Dear Readers,
Last week I attended a meeting that addressed how the conflict in Afghanistan was covered by the international media, as well as the restrictions that were placed on them.
It was a long conflict, and as often happens in conflicts those who are trying to control its direction also try to ‘manage’ how the story is told. It is at this point where independent journalists who want to reflect the reality of the situation rebel against having a version of the story told to them. When this happens those in control start to bring in their own ‘tame’ people who will tell the story the way those running the campaign want it to be told.
When I first went to Afghanistan in 2007, journalists like me who essentially write about defence and who are not war correspondents were given assistance to make the trip to report on the campaign in general, to interview a variety of commanders and report on the equipment being used. Sometimes negative reporting is a good thing – such as the criticism over the continued use of Snatch Land Rovers until they were withdrawn. (There was also a lack of body armour for the troops in the early days of the War in Iraq). Both of these stories were initially played down – or minimised.
However, as the conflict progressed, independent media were less often given room on any flight as ‘in-house’ government media were given priority. The ‘Green Book,’ the Ministry of Defence’s Guide on Working Arrangements was tightened and made much more costly for independents to contemplate the trip. Blue ‘media’ body armour was no longer available from sources that had previously provided it, courses and training had to be undertaken (at own expense), medical check-ups had to be made – including a visit to the dentist.
Invariably, aside from the ‘high budget’ daily and broadcast media who can afford some measure of independence, the soldier on the ground knows what is happening in front of their eyes, and trying to push an alternative truth will out in the end.
Thanks for reading,
Andrew Drwiega
A FIVE DAY SNAPSHOT OF CHINA’S INCURSIONS INTO TAIWAN’S AIR SPACE
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) appears to have stepped up its campaign of incursions into the national airspace of the Republic of China (Taiwan). While this can be ascribed to training and regular patrolling by some, the frequency and volume of aircraft involved can be seen more as a continuous test of that country’s resolve to defend its airspace and, no doubt, to monitor how it responds to a variety of aircraft types and challenges.
So far in October, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence has reported that the PLAAF has mounted the following:
Tuesday 5 October
Daytime – 1 x Shaanxi Y-8 ASW
Monday 4 October
Daytime – 34 x Shenyang J-16 multirole strike fighters; 2 x Sukhoi Su-30 (Flankers); 2 x Y-8 ASW; 2 x Shaanxi KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft; 12 x Xian H-6 (Russian Tupolev Tu-16 build under licence).
At night – 4 x J-16.
Sunday 3 October
Daytime – 8 x J-16; 4 x Su-30; 2 x Y-8 ASW; 2 x KJ-500 AEW&C.
Saturday 2 October
Daytime – 14 x J-16; 4 x Su-30; 2 x Y-8 ASW.
At night – 12 x J-16; 6 x Su-30; 1 x KJ-500 AEW&C.
Friday 1 October
Daytime – 18 x J-16; 4 x Su-30; 2 x H-6; 1 x Y-8 ASW.
At night – 10 x J-16; 2 x H-6; 1 x KJ-500
That’s a total of 150 individual incursions in only the first five days of October, all taking place in Taiwan’s southwestern air defence identification zone (ADIZ).
Although the above figures were reported by the Republic Of China Air Force (ROCAF) around China’s National Day (1 October), such intimidation on a grand scale been increasing. As reported by Newsweek online (30 September): “Taiwan’s air force has detected and sought to expel 522 PLA flights into the air defence zone since the start of the year, compared to its estimate of 380 sorties for the whole of 2020—itself a record at the time.”
DARPA DELVES INTO QUANTUM-INSPIRED PROBLEM SOLVING
The US government’s research and development programme agency, DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), has launched a new programme entitled Quantum-Inspired Classical Computing (QuICC).
According to a DARPA statement, “the QuICC programme seeks to leverage lessons learned from benchmarking quantum algorithms to develop QI solvers for a range of complex DOD optimisation problems, and demonstrate the feasibility of reducing the required computational energy by at least two orders of magnitude over existing techniques.”
