-D-4000). Raytheon Co. Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded $32,958,080 for modification P00002 to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-18-C-0088). This modification provides for engineering and manufacturing development of the Miniature Air Launched Decoy – Navy. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, and is expected to be completed in July 2021. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $16,197,594 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. L3 Aviation Products Inc., Alpharetta, Georgia, is awarded a $16,138,920 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to procure a maximum quantity of 840 technically refreshed multi-function displays for retrofits and spares in support of the AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft. Work will be performed in Alpharetta, Georgia, and is expected to be completed in September 2022. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. 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-D-0009). The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, was awarded $15,991,141 for modification P00001 to delivery order N0001918F1652 previously placed against basic ordering agreement N00019-16-G-0001. This modification exercises an option for the procurement of 79 Harpoon Block II Plus Tactical Missile upgrade kits for the Navy. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Missouri (69.5 percent); Galena, Kansas (10.5 percent); Minneapolis, Minnesota (6.6 percent); St. Louis, Missouri (6.5 percent); Lititz, Pennsylvania (2.2 percent); O'Fallon, Missouri (1.1 percent); Cedar Rapids, Iowa (.6 percent), and various locations within the continental U.S. (3 percent). Work is expected to be completed in March 2022. Fiscal 2019 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $15,991,141 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. Vertical Protective Apparel LLC,* Shrewsbury, New Jersey, is awarded $14,539,807 for firm-fixed-price delivery order M67854-19-F-1541 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-18-D-1309) for the production and integration of 56,710 Plate Carrier Generation III complete systems and 61,729 components and spares. Work will be performed in Guanica, Puerto Rico, and is expected to be complete by Jan. 29, 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $14,539,807 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will expire the end of the current fiscal year. The base contract was competitively procured as a Total Small Business Set Aside via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Central Lake Armor Express Inc.,* Central Lake, Michigan, is awarded $10,432,525 for firm-fixed-price delivery order M67854-19-F-1542 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-19-D-1509) for the production of 1,322,654 Plate Carrier Generation III soft armor inserts and data reports. Work will be performed in Central Lake, Michigan, and is expected to be complete by Oct. 24, 2023. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $10,432,525 will be obligated at the time of award and funds will expire the end of the current fiscal year. The base contract was competitively procured as a total small business set aside via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 13 offers received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Sealift Inc. of Delaware, Oyster Bay, New York, is awarded $9,106,750 under previously awarded contract N3220518C3352 to exercise an option for a vessel for transportation of dry cargo worldwide. The U.S. flagged vessel MV Black Eagle is employed in worldwide trade for the transportation and prepositioning of cargo (including, but not limited to, hazardous cargo, explosives, ammunition, vehicular, containerized, and general cargo), and for military readiness, in accordance with the terms of this charter. Work will be performed worldwide and is expected to be completed January 2020. Working capital funds in the amount of $9,106,750 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Nordam Group Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma, is awarded a $7,902,620 firm-fixed-priced contract for first article testing in support of the Super Hornet F/A-18 E-G 11 flight control surfaces. This is a one-year contract with no option periods. Work will be performed in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and work is expected to be completed by January 2020. Working capital (Navy) funds in the full amount of $7,902,620 will be obligated at time of award, and funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(2), with one offer received. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity. (N00383-19-C-C003) Barnhart-Reese Construction Inc.,* San Diego, California, is awarded $7,127,423 for firm-fixed-price task order N6247319F4263 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-17-D-4629), for the renovation of historic Building 158 and demolition of Building 58 at Naval Base Point Loma, California. The work to be performed provides for the renovation of Building 158 into a two-story space with a basement, suitable for administration and training. Project includes demolition to cut openings for completion of a seismic retrofit, and installation of an elevator and ramp to bring the building into American Disabilities Act compliance; constructing walls throughout all three floors to enclose offices, interview rooms, an evidence room, men and women locker rooms, storage areas, and classrooms. The project also installs a new generator, new heat ventilation air conditioning, and repairs the existing pavement around the facility. Building 58 located at the Harbor Drive Annex will be demolished. The task order also contains two unexercised options and two planned modifications, which if exercised would increase the cumulative contract value to $8,188,231. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by August 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,127,423 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current year. Four proposals were received for this task order. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Sallyport Global Holdings, Reston, Virginia, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $375,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee undefinitized contract action to provide base operations support, base life support, and security services in the support of the Iraq F-16 program. Work will be performed on Balad Air Base, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 30, 2020. This contract was the result of a sole-source acquisition and involves foreign military sales to Iraq. Foreign military financing loan repayable funds in the amount of $183,750,000 are being obligated at the time of the award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8630-19-C-5004). JC Builders JV,* Alamogordo, New Mexico (FA4801-19-D-A003); Mirador Enterprises LLC,* El Paso, Texas (FA4801-19-D-A006); Native American Services Corp.,* Alamogordo, New Mexico (FA4801-19-D-A004); Mesa Verde Enterprises,* Alamogordo, New Mexico (FA4801-19-D-A007); LC Structural Inc.,* Las Cruces, New Mexico (FA4801-19-D-A001); Veliz Construction,* El Paso, Texas (FA4801-19-D-A005); E-Corp,* Layton, Utah (FA4801-19-D-A008); and R-CON Construction Inc.,* Las Cruces, New Mexico (FA4801-19-D-A009), have been awarded a five-year aggregate ceiling $90,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide a broad range of maintenance, repair and construction work at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Task orders will use a variety of trades such as road repair, roofing, excavation, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sheet metal, painting, demolition, concrete, masonry and welding. Work is scheduled to commence March 1, 2019, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2023. No funds will be obligated at time of award but will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent Small Business Set-Aside, with 20 offers received. The 49th Contracting Squadron, Holloman AFB, New Mexico, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Marietta, Georgia, has been awarded a $39,957,226 contract modification (P00013) to contract FA8525‐16‐D‐0003 for C‐5 contractor logistics support services. The contract involves supply chain management, repair and technical support services. Work will be performed in Marietta, Georgia; and Greenville, South Carolina, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2021. This award is a result of a sole-source acquisition and only one off was received. Fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2021 Material Support Division, and operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $14,993,394 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity. Goodrich Corp., Brea, California, has been awarded an estimated $27,095,145 requirements contract for the repair/overhaul of the internal rescue hoist on UH-1N and aircraft mounted winch on HH-60 helicopters. This contract provides for the contractor to repair and perform program depot-level maintenance and unscheduled program depot-level maintenance in support of the UH-1N and HH-60 helicopters. Work will be performed in Brea, California, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 29, 2024. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Air Force Sustainment Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8524-19-D-0001). BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration, Wayne, New Jersey, has been awarded a $12,157,767 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for dynamic networking adaptation for Mission Optimization Extensible Network Architecture software/hardware. This effort develops and implements candidate system designs to interconnect applications and information across multiple legacy and future networks throughout dynamic missions. Work will be performed in Wayne, New Jersey, is expected to be completed by July 30, 2020. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) funds in the amount of $2,435,845; and fiscal 2019 RDT&E funds in the amount of $7,394,039 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity (FA8750-19-C-0012). ARMY Dell Marketing LP, Round Rock, Texas, was awarded a $78,141,800 firm-fixed-price contract for VMware software license maintenance. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Round Rock, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 27, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance Army funds in the amount of $63,000,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-19-F-0199). DRS Network and Imaging Systems LLC, Melbourne, Florida, was awarded a $67,300,000 fixed-price-redetermination contract to procure horizontal technology integration second generation forward looking infrared BKit components and engineering services. Two bids were solicited with two bids received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2026. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W909MY-19-D-0004). Med-Eng LLC, Ogdensburg, New York, was awarded a $47,203,546 firmed-fixed-price contract for Generation II advanced bomb suit systems. 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 Jan. 30, 2023. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-19-D-0007). Kforce Government Solutions Inc., Fairfax, Virginia, was awarded a $28,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to procure traumatic amputation task trainers. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-19-D-0005). Donald L. Mooney Enterprises LLC, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded an $11,954,435 firm-fixed-price contract for licensed vocational nurses and certified nurse assistants services. One bid was solicited via the internet with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2019. U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (W81K04-19-D-0010). Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Tucker, Georgia, was awarded an $8,325,934 firm-fixed-price contract for food services. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Tucker, Georgia, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $8,325,934 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Gordon, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W911S0-19-C-0003). Emergent LLC, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was awarded a $7,616,333 firm-fixed-price contract for Oracle PeopleSoft software license renewals. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Crystal City, Virginia; and San Diego, California, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance, Navy; and operations and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $7,616,333 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-19-F-0274). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY American Water Operations and Maintenance LLC, Voorhees, New Jersey, has been awarded a $26,589,346 modification (P00143) to a 50-year contract (SP0600-08-C-8257), with no option periods for the ownership, operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater utility systems at Fort Polk, Louisiana. This is a fixed-price with prospective-price-redetermination contract. Locations of performance are Louisiana and New Jersey, with a Jan. 31, 2059, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2017 through 2059 Army operations and maintenance funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Polk, Louisiana. DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY ARTEL LLC, Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a contract modification (P00013) to exercise Option Period Three on task order GS-35F-5151H / HC101316F0022, for commercial satellite communications service. The face value of this action is $23,328,000 funded by fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds. The total cumulative face value of the task order is $93,159,500. Performance directly supports the Air Force's Central Command area of responsibility for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platforms. Quotations were solicited via the General Services Administration's Federal Supply Schedule, Information Technology Schedule 70, and one quotation was received from 29 offerors solicited. The period of performance for Option Period Three is Feb. 10, 2019, through Feb. 9, 2020, and there is one remaining unexercised option period 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/1744377/source/GovDelivery/

By: Aaron Mehta WASHINGTON — In a move outside of its normal budgeting cycle directly aimed at the question of burden-sharing with allies, Denmark has agreed to increase its long-term defense spending. A coalition of parties in the Danish parliament have agreed to tack on 1.5 billion kroner (U.S. $229.7 million) to the agreed-upon defense budget for 2023, which would put defense spending at 1.5 percent of gross domestic product for that year. “It is on a good and well thought through basis that the parties to the defense agreement have now decided to further strengthen Danish defense, so that we will spend 1.5% of GDP in 2023,” Danish Defence Minister Claus Hjort Frederiksen said in a statement. “Danish status and reputation in NATO is of common concern and I would like to thank all parties for shouldering the responsibility.” The amendment comes less than one year after a coalition of parties agreed to a five-year defense spending agreement that planned for a 20 percent growth in military spending, from $3.8 billion in 2018 to $4.6 billion in 2023. It also comes just months before elections are set for Denmark, essentially removing the question of increased defense spending from the campaign. Just where that money will go is undecided at the moment. Denmark was already focused on standing up a light infantry battalion for national and international use; increasing anti-aircraft capabilities; buying the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter; and the creation of a special cyberwarfare unit. It is possible those capabilities could receive a funding boost. One thing is clear: The move is directly the result of a desire to support NATO amid calls from the Trump administration over fairer burden-sharing. In a statement, the political coalition notes “the Alliance has in the recent year taken important steps to further strengthen NATO's readiness and deterrence posture. The situation increases requirements to the Alliance and has reinforced the debate on fair burden sharing and Allies ability and will to defend themselves and each other. In light of this development Allies have taken new decisions to allocate additional resources to the armed forces towards 2024.” In addition to the spending increase, Denmark is changing how it reports its spending to NATO in order to “make sure the Danish defence efforts are duly reflected in the reporting to NATO.” Those changes will up Denmark's reported NATO support to 3 billion kroner annually from 2023 onward. Whether the increase will be enough to placate U.S. President Donald Trump remains to be seen. Trump has consistently called for European allies to spend more on defense, with a focus on hitting the target of spending 2 percent of GDP on defense, set at the 2014 Wales Summit. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/01/30/denmark-ups-defense-budget/

