Tuesday, March 31, 2009

U.S., Georgia to Continue Strategic Partnership

By Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 31, 2009 - The United States and Georgia will continue to work on a strategic partnership over the coming years, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said here yesterday. Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright is visiting the former Soviet republic to meet with senior military and civilian officials, traveling to both Tbilisi and Gori.

During his visit to Gori, Cartwright toured an old tank battalion base and a field artillery base. At both locations, he was able to see first-hand destroyed buildings and military equipment from the Russia-Georgia war in August over the disputed South Ossetia province. Cartwright said seeing the damage up close was sobering.

"The tour of this base and seeing the destruction first-hand has been very informative, a stark reminder of the harsh realities of war," the vice chairman said. "I can see from the soldiers I have met that the Georgian military is very committed to protecting the sovereignty and integrity of their nation."

After touring the damaged area, Cartwright laid a wreath along with Georgian Chief of Defense Maj. Gen. Devi Tchonkotadze to honor the country's fallen servicemembers.

"It is a privilege to lay the wreath in honor of Georgian soldiers killed in the recent fighting," Cartwright said. "These men made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their life for their country and families. My thoughts are with their families and their loved ones."

Tchonkotadze said it was important for Cartwright to see "the results of Russian aggression." He said the visit overall was very important, as the Georgians continue the joint cooperation, the transformation of their military into NATO standards, and working on strengthening the warfare capacity of the army.

Cartwright said the joint cooperation will continue for years to come. "We look forward to continuing the strategic partnership in the months and years ahead," the vice chairman said.

Cartwright also met with Georgian Defense Minister David Sikharulidze and Georgian National Security Council Secretary Eka Tkshelashvili. During his meeting with Sikharulidze, Cartwright said the United States is committed to helping the nearly 29,000-strong Georgian military move forward in its modernization.

The vice chairman also had what he called a "productive and candid" meeting with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili. The general said the meetings throughout the day show Georgia is committed to a strong military and a strong partnership with the United States.

"It is clear from talking to the president and from my earlier meetings that Georgia is committed to peaceful relations with its neighbors and to working toward full NATO membership," Cartwright said. "The United States remains committed to the U.S.-Georgia charter on strategic partnership and to provide training and other assistance to the Georgian military in support of their reform efforts and continued independence."

The general said his visit was partly a fact-finding mission to view assessments that have been done regarding U.S. and Georgian military relations.

"My trip today allows me the opportunity to see the results of these assessments, talk to the people on the ground, and understand now where the priorities should be put," the general said. "I will go back to the United States and work very hard to take the assessments and the needs, put them together with the resources and try to move forward on this strategic partnership."

Cartwright said he foresees the strategic partnership including more training and equipment.

"The training will be focused on the defense of Georgia, on its self and internal defense," he said. "We will work hard to get both the skill levels that are necessary to do that and work as partners on the equipment necessary. These assessments have helped us understand what the priority should be on that equipment, both in what the Georgians have been able to put together on their own here from indigenous equipment, what equipment needs to be upgraded and then what new types of equipment that are necessary for their homeland defense."

(Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump serves in the Joint Chiefs of Staff public affairs office.)

Petraeus Emphasizes Shared Goals at Defense Chiefs Conference

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

March 31, 2009 - A meeting of chiefs of defense here re-emphasizes the shared commitments of Central Asia and the United States to security and stability in the region, the commander of U.S. Central Command said here today. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus told the defense chiefs from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan that the meeting will help all involved better address their common interests.

Combating extremism and the spread of extremism from Afghanistan and Pakistan is at the top of the list of priorities, the general said. "[This means] that all of us have to help our partners in Afghanistan and Pakistan," he said.

Further, he said, the chiefs all have a shared interest in countering the illegal narcotics industry. Opium and heroin production is the main money-maker in many parts of Afghanistan, and drug lords have caused a tremendous problem throughout Central Asia.

All concerned also need secure borders, and they also must protect their countries' infrastructure and respond to humanitarian crises, Petraeus said.

"Our effort to deepen our understanding of the challenges that each of us face will improve our ability to think and to address these challenges together," the general said.

Petraeus addressed the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy that President Barack Obama announced last week. The regional approach to the problems of Afghanistan and Pakistan has enormous bearing on countering extremism, he said.

"All of us are concerned about the potential outflow of extremism from Afghanistan and Pakistan," Petraeus said. The nations of the region understand the problem in ways the United States doesn't, Petraeus said, so the dialogue among the countries is important to exchange strategies. "We all have to work together to achieve better control of the border areas," he said.

Counter-proliferation issues in the region cannot be ignored, Petraeus said. While Iran's nuclear ambitions obviously are the greatest challenge, he said, Pakistan is a nuclear power that has proliferated weapons technology in the past.

"We should be open and honest about that," the general said. "My view is that they are very well controlled, and there are exceptional safeguards. But we have to be concerned, because were extremists to get their hands on weapons of mass destruction, it would obviously be potentially catastrophic."

At the heart of the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy is sustained, substantial commitment, Petraeus said, but he noted a trust issue among the nations of Central Asia and the United States. Relations among the countries have undergone ups and downs, he said. "We have completely forgotten these countries at times," the general acknowledged.

The United States cut off military aid to Pakistan for years, Petraeus said. But the Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy requires a substantial economic commitment to the nations, he noted, and he praised the current bill before Congress that commits $1.5 billion over five years to infrastructure in Pakistan.

"It also is a sustained commitment – one that is going to endure -- that has years attached to it, not months or a year," he said.

And all this must be coordinated not only between the coalition and local forces, but also across international lines, Petraeus said. The requirements on either side of the Durand Line separating Afghanistan and Pakistan are different and must be addressed, he added.

In Pakistan, established governmental agencies simply need aid, Petraeus said, and U.S. and international officials can work through governmental and nongovernmental organizations to channel aid to the region. Afghanistan, he said, has few governmental agencies.

"We are building, not just re-building, and the institutions are still very much works in progress," he said.

A comprehensive approach is necessary, Petraeus said. "It's not enough to just secure the village, or get rid of the miscreants," he told the defense chiefs. Troops and civilian workers also must take care of refugees, fund rebuilding, or create jobs for those who lose opium crops, he said.

The strategy recognizes that progress in the region will come along many lines of operations, not just security. These include governance, economics, informational, the rule of law and so on, Petraeus said.

"Particularly in Afghanistan, ... we have to provide an effort that will build capacity and capability so that the government can serve the people and be seen as legitimate in their eyes," he explained.