Plainly put, DARPA is seeking to apply lessons learned in quantum techniques to solve defence organisational problems such as supply distribution through the limitations of its existing computing resources.
Bryan Jacobs, a programme manager in the Microsystems Technology Office said that the new Quantum-Inspired (QI) classical solvers “are mixed-signal systems that use classical analog components and digital logic to emulate the physics of dynamic systems.”
Assessing progress made on QuICC will be determined by “a set of key metrics, including computational efficiency, which is characterised by the energy expended to obtain a high-quality solution to a given problem. QuICC prototype systems will target a 50x reduction in energy for intermediate problem sizes, and show the feasibility of a 500x reduction for mission-scale problem sizes.”
“With QuICC, we want to create a fundamentally new way of doing classical computing that takes inspiration from the algorithmic advances happening in quantum computing. The goal is to enable a 500x performance improvement in the energy required to solve complex, DOD-relevant optimisation problems. If we’re successful in generalising and scaling QI solvers for DOD-relevant applications, we could see a quantum leap in computational efficiency for a broad range of optimisation challenges,” said Jacobs.
US MAJOR ARMS SALES (Defence Security Cooperation Agency – DSCA).
30 September – Australia, EA-18G Growler Aircraft and Related Defence Services
The State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of EA-18G Growler Aircraft, Related Defense Services, and related equipment for an estimated cost of $125 million.
16 September, 2021 – Saudi Arabia, Continuation of Maintenance Support Services (MSS)
The State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of Continuation of Maintenance Support Services (MSS) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million.
US GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Highlighting a selection of $100 million+ government awarded contracts awarded between 28 September – 1 October.
1 October
US NAVY
Delphinus Engineering; and Epsilon Systems Solutions, were awarded an IDIQ contract under the Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) multiple award contract for $892 million to provide technical management, administrative and technical support services, materials, tools, equipment, and facilities to support the installation, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of main and auxiliary weapons, hull, mechanical and electrical equipment to support SUBSAFE and Level I material work onboard various class of Navy submarines. The Naval Surface Warfare Center is the contracting activity. (Awarded 30 Sept, 2021)
Lockheed Martin Space is awarded a $445 million modification contract for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed systems support. Strategic Systems Programs is the contracting activity.
General Electric Aviation is awarded a $131 million IDIQ logistics requirements contract for the repair, upgrade or replacement; inventory management; and required supply response times of two T-700 engine components in support of the Navy’s H-60 Seahawk and the Marine Corp’s AH-1 Cobra helicopters. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support is the contracting activity.
United States Marine was awarded a $54 million IDIQ contract for up to 35 11-meter Navy Special Warfare Rigid Inflatable Boats, trailers, accessories, spares, and other technical assistance. This contract combines purchases for the Coast Guard (23 percent) and foreign governments as assigned by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in accordance with Building Partnership Capacity and Foreign Military Sales programs. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity. (Awarded 28 Sept, 2021)
US AIR FORCE
OraSure Technologies was awarded a $109 million contract for the increased domestic manufacturing capability of rapid antigen self-tests for home care testing. This contract provides for the retrofit of a production facility and a new additional facility with machinery to increase domestic COVID-19 rapid test production capacity. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity. (Awarded 30 Sept, 2021)
Amherst Systems has been awarded a $99.9 IDIQ contract for Test Facilities Threat Simulators (TFTS) sustaining engineering services (SES) support; and a $530,744 task order (FA2487-21-F-1017) for the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron TFTS SES support. The contract provides for the sustainment of Radio Frequency Threat Simulators in support of the Air Force Test Center electronic warfare mission. Air Force Test Center is the contracting activity. (Awarded 30 Sept, 2021)
Glasshouse Systems has been awarded a $15.9 million contract for integrated logistics support. This contract provides logistics support updates and maintenance for the Egypt Mobile Surveillance Sensor Security System (MS3). This contract involves 100 percent Foreign Military Sales to Egypt. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity. (Awarded 30 Sep, 2021)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Stryker Sales, has been awarded a $100 million IDIQ contract for patient monitoring and capital equipment systems and accessories. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support.