By: Jeff Martin WASHINGTON —The U.S. Air Force's light-attack experiment is set to get a lot bigger, with the service considering adding drones, helicopters and more sophisticated aircraft to the mix in the future, the service's top general told Defense News. “What is the right mix of fixed wing, rotary wing, manned and unmanned that can do the business of light attack?” Goldfein said in an exclusive Jan. 26 interview. “What is the right mix and how do we bring allies and partners in right now with us — not just periodically parachute in — but how do we expand this experiment to bring them into the tent with us?” While the Air Force is still finalizing its strategy on light attack, Goldfein's comments hint that a lack of interest by partner nations may have shaped the decision not to press aheadwith a program of record late last year. The Air Force was set to issue a request for proposals in December for a light-attack platform. The competition would been open to only the Embraer-Sierra Nevada Corp. A-29 Super Tucano and the Textron AT-6 Wolverine, two fixed-wing turboprops that the service said were best suited to meet the needs of the program. But now, other aircraft could be joining them. Goldfein said the Air Force chose not to release that RFP for two reasons: ongoing budget uncertainty and the desire to expand the parameters of what the service is seeking. “For us to issue an RFP when we didn't [know] what the budget was ... and setting an expectation that we're ready to go into source selection when we're still working our way through the strategy, in my mind, would have been irresponsible," Goldfein said. “I've talked to both of the CEOs involved, and we want to make sure we strengthen the partnership and build it as we go forward.” Goldfein added that light attack was not something that was central to what the Air Force needed, saying that it would only be funded if the money is available in upcoming budgets. Increasing interoperability has been a longtime goal of the light-attack experiments, but it appears to have taken on new importance as the experiment potentially moves forward. Goldfein and other Air Force officials have spoken at length about the potential benefit of a common, off-the-shelf attack aircraft that could be purchased by countries that can't afford the F-16, but still want to deepen ties with the U.S Air Force. Over the course of the effort, foreign delegations have been invited to observe flight demonstrations of the A-29, AT-6 and other previous contenders at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. However, not all nations could want a turboprop aircraft like the A-29 or AT-6. “Some countries, it actually would be better to have an unmanned option. Some countries, [it] would be better to have a rotary-wing option," Goldfein said. “Some countries would do fixed wing, but [only with a] turbojet [engine]" instead of a turboprop. https://www.defensenews.com/newsletters/2019/01/30/the-air-forces-light-attack-experiment-could-be-expanded-to-feature-drones-helicopters-and-more-aircraft/

New Advisory Bulletin on drone-related disruption to aircraft operations published Montreal, 28 January 2019 – Airports Council International (ACI) World has today published an Advisory Bulletin to help airports address the risks posed by drone-related disruption to aircraft operations. ACI World believes that, while regulators and police will likely be the authority in addressing both enforcement and the preparation of anti-drone measures, all industry stakeholders must work with the relevant agencies to take action to protect the safety of aircraft operations. The recent disruption caused by the reported drone sightings at London Gatwick Airport – and recent temporary cessation of some operations at London Heathrow Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport following reported sightings of a drone – are the most widely-publicised of a series of incidents which have created debate about the best approach to preparing for – and dealing with – drone-related issues. ACI's latest Advisory Bulletin proposes that airports lead the discussion and work closely with national authorities and local law enforcement agencies to develop a risk-based approach to dealing with the risks of drone incursions. This approach should take into account the impact on aircraft operations and available mitigation measures including anti-drone actions. “The recent drone-related disruption at airports in Europe, and their potential impact on airport safety and operations, have raised significant questions for airport operators around the world on their preparedness to handle situations like this,” ACI World Director General Angela Gittens said. “The highest authority for enforcement activities and initiating anti-drone