The general praised Pakistani officials for recognizing the challenges in the country's federally administered tribal areas and developing a counterinsurgency plan that involves its entire government. This is important, he said, because since its founding, Pakistan has focused on countering India in a conventional war. In western Pakistan today, he said, the fight is a counterinsurgency.

"These are not precise," Petraeus said. "These are large security-to-the-people operations, and forces must be trained, equipped and educated for these kinds of operations."

Al-Qaida operates in limited numbers in southern and eastern Afghanistan, but larger numbers of the terror group are in safe havens they have established in western Pakistan, Petraeus said. The group is a danger well beyond the region, he added, noting that it was from Afghanistan that al-Qaida planed the 9/11 attacks and attacks in Madrid, London, Bali and elsewhere.

"That has to have prominence, and there has to be a focus on them because of the threat that network poses to the region and the world," he said.

Value Engineering Achievement Award Winners Announced

The Department of Defense has announced the winners of the fiscal 2008 Department of Defense Value Engineering Achievement Awards. A ceremony will be held in June to recognize the recipients' outstanding achievements through the application of value engineering. A list of winners can be found at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Value Engineering Awards.pdf

Value engineering is a systematic process of function analysis to identify actions that reduce cost, increase quality, and improve mission capabilities across the entire spectrum of DoD systems, processes, and organizations. The Department of Defense Value Engineering Program continues to be an incentive for government and our industry partners to improve the joint value proposition by promoting innovation and creativity. Innovative value engineering proposals seek best value solutions as part of a successful business relationship.

During fiscal 2008, 1,254 in-house value engineering proposals and 60 contractor-initiated value engineering change proposals were accepted with projected savings/cost avoidance in excess of $1.5 billion. The Value Engineering Awards Program is an acknowledgment of exemplary achievements and encourages additional projects to improve in-house and contractor productivity. Award winners from each DoD component are eligible for selection in the following five categories: program/project, individual, team, organization and contractor. Additional "special" awards are given to recognize innovative applications or approaches that expand the traditional scope of value engineering use.

MILITARY CONTRACTS March 31, 2009

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Malvern, Pa. is being awarded a maximum $267,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for radiology systems, subsystems and components. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The proposal was originally solicited on FedBizOps with 27 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM2D1-09-D-8314).

General Electric Company, Lynn, Mass. is being awarded a maximum $12,800,493 firm fixed price, sole source contract for engine exhaust frame units. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Navy. There was originally 1 proposal solicited with 1 response. This award will be as an undefinitized contractual action against a basic ordering agreement. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is August 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR-ZCC), Philadelphia, Pa. (FA8122-09-G-0001 THA4).

NAVY
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $207,297,746 firm fixed price contract for the procurement of 207 FY2009 Tomahawk Block IV All-Up-Round (AUR) missiles. The Tomahawk Block IV missile is capable of launch from surface ships equipped with the Vertical Launch System (VLS), submarines equipped with the Capsule Launch System (CLS), and submarines equipped with the Torpedo Tube Launch (TTL) System. This contract provides for 153 VLS missiles, 42 CLS missiles, and 12 Composite CLS capsules. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (32 percent); Walled Lake, Mich. (9 percent); Camden, Ark. (8 percent); Anniston, Ala. (5 percent); Glenrothes, Scotland (5 percent); Huntsville, Ala. (4 percent); Ft. Wayne, Ind. (4 percent); Minneapolis, Minn. (4 percent); Ontario, Calif. (3 percent); Spanish Fork, Utah (3 percent); Westminster, Colo. (2 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (2 percent); Middletown, Conn. (2 percent); Largo, Fla. (2 percent); Vergennes, Vt. (2 percent); Farmington, N.M. (.2 percent), and various INCONUS and OCONUS locations (12.8 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0007).

The Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Space and Strategic Missiles, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $63,575,679 modification P00027 under previously awarded cost plus incentive fee contract (N00030-07-C-0100) for the Trident II (D5) Life Extension (LE) SPALT Production. The work will be performed in Calif. (46.20 percent); Mass. (18.57 percent); Minn. (15.01 percent); N.M. (6.25 percent); Ga. (6.11 percent); Fla. (5.29 percent); Pa. (.77 percent); S.C. (.53 percent) and other (1.40 percent), and work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting agency.

Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $61,617,000 not-to-exceed order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008) for Ice Protection System upgrades for 49 Marine Corps MV-22 and 8 Air Force CV-22 aircraft under the production and deployment phases of the V-22 Program. Work will be performed in Ft. Worth, Texas (99 percent) and New River, N.C. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $18,948,386 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $39,998,237 not-to-exceed contract for Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 1B research and development, and production requirements. The SEWIP Block 1 provides enhanced Electronic Warfare capabilities to existing ship combat systems to improve Anti-Ship Missile Defense, counter-targeting and counter-surveillance capabilities, and improved battlefield situational awareness. This contract includes the continued design and development of SEWIP Block 1B3 with a specialized HGHS subsystem, and full rate production of SEWIP Block 1B2 units. Integration of a specialized HGHS subsystem into the SEWIP Block 1B3 upgrade will enhance detection capabilities for emergent threats. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va. (60 percent) and Syracuse, N.Y. (40 percent), and is expected to be completed by July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-5396).

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $33,338,448 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for the VH-3D/VH-60N Executive Helicopter Special Progressive Aircraft Rework. Efforts to be provided include security manpower, security maintenance support, VH-3D project engineering support, VH-60N project engineering support, VH integrated logistic support, VH on-site training, technical manuals, technical manuals contractor support, technical manuals travel, and program support. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $33,348,448 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

TJ Drafting and Design, Inc., Christmas Fla., is being awarded an estimated $20,979,174 firm fixed price contract to advance the training capability, operational readiness, and tactical proficiency of Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC's), Joint Forward Observers (JFO's), and Forward Air Controllers (FAC's). The personnel shall use training scenarios that require the placement of tactical ordnance on selected targets using Joint Close Air Support (JCAS) procedures and observed fire procedures for Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), artillery and mortar fire to perform destruction, neutralization, suppression, illumination/coordinated illumination, interdiction, and harassment fire missions. Work will be performed at multiple Marine Corp bases worldwide, and work is expected to be completed August 31, 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $12,300.000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with four offers received. The Marine Corps System Command, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-C-8031).

W.F. MaGann Corporation, Portsmouth, Va., is being award a $15,299,406 firm fixed price contract for repairs to W306 and W305 Bulkheads at Naval Station Norfolk. The work to be performed provides for bulkhead repair consisting of the provision of sheet pile installation, seawall repairs by concrete replacement and/or shotcrete, cleat replacement; and demolition of the existing timber fender system. The option includes demolition of existing seawall. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by April 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with five bids received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-5058).

