Nouvelles

Valerie Insinna WASHINGTON — The Defense Department and Lockheed Martin reached a handshake agreement that will require the defense giant to invest about $70.6 million to fix an ongoing problem with F-35 spare parts, one that resulted in increased government labor costs, the department announced Sept. 29. For the past few months, Lockheed and the Defense Contracts Management Agency have been locked in a dispute over more than 15,000 F-35 spare parts sent to the U.S. military with incorrect or incomplete “electronic equipment logs” or EELs, which allow the parts to be absorbed into the F-35′s logistics system and installed on the jet. Lockheed and the Defense Contracts Management Agency expect a final agreement to be formalized sometime within the next two weeks or so, said DCMA spokesman Matthew Montgomery, who confirmed the $70.588 million deal to Defense News. The use of EELs — which allow the government to track the usage and lifespan of major F-35 parts — is unique to the joint strike fighter program and is meant to help inform smarter, more cost-effective maintenance and buying practices. But when parts are delivered with inaccurate EEL information, it can take hours for military maintainers and Lockheed support personnel to track down the correct data that will allow a part to be uploaded into the system and installed in the aircraft. Instead of paying back the government directly for the added costs associated with the EELs, Lockheed will “compensate the government with Lockheed Martin investments” that will ultimately ensure spare parts are delivered with accurate electronic logs, said Lockheed spokesman Brett Ashworth. “We appreciate the partnership with the Defense Contract Management Agency and the F-35 Joint Program Office, and we remain focused on ensuring the warfighter has the support they need to employ the F-35′s game changing capabilities,” he said. The final sum of the agreement is less than half of the $183 million sum that DCMA initially projected that the government had spent to correct wrong or incorrect EELs since 2015. It was not immediately clear why DCMA had agreed to a compensation deal worth so much less than the department's estimated costs. During a July hearing, lawmakers from the House Oversight and Reform Committee chastised Lockheed for its failure to deliver parts ready to fly. “That's $183 million that the American taxpayers were forced to pay because Lockheed Martin failed to meet the requirements of its contract,” said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, the committee's chairwoman. But Greg Ulmer, Lockheed's vice president for the F-35 program, said then that the company should not take all of the blame for the spare parts problems. “It's not all associated with Lockheed Martin performance. There are many aspects associated with [parts that are] not ready for issue,” he said. https://www.defensenews.com/air/2020/09/29/heres-what-lockheed-will-have-to-do-to-make-up-for-f-35-spare-parts-problems/

Mike Ball Northrop Grumman has enhanced its Global Hawk high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system (UAS) with the addition of two new sensors. The MS-177 multi-spectral camera system provides additional high-resolution imaging capabilities, while the increment 1 upgraded AN/ASQ-230 system delivers enhanced signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection. The MS-177 multi-spectral camera system provides multiple channels of intelligence collection in both visible and infrared bands, giving the Global Hawk collection coverage in areas that cannot easily be reached by other means. Fielding of the AN/ASQ-230 increment 1 enhances Global Hawk's ability to deal with expanded electronic threats. Global Hawk's combination of autonomy, range, endurance and payload, and an average aircraft age of under nine years, make the UAS a valuable asset for domestic and international customers with critical ISR collection requirements. The system is uniquely positioned for additional missions that connect joint forces as one, including persistent high-capacity backbone, pseudo-satellite communications coverage, and joint all-domain command and control. Leslie Smith, vice president of the Global Hawk division at Northrop Grumman, commented: “Ongoing improvements to Global Hawk underscore Northrop Grumman's commitment to the United States Air Force's ISR mission and reducing costs through agile development and leveraged solutions. New and improved payloads flying on our young, yet proven fleet of aircraft will allow our partners to deploy high value, networked assets to monitor adversaries while not risking the lives of military personnel well into the 2040s.” https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/2020/09/global-hawk-uas-capabilities-enhanced-with-new-sensors/

Sebastian Sprenger COLOGNE, Germany — Swiss voters have approved a government plan to spend $6.5 billion on new fighter aircraft by a margin of 8,670 votes, with the two U.S. vendors in the race feeling the backlash of anti-Trump sentiments. Sunday's vote translates into a razor-thin majority of 50.1 percent, or 1,605,700 votes, in favor of the acquisition. There was 49.9 percent, or 1,597,030 votes, against. The voter turnout was 59.4 percent, according to figures published online Sunday evening by the Federal Chancellery. Defence Minister Viola Amherd told reporters she considers the result, however close, a mandate to continue ongoing evaluations of the Eurofighter, the Rafale, the F-18 Super Hornet and the F-35A. “The vote represents a long-term investment in the security of the Swiss population and infrastructure,” she said. Prodded by reporters about the the narrowness of the vote, she said: “In a democracy it's a given that we respect the majority decision.” The Swiss legislature last week approved the budget for the Air 2030 modernization program, which includes $6.5 billion for 30-40 new aircraft and $2 billion for a complementary ground-based, air defense system. Amherd stressed that the aircraft budget is to be seen as a ceiling. “If we can get suitable aircraft for less, we will certainly look at that,” she said. All vendors must meet a deadline of Nov. 18 to deliver final proposals. The government will then evaluate the bids throughout the first half of 2021 and make a decision on the aircraft type and missile defense hardware by June. Opponents of the plan could still derail it by seeking another referendum, a step that would require 100,000 signatures and could take years to unfold. The Swiss opposition was energized in part by voters' views about the government of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to local media reports. During the pre-referendum campaign, the two U.S. vendors in the running, Boeing and Lockheed Martin, saw themselves lumped in with his foreign policy approach, considered reckless by many in the wealthy European countries such as Switzerland. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/09/28/switzerlands-65-billion-fighter-jet-plan-narrowly-passes-referendum/

Andrew Chuter LONDON — British efforts to introduce a new family of long-endurance, medium-altitude drones has moved a step closer with an announcement by the Ministry of Defence Sept. 28 that the first General Atomics Protector RG Mk1 off the production had made its maiden flight. The MoD said the first production version of the drone flew in California on Sept. 25. The flight comes just over two months after the British announced they had inked a £65 million (U.S. $83 million) deal with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to supply the first three of an expected fleet of at least 16 drones. Three ground control stations and other associated support equipment were also included in the deal. The contract contains options for a further 13 air vehicles and supporting equipment valued at around £180 million. A commitment for the additional drones could come in April next year. Progress with the Protector test schedule follows a two-year delay imposed on the program by the MoD in 2017 after the British ran into wider defense budget problems. The delay was primarily responsible for a 40 percent hike in Protector program costs, top MoD official Stephen Lovegrove said in a letter to the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee published earlier this year. The Protector vehicles will replace General Atomics Reaper drones widely used by the Royal Air Force in operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East, most recently providing reconnaissance, surveillance and strike capabilities in the fight against the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. Protector is the British version of General Atomics latest Predator variant, the MQ-9B Sky Guardian. The RAF drone will fly longer and, armed with Brimstone and Paveway IV precision weapons, hit harder than the Reaper. Crucially, the machine is also in line to be approved to fly in non-segregated airspace in places like the U.K. British Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said the inaugural flight of the production drone was a welcome step in development. “With increased range and endurance, greater ISR and weapons capacity and improved weather resilience, Protector will play a vital intelligence and deterrent role in countering future threats,” he was quoted as saying in a statement. For the moment the first Protector will stay in the United States to support systems testing as part of an MoD, U.S. Air Force and General Atomics team. Following completion of the work the drone will be delivered to the MoD in the summer of 2021. The platform will continue to be based in the United States to allow the RAF to complete its test and evaluation program. Operating from its base at RAF Waddington, eastern England, Protector is scheduled to enter service by mid-2024. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2020/09/28/britains-new-protector-drone-completes-maiden-flight/