30 September
US NAVY
Fluor Marine Propulsion is awarded a $1.1 billion modification contract to exercise the fiscal 2022 option for naval nuclear propulsion work at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics Electric Boat is awarded a $475 million modification contract for lead yard support efforts serving the entire Columbia-class fleet ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) through 2028. The contract modification also provide continued support for class continuous production of shipyard components, shipyard labor in support of fully outfitted missile tubes, and submarine industrial base development and expansion as part of the integrated enterprise plan (IEP) and multi-program material procurement supporting Columbia SSBNs and the nuclear shipbuilding enterprise (Virginia-class and Ford-class). The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Boeing is awarded a $172 million modification contract that adds scope that provides for the integration of the Cockpit Pressure and On-Board Oxygen Generating Monitoring System onto new F/A-18E/F production aircraft in an effort to mitigate potential physiological episodes. Additionally, this modification adds scope that provides for the procurement of aircraft armament equipment (AAE) in support of the production and delivery of 78 F/A-18E/F aircraft and various quantities of miscellaneous AAE hardware, as well as non-recurring engineering for new tooling, refurbishment and replacement of broken down tools and technical documents in support of F/A-18 aircraft production. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
SAFE Boats International is awarded an $84.2 million modification contract for the detail design, construction, outfitting, reactivation, and training for six Mark VI (MK VI) patrol boats (PBs), with an option for two more. This effort will provide MK VI PBs to Ukraine towards fulfilling Building Partner Capacity (BPC) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF). The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Rotary Missions Systems is awarded a $28.7 contract for engineering and technical services for land based test site support for the Australia Surface Combatant Program AEGIS Combat and Weapon System baseline development. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the government of Australia. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Avum; Cencore; Cognetic Technologies; Computer Technologies Consultants; Data Intelligence; Forward Slope; The Cameron Bell Corp., doing business as Gov Solutions Group; JRH Consultants; Metronome; Nexagen Networks; Pioneer Technologies; Programs Management Analytics & Technologies; ProSync Technology Group; Sentar; Solute; Tri Star Engineering; and Vsolvit, are awarded a $10 million IDIQ multiple-award contract to support systems engineering, software engineering, designing, developing, testing, sustaining, maintaining, system hosting and life-cycle support for the development and sustainment of non-tactical business and enterprise information applications and systems. Funds will be obligated as task orders are issued using operation and maintenance (Navy) and other funding, which may include working capital (Navy); research, development, test, and evaluation (Navy); other procurement (Navy); and Foreign Military Sales funds. Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific is the contracting activity.
US ARMY
Boeing was awarded a $391 million contract for up to five CH-47F renew aircraft. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.
GlaxoSmithKline was awarded a $279 million contract for procurement, storage, and distribution of GlaxoSmithKline’s monoclonal antibody therapeutic treatment Sotrovimab. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity. (Awarded 29 Sept, 2021)
Thalle Construction was awarded a $166 million contract for construction of new downstream monoliths and associated features for the Kentucky Lock. US Army Corps of Engineers is the contracting activity.
Dobco was awarded a $101 million contract for repair Lee and Sherman Barracks, buildings 740 and 738, West Point, New York. US Army Corps of Engineers is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
General Electric Aviation has been awarded a $283 million contract for T700 engine supplies. Using military services are Army, Air Force and Navy. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation.
US AIR FORCE
Textron Aviation Defense has been awarded a $15.6 million contract for support and sustainment of the Iraq Peace Dragon program. This contract provides for field service representatives, program management, core/field engineering, and repair-and-return. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas; and Martyr Mohammed Ali Air Base, Iraq, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2022. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Iraq. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Missiles and Defense has been awarded a $11 million modification contract for Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile Production-9 Common Air-Launched Navigation System life of type buy. Fiscal 2020 Air Force missile procurement funds in the amount of $7.1 million; fiscal 2021 Navy weapons procurement funds in the amount of $3.1 million; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $698,770 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity.
ATI Engineering Services has been awarded a $9.6 million IDIQ contract for a Tunisia Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance system. This delivery order provides for two aircraft, support equipment and spares.. This contract involves 100% Foreign Military Sales to Tunisia. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity.