RBC, Inc.*, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $13,339,000 modification to a previously awarded cost plus fix fee contract (N00421-09-C-0034) to exercise an option for program management and technical services for the U.S. Navy and the Government of Taiwan, Norway, South Korea and Portugal in support of the P-8A and the P-3 Aircraft. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($7,344,248; 79.4 percent); and the Governments of Taiwan ($1,518,417; 16.4 percent); Norway ($171,100; 1.8 percent); South Korea ($135,000; 1.5 percent); and Portugal ($83,500; .9 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.

The Haskell Company, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $12,492,000 firm fixed price contract for sewage treatment plant upgrades at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head. The work to be performed provides for design/build upgrades of the existing sewage treatment facility to comply with Maryland Department of the Environment water quality standards for nitrogen and phosphorus levels and the Chesapeake Bay Restoration memorandum of understanding between the United States Department of Defense and the State of Maryland, which seeks to remove the Bay from the Section 303(d) Clean Water Act list of impaired waters by January 1, 2011. Combined renovation and new construction to the sewage treatment plant includes a post equalization tank, a chemical feed system for phosphorus removal, a supplemental carbon feed system, a biological nutrient removal system, a control/laboratory building and a denitrifying sand filtration system. Work will be performed in Indian Head, Md., and is expected to be completed by October 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-09-C-0159).

Wilson Okamoto Corporation, Ltd., Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum amount $7,500,000 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity architect-engineering contract for preparation of plans and specifications for structural projects in the NAVFAC Hawaii area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, bidding information including preparation of design-build request for proposal contract documents, functional analysis and concept development, economic analysis, DD1391 project documentation, and investigations of various structural engineering and other types of projects. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities within the NAVFAC Hawaii AOR, and is expected to be completed by March 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-09-D-5003).

Harris Corp., Melbourne, Fla., is being awarded a $7,426,550 modification to a previously awarded firm fixed price contract (N00019-05-C-0044) to for the procurement of 95 Tactical Aircraft Moving Map Capability (TAMMAC) Digital Map Computers (DMC) for the U.S. Navy; 83 TAMMAC Digital Video Map Computers (DVMC) for the U.S. Navy (68) and the Royal Australian Air Force (15); and 132 Extension Housings for U.S. Navy (120) and the Royal Australian Air Force (12). These computers are used in F/A-18C/D/E/F, EA-18G, AV-8B, UH-1Y/AH-1Z aircraft. Work will be performed in Malabar, Fla. (80 percent) and Palm Bay, Fla. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($6,657,908; 89.65 percent) and the Government of Australia ($768,642; 10.35 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Virtexco Corporation, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded firm fixed price Task Order 0002 at $5,951,000 under a multiple award construction contract for the construction of Naval Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit 2 Replacement Facility at Naval Station Norfolk. The one-story building will house operations, administration, laboratories and support functions. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Six proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-D-5033).

AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a requirements contract to Lockheed Martin Corporation, Owego, New York for $40,623,549. This action provides for remanufactured B-2 Defense Management System. At this time, no money has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBF, Tinker Air Force Base is the contracting activity. (FA8119-09-D-0007)

The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to the Scitor Corporation of El Segundo, California for $18,000,000. This contract will provide advisory and assistance services to the Space Base Infrared Systems Wing for a period of nine months starting April 1, 2009. At this time, $5,553,000 has been obligated. SMC, El Segundo, California is the contracting activity. (FA8810-09-C-002)

The Air Force is modifying an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with Lockheed Martin Corporation of Marietta, Georgia for $13,271,411. This contract action is for the C-5 Reliability Enhancements and Re-engining Program System Development and Demonstration, Contract Change Proposal. At his time, the entire amount has been obligated. ASC/716/AESG, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity. (F33657-02-C-2000, P00175)

The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to Science Applications International Corporation of San Diego, California for a maximum $12,000,000. This contract action develop methodologies, tools, and techniques for producing adaptive, distributed sensing architecture cures in support of the AFRL/RY Multi-Layered Sensing vision. At this time, $100,000 has been obligated. AFRL/PKSE, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity. (FA8650-09-D-1509)

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with Northrop-Grumman Space and Mission of Clearfield, Utah for $10,374,341. This contract action provides support for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Minuteman III Weapons System. At this time, $8,601,910 has been obligated. OO-ALC/526th ACMBSG/PKE, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity. (F42610-98-C-001).

The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to Cubic Defense Application, Inc., of San Diego, California for $9,451,735. This contract action will provide the Saudi Arabia Kingdom Training Systems Contractor Logistical Support Program with Operations and Maintenance Capability at several locations in Saudi Arabia. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 675 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida is the contracting activity. (FA8678-09-D-0123)

The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to Camber Corporation of Huntsville, Alabama for $7,278,049. This action will provide AETC the Air Force Chief of Staff tasked redesign of the current Navigation/Electronic Warfare Officer training pipeline in order to produce aviator's skills in advance navigation systems, electronic warfare, weapons deployment, and able to operate the complex systems critical to the Air Force mission. 663 AESS/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity. (FA8617-09-C-6162).

Language Emerges as Element of National Security

By Tim Kilbride
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 31, 2009 - Language and culture are "almost inextricably intertwined," and military personnel must be knowledgeable in both to be fully effective when operating overseas, the director of a military language school said. Army Col. Sue Ann Sandusky, commandant of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, told bloggers and online journalists during a March 30 "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable that the DLI directly supports military commanders by instructing servicemembers in the foreign languages that regional combatant commands identify as mission-essential.

"We are the primary deliverer of military culturally-based language training," Sandusky said of the Monterey, Calif., school.

The school was established in secret just prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1941. Since then, it has been perceived as a resource specific to the intelligence and translation military career fields, but in fact it also serves the needs of the "general-purpose forces," Sandusky said.

Educating the general service has been a major growth area for DLI since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, she noted.

DLI teaches 24 foreign languages in Monterey, Sandusky said. Instruction in additional languages is available elsewhere through contracted programs.

A separate school, the Defense Language Institute English Language Center in San Antonio, teaches English mostly to foreign officers who come to train in U.S. schools. The Air Force administers that program.

"We're driven by the requirements of the services," Sandusky said. "They come up with their requirements based on the assessments of the different areas of operation, ... coming up with what you might call a strategic language list, and then passing specific requirements for training down to DLI."

For mission success, learning about the cultures they will be operating in is as important to servicemembers as learning the languages, Sandusky said.

"Culture is both implicit and explicit in our curriculum," Sandusky explained. "[It is] explicit in the sense that we have area studies and culture courses ... delivered in the target language, so they're learning about the history, politics, geography, culture, ceremonies, art [and] literature in the target language in the course. ... And the implicit part is our instructors come from the cultures where the language is used."