measures will clearly be the relevant national authority, such as the Civil Aviation Authority in the case of the UK, and local law enforcement agencies. “It is incumbent on all industry stakeholders, however, to take action to protect the safety of aircraft operations in coordination with these agencies. Airport operators should be aware of national laws and regulations pertaining to drones, with an understanding that these may reside outside of civil aviation.” The Advisory Bulletin lays out actions that an airport could take to lead the discussion with governments, regulators and law enforcement agencies to strengthen anti-drone measures and mitigations; they include: Coordinating with national authorities on the creation of bylaws governing the operation of drones in the vicinity of the airport Identifying geographic boundaries of “No Drone Zones” (no fly zones for drones) on and in the vicinity of the airport, especially approach and take-off flight paths Coordinating with authorities on regulations and obtaining guidance on the requirements for airports to implement anti-drone technologies Reviewing its assessment of the security risks associated with the malicious use of drones as part of the airport Security Risk Assessment Establishing means to suppress/neutralize unauthorized drones within the airport boundary especially adjacent to runways and flight paths, and agreeing which agency is responsible for areas outside the airport boundary or not on the airport operator Ensuring that any new anti-drone measures do not create unintended safety hazards and unmitigated risks to other manned aircraft, authorized drones and aviation infrastructures, and Establishing a Concept of Operations and Standard Operating Procedure for anti-drone measures based on advice from the national authorities. ACI World has requested that members share their experience and lessons learnt on anti-drone measures and drone related incidents so that relevant practices can be adopted across the industry. Notes for editors Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world's airports, was founded in 1991 with the objective of fostering cooperation among its member airports and other partners in world aviation, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2019, ACI serves 646 members, operating 1,960 airports in 176 countries. ACI World's Advisory Bulletin – Airport preparedness – Drone related disruption to aircraft operations – has now been published. ACI has issued an Advisory Bulletin in July 2016 and a Policy Paper on Drones in July 2018. https://aci.aero/news/2019/01/28/industry-government-and-law-enforcement-have-a-responsibility-to-work-together-to-protect-aircraft-and-airports-from-drones/

Christian Trottmann est un passionné d'avions de combat. Il est non seulement commentateur officiel de la Patrouille Suisse, mais aussi rédacteur pour l'équivalent alémanique de la «Revue militaire suisse». Mais tout ça appartient désormais au passé, a révélé dimanche la «SonntagsZeitung». Viola Amherd, nouvelle ministre de la Défense, a décidé de l'exclure de la Patrouille Suisse. Il ne pourra plus non plus écrire pour le magazine. Depuis décembre dernier, Christian Trottmann travaille en effet en tant que lobbyiste pour Saab. Sa mission est de convaincre la Suisse d'acheter les Gripen du constructeur suédois. Raison pour laquelle le Département de la défense (DDPS) craint que sa double casquette n'engendre un conflit d'intérêts. Or, selon le journal dominical, Viola Amherd n'a réglé que la moitié du problème. Car le premier-lieutenant continuera à remplir ses obligations militaires en tant qu'officier de milice au sein du service de communication des Forces aériennes. Renato Kalbermatten, chef de la communication du DDPS, n'a pas précisé pourquoi cette fonction pose moins de problème que celle à la Patrouille Suisse. En attendant, la situation est vivement critiquée par des membres du DDPS et des politiciens de tous bords. Le conseiller national Thomas Hurter (UDC/SH) a qualifié la décision du DDPS d'«incohérente». L'élue Priska Seiler Graf (PS/ZH) dénonce pour sa part une situation «malheureuse et délicate». https://www.20min.ch/ro/news/suisse/story/Dans-la-com-de-l-armee-et-lobbyiste-pour-le-Gripen-16612589

Pascal Kümmerling Pour faire suite au développement des essais de bio-kérosène dans l'aviation civile de mon dernier article, je vous propose cette fois de nous intéresser à ce qui se fait déjà pour l'aviation militaire. A plus forte raison, que nous sommes également concernés en suisse depuis la semaine dernière avec la dépose des offres pour le renouvellement de la flotte d'avions de combat. Les F-16 hollandais volent au biofuel La dernière bonne nouvelle provient des Pays-Bas. En effet, le ministère néerlandais de la Défense (MoD) a annoncé que les F-16A/B « Fighting Falcon » de l'armée de l'air néerlandaise (RNLAF) basés à Leeuwarden utilisent des biocarburants depuis le 14 janvier dernier. Le ministère a indiqué que la base avait reçu au cours de la semaine du 14 janvier 400'000 litres de bio-kérosène recyclé à partir d'huile de cuisson. Le biocarburant est produit par la société américaine World Energy, qui, selon le ministère de la Défense des États-Unis, est le seul producteur au monde. Il est fourni par SkyNRG et Shell Aviation, avec le soutien de l'organisation néerlandaise des matériels de défense et du service de ravitaillement. Le mélange utilisé réduit les émissions de CO2 de 60 à 80% par rapport au carburant conventionnel. Le colonel Paul de Witte, responsable de