29 September
US NAVY
General Electric is awarded a $483 million IDIQ contract that procures spare F414 engines and various spare engine modules in support of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler production aircraft. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Raytheon is awarded a $358 million contract in support of the fiscal 2021-2023 Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) Block 2 full rate production requirements. The ESSM program is an international cooperative effort to design, develop, test, and procure ESSM missiles. The ESSM provides enhanced ship defense. This contract includes options which, if exercised at the maximum quantities, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $1.2 billion. This contract combines purchases for the Navy and the governments of Canada, Australia, Greece, Germany, Norway, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark under the NATO Seasparrow Consortium. Fiscal 2021 other customer funds in the amount of $189 million (53 percent); fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $156 million (44 percent); and fiscal 2020 other customer funds in the amount of $12.6 million (3 percent), will be obligated at time of award. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Bristol Design Build Services; HGL Construction; Klutina River Contractors; PacWest-Korte JV; The Clement Group; VHB; Walga Ross Group 3 JV, are each awarded an IDIQ multiple award construction contract for construction projects located primarily within the area of operations managed by Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast. The work to be performed will primarily consist of general building type projects including aviation and aircraft facilities, marine facilities, barracks and personnel housing facilities, administrative facilities, warehouses and supply facilities, training facilities, personnel support and service facilities, security level facilities, and the abatement and handling of hazardous and regulated materials. NAVFAC Southeast is the contracting activity.
Insight-Tidewater, and NOREAS-Aptim Environmental Remediation JV, and are each awarded an IDIQ multiple award contract for environmental remediation projects located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR) including Alaska, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and other locations nationwide. The work to be performed includes environmental remedial and removal actions, remedial design, expedited and emergency response actions, pilot and treatability studies, remedial systems operation and maintenance, corrective actions, and other related activities associated with returning sites to safe and acceptable levels of contamination. NAVFAC Southwest is the contracting activity.
Raytheon is awarded a $147 million IDIQ contract that provides for the procurement of a maximum quantity of 415 LAU-115 D/A and 308 LAU-116 B/A guided missile launchers to enable F/A-18 aircraft to carry and launch AIM-120 and AIM-9X Missiles. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River is the contracting activity.
Raytheon is awarded a $52.6 million modification to previously awarded contract to exercise options for design agent and engineering services to support the Cooperative Engagement Capability program. This contract combines purchase for the US government (81 percent); and the governments of Australia, Japan, and Canada (19 percent combined) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $11.5 million (61 percent); FMS Australia funds in the amount of $1.6 million (9 percet); fiscal 2019 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $1.2 million (7 percent); fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $1.1 million (6 percent); FMS (Japan) funds in the amount of $983,328 (5 percent); FMS Canada funds in the amount of $939,800 (5 percent); fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $590,837 (3 percent); fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $280,000 (2 percet); fiscal 2019 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $243,102 (1 percent); and fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $200,000 (1 percent) will be obligated at time of award. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems is awarded a $43.8 million order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement that procures various spare components in support of sustainment efforts for the Japan configuration of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft (JAA1-JAA4) for the government of Japan. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $43.8 million will be obligated at the time of award. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Design West Technologies is awarded a $24.4 million contract for the manufacture, assembly, test and delivery of MK 5 Mod 2 and MK 6 Mod 1 launch sequencers and associated kitted material. The launch sequencers and kitted materials are subsystems and components of the MK 41 Vertical Launching System used on ships of the U.S. Navy and foreign navies. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $138 million. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. government (48 percent); and the governments of Australia (20 percent); Spain (17 percent); Germany (8 percent); Finland (5 percent); and the Republic of Korea (2 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Fiscal 2021 Foreign Military Sales in the amount of $12 million (52 percent); fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $4.9 million (21 percent); fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $2.7 million (11 percent); fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1.5 million (6 percent); fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Army) funds in the amount of $1.3 million (6 percent); and fiscal 2020 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1 million (4 percent) will be obligated at time of awardThe Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme Division is the contracting activity.