Having native speakers from the target countries work as instructors means they bring into the classroom "culture at many different levels, from the behavioral dos and don'ts to food, film, music, art, artifacts, up to the more abstract sort of frames of reference: definitions of culture, the understanding of beauty and evil and authority and obligation - all of those deep-culture concepts that are arising from the same sort of impulses that the language itself arises from," Sandusky said.

"We see language and culture as very intertwined -- almost inextricably intertwined -- and we handle them together right from Day 1," Sandusky said.

At any one time, about 3,000 students are served by about 1,700 civilian faculty and staff, Sandusky said. In addition to language instructors, staff members are involved in test, curriculum and faculty development, among other supporting functions. Ninety-eight percent of the instructors are native speakers of the languages they teach.

Students are instructed and tested in three major areas: reading, listening and speaking. Writing is also taught, but not tested. Listening and reading proficiency are graded with the Defense Language Proficiency Test, and speaking is tested with the Oral Proficiency Interview.

As a measure of effectiveness, Sandusky explained, graduates of a six-month Spanish course at DLI will typically speak better than a graduating Spanish major at a four-year university. An 18-month Arabic course at DLI equates to roughly 10.5 full-load semester hours of language and area studies at a university.

While students attending the school for immersion courses achieve the best results, DLI also works with the military services and commands to offer introductory familiarization and training in a variety of capacities, Sandusky said.

"We've got what we call 'language survival kits,' which are kind of what you would need if you are going in on a humanitarian mission - just a very basic familiarization: Stop. Don't shoot. Take me to your leader. Where does it hurt? Is this water clean? All kinds of very basic survival-oriented phrases," Sandusky explained. "It's not a language-learning course at all, but they certainly would serve you well if you were going into an unfamiliar setting."

Pre-deployment training for large units is done through mobile training teams, Sandusky said. About 80,000 servicemembers have been trained in practical, military-oriented words and phrases using language survival kits, as well as other DLI programs and materials.

Sandusky noted that DLI has the capacity to embed instructors with deployed units.

DLI makes available a variety of other language and culture tools to servicemembers and members of the public wishing to maintain or enhance their foreign language skills, Sandusky said.

Among the materials available on the DLI Web site, the Global Language Online Support System offers prepackaged lessons at various proficiency levels for autonomous students. These are available at http://gloss.lingnet.org/.

DLI offers "Countries in Perspective" and "Field Support" multimedia downloads that give overviews of language and culture, broken down by country and language, Sandusky said. These are available at http://fieldsupport.lingnet.org/index.aspx.

Also, the Army offers online language training via the commercial Rosetta Stone program for any soldier wishing to take part, Sandusky said.

While the DLI serves the specific mission of preparing servicemembers for overseas operations, it also is part of a wider U.S. government initiative to encourage and enable foreign language education for Americans.

The National Security Language Initiative, begun in 2006 under President George W. Bush, has three main goals:

-- Expand the number of Americans mastering critical-need languages and start teaching them at a younger age;

-- Increase the number of advanced-level speakers of foreign languages, with an emphasis on critical-need languages; and

-- Increase the number of foreign language teachers and necessary resources.

In addition to the Defense Department, the State and Education departments and the National Intelligence Directorate were directed to participate in the program.

For its part, DLI maintains collaborative relationships with colleges and universities, participates in conferences, and shares materials with some of the flagship programs that are part of the National Security Education Initiative, Sandusky said.

"About 85 percent of our students are right out of basic training," she said. "They come to us ... with all the strengths and weaknesses that the 'millennial' generation brings to the table, and they're mostly strengths. But one thing that we see is that they've not always had opportunities to be exposed to foreign language learning in the public schools."

The National Security Language Initiative is "aimed at trying to encourage public schools across the country to invest in greater amounts of foreign language education from an early age," she said.

(Tim Kilbride works in the Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media directorate.)

Monday, March 30, 2009

Face of Defense: Captain Mentors Teens in Senate Youth Program

By Army Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 30, 2009 - Students participating in the U.S. Senate Youth Program recently toured government buildings including the Pentagon, met their elected representatives and learned about the foundations of democracy. They also became personally acquainted with a citizen-airman who defends this democratic process.

Air Force Capt. Ladonna Singleton, a communications officer with the 254th Combat Communications Group in Garland, Texas, was the only Air National Guard member to mentor students in the weeklong program that brings young people to the nation's capital from across the country to learn more about the political process.

"We have to make sure we have them all 100 percent accounted for from the time we get up for breakfast at 7:30 to the time we go to bed," Singleton said during the event. "We have to stay in service-dress uniform until 11 at night."

Singleton escorted the students as they talked with high-level officials, including senators, Supreme Court justices, and even President Barack Obama. Though the students already knew a lot about the political process, Singleton said, many were unfamiliar with the military.

"Some of the students had no idea what the Air Force did or the Army or the Marines or the Coast Guard or any of the other services until they met up with us," she said. "They now have a face, and now they're like, 'Maybe I can consider this.'"

Singleton said the students were very curious about her job in the military. Among other things, she took these opportunities to talk to them about the Guard and its role in hurricane relief, she said.

Singleton took a little more time with Evan McCartney, a student from Missouri, who expects to go to the Air Force Academy.

"I want to be a pilot," McCartney said, expressing a particular interest in jets. Although that is still his plan, McCartney said, Singleton introduced him more to the day-to-day workings of the Air Force, and the growth fields of unmanned aerial vehicles, intelligence, and Singleton's favorite: communications.

"She's just brought an awareness of the internal side of the Air Force," McCartney said. "I've always kind of known about the UAVs, but she's shown me how it is growing."

For her part, Singleton admitted that even as a mentor, participating in the Youth Program taught her something as well.

"I got a chance to get some deeper insight," Singleton said. "Definitely more detail about the Senate than I ever knew."

(Army Staff Sgt. S. Patrick McCollum serves with the National Guard Bureau.)

Chairman Recognizes Civil Servants for Defense Contributions

By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

March 30, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today recognized eight civil servants for their positive impact on national security and their efforts in support of the Joint Staff throughout the past year. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen presented them with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award in a ceremony at the Pentagon.

"For the eight of you ... this is really in recognition of the special relationships, special efforts on your part, to really make a difference in what has been and what continue to be the most challenging of times," Mullen said.

The recipients are:

-- John Young, undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. Under Young's leadership, major defense acquisition programs delivered vital capabilities to warfighters in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mullen said. Most notably, Young's efforts led to the eventual fielding of mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles that are responsible for saving the lives of countless troops who've encountered roadside bombs in the war on terror. Young also led a work force of more than 126,000 acquisition personnel.