la réglementation et du développement de la logistique matérielle à la Royal Dutch Air Force, a déclaré: « La transition vers une aviation durable est d'une importance capitale pour la Royal Dutch Air Force. En 2010, nous avons effectué le premier vol de démonstration avec un hélicoptère Boeing AH-64 « Apache » utilisant du biocarburant. Nous souhaitons maintenant travailler à l'exploitation structurelle de tous nos avions en service à partir de tous nos sites. En 2030, l'armée de l'air veut réduire la dépendance aux combustibles fossiles de 20% et, en 2050, pas moins de 70%. L'US Air Force & L'US Navy engagées Les vols avec du biocarburant tant civils que militaires ne datent pas d'hier, mais jusqu'ici les appareils testés n'emportaient qu'un maximum de 50% de biocarburant mélangé avec du kérosène d'origine fossile. L'US Air Force a été la première à lancer une série de tests en vol avec un A-10 « Thunderbolt II » en mars 2010 , dont les moteurs étaient alimentés à 50/50 par un mélange de kérosène JP-8 et de cameline. Ce premier vol d'une durée de 90 minutes a eu lieu depuis la base d'Eglin en Floride. De son côté, l'US Navy n'est pas en reste avec le programme «Green Hornet», et a fait voler avec le même mélange un F/A-18F « Super Hornet » en avril 2010. L'USN a fixé un objectif de diminuer de moitié ses besoins énergétiques à partir de sources alternatives d'ici 2020. Appliquées aux aéronefs militaires d'aujourd'hui, l'initiative «Green Hornet» peut accroître la capacité en réduisant la dépendance sur les combustibles fossiles par des sources étrangères et de la volatilité liée aux conduites de carburant et de transport. Les Gripen suédois certifiés avec 100% de biocarburant L'avionneur suédois a réussi une première mondiale en avril 2017 avec le premier vol d'un avion de combat Gripen D alimenté exclusivement au biocarburant. Ces vols à 100% verts d'un avion de combat Saab JAS-39D Gripen démontrent le fruit d'une volonté politique associée à une détermination de l'avionneur suédois. En parallèle, cette stratégie vise à soutenir et à développer les conditions pour la technologie environnementale. La stratégie suédoise inclut le support pour l'innovation et la promotion des exportations. L'ambition du gouvernement est de créer les conditions pour le développement du secteur de la technologie suédoise en matière d'environnement et de contribuer ainsi à un meilleur environnement en Suède et dans le monde. Car, pour la Suède, il devient également possible de partager son savoir faire avec les futurs acquéreurs potentiels des avions de la famille Gripen. D'un point de vue stratégique, il s'agit également de diminuer la dépendance vis-à-vis des énergies fossiles, notamment en cas de crise pétrolière. Ces vols, avec 100% de biocarburant, démontrent aujourd'hui que les ingénieurs ont acquis suffisamment de connaissances pour l'utilisation future de carburant de remplacement. Ces vols prouvent également que la famille d'avion « Gripen » est « sûr » avec ce nouveau carburant. Les vols avec un Gripen D biplace ont été réalisés depuis les installations de Saab à Linköping. En terme fonctionnement moteur, l'équipe de test n'a noté aucune différence entre le biocarburant et le kérosène ordinaire, ce qui signifie que le biocarburant peut être utilisé comme une alternative parfaitement satisfaisante au carburant ordinaire dans Gripen. Le carburant testé CHCJ-5 est constitué d'huile de colza. Par ailleurs, ce biocarburant satisfait aux mêmes exigences de combustion que le carburant fossile. Le prochain avion pour la Suisse volera au biofuel Nous connaissons les cinq avions en course pour le renouvellement de notre flotte. Deux appareils se distinguent en matière de certification au biofuel, il s'agit du Gripen suédois de Saab et du Super Hornet de Boeing. Les trois autres concurrents ont un peu de retard sur la certification d'un kérosène vert, mais les trois avionneurs confirment que les appareils proposés le deviendront dans un avenir proche. Reste que nous devrons opter en Suisse soit pour l'achat de biofuel ou d'en produire directement dans notre pays. Cette dernière solution permettrait non seulement de créer de l'emploi est serait un atout pour la fourniture de notre aviation militaire et des transporteurs aériens civils. https://blogs.letemps.ch/pascal-kuemmerling/2019/01/28/dossier-biocarburant-les-avions-de-chasse-a-la-pointe/

AIR FORCE Honeywell International Aerospace, Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been awarded an $85,676,969 contract for C‐5 Honeywell software and engineering support services. This contract provides hardware and software support for the C-5 aircraft. Work will be performed at the following locations: Warner Robins, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; Aguadilla, Puerto Rico; Redmond, Washington; and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is expected to be completed Jan. 30, 2025. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. A combination of fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital funds; and operations and maintenance funds in the amount $9,359,960 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8525‐19‐D‐0002). Diligent Consulting Inc., San Antonio, Texas, has been awarded a $17,490,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursable modification (P00003) to contract FA8770-18-F-1009 for undefinitized contract action against the maintenance, repair and overhaul initiative task order. The modification will better align capabilities with user needs by realigning the fielding strategy to match the needs of individual units through the use of agile methods, and incorporate two financial processes necessary to be compliant with Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness and the Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual. Work will be performed in at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; and San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed Jan. 28, 2023. This contract is being funded with fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds, and total cumulative face value of the contract is $49,257,000. Air Force Life Cycle Management center, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY SeKON Enterprise Inc., Arlington, Virginia, is being awarded a $32,696,823 modification to previously awarded cost-reimbursable task order HT0011-14-F-0030 to exercise an option for engineering, cybersecurity, and configuration management support services. The cumulative maximum value of the task order is $144,344,198. HT0011-14-F-0030 provides services in support of the Program Executive Office (PEO) - Defense Healthcare Management Systems (DHMS) in its efforts to provide systems engineering processes, cybersecurity processes, data management and governance, synthetic test data, process and software tool support, and enterprise solutions architecture for PEO DHMS programs. The period of performance for the option is 12 months with an estimated completion date of Jan. 28, 2020. Work location is at the contractor's facility in Arlington, Virginia. The modification is funded with fiscal 2018 and 2019 research, development, test, and evaluation funds; and fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds. The original task order was issued on a competitive basis, with fair opportunity being provided to contract holders under the National Institutes of Health Chief Information Officer – Solutions And Partners 3 (CIO-SP3) Small Business Government-Wide Acquisition Contract. The Defense Health Agency - Contracting Office - Defense Healthcare Management Systems, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems Division, Moorestown, New Jersey, has been awarded a $13,113,482 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification (P00314) under contract HQ0276-10-C-0001. This modification increases the total cumulative contract value from $2,917,816,118 to $2,930,929,600. Under this modification, the contractor will provide installation; test and training; logistics and material planning; and additional program planning, technical coordination and scheduling for Aegis BMD 4.x aboard AEGIS destroyers for the AEGIS BMD program office. The work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, with an expected completion date of June 30, 2021. Fiscal 2019 defense wide procurement funds in the amount of $7,127,611 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract modification is the result of a sole-source acquisition. The Missile Defense Agency, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity. NAVY General Dynamics Mission Systems, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is awarded $13,067,576 for contract modification P00006 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee, firm-fixed-price contract (N00030-18-C-0005) for sustainment of the U.S. and United Kingdom SSBN Fire Control System; and the U.S. SSGN Attack Weapon Control System, including training and support equipment and research and development. The work will be performed in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (97.50 percent); and other various locations less than one percent each (2.50 percent), with an expected completion date of December 2020. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,004,025; United Kingdom funds in the amount of $2,240,000; and fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $823,551 are obligated on this award. Funds in the amount of $823,551 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. ARMY MedTrust LLC, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $12,939,322 firm-fixed-price contract for registered nursing services. One bid was solicited via the internet with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2019. U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W81K04-19-D-0009). https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1743253/source/GovDelivery/

ARMY Syracuse Research Corp., Syracuse, New York, was awarded a $108,209,591 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Vehicle Integrated Defeat System. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2020. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation; operations and maintenance, Army; and other procurement, Army funds in the combined amount of $53,022,699 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-19-C-0005). NAVY The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $56,755,269 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract that provides program management support as well as engineering and integrated logistics support by the original equipment manufacturer for the post-production support phase of the T-45 aircraft lifecycle. This contract includes special tooling and test equipment, data accessibility and obsolescence identification, and resolution in addition to field services support that will provide subject matter expertise in the areas of environmental control systems, cockpit pressurization and On-Board Oxygen Generation Systems integration. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri (96.1 percent); Meridian, Mississippi (1.3 percent); Kingsville, Texas (1.3 percent); and Pensacola, Florida (1.3 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2022. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (N61340-19-D-0003). Lockheed Martin Corp., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded $31,335,203 for modification P00044 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-16-C-0004) for sustainment services for F-35 Lightning II low-rate initial production Lot X aircraft for the government of Australia. Work will be performed in Williamtown, Australia, and is expected to be completed in January 2021. Non-U.S. Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $31,335,203 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. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Archbald, Pennsylvania, is awarded $16,089,088 for modification P00005 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-17-C-0022). This modification provides for the procurement of 4,320 Laser Guided Training Rounds BDU-59B/B. Work will be performed in Archbald, Pennsylvania (45 percent); Marlton, New Jersey (10 percent); Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada (6.5 percent); Rochester, New York (5.5 percent); Westford, Massachusetts (3 percent); Plainville, Connecticut (2.75 percent); Joplin, Missouri (2.75 percent); Hauppage, New York (1.5 percent); Quakertown, Pennsylvania (1.5 percent); San Jose, California (1.5 percent); Laconia, New Hampshire (1.5 percent); Dunedin, Florida (1 percent); Clifton, New Jersey (1 percent); Londonderry, New Hampshire (1 percent); Canton, Pennsylvania (1 percent); Honesdale, Pennsylvania (1 percent); Mount Laurel, New Jersey (1 percent); Medford, New Jersey (1 percent); Irvine, California (.5 percent); and various locations within the continental U.S. (11 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2021. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 procurement of ammunition (Navy and Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $16,089,088 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, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded a $10,930,390 fixed-price incentive (firm target) modification to previously awarded contract N00024-14-C-5106 to exercise options for AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) 4.0.2 equipment for Shipset 23 and BMD spares. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey (54 percent); and Clearwater, Florida (46 percent), and is expected to be complete by November 2020. Fiscal 2019 Defense Wide Procurement funding in the amount of $10,339,481; and fiscal 2013 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $590,909 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. General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $9,998,560 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously-awarded contract N00024-14-C-2104 for digital voltage regulator system material. The contractor will be providing five ship sets of material and one ship set ready for ship installation. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by December 2020. Fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $9,998,560 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Groton, Connecticut, is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE Multibeam Corp., Santa Clara, California, has been awarded a $22,900,000 firm-fixed-price modification to contract FA9453-17-C-0015 for the Electron-Beam Direct Write subsystems. This contract is to continue demonstration of the advanced lithography tool for government integrated circuits developed under the basic contract. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, California, and is expected to be completed May 19, 2021. Fiscal 2017 Defense Production Act Title III funds in the amount of $22,900,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Total cumulative face value of the contract is $32,300,000. Air Force Research Laboratory, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity. U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND SeaCube Container Leasing International, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey (HTC71119DR008); Textainer Equipment Management, San Francisco, California (HTC71119DR009); and Triton Container International, Hamilton, Bermuda (HTC71119DR010), have been awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contracts for leasing and transportation of intermodal container equipment, in the amount of $16,227,246 (estimated) for the base year. Performance is from March 1, 2019, to Feb. 29, 2020. Work will be performed at multiple continental U.S. and outside continental U.S. locations. The contracts utilize fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funding. The U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. Schuyler Line Navigation Co. LLC, Annapolis, Maryland, has been awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract (HTC71119DW001) in the amount of $7,101,934. The contract provides ocean liner service between Jacksonville/Blount Island, Florida, and Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. The contract base period of performance is from March 1, 2019, to Feb. 29, 2020. Fiscal 2019 Transportation Working Capital Funds were obligated at award. U.S. Transportation Command, Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, is the contracting activity. *Small business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1742153/source/GovDelivery/