American Rheinmetall Systems is awarded a $19.9 million contract for Rheinmetall-Oerlikon Searanger 20mm gun systems. This procurement includes production, spares, and training. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $20.2 million. This contract combines purchases for the Navy and the government of Egypt under the Foreign Military Sales program. Foreign Military Sales (Egypt) in the amount of $19.9 million will be obligated at the time of award. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE
Ernst & Young is being awarded a labor-hour contract with a maximum value of $200 million for audit services of the Department of the Air Force General Fund and Working Capital Fund financial statements and examination. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service is the contracting activity.
US ARMY
Addon Services; Mountain Consulting; Magna JV; Kunj Construction; Intercontinental Construction Contracting; Goldbelt Operations Support Services; Enfield Enterprises; Cineteot; Benaka; ARS Aleut Construction; ARK Construction; AMES 1; The OAK Group; and S&S Mechanical, will compete for each order of the $200 million contract for maintenance, repair, minor construction services. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.
Jacobs BV was awarded a $100 million contract for to provide design and construction services for the completion of East campus within Fort Meade, Maryland. US Army Corps of Engineers is the contracting activity.
Acquisition Integration; ARCTOS Missions Solutions; Axxeum; and S&K Aerospace, will compete for each order of the $43.5 million Foreign Military Sales (Kenya and Uganda) contract for non-standard rotary wing aircraft parts. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Propper International has been awarded a $135 million IDIQ contract for the MOLLE 4000 rucksack set and related components. Using military service is Army. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support.
US AIR FORCE
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has been awarded a $77.1 million contract modification for the United Kingdom MQ-9B Protector program. This contract modification provides for the design, development, integration, and component level testing of additional capabilities being added to the baseline program. This modification involves 100 percent Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the United Kingdom. Total cumulative face value of the contract is not-to-exceed $175,709,730. FMS funds in the amount of $28,490,220 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Medium Altitude Unmanned Aerial Systems Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
28 September
US NAVY
Gilbane Federal; Hensel Phelps Construction; Korte; M. A. Mortenson., doing business as Mortenson Construction; RQ Construction; Sauer; and Walsh Federal, are awarded a combined-maximum-value $900 million IDIQ multiple-award construction contract for construction projects located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of operations. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast is the contracting activity.
Boeing is awarded a $344 million modification to an IDIQ contract that increases the contract ceiling to procure up to a maximum quantity of 24,000 additional Precision Laser Guidance Sets in support of the Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition program for Navy, Air Force and Foreign Military Sales customers. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Boeing is awarded a $220 million order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement that provides non-recurring engineering in support of configuration efforts for the Harpoon Coastal Defense System (HCDS), to include the Harpoon Block II Update Grade B Canister Launch All Up Round Missiles, the HCDS launch system, and Harpoon weapon station test and production equipment for the government of Taiwan. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $107 million will be obligated at time of award. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Black Construction is awarded a $122 million contract for the construction of a machine gun range at the Northwest Field, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The work to be performed provides for the construction of a multi-lane multi-purpose machine gun range, a range control tower, ammunition distribution point, and covered bleachers. The work also includes utilities, site work and incidental related work. The option, if exercised, provides for the furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $122 million. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Raytheon was awarded a $105 million contract for engineering and technical services in support of the Evolved Seasparrow Missile and NATO Seasparrow Missile Systems programs. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $362 million. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (96 percent); and the governments of Japan (1 percent); Thailand (1 percent); United Arab Emirates (1 percent); and the Republic of Korea (1 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Fiscal 2021 other customer funds in the amount of $11.2 million (62 percent); fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $3.7 million (20 percent); fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $1.5 million (8 percent); fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $713,373 (4 percent); fiscal 2020 other customer funds in the amount of $301,080 (2 percent); fiscal 2019 other customer funds in the amount of $149,250 (1 percent); FMS Japan funds in the amount of $100,000 (1 percent); FMS Thailand funds in the amount of $46,966 (1 percent); and FMS United Arab Emirates funds in the amount of $46,966 (1 percent) will be obligated at time of award The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity. (Awarded 23 Sept, 2021)
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics is awarded a $67 million contract that exercises options to procure repair and replenishment of parts and consumables for the F-35 aircraft in support of the Air Force, non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Air Force) funds in the amount of $43 million; non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $14.3 million; and FMS funds in the amount of $9.7 million will be obligated at time of award. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin is awarded a $20.8 million order that provides non-recurring engineering and field service representative support in support of configuration efforts for four MH-60R aircraft from standard Foreign Military Sales (FMS) configuration to the government of Greece configuration. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
E.A.S. Manufacturing is awarded an $11.9 million IDIQ contract that provides for the production, delivery and installation of the Aircraft Launcher Interface Computer (ALIC) chassis and associated mechanical assemblies to include 649 ALIC chassis units; 64 chassis units; one ALIC chassis first article unit; and one chassis first article unit in support of the functional interface between the F-15/F-16 aircraft and the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile for Foreign Military Sales customers. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division is the contracting activity.