-- Tina Jonas, former Defense Department comptroller and chief financial officer. Jonas managed, developed and executed an annual defense budget of more than $665 billion for fiscal 2009, Mullen said. Her expertise and direction allowed for rapid funding and fielding of the MRAP protective vehicles to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, she directed more the 50,000 financial professionals, oversaw the Defense Department's financial policy, financial management system and business modernization.

-- Thomas Hall, assistant defense secretary for reserve affairs. Hall managed changes in equipment procurement, funding, benefits and entitlements and roles and missions within the National Guard and Reserve forces. He oversaw $30 billion in National Guard equipment funding, as well as a concurrent increase of more than $20 billion for the reserves. Hall helped to give reserve-component troops, their families and employers greater flexibility by reducing barriers to serve, with enriched family care programs and the expansion of Tricare military health plan service. Mullen said that Hall "is singlehandedly responsible for shaping a force that is the most combat experienced and ready since World War II."

-- Mary Beth Long, former assistant defense secretary for international security affairs. Long was instrumental in the conclusion of the negotiations for the U.S.-Iraq status-of-forces agreement. She also was highly involved in the efforts to pursue missile defense agreements with the Czech Republic and Poland, which resulted with enhanced security agreements for the United States and Europe, Mullen said. She was responsible for shaping improved relations with Middle Eastern allies, as well as the U.S. response for the Russian invasion of Georgia. She also helped develop approaches for reducing the Taliban's use of narcotics as a revenue source in Afghanistan.

-- John Grimes, assistant defense secretary for networks and information. Grimes led efforts to improve the defense of national security systems and vital cyber infrastructure. He also supported information sharing demands and trust between individuals and organizations, which resulted in an increased and secure capability to fight terrorism, help in the wake of natural disasters and assist in maintaining national security, Mullen said.

-- Patricia Bradshaw, deputy defense undersecretary for civilian personnel policy. Bradshaw is responsible for developing the concept of an expeditionary civilian workforce. The Defense Department's civilian work force is more agile and responsive to the operational needs of combatant commands, Mullen said. She created policies to increase medical support for deployed civilians as well as those recovering from deployment injuries. She's also responsible for ensuring combatant commanders were staffed with quality senior executives for global joint interagency needs.

-- Cheryl Roby, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for networks and information integration. Roby helped to deliver network-centric capabilities and products to warfighters designed to defend against and defeat the ever-changing cyber threat, Mullen said. She also helped to develop program and budget reviews that led to success in antiterrorism and defense of national security systems.

-- Michael Coulter, former principal deputy and now acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs. Coulter helped to improve relations between the United States and nations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, in which he fostered significant improvements security cooperation, foreign military sales and military education and training programs, Mullen said. Coulter's role in U.S.-Denmark defense talks improved the Danish commitment to NATO, and his representation for Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates at the U.S-Ukraine Bilateral Defense Consultations led to significant Ukraine defense reforms, Mullen added.

Mullen also lauded the recipients' families for their support, calling their contributions "absolutely critical."

"These are very demanding times and very demanding jobs, and we couldn't do them without tremendous family support," he said. "The hours are long; the travels are tough. And those who support us are absolutely critical."

Six States Send Troops to Flood Duty in North Dakota

By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
American Forces Press Service

March 30, 2009 - Governors in six upper Midwestern states have sent more than 2,400 National Guard members and some much-needed equipment to help fight flooding for a second week in North Dakota. North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven said on March 28 that his state was continuing to fight rising waters in Fargo and at other locations with the help of Guard members from Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin, Missouri and South Dakota.

"We are mustering all of our state agencies and working with federal and local officials to meet this unprecedented event, as well as other flooding around the state," Hoeven said. "Historic levels on the Red River are testing our resources, but not our resolve to do everything in our power to meet the challenge and protect this community."

The National Weather Service said today that strong spring storms will continue bringing freezing rain, heavy snow and blizzard conditions to western and central North Dakota today and tonight.

National Guard Bureau officials reported a wide array of equipment was being used to assist state responders, including more than two dozen helicopters, generators and high-water vehicles, among other equipment.

Three of those helicopters and 17 soldiers are from the 832nd Medical Company; the 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation; and Detachment 1, Company B, 248th Aviation Support Battalion, all of the Wisconsin National Guard.

Once in North Dakota, the soldiers expect to conduct search-and-rescue operations and provide air transportation, according to a news release from state officials. They also have the ability to provide medical evacuation if needed.

A news release from the Missouri National Guard said two C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft with 14 airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph, Mo., and a helicopter maintenance team with 20 soldiers from the 1107th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group in Springfield, Mo., headed to Grand Forks on March 28.

Grand Forks also was the staging area for two UH-60 Black Hawks and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and about 26 soldiers from the 248th Aviation Support Battalion and 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion of the Iowa Army National Guard.

Guardmembers also will conduct sandbagging and snow-removal operations, work at traffic control checkpoints, help in evacuations and assist local law enforcement in dike and shelter security.

More than 340 South Dakota Guard members have been sent to North Dakota on state active duty to assist with the response efforts, Army Maj. Brendan Murphy, of the South Dakota National Guard, said.

"We are performing our mission, helping prevent property damage and threats to life and limb of the citizens," said Army Sgt. Theanne Tangen, a member of the 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment from Sioux Falls, S.D.

The South Dakota Guard has provided personnel and resources to key flood-fighting areas. They're filling, storing and distributing sandbags, patrolling dikes, breaking ice jams, providing security and operating traffic control points, and helping or rescuing stranded citizens threatened by flood waters.

"It's a shock to see the amounts of water they have to deal with, especially when you see street signs and stop lights within a few feet of being completely submerged," Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Schimke said. "It feels great to be here and help out our neighbors in need."

These soldiers, along with leadership from the 153rd Engineer Battalion, conducted a reconnaissance mission over the weekend to become familiar with the dikes they are assigned to patrol during their 12-hour shift to report leaks or breaches to the North Dakota joint operations center.

Five 5-ton dump trucks from the 842nd Engineer Company with more than 10 personnel also deployed to Fargo, Murphy said.

(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves with the National Guard Bureau.)

U.S. Northern Command Assists With North Dakota Flooding

American Forces Press Service

March 30, 2009 - U.S. Northern Command continues to coordinate additional and ongoing Department of Defense support to Federal Emergency Management Agency, state and local authorities in North Dakota and Minnesota supporting disaster operations in response to flooding in North Dakota. Northcom officials mobilized defense coordinating officers and defense coordinating elements to the FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center in Bismarck, N.D., serving FEMA regions 5 and 8. The DCO acts as the liaison between FEMA and Northcom, relaying capabilities available to FEMA and coordinating movement of active-duty personnel and equipment to assist should the need arise. The DCE acts as administrative support to the DCO.