Nathan Strout A developmental robot pilot that transforms manned aircraft into unmanned systems is flying again after the Air Force Research Laboratory took its ROBOpilot out for a test flight at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, Sept. 24. ROBOpilot's name belies the simplicity of the program. In order to turn a manned aircraft into an unmanned one, AFRL simply replaces the human pilot with a robot who interacts with the aircraft controls the same way a human would: it can pull the yoke, press pedals to control rudders and brakes, adjust the throttle and flip switches. In addition to the robot's own internal GPS and inertial measurement unit, the system scans the gauges on the dashboard for information about the aircraft and its position, processing that information with a computer to independently fly the plane. Importantly, ROBOpilot requires no permanent modifications. All operators need to do is remove the pilots' seats and replace them with ROBOpilot. And if users determine that they want to return the aircraft to a manned mission, ROBOpilot is simply removed and the pilots' seats are reinstalled. The robotic system is the result of a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) award granted to DZYNE Technologies by the AFRL's Center for Rapid Innovation (CRI). Despite a successful first flight in August 2019, the system was later grounded after it maintained damage during a landing mishap. “The CRI and DZYNE team analyzed the findings and incorporated the recommendations to ensure the success of this latest test,” said Marc Owens, CRI's program manager for ROBOpilot. “We determined the cause of the mishap, identified the best course of corrective action and we're very pleased to be flight testing again.” Since then, ROBOpilot has been cleared to fly again and installed in a new Cessna 206. On Sept. 24, the system returned to the skies for a 2.2 hour test flight over Utah. “Since this is a completely new build with a different Cessna 206, we re-accomplished the flight test points completed on our first flight last year,” Owen explained. “ROBOpilot is too good an idea to let the mishap derail the development of this technology.” https://www.c4isrnet.com/unmanned/2020/09/28/the-air-forces-robot-pilot-returns-to-the-skies/

AIR FORCE The Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, California, has been awarded a $1,110,220,291 modification (P00039) to previously awarded contract FA8802-19-C-0001 for systems engineering and integration support for the National Space Community. This modification provides for the exercise of Option Year Two for fiscal 2021 services being procured under the multiple year contract. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2021. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $3,268,568,356. The U.S. Space Force, Space and Missile Systems Center, El Segundo, California, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $39,568,072 undefinitized contract action (UCA) modification (P00221) to contract FA8625-11-C-6600 for KC-46 engineering, manufacturing, and development. This provides for the modification of the existing UCA awarded under modification P00206 and provides for qualification test of the components and full life qualification of the actuator, as well as for conducting lab test, ground test and flight test verifications. Work will be performed in Seattle, and is expected to be completed Dec. 31, 2023. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $16,269,033 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp., Syracuse, New York, has been awarded a $25,000,000 ceiling indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Atmospheric Early Warning System AN/FPS-117 radar program. This contract provides for contractor logistics support and radar hardware/spares procurement. Work will be performed in Syracuse, New York, as well as various sites in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Utah. The work is expected to be complete by March 2026. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $3,946,336 are being obligated at the time of award. Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8217-20-D-0006). Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia, has been awarded a $12,947,292 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development. This contract provides for the Database Optimization Sustainment program to advance the Compact Automatic Target Recognition and Sustainable Environment technology foundation to deliver high-performing air and ground target combat identification systems. Work will be performed in Reston, Virginia, and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and is expected to be complete by Oct. 30, 2025. This award is a result of a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $196,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Materiel Command, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson, Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-20-C-1143). CDW Government LLC, Vernon Hills, Illinois, has been awarded a $10,236,014 firm-fixed-price delivery order contract for hardware and software components. This contract provides for Hyper Converged Infrastructure Cloud Based Training Range hardware and software components, the combination of which is called a “POD,” essential to conduct hands-on training for cyber weapon systems initial qualification. Work will be performed at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, and Hurlburt Field, Florida, and is expected to be complete by May 31, 2021. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and three offers were received. Fiscal 2020 procurement funds in the amount of $10,236,000 will be obligated at the time of award. The 38th Contracting Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA877320F0156). CORRECTION: The contract announced Sept. 23, 2020, for Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Herndon, Virginia, (FA8204-20-F-0079) had the incorrect contract award dollar amount. The contract was for $22,803,158. NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., a Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is awarded a $709,792,854 modification (P00006) to previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm-target advance acquisition contract N00019-20-C-0009. This modification provides for the procurement of economic order quantities of material in support of F-35 Lightning II aircraft low rate initial production Lots 15, 16 and 17 for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, non-Department of Defense (DoD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (60%); El Segundo, California (14%); Warton, United Kingdom (9%); Cameri, Italy (4%); Orlando, Florida (4%); Nashua, New Hampshire (3%); Baltimore, Maryland (3%); San Diego, California (2%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (1%), and is expected to be completed in May 2026. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $260,380,000; fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $245,412,998; non-DoD participant funds in the amount of $141,758,199; and FMS funds in the amount of $62,241,657, 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. General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Connecticut, is awarded a $215,655,632 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-2125 for engineering, technical, design agent and planning yard support for operational strategic and attack submarines. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (42%); and the country of Great Britain (58%), under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (70%); Kings Bay, Georgia (13%); Bangor, Washington (10%); Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (3%); North Kingston, Rhode Island (2%); and Newport, Rhode Island (2%), and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Foreign Military Sales Great Britain (52%); and fiscal 2020 other procurement (Navy; 42%) funding in the amount of $5,041,000 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, D.C., is the contracting activity. Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Greenbelt, Maryland, is awarded a $188,767,103 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of Hurricane Florence recovery projects located at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This contract provides replacements for various facilities damaged during Hurricane Florence and entails seven projects: The Courthouse Bay and Hadnot Point Fire Station replacement projects constructs fire stations that will include administrative spaces, storage, alarm communication center, living quarters, recreation/dining, laundry and vehicle maintenance/storage bays. Constructs a low-rise satellite fire station at Courthouse Bay. The complex will include administrative spaces, storage, alarm communication center, living quarters, recreation and dining, laundry and vehicle maintenance and storage bays. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service facilities replacement project constructs an administrative and secured storage facility and includes administrative and support space necessary to conduct the day-to-day operations. The Legal Services Support Section (LSSS) facility replacement project constructs a facility of reinforced concrete masonry and includes administrative and support space necessary to conduct the day-to-day operations of LSSS. The Provost Marshall office facility replacement project constructs a police facility and supply warehouse for Camp Lejeune military and civilian police forces. The Hadnot Point Mess Hall replacement project constructs a low-rise dining facility and a parking garage. The Marine Corps Engineering School Applied Instruction Facility replacement project constructs a multi-story applied and academic instruction facilities. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by August 2025. Fiscal 2020 military construction (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $188,767,103 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov website with nine proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-20-C-0072). Aviation Systems Engineering Co., Inc.,* Lexington Park, Maryland, is awarded a $94,875,560 cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides contractor engineering services in support of the Airborne Anti-submarine Warfare Platform Integration and Systems Engineering Branch. The engineering services provided are in support of legacy and new acoustic and non-acoustic sensors, systems and subsystems for naval air platforms and to improve existing maritime patrol and reconnaissance mission systems in support of Navy and Foreign Military Sales customers. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was a small business set-aside, competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; two offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00421-20-D-0123). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, is awarded a $91,166,757 fixed-price-incentive-firm, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable contract that procures the necessary hardware, technical engineering support, management support and logistics support to fabricate, assemble, test and deliver the required fiscal 2020 AN/APR-39C(V)2 and AN/APR-39D(V)2 radar warning receiver hardware for Department of Defense aircraft in support of Navy, Army, Navy Supply Command and various Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Hardware procured on this contract includes Weapon Replaceable Assemblies and support equipment such as 55 AN/APR-39D(V)2 processors; 185 AN/APR-39D(V)2 antenna detectors; 126 AN/APR-39D(V)2 radar receivers; 46 AN/APR-39D(V)2 low band arrays; 22 AN/APR-39D(V)2 handle assemblies; 59 AN/APR-39C(V)2 processors; 236 AN/APR-39C(V)2 antenna detectors; 188 AN/APR-39C(V)2 radar receivers; 76 AN/APR-39C(V)2 upgrade kits; and 65 AN/APR-39C(V)2 circuit card assemblies. Additionally, this contract provides non-recurring engineering efforts that support production capacity to meet necessary fielding requirements. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Illinois (45%); Landsdale, Pennsylvania (13%); Menlo Park, California (13%); Woburn, Massachusetts (9%); Lewisburg, Tennessee (6%); Longmont, Colorado (4%); Madison, Wisconsin (3%); Newark, Delaware (2%); Niagara Falls, New York (2%); Syracuse, New York (2%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (1%), and is expected to be completed in March 2023. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,270,819; fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $71,866,262; fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $7,200,000; FMS funds in the amount of $9,270,906; and defense working capital fund (Navy) in the amount of $558,770, will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-20-C-0054). Integrated Marine Services Inc., Chula Vista, California (N55236-20-D-0001); Epsilon Systems Solutions Inc., San Diego, California (N55236-20-D-0002); Adept Process Services Marine Inc., National City, California (N55236-20-D-0003); Nielsen Beaumont Marine Inc., San Diego, California (N55236-20-D-0004); and Marine Group Boat Works LLC, Chula Vista, California (N55236-20-D-0005), are each awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts with a five base year ordering period to accomplish Navy Expeditionary Combat Craft (NECC) repairs and industrial support for NECCs within the San Diego County, California area (radius of 50 miles). The work will encompass specific modifications, upgrades, service life extension and repairs to non-commissioned boats, craft, lighterage/service craft and their associated and periodic maintenance and NECC planned/emergent repairs. The maximum dollar value for all five contracts combined is $83,282,284. These five companies will have an opportunity to compete for individual delivery orders. Work will be performed in San Diego County, California, and is expected to be complete in September 2025. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funding in the amount of $50,000 (each awardee receives $10,000 minimum guarantee per contract) will be obligated under each contract's initial delivery order and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov web site with six offers received. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Largo, Florida, was awarded a $61,564,606 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, and cost modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-5200 to exercise options for design agent and engineering services to support the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) program. This option exercise is for design agent and engineering services to perform advanced studies and integration efforts as well as software sustainment and support. The CEC program provides a sensor network with integrated fire control capability that significantly improves strike force air and missile defense capabilities by coordinating measurement data from strike force air search sensors on CEC-equipped units into a single, integrated real-time, composite track air picture. CEC improves battle force effectiveness by improving overall situational awareness and by enabling longer range, cooperative, multiple or layered engagement strategies. Work will be performed in St. Petersburg, Florida (70%); and Largo, Florida (30%), and is expected to be completed by September 2021. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy; 35%); fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy; 32%); fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps; 10%); fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy; 6%); Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Japan (5%); FMS Australia (4%); fiscal 2019 procurement (Marine Corps; 4%); fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy; 3%); FMS Canada (0.9%); and fiscal 2018 other procurement (Navy; 0.1%) funding in the amount of $13,252,873 will be obligated at time of award, and funding in the amount of $6,363,450 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 24, 2020) Serco Inc., Herndon, Virginia, is awarded a $38,699,699 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with firm-fixed-price provisions for radio frequency distribution and control systems. Work will be performed in Herndon, Virginia, and is expected to be complete by September 2025. Fiscal 2020 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $181,762 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov website with two offers received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, Newport, Rhode Island, is the contracting activity (N66604-20-D-R000). Hornbeck Offshore Operators LLC, Covington, Louisiana, is awarded a $37,980,207 modification for the fixed-price portion of previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N62387-15-C-2507 to exercise a one-year option period for the operation and maintenance of four modified off-shore supply vessels, identified as T-AGSEs vessels USNS Arrowhead, USNS Eagleview, USNS Westwind and USNS Black Powder, serving as blocking vessels in support of the Navy. The contract includes a 215-day base period, nine one-year option periods and one, 150-day option period. Work for this option period will be performed at sea worldwide and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2021. Working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $37,980,207 are obligated for fiscal 2021 and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was issued on a basis of other than full and open competition in support of the statute under provisions of 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62387-15-C-2507). Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding division, Newport News, Virginia, is awarded a $31,955,801 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-19-C-2100 to exercise options for engineering, technical, design agent and hull planning yard support for the Navy's operational aircraft carrier fleet. This option exercise will provide for engineering and technical support of operational Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) class aircraft carriers and propulsion plant related efforts for Nimitz (CVN 68) Class aircraft carriers. The scope of this effort includes technical and engineering support for nuclear powered aircraft carriers and aircraft carrier support facilities; design, development, conversion, testing and studies operational support for operational nuclear-powered aircraft carriers; modernization and procurement of material, equipment, spares, repair parts and test equipment for operational nuclear powered aircraft carriers; design agent, planning yard support and equipment obsolescence support of operational nuclear powered aircraft carriers; and engineering/logistics studies in support of modernization efforts, repairs, ship alterations, ship change documents and C4ISR upgrades. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be complete by September 2023. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy; 65.2%); fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy; 20.9%); fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy; 11.7%); and fiscal 2018 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy; 2.2%), funding in the amount of $5,133,948 will be obligated at time of award, of which $3,345,513 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1); only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded a $23,272,579 firm-fixed-price order (N00019-20-F-0875) against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-16-G-0001. This order procures one Joint Common Test Set with exercise test capability for the government of Saudi Arabia in support of the Harpoon program. Work will be performed in Saint Charles, Missouri (39.3%); Piedmont, Missouri (9.9%); Cincinnati, Ohio (4.4%); Burlingame, California (3.9%); Eden Prairie, Minnesota (3.4%); Hauppauge, New York (3.2%); Dittmer, Missouri (2.2%); Westerly, Rhode Island (2.2); Bohemia, New York (2.1%); Kansas City, Missouri (1.5%); Orange Park, Florida (1.4%); San Diego, California (1.2%); Waynesboro, Virginia (1.1%); Longmont, Colorado (1.1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (23.1%), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $23,272,579 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. ImSAR LLC,* Springville, Utah, is awarded a $22,793,170 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price order (N68335-20-F-0625) against previously issued basic ordering agreement N68335-18-G-0015. This order provides for continued research and development under Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topic AF112-144 titled, "Advanced Radar Concepts for Small (Tier I/II) Remotely Piloted Aircrafts." Additionally, this effort provides for research, development, procurement and sustainment of the ground surveillance radar (GSR) product designated AN/DPY-2(v)1 Split Aces payload system and communications relay package (CRP) and AN/DPY-2(v)2 (Split Aces payload system without CRP) for the RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial system (UAS). Successful completion of this phase of the SBIR project will result in the delivery of additional AN/DPY-2(V)1 and (V)2 Split Aces GSR payload system mission kits for the RQ-21A Blackjack UAS, refinement of the existing software and system capabilities and a simulation training capability for system operators. Work will be performed in Springville, Utah (95%), and Patuxent River, Maryland (5%), and is expected to be completed in September 2023. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $$9,697,206; fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,436,663; fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,000,000; and fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,679,300, will be obligated at time of award, $2,436,663 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Rockville, Maryland, is awarded a $21,323,451 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract provides engineering and technical services to the Ship and Air Integrated Warfare Division in support of integrated communications and information systems radio communications for Navy ships. Work will be performed in Saint Inigoes, Maryland (60%); California, Maryland (30%); Bath, Maine (5%); and Pascagoula, Mississippi (5%), and is expected to be completed in September 2025. Fiscal 2020 defense working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $17,050,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; one offer was received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00421-20-C-0003). Hourigan Construction Co., Virginia Beach, Virginia, is awarded a $21,228,677 firm-fixed-price task order (N40085-20-F-6757) under a multiple award construction contract for the renovation of Building. 2 at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Virginia. The work to be performed includes renovation of existing administrative, laboratory and healthcare support spaces. The project includes demolition, construction phasing and temporary facilities. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by February 2023. Fiscal 2020 defense health program contract funds in the amount of $21,228,677 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-19-D-9068). Advanced Crane Technologies LLC,* Reading, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $20,867,700 firm-fixed-price contract to provide cranes at Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic, Kings Bay, Georgia. The work to be performed provides for the contractor to design, fabricate, assemble, shop-test, deliver, install, inspect, field test and make ready for use two overhead bridge cranes. Work will be performed at Kings Bay, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by December 2022. Fiscal 2020 other procurement (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $20,867,700 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov website with two proposals received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62470-20-C-0011). Lockheed Martin Corp. Missile and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, is awarded a $19,341,680 cost-plus-fixed-fee job order under basic ordering agreement N00164-20-G-JQ96 for the performance of non-recurring engineering for Block Upgrade Phase 2-4 technology/capability insertion in the Target Sight System. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (86%); and Ocala, Florida (14%), and is expected to be completed in September 2024. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy; 53%); and fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy; 47%), funding in the combined amount of $19,341,680 will be obligated at the time of contract award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1); only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N0016420FJ268). Military and Federal Construction Co. Inc.,* Jacksonville, North Carolina, is awarded a $19,264,771 firm-fixed-price contract for road improvements at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. This project includes a series of roadway improvements to Birch Street and Duncan Street. Work will include the construction of service and access roads, the widening of existing roads and the construction of turn lanes. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by March 2022. Fiscal 2016 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $19,264,771 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the beta.SAM.gov website with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-20-C-0157). ECC International LLC, Virginia Beach, Virginia, is awarded an $18,045,700 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a fleet maintenance facility at Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Sicily, Italy. The contract also contains two unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $18,771,624. The work to be performed provides for construction of maintenance and repair shops, storage and personnel support areas. Work will be performed in Corsico, Italy, and is expected to be completed by June 2022. Fiscal 2016 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $18,045,700 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Contract Opportunities website with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62470-20-C-0012). B.L. Harbert International LLC, Birmingham, Alabama, is awarded a $16,366,260 firm-fixed-price task order (N69450-20-F-0898) under a multiple award construction contract to restore the water distribution system at Naval Support Activity, Panama City, Florida. The work to be performed includes surveys of water distribution routes, construction plan development, permitting, fire hydrant replacement and installation of new potable water and fire protection mains to replace the existing systems. Work will be performed in Panama City, Florida, and is expected to be completed by August 2023. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $16,366,260 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-19-D-0908). Crowley Government Services Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded a $14,513,105 modification for the fixed portion under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N62387-15-C-5301 to continue the operation and maintenance of the four roll-on/roll-off vessels, USNS SGT Matej Kocak (T-AK 3005); USNS PFC Eugene A. Obregon (T-AK 3006); USNS MAJ Stephen W. Pless (T-AK 3007); and USNS LCPL Roy. M. Wheat (T-AK 3016). Work will be performed at sea worldwide and is expected to be completed, if all options are exercised, by Sept. 30, 2021. Transportation working capital contract funds in the amount of $14,513,105 are obligated for fiscal 2021 and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Ameresco Inc., Framingham, Massachusetts, is awarded a $14,375,273 firm-fixed-price contract to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system and various related improvements at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The work to be performed provides for installation of a solar PV system composed of canopy-mounted arrays over a portion of an existing parking lot; a solar thermal system; heating, ventilation and air-conditioning improvements; and lighting improvements. Work will be performed in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by October 2022. Fiscal 2018 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $14,375,273 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website with eight proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-20-C-4002). Parsons Government Services Inc., Pasadena, California, is awarded a $13,983,994 cost-plus-fixed-fee task order under the General Services Administration's (GSA) One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS). This task order provides research and development support services for the Operational and Undersea Medicine Directorate at the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC), Silver Spring, Maryland. Work will be performed at NMRC, Silver Spring, Maryland (96%); Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California (1%); Panama City, Florida (1%); Jacksonville, North Carolina (1%); and other miscellaneous locations for meetings and conferences (1%). Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 29, 2025. The base period of performance under this task order will be awarded with $2,267,275 fiscal 2019 Defense Health Program (DHP) enhanced funding in the amount of $834,079, which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year; fiscal 2019 DHP research, development, testing and evaluation funding in the amount of $563,840, which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year; and fiscal 2020 Navy research, development, testing and evaluation funding in the amount of $162,747, which will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The balance of the task order will be incrementally funded. The total value of the task order for the base period and four option years, if exercised, is $13,983,994. This task order was competitively procured via GSA's OASIS Unrestricted Pool 4, with three proposals received. The Naval Medical Logistics Command, Fort Detrick, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N6264520F0303). G-W Management Services LLC,* Rockville, Maryland, is awarded a $13,516,700 firm-fixed-price task order (N40080-20-F-5202) under a multiple award construction contract for long-term structural repair of parking garages at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Maryland. The work to be performed provides design and construction services to repair structural deficiencies and includes the repair of all critical elements of the garage including topping slabs, pre-stressed concrete double-tees, inverted tee beams, precast concrete beams, expansion joints, stairs, curbs, columns and guardrails. All elements such as mechanical, plumbing, electrical and fire-sprinklers protection of the garages shall also be included. Work will be performed in Bethesda, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by July 2023. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Defense Health Agency) contract funds are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Eight proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-19-D-0015). Huntington Ingalls Inc., Newport News, Virginia, is awarded a $13,053,382 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-16-C-4316 to continue performance of the repair, maintenance and upgrade efforts on the USS Helena (SSN 725) dry-docking selected restricted availability. The government and Newport News Shipbuilding agreed to a final settlement value of $13,053,382 for the USS Helena SSN 725 dry-dock selected restricted availability for the period Oct. 20, 2020, through Jan. 8, 2021. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), this contract was not competitively procured; only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirement. The contracted requirements include advance and new work efforts necessary to repair and maintain full unrestricted operation of the submarine, as well as upgrades and modernization efforts required to ensure the submarine is operating at full technical capacity as defined in the Availability Work Package during the Chief of Naval Operations scheduled availability. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by January 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $13,053,382 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Newport News, Virginia, is the contracting activity. TOTE Services Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded an $11,642,218 modification under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N32205-18-C-3101 to exercise a one-year option for the operation and maintenance of the Sea-Based X-Band Radar Platform (SBX-1). The vessel is operated for the Missile Defense Agency to provide limited test support services and is a contingency component of the ground based, mid-course defense element of the ballistic missile defense system for the U.S. Strategic Command. The vessel may also be used for other government missions as directed or placed in a reduced operating status. Work will be performed in the Pacific Ocean operating area, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2021. Working capital contract funds (Navy) in the amount of $11,642,218 are obligated for fiscal 2021, and will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Lockheed Martin Corp. Missile and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, is awarded an $11,513,510 cost-plus-fixed-fee job order under basic ordering agreement N00164-20-G-JQ96 for the performance of non-recurring engineering for contractor sustainment services for the Target Sight System. Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida (90%); and Ocala, Florida (10%), and is expected to be completed in September 2022. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy; 82%); and fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy; 18%) funds in the amount of $7,878,492 will be obligated at the time of contract award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1); only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N0016420FJ269). L3Harris Technologies Inc., Palm Bay, Florida, is awarded a $10,496,695 contract modification (P00002) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract N00421-19-C-0039. This modification exercises Lot 20 option items to procure digital map computers (DMCs) and digital video map computers (DVMCs); 50 DMCs and 77 DVMCs in support of sparing for the Naval Supply Systems Command; 24 DVMCs for the Navy in support of the F/A-18E/F aircraft; 16 DMCs for the government of the Czech Republic; and three DMCs for the government of Bahrain. Additionally, this modification procures 24 extension housings for the DVMC buy for the Navy in support of the F/A-18E/F aircraft program. Work will be performed in Malabar, Florida, and is expected to be completed in December 2022. Defense working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,861,116; fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,715,808; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $919,771 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services Inc., doing business as BAE Systems, Rockville, Maryland, is awarded a $10,195,034 firm-fixed-price contract modification P00006 under previously awarded contract N00604-18-C-4001 to exercise Option Period Three for munitions handling and management services which include receiving, storing, segregating, issuing, inspecting and transporting various types of ammunition, explosives, expendable and technical ordnance material and weapons for Joint Service commands. This contract includes a nine-month base period and four 12-month option periods. The exercise of this option will bring the estimated value of the contract to $35,354,568, and if all options are exercised, it will bring the total value to $45,611,389. Work will be performed in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by September 2021. If all options on the contract are exercised, work will be completed by September 2022. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance funds (Navy) in the full amount of $10,144,531 will be obligated once the modification to exercise Option Year One is awarded, and funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with the solicitation posted to the Federal Business Opportunities and Navy Electronic Commerce Online websites, with two offers received. The Naval Supply Systems Command, Fleet Logistics Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity. PTC Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, is awarded a $10,000,000 contract modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-6121 to exercise and fund an option for provisioned item orders in support of model based production support. Work will be performed in Boston, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed by June 2025. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy; 89%); fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Air Force; 5.3%) fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy; 3%); fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Marines; 2.7%); and funding in the amount of $3,047,196 will be obligated at the time of award, of which, $2,953,194 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. BB&E Inc.,* Northville, Michigan, is awarded a $9,880,969 firm-fixed-price task order for the exercise of the second option period for professional support services in design and capital improvements within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Mid-Atlantic area of responsibility (AOR). After award of this option, the total cumulative task order value will be $26,346,302. The work to be performed provides for various architecture and construction engineering disciplines to assist in completing various design and capital improvement projects. Work will be performed at various installations within the NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic AOR to include Norfolk, Virginia (72%); Jacksonville, North Carolina (8%); Albany, Georgia (4%); Portsmouth, Virginia (3%); Havelock, North Carolina (3%); Crane, Indiana (3%); Kittery, Maine (3%); Great Lakes, Illinois (2%); and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2%). This option period is from September 2020 to September 2021. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $4,094,156 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Fiscal 2020 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $3,300,000 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-18-F-9965). Copious Imaging LLC, Lexington, Massachusetts, is awarded a $9,691,589 cost-plus-fixed-fee job order under basic ordering agreement N00164-20-G-JQ82 for the performance of engineering services and repairs for the Wide Area Infrared Surveillance with Persistence (WISP) system. The WISP is a Counter-small Unmanned Aerial System (C-sUAS) capability used in Air Force base defense efforts. These tasks are comprised of program support; contract progress; status and management reporting; counterfeit prevention; repair; failure reporting, analysis and corrective action system (FRACAS); engineering services; hardware and software upgrade and enhancement; engineering investigations; field service representatives support; operator and maintainer training; configuration management; technical data package development and delivery; logistics support analysis and deliverables; technical manual development and delivery; training material development and delivery; and obsolescence management. Work will be performed at various locations outside the continental U.S., and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Fiscal 2020 other procurement (Air Force; 89%); and fiscal 2020 defense operations and maintenance (11%) funding in the amount of $1,071,272 will be obligated at the time of award and funding in the amount of $121,272 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1), this job order was not competitively procured; only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana is the contracting activity (N00164-20-F-J265). L3Harris Technologies Inc., Rochester, New York, is awarded a $9,397,873 modification to previously awarded contract M67004-19-D-0002 for the refurbishment of Marine Corps Radio components associated with Controlled Cryptographic Communications Systems. The modification increases the quantities of existing assets repaired, adds quantities of two new assets to be repaired and adds a contract line item for the pass-through shipping costs of returning the repaired assets to the government. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $42,411,286. Work will be performed in Rochester, New York, with an expected completion date of July 2021. Fiscal 2020 working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $9,397,873 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Logistics Command, Albany, Georgia, is the contracting activity. Northrup Grumman Innovation Systems Inc., Rocket Center, West Virginia, is awarded a $9,043,261 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of explosives storage magazines at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory, West Virginia. The work to be performed provides for construction of two new reinforced concrete earth-covered magazines for storage of ammunition and explosives. Work will be performed in Rocket City, West Virginia, and is expected to be completed by October 2022. Fiscal 2019 weapons procurement (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $9,043,261 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of fiscal year. This contract was procured as a sole-source with one proposal received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-20-C-0048). Valiant Government Services LLC, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, is awarded an $8,954,557 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification for the exercise of Option Number Three for base operations support services at Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Central (EURAFCENT) area of responsibility (AOR). After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $34,460,779. The work to be performed provides for all management and administration, facilities management and investment, janitorial, pest control, integrated solid waste, pavement clearance and environmental services. Work will be performed in the Province of Campania, Italy, to include the Municipalities of Capodichino and Gricignano di Aversa; and in the Province of Lazo, Italy, to include the Municipality of Gaeta. This option period is from October 2020 to September 2021. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2021 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $7,534,052 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the third option period. NAVFAC EURAFCENT, Naples, Italy is the contracting activity (N62470-17-D-4011). Lockheed Martin Corp., Rotary and Mission Systems, Moorestown, New Jersey, is awarded an $8,495,048 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-5109 for the design, development and manufacture of AEGIS weapon system special test equipment in support of AEGIS integrated logistics services. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by November 2026. Fiscal 2020 Missile Defense Agency defense-wide working capital funds in the amount of $8,495,048 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, D.C., is the contracting activity. AECOM Technical Services Inc., Los Angeles, California, is awarded an $8,483,907 cost-plus-award-fee modification to task order N62742-18-F-0126 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for investigation and remediation of releases and groundwater protection and evaluation for Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The work to be performed under this modification provides supplemental work required by the regulators, such as continuous soil gas monitoring systems, continued additional groundwater and drinking water sampling and evaluation, monitoring well installation, additional groundwater modelling and a potential pilot groundwater tracer test. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by January 2023. Fiscal 2020 Defense working capital funds in the amount of $8,483,907 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-17-D-1800). Aviall Services Inc., Dallas Fort Worth Airport, Texas, is awarded a $7,670,728 firm-fixed-price order N00019-20-F-0110 against previously issued basic ordering agreement SPE4A1-19-G-0005. This order provides for the production and delivery of seven MQ-8C Fire Scout engines; four electronic engine controls; two fuel metering units; and 25 Scavenge oil filters for the Navy. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana (95%); and Dallas Fort Worth Airport, Texas (5%), and is expected to be completed in May 2022. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $6,760,848; and fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $909,880 will be obligated at time of award, $909,880 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Assurance Technology Corp., Carlisle, Massachusetts, is awarded a $7,306,620 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for software definable/reconfigurable systems: design, development, support and integration. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $38,651,676‬. The services to be acquired consist of continuing research and development support of technology advancements, system requirements definition, architecture development, and system and unit design, development and transition to operational use. Work will be performed at the contractor facility in Carlisle, Massachusetts (50%); and Washington, D.C. (50%), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2025. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy) in the amount of $50,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with one offer received via Contract Opportunities. This contract was a negotiated acquisition under the authority of Title 10 U.S. Code 2304(b)(2), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.203. The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00173-20-C-2025). Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC, Northridge, California, is awarded a $7,041,566 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price order (N00019-20-F-0271) against previously issued basic ordering agreement N00019-17-G-0011. This order provides non-recurring engineering support to address hardware and software obsolescence related to special test equipment, to include the Front End Assembly (FEA) test station, Visual Test System, Millimeter Wave (MMW) transceiver test station and the MX-12348/USM cable assembly set interface device. Additionally, this order provides for the production and delivery of five FEA test stations; four MMW test stations; and 15 Visual Test Systems in support of production for all fleet and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers; six MX-12348/USM cable assembly set interface devices, two for the Navy; three for the government of Germany; and one for the government of Australia; and four MX-12307/GYQ-79 cable assembly sets, three for the government of Germany and one for the government of Australia, in support of the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile program for the Navy and FMS customers. Work will be performed in Northridge, California (96%); Torrance, California (2%); and Rome, Italy (2%), and is expected to be completed in February 2023. Fiscal 2020 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,979,877; and FMS funds in the amount of $2,061,689 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. CORRECTION: The contract announced on Sept. 25, 2020, for DSA LLC, Gadsden, Alabama (N40080-20-D-0303) for $8,685,458 had an incorrect award and cumulative contract value amounts. The correct award amount is $9,880,552 and the cumulative contract value amount is $49,402,758. ARMY ASIRTek Federal Services LLC,* San Antonio, Texas (W9124J-20-D-0019); Bacik Group,* Pelham, Alabama (W9124J-20-D-0020); Beshenich Muir & Associates LLC,* Leavenworth, Kansas (W9124J-20-D-0021); Decision Point GAP Solutions JV LLC,* Gaithersburg, Tennessee (W9124J-20-D-0022); FITT Scientific LLC,* Colonial Heights, Virginia (W9124J-20-D-0023); Government & Defense Support Services LLC,* Tyrone, Georgia (W9124J-20-D-0024); Hager Development Group LLC,* Virginia Beach, Virginia (W9124J-20-D-0025); Innovative Reasoning LLC,* Orlando, Florida (W9124J-20-D-0026); IntellecTechs Inc.,* Virginia Beach, Virginia (W9124J-20-D-0027); International Service Contractors,* Winter Garden, Florida (W9124J-20-D-0028); Milvets Systems Technology Inc.,* Orlando, Florida (W9124J-20-D-0029); Offset Systems Group LLC,* Huntsville, Alabama (W9124J-20-D-0030); Red River Science & Technology LLC,* Lawton, Oklahoma (W9124J-20-D-0031); The Logistics Co. Inc.,* Fayetteville, North Carolina (W9124J-20-D-0032); Vali Inc.,* Brownsboro, Alabama (W9124J-20-D-0033); and Veritiss LLC,* Reston, Virginia (W9124J-20-D-0034), will compete for each order of the $414,500,000 hybrid (cost-no-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price) contract to provide garrison augmentation support services in support of mobilization/demobilization and deployment/redeployment activities at multiple Army garrisons in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Bids were solicited via the internet with 27 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2030. The U.S. Army Field Directorate Office, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is the contracting activity. Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $398,329,554 modification (P00031) to contract W31P4Q-17-C-0194 for tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missiles (TOW), TOW obsolescence and safety missiles and practice missiles. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2022. Fiscal 2017, 2019 and 2020 missile procurement (Army); 2019 and 2020 procurement (Defense-wide) funds; and 2018 and 2019 defense revolving funds in the amount of $398,329,553 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity. Honeywell International Inc., Phoenix, Arizona, was awarded a $258,664,388 firm-fixed-price for overhaul/repair of T55-GA-714A engines for the CH-47 Chinook. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2021. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-20-D-0098). TRAX International Corp., Las Vegas, Nevada, was awarded a $90,045,872 modification (P00048) to contract W9124R-18-C-0001 for non-personal test support services at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021. The 418th Contracting Support Brigade, Yuma, Arizona, is the contracting activity (W9124R-18-C-0001). American Ordnance LLC, Middletown, Iowa, was awarded a $76,556,603 firm-fixed-price contract for M795 trinitrotoluene load assemble and pack. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Middletown, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2025. Fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020 procurement of ammunition (Army) funds in the amount of $76,556,603 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-20-C-0035). Professional Contract Services Inc., Austin, Texas, was awarded a $62,023,797 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for facility maintenance, repair support services and minor construction at Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Michigan. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Warren, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2025. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $1,381,562 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-20-C-L859). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $49,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the Wideband Training and Certification System, Version 2. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2025. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-20-D-0015). Turtle Reef Holdings LLC,* Alexandria, Virginia (W15QKN-20-D-0047); Defense Analytics LLC,* Reston, Virginia (W15QKN-20-D-0049); Sehlke Consulting LLC,* Arlington, Virginia (W15QKN-20-D-0050); Lynch Consultants LLC,* Arlington, Virginia (W15QKN-20-D-0051); and Microtechnologies LLC,* Vienna, Virginia (W15QKN-20-D-0052), will compete for each order of the $38,756,039 firm-fixed-price contract to provide professional support services, studies and analyses for Headquarters, Department of the Army. Bids were solicited via the internet with 13 received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2023. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. CDW Government LLC, Vernon Hills, Illinois, was awarded a $34,183,380 firm-fixed-price contract to purchase laptop computers for U.S. Army Reserve Command. 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. 29, 2021. The 419th Contracting Support Brigade, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, is the contracting activity (W91247-20-F-0546). Sauer Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, was awarded a $30,067,000 firm-fixed-price contract for renovation of Building 416 at Fort Myer, Arlington, Virginia. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 14, 2022. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $30,067,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W912DR-20-C-0050). Mike Hooks LLC, West Lake, Louisiana, was awarded a $25,145,900 firm-fixed-price contract for removal of material from the Calcasieu River ship channel. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work will be performed in Lake Charles, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of June 10, 2021. Fiscal 2020 civil construction funds in the amount of $25,145,900 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W912P8-20-C-0068). Pacific Federal-Pacific Tech JV 1 LLLP,* Longview, Washington (W9127N-20-D-0003); RJS Construction Inc.,* Washougal, Washington (W9127N-20-D-0004); and TSI Engineering Inc.,* North Highlands, California (W9127N-20-D-0005), will compete for each order of the $20,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for design-build of small construction projects for the Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, Portland, Oregon. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland, Oregon, is the contracting activity. Radmacher Brothers Excavating Co. Inc., Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was awarded a $16,921,110 firm-fixed-price contract to repair Fort Leavenworth levees. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 19, 2022. Fiscal 2020 civil construction funds in the amount of $16,921,110 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Missouri, is the contracting activity (W912DQ-20-C-4016). Heffler Contracting Group,* El Cajon, California, was awarded a $16,625,637 firm-fixed-price contract for the full facility restoration of Building 295 at Fort Hunter Liggett, California. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work will be performed at Fort Hunter Liggett, California, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2022. Fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance (Army Reserve) funds in the amount of $16,625,637 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Kentucky, is the contracting activity (W912QR-20-C-0055). Sevenson Environmental Services Inc.,* Niagara Falls, New York, was awarded a $16,224,669 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for excavation/remedial action of contaminated soils at the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program/DuPont Chambers work sites in Deepwater, New Jersey. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2022. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (W912BU-20-F-0094). Gannett-Fleming Inc., Camp Hill, Pennsylvania (W912EE-20-D-0012); Stantec Consulting Services Inc., Nashville, Tennessee (W912EE-20-D-0013); and West Consultants Inc.,* San Diego, California (W912EE-20-D-0014), will compete for each order of the $15,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for hydraulic/hydrological engineering, modeling, design and associated engineering support services. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, Mississippi, is the contracting activity. Grunley Construction Co. Inc., Rockville, Maryland, was awarded a $13,999,667 firm-fixed-price contract for roof repair at a Pentagon remote delivery facility. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of April 26, 2022. Fiscal 2018 defense revolving funds in the amount of $13,999,667 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity (W912DR-20-C-0061). Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC, Oak Brook, Illinois, was awarded a $13,800,000 firm-fixed-price contract for removal and disposal of shoal material excavated from the Atchafalaya River Bay. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Berwick, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of April 28, 2021. Fiscal 2020 civil operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $13,800,000 were obligated at the time of the award. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W912P8-20-C-0075). https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2364180/source/GovDelivery/

Promesse tenue pour le budget de la défense Mise à jour : 30/09/2019 - Auteur : Aude Borel - Direction : DICoD Présenté vendredi en Conseil des ministres par Florence Parly, ministre des Armées, le projet de loi de finances 2020 des Armées prévoit une hausse des ressources de 1,7 milliard d'euros, pour s'élever à 37,5 milliards d'euros. Modernisation des équipements majeurs, créations de postes, innovation : tour d'horizon des grandes lignes du budget des Armées pour l'an prochain. 37,5 milliards d'euros. C'est le montant du budget du ministère des Armées pour l'année 2020. Les crédits consentis pour la modernisation des capacités de nos armées en font le deuxième poste budgétaire de l'Etat, derrière l'Education nationale. L'effort de défense en 2020 représentera ainsi 1,86% du PIB. Un budget en hausse de 4,5%. Le budget de la Défense bénéficiera de 1,7 milliard d'euros de ressources nouvelles en 2020, conformément à la trajectoire de la loi de programmation militaire 2019-2025. Au cours des trois dernières années, le budget du ministère des Armées aura ainsi bénéficié de 10 milliards d'euros de dépenses supplémentaires en cumul. En 2019, le budget avait déjà augmenté de 1,7 milliard d'euros. Avec un budget en croissance pour la troisième année consécutive, les engagements sont donc tenus. Les ressources de la Défense devraient augmenter au même rythme d'ici à 2022. Un soldat mieux équipé, mieux protégé. L'effort de défense sur l'équipement devrait atteindre 20,9 milliards d'euros. Dès l'an prochain, la totalité des combattants déployée sur les thé'tres d'opération seront équipés de treillis et casques F3 ainsi que d'un gilet pare-balles nouvelle génération. Une tenue adaptée aux menaces et besoins actuels. 12 000 fusils d'assaut HK 416F supplémentaires viendront remplacer les Famas. Le renouvellement des capacités opérationnelles. L'effort supplémentaire se traduira par des investissements à hauteur de 6,8 milliards d'euros dans la modernisation des principaux programmes d'équipements. Le premier sous-marin d'attaque de nouvelle génération Barracuda, deux ATL2 rénovés et deux A400M seront livrés aux armées françaises courant 2020. 128 nouveaux Griffon, 4 premiers Jaguar et 2 Mirage 2000D rénovés viendront compléter les livraisons attendues. Un financement plus sincère des opérations. En 2020, le montant de la provision pour les opérations extérieures et les missions intérieures atteindra son niveau normalisé de 1,1 milliard d'euros (à comparer à 450 millions d'euros en 2017). Il s'agissait de se rapprocher, sans forcément l'atteindre, du niveau des surcoûts constatés sur la période récente, soit 1,2 à 1,4 milliard d'euros. Avec ces ressources pré-identifiées, cela facilitera le financement des engagements de la France. Le quotidien du militaire et de ses proches amélioré. Le volet social voit lui aussi ses crédits s'accroître. Sur l'année 2020, le plan Famille continue de rester une priorité du ministère des Armées puisqu'environ 80 millions d'euros lui seront consacrés. 120 millions seront débloqués pour améliorer les conditions d'hébergement des militaires et 540 millions seront dédiés à l'entretien des infrastructures. L'accompagnement des anciens combattants maintenu. 2,1 milliards d'euros sur le budget 2020 seront accordés à la mission Anciens Combattants. Pensions militaires d'invalidité, retraite du combattant, budget de l'Office national des anciens combattants et des blessés de guerre (subvention de 26 millions), autant de droits préservés par le projet de loi de finances 2020. Blessés. 293 250 euros seront débloqués pour soutenir l'activité handisport. Actuellement, 274 militaires blessés sont suivis dans la convention entre l'ONACVG et les armées. La rénovation des infrastructures. En 2020, des aménagements liés à l'accueil des frégates multi-missions seront effectués à Brest. L'armée de Terre entreprendra des travaux pour préparer l'arrivée des nouveaux blindés Scorpion. L'an prochain, 300 engins de ce type entreront en service. La base aérienne 125 d'Istres se préparera quant à elle à réaliser les infrastructures pour le MRTT Phénix. Les priorités du budget. Nouvel environnement de conflictualité, l'espace bénéficiera de 448 millions d'euros, notamment pour renouveler les capacités satellitaires. 