Bell Boeing Joint Project Office is awarded an $8.9 million order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement that provides for the design and development of a replacement keyboard unit for the V-22 control display unit due to functional obsolescence in support of the V-22 Flight Control System redesign. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $5.1 million; fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $358,037; fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $1.1 million; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $845,904 will be obligated at the time of award. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
US ARMY
General Dynamics Land Systems was awarded a $230 million contract for work consolidating facility operations support, support and maintenance of government furnished property, and production process improvements support at multiple Abrams tank production facilities. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.
Parsons Government Services was awarded a $145 million contract for construction of an energetic waste incinerator and contaminated waste processor. US Army Corps of Engineers is the contracting activity.
Kiewit Infrastructure South was awarded a $136 million contract for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. US Army Corps of Engineers is the contracting activity.
BAE OSI Systems was awarded a $106 million modification contract for acetic acid expansion build, commissioning, and transfer to the production project at Holston Army Ammunition Plant. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.
System Studies & Simulation was awarded a $9.7 million Foreign Military Sales (Bahrain, Finland, Poland, Romania, and Taiwan) modification contract for system engineering and technical assistance. Fiscal 2021 Bahrain, Finland, Poland, Romania, and Taiwan Foreign Military Sales; other procurement, Army; and research, development, test, and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $9.7 million were obligated at the time of the award. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.
US AIR FORCE
Rolls Royce has been awarded an $82.9 million delivery order for the procurement of engines to support the C-130J aircraft fleet. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to France, Germany, and New Zealand, and is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2019 and 2020 procurement funds in the amount of $48.3 million, and FMS funds in the amount of $34.6million are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity.
27 September
US AIR FORCE
Boeing has been awarded a $3.4 billion IDIQ contract for the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Program. The period of performance is nine years and eight months, consisting of three 12-month ordering periods, two 37-month options, and the six-month option to extend services, for a total maximum value of $23 billion. This contract will provide support and sustainment services to the government product support manager/product support integrator for the C-17 weapon system. Support includes, but is not limited to: program management; sustaining logistics; material and equipment management; sustaining engineering; quality assurance; depot level aircraft maintenance and modifications; F117 propulsion system management; long-term sustainment planning; field services, unique foreign military customer services and Air Logistics Center partnering support for the worldwide fleet of the C-17 aircraft. The contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, NATO Airlift Management Program Office, India, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity.
Health Supply US has been awarded a $136 million contract for capacity expansion of nitrile rubber gloves production for Department of Health and Human Services in care of Defense Assisted Acquisition. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center is the contracting activity. (Awarded 24 Sept, 2021)
Raytheon Technologies, doing business as Pratt & Whitney was awarded a $40 million delivery order against the F100 Production Programs IDIQ contract for the provision of F100-PW-229 engine modules. This contract is 100-percent Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Korea. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity.
Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials has been awarded a $37 million IDIQ contract for F-35 production and sustainment. This contract provides for F-35 government-furnished material for production and replenishment spares. Fiscal 2021 procurement funds ($3.4 million); Navy funds ($738,457); Marine Corps funds ($1 million); Foreign Military Sales funds ($1 million); and partner nations funds ($1.9 million) totalling $8.3 million are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity.
BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration has been awarded an $11 million contract for the crypto modernisation of the Airborne Integrated Terminal Group, AN/ARC-234 radio set. This contract provides for the installation of the updated baseband input/output devices for both domestic inventory and Foreign Military Sales (FMS). This contract involves FMS support for Australia, Canada, and Turkey and is the result of a sole-source acquisition. This contract will be funded utilising US and FMS procurement funds. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is the contracting activity.
US NAVY
Boeing is awarded a $756 million modification contract that exercises an option for the production and delivery of five Lot 12 P-8A aircraft for the government of Germany. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $756 million will be obligated at time of award. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Bell Boeing Joint Project Office is awarded a $214 million cost-plus-incentive-fee order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement that provides for the redesign and development of the V-22 Flight Control System, to include the flight control computer, cockpit interface unit and associated test equipment due to functional obsolescence, cybersecurity initiatives, and diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense is awarded a $138 million IDIQ contract for the repair/overhaul, upgrades, procurement and mini-stock point support for components in support of the Close-In Weapon System program. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support is the contracting activity.
Rolls-Royce is awarded a $105 million modification to a previously awarded IDIQ contract that increases scope and provides intermediate and depot level maintenance, logistics and engineering support for 216 in-service T-45 F405-RR-401 Adour engines. The Naval Air Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Nicklaus AMEC JV is awarded a $100 million IDIQ contract for stormwater, incidental groundwater, wastewater, and potable water compliance and management services primarily in the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southwest is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense is awarded a $25.3 million modification contract to procure Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) Zumwalt-class spares, deliver and install MK 698 guidance missile test set (GMTS), and MK 698 GMTS spare parts/material. This contract combines purchases for the Navy (6 percent); and the governments of Spain, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands (94 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. FMS Spain funds in the amount of $16.5 million (65 percent); FMS Japan funds in the amount of $5.2 million (21 percent); fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1.5 million (6 percent); FMS Taiwan funds in the amount of $778,272 (3 percent); FMS Germany funds in the amount of $703,917 (3 percent); FMS Australia funds in the amount of $272,046 (1 percent); and Memorandum of Understanding (Netherlands) funds in the amount of $245,026 (1 percent) will be obligated at time of award. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.
Kilgore Flares, doing business as Chemring Countermeasures USA is awarded a $12 million contract to manufacture of MJU-61A/B aircraft infrared flares. This effort involves funding under the Foreign Military Sales program. Funding for the MJU-32A/B combines purchases with procurement of ammunition (Air Force) funds (60 percent); procurement of ammunition (Navy and Marine Corps) funds (24 percent); Australia funds (13.78 percent); Japan funds (1.33 percent); the Netherlands funds (0.41 percent); Italy funds (0.31 percet); and Brazil funds (0.17 percent) in the full amount of $12 million, which will be obligated at time of award. Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support is the contracting activity.
US ARMY
Knight Construction & Supply; Sievert Electric Service and Sales; REEL COH; and Garco WEMCO a Joint Venture, will compete for each order of the $99.9 million contract for design, manufacture, installation of new cranes, rehabilitation of existing crane and hoist equipment, inspections, testing, below the hook load rating and load testing. US Army Corps of Engineers is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control was awarded a $34.2 million contract for Hellfire legacy launchers, obsolete component parts, ancillary equipment and engineering services. Fiscal 2010 Foreign Military Sales (Czech Republic, Greece and United Arab Emirates); and fiscal 2020 and 2021 procurement, defense-wide funds in the amount of $34.2 million were obligated at the time of the award. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Systems was awarded a $14.7 million Foreign Military Sales (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) contract to provide a Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control and Air and Missile Defense Workstation. Fiscal 2021 Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $14.7 million were obligated at the time of the award. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity.
EVENT CONFIRMATION
AUSA ANNUAL MEETING AND EXPOSITION
11-13 October, Washington DC Convention Centre, USA
Keep safe and healthy everyone.
Andrew Drwiega
Editor-in-Chief
Armada International / Asian Military Review