Northcom officials also deployed five CH-47 Chinook helicopters and two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., for a variety of missions in support of FEMA. Potential missions include search and rescue, supply transportation, and movement of evacuees or other response personnel.

The command also deployed three search-and-rescue planners from its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., and two more from Air Forces Northern at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., to assist in SAR planning at the Joint Personnel Recovery Center at Tyndall. The three planners from Northcom's Standing Joint Force Headquarters North division will assist in the efforts being conducted at the JRPC, which focuses specifically on large-scale search-and-rescue operations in the event of a hurricane or natural disaster.

When a disaster occurs, the JPRC activates and coordinates the SAR actions of all rescue aircraft in the disaster area to improve the efficiency of rescue operations and reduce the potential for accidents.

In coordination with Air Forces Northern, Northcom also is sending an aviation planner to the North Dakota Emergency Operations Center to prepare for potential SAR missions in the affected areas.

FEMA requested, and Northcom is supporting, use of Grand Forks Air Force Base as a national logistics staging area. The NLSA will consist of five to 10 acres of space, including 1,000 square feet of office space, necessary to support forward distribution of supplies and equipment to affected areas in North Dakota. The airfield at the base also is being used to forward stage active-duty helicopters.

In addition, Northcom officials mobilized a defense coordinating officer and defense coordinating element to FEMA Region 8's Regional Response Coordination Center in Bismarck, N.DU.S. Northern Command, established in the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, is responsible for homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.

(From a U.S. Northern Command news release.)

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Reaches Milestone

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

March 30, 2009 - The advisory board of a new program mandated by the 2008 National Defense Authorization Act held its inaugural meeting here today. The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program fulfills the requirement of establishing a national combat veteran reintegration program. The program's goal is to prepare servicemembers and their families for mobilization, sustain families during mobilization, and reintegrate soldiers with their families, communities, and employers upon redeployment.

"[Post-traumatic stress disorder], the specter of suicides and all sorts of things have told us that it's critical to make sure that our troops and their families are readjusting properly," said Thomas F. Hall, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs. "We recognized that when ... active Guard and Reserve [servicemembers] go off to conflict and come back, and then demobilize or go back to their home base, it's really necessary that they get back together with their families and have a chance at a 30-, and a 60-, and a 90-day point to talk about their experiences, to see if everything's going OK."

The undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness serves as the program's executive agent and established the Office for Reintegration Program within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.

To provide servicemembers and their families with a wide range of options as close to home as possible, Defense Department officials are working to unify efforts among the services, the reserve components, other federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

The advisory board includes representatives of small-business associations, veterans associations, the services, and the Guard and reserves, Hall said.

"I think we have the right people highlighting and working the problem," he said. "It was an important first meeting, and we look forward to the future."

Reintegration program capabilities have been under way since last year, with services provided through the Joint Family Support Assistance Program and currently being tested in 15 states. Defense Department officials plan to expand the program beyond the pilot phase to all U.S. states and territories.

MILITARY CONTRACTS March 30, 2009

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Philips Medical Systems, Andover, Mass. is being awarded a maximum $77,172,660 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for patient monitoring systems, subsystems, accessories, consumables, spare/repair parts and training. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 17 proposals solicited with 9 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 29, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM2D1-09-D-8349).

Cardinal Health, Inc., Dublin, Ohio is being awarded a maximum $11,201,989 firm fixed price, sole source, prime vendor, indefinite quantity contract for pharmaceutical items. Other locations of performance are New Jersey, California, Washington, Florida, Mssachusetts, Texas and Mississippi. Using service is Department of Defense. There was originally 1 proposal solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM200-04-D-7020).

Pepsico, Inc., Purchase, N.Y. is being awarded a maximum $6,040,896 firm fixed price contract for bag-in-box beverage support. Other locations of performance vary throughout the United States. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The proposal was originally Web solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-1101).


NAVY
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Space and Strategic Missiles, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $21,336,422 cost plus fixed fee contract for United Kingdom Technical Services in support of the TRIDENT Strategic Weapons System. Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif. (75 percent); Cocoa Beach, Fla. (10 percent); Hudson, N.H. (2 percent); St. Mary's Ga. (1 percent); Groton, Conn. (1 percent); Bremerton, Wash. (.5 percent); other US locations (.5 percent); and other UK and Italian locations (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed March 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (N00030-09-C-0018).

Progeny Systems Corporation*, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $16,085,620 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-6256) for Phase III engineering services, which includes disciplines required to analyze, design, fabricate, and integrate hardware and/or software solutions for commercial-off-the-shelf electronics based subsystems that collectively provide C3I functionality to submarines, surface ships, surveillance and air platforms. The engineering services are in support of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Topic No.N96-278 "Technology Infusion Methodology". The Phase III SBIR effort addresses systems and subsystems ranging from simple single processors to highly complex multi-processor network architectures. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and is expected to be completed by March 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity.

Harper Construction Company, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $14,203,660 for firm fixed price task order #0002 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8611) for design, repair and renovation of the Helicopter Hangar (HSL), Building 1474, at Naval Base Coronado. Hangar 1474, a two-story, steel-framed structure is used for aircraft maintenance and administrative support for three aviation helicopter squadrons: HSM-41, HSL-43, and HSL-45. Renovation will provide repairs and upgrades to severely deteriorated utility and infrastructure systems. Work will include interior finish upgrades, replacement of roof membrane system, repair of existing 400 Hertz power systems and Flight Line Electrical Distribution System (FLEDS) mounds, exterior wash/drainage stations, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) mechanical systems renovation and upgrade, repair of hangar bay doors, new trench drain systems and low-level Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire protection system in the hangar bays, expansion of existing shower/locker areas, hazardous materials removal, and related plumbing, electrical, telecommunication, and fire sprinkler system upgrades. Work will be performed in Coronado, Calif., and is expected to be completed by April 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Six proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Raytheon Company, Goleta, Calif., for $7,317,766. This action will exercise and fund the Low Rate Production option of this upgrade development contract. At this time, $7,317,766 has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS is the contracting activity. (F09603-01-C-0330-P00121).

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with Harris Technical Services Corporation, Colorado Springs, Colo., for $6,270,436. This action will provide Mission Communications Operations and Maintenance to Air Force Space Command's 50th Space Wing. At this time, $6,270,436 has been obligated. 50 CONS/LGCZW, Schriever AFB is the contracting activity. (FA2550-02-C-0007-P00098).