336 millions seront investis dans le domaine du renseignement. Autre axe majeur : le cyber (1,6 milliard). 93 nouveaux cyber-combattants gagneront les rangs de l'institution l'année prochaine. En 2020, le budget de la dissuasion nucléaire est porté à 4,7 milliards d'euros pour renouveler les composantes océanique et aéroportée. Construire une Europe de la Défense. L'initiative européenne d'intervention (IEI) qui regroupe à l'heure actuelle 13 pays constitue une force potentielle de 26 000 militaires engagés en opérations extérieures. Dans le cadre de la Coopération structurée permanente, 8 projets sur 34 sont coordonnés par la France, comme la rénovation de l'hélicoptère Tigre déployé au Sahel. Un chiffre qui témoigne de l'importance de la France dans le dispositif européen. Développer l'innovation. 5,5 milliards seront consacrés à la Recherche et au Développement. Les études amont dédiées aux travaux de jeunes chercheurs et à l'innovation à cycle court connaîtront en 2020 une croissance de 8,3% par rapport à 2019, avec une enveloppe dédiée de 821 millions d'euros. Parmi les grandes nouveautés, la création d'une cellule de coordination de l'intelligence artificielle de Défense (CCIAD). Sur le plan énergétique, 2020 verra la concrétisation du Plan « Place au Soleil » et les conclusions du comité de travail dédié à l'énergie. Patrimoine. 5 millions d'euros seront consacrés à l'entretien et à la valorisation des neuf hauts lieux de la mémoire nationale, 274 nécropoles, sépultures et carrés militaires sur le territoire national. Les trois musées nationaux des armées bénéficieront de subventions totalisant un montant de 44,7 millions d'euros. En 2020, les commémorations célébreront la guerre de 1870, le 80e anniversaire de l'appel du 18 Juin du général De Gaulle, le 75e anniversaire de la libération des camps et le 70e anniversaire de la création du bataillon de Corée. Jeunesse. La loi de finances 2020 se fixe comme objectif d'atteindre 750 000 jeunes entre 16 et 25 ans via la Journée défense et citoyenneté. Pour le Service militaire volontaire, l'ambition est de fidéliser plus de 300 volontaires et de maintenir le taux d'insertion à 70%. Des personnels pour la protection des Français. Une force de 10 000 soldats assure la protection des citoyens sur le territoire national. 7 000 d'entre eux sont mobilisables en permanence et 3 000 sont rattachés à la réserve stratégique. S'y ajoute un vivier de 40 000 réservistes opérationnels. La LPM prévoit 1 500 nouveaux emplois sur la période 2019-2022. 450 ont été créés en 2019, 300 le seront en 2020. A noter que chaque année, 27 000 personnes sont recrutées au sein du ministère des Armées. https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/articles/projet-de-loi-de-finances-2020-promesse-tenue-pour-le-budget-de-la-defense

L'Occar transforme en commande ferme une option sur un Airbus A330 MRTT dans le cadre du contrat MMF qui vise à créer une flotte de ravitailleurs pour plusieurs pays européens. Quatre Airbus A330 MRTT en un mois Après la commande passée par la France pour trois Airbus A330 transformables en MRTT dans le cadre du plan de relance du gouvernement, c'est au tour de l'Occar transformer en achat ferme une des trois options prises dans le cadre du contrat MMF (Multinational MRTT Fleet) qui porte sur huit Airbus A330 MRTT fermes. Initié en 2012 par l'Agence européenne de la Défense, ce contrat est géré par l'Occar pour le compte de la NSPA, l'agence de soutien et d'achats de l'OTAN. L'objectif est de mettre le parc à la disposition de plusieurs pays européens : les Pays-Bas, le Luxembourg, la Norvège, l'Allemagne, la Belgique et la République Tchèque. Le Luxembourg veut plus d'heures Les Etats participant au programme MMF ont un accès exclusif aux ravitailleurs qui sont gérés en pool par l'OTAN. Les coûts et le personnel sont répartis en fonction du nombre d'heures de vol requises par chaque pays. C'est la demande du Luxembourg d'augmenter son quota d'heures de vol qui a d'ailleurs déclenché cette commande qui porte désormais à neuf le nombre d'Airbus A330 MRTT commandés fermes auxquels s'ajoutent deux options. Le Luxembourg veut en effet passer de 200 à 1 200 heures de vol. Des avions multimissions Comme les deux premiers exemplaires livrés, l'appareil sera configuré pour réaliser plusieurs missions : le ravitaillement en vol mais aussi le transport de personnels et de fret ainsi que les opérations d'évacuation médicale. La pandémie de coronavirus ou covid-19 a d'ailleurs été l'occasion pour les A330 MRTT Phénix de l'Armée de l'Air de démontrer ses capacités en matière d'évacuation médicale d'urgence dans le cadre de l'Opération Résilience qui a nécessité l'installation de postes de réanimation lourde pour accompagner le transport des patients. https://air-cosmos.com/article/nouvelle-commande-pour-lairbus-a330-mrtt-23664

KELSEY ATHERTON Offering Ground-Stations-as-a-Service means customers are only obliged to pay for the amount of time they actually need to use on the station. ALBUQUERQUE: Azure Orbital, the space-connections wing of Microsoft's cloud service Azure, launched last week. By offering Ground-Stations-as-a-Service, Microsoft wants to position itself as the bridge between the Pentagon and commercial satellites. Ground stations are vital infrastructure for satellite communication, the physical node that makes all the images and information they collect useful. With the advent of lower-cost satellites, and the expansion of small satellite constellations in low earth orbit, the space industry is moving away from a locked-in model, where specific vendors only grant access to their satellites through their ground stations. “Space is just so critical to everything we do here on earth,” says Frank Rose, a former assistant secretary of state for arms control who is now at Brookings. “Deploying additional capabilities, especially small satellites, in low earth orbit will definitely improve the resiliency of our national security space architecture.” Earlier this year, Microsoft Azure won the $10 billion JEDI contract for Pentagon cloud services. Offering Ground-Stations-as-a-Service means that the customers are only obliged to pay for the amount of time they actually need on the station. Cloud service providers already have a great deal of experience in flexible demand management and in processing the data received in their servers. That makes ground stations a natural outgrowth of existing cloud competences, the company argues. In June 2020, the Space Development Agency said that rentable ground stations make it easier for the military to piggy-back on existing commercial infrastructure. When it comes to constellations of small satellites, what companies are “trying to do is to optimize their processing architecture, trying to minimize how much compute you need to do on board because of the [Size, Weight and Power] constraints, which inevitably leads them to do more on the ground,” says Mikhail Grinberg, principle at Renaissance Strategic Advisors. Yet that principal doesn't apply evenly across all applications. “For some military applications, given resiliency requirements,” says Grinberg, “they're trying to do more networking processing on board, as opposed to having an open pipe that can be tapped into.” While Azure Orbital appears aimed at the space sector broadly, it is specifically cultivating ties to the Pentagon and the defense contracting community. Partners signed up at launch include Amergint, Kongsberg Satellite Services, Viasat, and US Electrodynamics, all of whom have long histories of working with the Pentagon. Of particular note is Azure Orbital's partnership with Kratos, a company already actively working to make low-earth-orbit satellite space viable for military applications. “Right now, the current national security space architecture is very vulnerable to other countries' Anti-Satellite capabilities, primarily China's and Russia's,” says Rose. “If we can proliferate this constellation of small satellites, we can improve the resiliency of America's national security space architecture.” The military is planning for low earth orbit satellites in the battle management layer, ones that will primarily be processing data on board, having access to commercial infrastructure through Ground-Stations-as-a-Service increases the likelihood that they can be used when needed. “For satellites in low earth orbit it might be days, three to four days before it's overhead again. That's the core problem,” says Brian Weeden of the Secure World Foundation. “One way you can solve that is by building a lot of ground stations.” “The more you have commercial guys doing infrastructure on the ground,” says Grinberg, “if you can partition the data right, you can provide more resiliency.” As part of its bid to build strong ties between Azure and the Department of Defense, Microsoft has specifically hired career professionals of the military and intelligence communities. In late, Azure hired Chirag Parikh from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Parikh had previously served as the Director of Space Policy for the White House. William Chappell, CTO of Azure Global, announced Sept. 22nd that Azure Space had hired Stephen Kitay, former deputy assistant secretary of Defense for space policy, to head Azure's space industry division. It is, actively, a project to embed Microsoft in the infrastructure of orbit. By positioning itself as an intermediary between the space sector and its end users, Microsoft can become another almost-invisible piece of that same infrastructure. Azure Orbital would also offer Microsoft a greater role in other Pentagon satellite-based projects, like cloudONE and the Advanced Battle Management System. Being able to surge connections with sensors in orbits, on demand, makes space far more flexible for human commanders. “In the last 5 years, there's been a push from the military to move towards more common ground systems,” says Weeden. What remains to be seen is if the military will be comfortable with commercial companies operating those common ground systems, or if security concerns will instead preclude military traffic riding commercial channels. https://breakingdefense.com/2020/09/microsoft-positions-itself-to-win-space-data-market-with-azure-orbital/