Saturday, March 28, 2009

MILITARY CONTRACTS March 27, 2009

ARMY
Aeronautical Radio Incorporated, Annapolis, Md., was awarded on Mar. 7, 2009, a $80,600,000 firm fixed price contract for the procurement and delivery of (22) Mi-17CT helicopters in support of the Iraqi Government. Work is to be performed at Warner Robins, Ga., (15 precent), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, (20 precent), and Ulan Ude Russia, (65 precent) with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity (W900KK-08-C-0011).

Pyrotechniques by Grucci, Brookhaven, N.Y., was awarded on Mar. 6, 2009, a $8,143,027 firm fixed price contract for 300,400 M115 Simulator, Projectile, Ground Burst, Black Powder and 145,950 M116 Simulator, Hand Grenade, Black Powder. Work is to be performed at Radford Army Ammunition Plant, Radford, Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. Army Contracting Command Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-05-D-0041).

Raytheon Systems, McKinney, Texas, was awarded on Mar. 6, 2009, a $94,526,312 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with firm fixed priced delivery orders for 12,105 thermal weapons sights and the start of 17 micron technology insertion. Work is to be performed at McKinney, Texas, (65 precent) and Goleta, Calif., (35 precent) with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0029).

BAE Systems, Lexington, Mass., was awarded on Mar. 6, 2009, a $137,583,976 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with firm fixed priced delivery orders for 16,155 thermal weapon sights. Work is to be performed at Lexington, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Mass., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0030).

DRS Sensors and Targeting Systems, Inc., Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded on Mar. 6, 2009, a $120,014,731 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with firm fixed priced delivery orders for 13,123 thermal weapon sights. Work is to be performed at Melbourne, Fla., (65 precent) and Dallas, Texas, (35 precent) with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-07-D-0031).

McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Mar. 6, 2009, a $9,502,329 firm fixed price contract for post production system support services for the Government of Kuwait, Kuwait Air Force. Work is to be performed at Mesa, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation and Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0101).

Benchmark Contracting, Inc., (DBA) Cobblestone Construction, Las Vegas, Nev., was awarded on Mar. 9, 2009, a $6,100,000 firm fixed price contract for the construction of a new 15,000 SF to 20,000 SF Unmanned Aerial Systems 432d Wing Headquarters; Creech Air Force Base to support the Air Force unmanned aerial system training and operation missions. Work is to be performed at Creech AFB, Clark County, Nev., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 26, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with ten bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-09-C-0007).

Cubic Applications Inc., Lacey, Wash., was awarded on Mar. 9, 2009, a $12,177,914 cost plus award fee contract for the operation of the Korea Battle Simulation Center located at United States Forces in Korea. Work is to be performed at Seoul, South Korea with an estimated completion date of Oct. 26, 2008. Bids were solicited on FedBisOpps one bid received. 411th Contracting Support Brigade/Contracting Command Korea is the contracting activity (W91QVN-09-C-0039).

Brownells Inc., Montezuma, IA, was awarded on Mar. 10, 2009, a $10,730,100 firm fixed price contract for 1, 410,000 improved 30-round magazine each with 100 precent option in support of the M16 Rifle and M4 Carbine. Work is to be performed at Montezuma, IA with an estimated completion date of Jan. 14, 2010. One bid was solicited one bid received. TACOM Rock Island, Rock Island Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-09-C-0072).

Doyon-American Mechanical, JV, and Fairbanks, Alaska, was awarded on Mar. 10, 2009, a $11,884, 567 firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of Training Support Center in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Work is to be performed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska with an estimated completion date of Aug. 14, 2010. Seven bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Elmendorf, Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-08-D-0010).

Bates Engineers/Contractors Inc., Bainbridge, Ga., was awarded on Mar. 10, 2009, a $20,048,601 firm fixed price contract for the design and build of a Joint Communications Support Element Squadron Facility at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Work is to be performed at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 10, 2012. Bids were solicited on FedBizOpps with ten bids received. Corps of Engineers Mobile, District, Mobile, AL is the contracting activity (W91278-09-C-0019).

Granger Construction Co., Lansing, MI was awarded on Mar. 10, 2009, a $50,000,000 firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of the administrative facility and parking structure at U.S. Army Garrison, Detroit Arsenal, Warren, Mich. Work is to be performed at Warren, Mich. with an estimated completion date of Mar. 10, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with nine bids received. Corps of Engineers Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0019).

Lockheed Martin Corp. Missile and Fires Control, Grand Prairie, Texas was awarded on Mar. 10, 2009, a $59,000,000 cost plus fixed fee and firm fixed price contract for upgrade kits for the UK M270 Launcher to meet the requirements of the Future Fire Control System. Work is to be performed at Grand Prairie, Texas, (90 precent) and East Camden, Ark., (10 precent) with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited and one received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-C-0302).

Bethel Services Inc., Anchorage, AK was awarded on Mar. 10, 2009, a $20,700,000 firm fixed price contract for design and construction of the F22A Corrosion Control/Low Observable/Maintenance Facility, Phase II, Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK. Work is to be performed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, AK with an estimated completion date of Jan. 13, 2011. One bid was solicited and one received. U.S. Army Engineer District, AK, Elmendorf AFB, AK is the contracting activity (W911KB-09-C-0010).

Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Baltimore, Md., was awarded on Mar. 11, 2009, a $29,344,678 firm fixed price contract for the construction of a 480,000 sq. ft. general purpose warehouse with minimum 26 feet stacking height for bulk materials. Work is to be performed at Tracy, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 10, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with ten received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-09-C-0003).

Ironbridge Construction Inc., Chesterfield, Va., was awarded on Mar. 9, 2009, a $9,498,814 firm fixed price contract for the construction of a 33, 760 sq. ft. dining facility at Fort Lee, Va. Work includes site work, facility design, overall building construction, complete interior finishes and survey equipment including the exercised option to provide and install furniture and décor items. Work is to be performed at Fort Lee, Va., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. Three bids were solicited with one received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-09-D-0022).

Northrop Grumman, Herndon, Va., was awarded on Mar. 4, 2009, a $26,000,000 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with cost plus fixed fee orders for technical and professional services to ensure the continued development of analytic tool and methodologies used to objectively access the path for migrating Army intelligence, Electronic Warfare, Target Acquisition Systems, and force structure toward National Intelligence frameworks set forth in the Department of the Army (DA) G-2 and National Intelligence strategic plans. Work is to be performed mainly at Fort Belvoir, Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 3, 2009. One bid was solicited with one received. U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, Principal Assistant responsible for contracting, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W4-09-C-0006).

FN Manufacturing LLC., Columbia, S.C, was awarded on Mar. 12, 2009, a $12,785,647 firm fixed price 3-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for 18,390 M16 A4 rifles for Iraq. Work is to be performed at Columbia, S.C., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 8, 2010. Three bids were solicited with three received. TACOM-RI, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08-D-0121).

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 12, 2009, a $33,000,000 cost plus incentive fee contract for incremental funding in support of the extended range multi-purpose (ERMP) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) system development and demonstration (SDD) contract. Work is to be performed at San Diego, Calif., (46 precent), Adelanto, Calif., (14 precent Palmdale, Calif., (8 precent), Salt Lake City, Utah., (18 precent) and Hunt Valley, Md. (14 precent) with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2010. One bid was solicited with one received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0069).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas was awarded on Mar. 12, 2009, a $58,484,033 firm fixed price contract for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) full rate production (FRP) IV option – 96 unitary pods, 70 reduced range practice rocket pods, and 130 download/ demate pods. Work is to be performed at Grand Prairie, Texas, (20.8 precent), East Camden, Ark., (76.8 precent), and Orlando, Fla., (2.4 precent) with an estimated completion date of Sep. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-C-0001).

Mason Construction Co., Seattle, Wash., was awarded on Mar. 12, 2009, a $100,000 firm fixed price contract to maintain dredging in navigation channels along the gulf coast of Miss., Ala., and Northwest Florida. Work location in intended to be at Mobile Harbors, however work at Pascagoula Harbor, Gulfport Harbor, Pensacola Harbor and Panama City Harbor are Possible. Bids were solicited on FedBisOpps with three bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-09-D0026).

L3 Communications Aerospace LLC, Madison, Miss., was awarded on Mar. 13, 2009, a $11,069,296 time and material contract for aircraft production support. Work is to be performed at Corpus Christie, Texas with an estimated completion date of Jan. 8, 2010. Three bids were solicited with one received. Corpus Christie Army Depot, Corpus Christie, Texas is the contracting activity (W912NW-08-F-0021).

Foulger-Pratt Contracting, LLC, and Rockville, Md., was awarded on Mar. 13, 2009, a $49,480,662 firm fixed price, design build construction contract for the design and construction of a 142,595 gross sq. ft. , multi-story headquarters and for the Army Test and Evaluation Command at Aberdeen, Md., in compliance with the 2005 BRAC Act. Work is to be performed at Aberdeen, Md., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with ten received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers- Baltimore District, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-09-C-0025).

Contrack International Inc., McLean, Va., was awarded on Mar. 13, 2009, a $23,121,596 firm fixed price, design build construction contract for the design and construction of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance ramp, Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Work is to be performed at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan with an estimated completion date of Dec. 23, 2009. Twenty Seven bids were solicited with eleven received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers- TAC is the contracting activity (W912ER-09-C-0014).

Femme Comp Inc., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Mar. 13, 2009, a $5,600,000 cost plus fixed fee indefinite design, indefinite quantity contract to provide planning, analytical, operational and technical services to headquarters, Department of the Army, Chief Information Office/ G6 in support of the Special Access Program (SAP) Information Assurance Initiatives and Army Staff and CIO/G6 continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning and Execution. Work is to be performed at Colorado Springs, Colo., (50 precent) and Arlington, Va., (50 precent) with an estimated completion date of Mar. 15, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with Three Prime Contractors. Space and Missile Defense Command/ARSTRAT, Dir. of Contracting, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (W91260-08-D-0001).

BAE Systems, Santa Clara, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 13, 2009, a $43,300,000 firm fixed contract to implement Jordanian M113A2MK1 Upgrade program (conversion effort) 300 vehicle upgrade kit conversion. Work is to be performed at Zarqa, Jordan with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0236).

Ramtech Building Systems Inc., Mansfield, Texas was awarded on Mar. 13, 2009, a $6,534,140 firm fixed contract to design and build the expansion/renovation of the Directorate of Information Management/Information Processing Center facility including complete site development to be designed and constructed at Fort Bliss, Texas. Work is to be performed at El Paso, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0019).

Lockhead Martin Corporation, Grand Praire, Texas was awarded on Mar. 13 2009, a 12,000,000 cost plus fixed fee service for recertification of 6 Pac, 3 Baseline, and 4-packs (24 missiles). Work is to be performed at Grand Prairie, Texas with an estimated completion date of Sept. 10, 2010. One bid was solicited one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0135).

Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Inc. Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on Mar. 13, 2009, a 5,000 Firm-fixed-price contract for an indefinite delivery contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, South Atlantic Division to support the Mobile District Military construction Design program. Work is to be performed at Mobile, Ala., with a completion date on Mar. 12, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 57 Bids received. Corps of Engineers Mobile, District, Mobile Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-09-D-0028).

Black & Veatch Special Projects, Overland Park, Kan., was awarded on Mar. 12, 2009 a 14,838,472 firm fixed price contract for architect engineering services for Missile Defense Agency (65 precent) facilities design. Work is to be performed at Redzikowo, Portland, with a completion date of Dec. 12, 2009. Three Bids were solicited and three bids received. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Europe District, Wiesesbaden Germany, is the contracting activity (W912DY-05-D-0022)

Niitek, Inc. Sterling Va., was awarded on Mar. 12, 2009 a $8,398,631 firm fixed price contract in support of counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) operations in Afghanistan for the purchase of initial spare parts, system installation, new equipment training for the Husky Mounted Detection System (HMDS). Work is to be performed in Starling Va., with a completion date of Jan, 24, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Cecom Acquisition Center Washington, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W909MY-08-C-0066).

Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Mar. 13, 2009, a $38,5000,000 firm fixed price contract for constructing a 178,086 gross square foot, multistory headquarters and media production facility to support 663 personnel for the Defense Media Activity. Work is to be performed at Fort George G. Meade with a completed on Mar. 02, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with11 Bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Baltimore District, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-09-C-0023).

Caesar Rodney School District., Candem Del., was awarded on Mar. 16, 2009, a $7,432,338 firm fixed price contract for the provision of comprehensive education programs services, grades K-12, for eligible Department of Defense dependents residing on Dover Air Force Base. Work is to be performed at Cease Rodney School District, Camden D.C., with a completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on FedBizOpps with one bid received. Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary School, peachtree City, Ga., is the contracting activity (HEVAS6-09-C-0001).

BAE Systems/Ordnance Systems Inc. Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on Mar. 13, 2009, a $8,306,184 firm fixed price contract for the production and supply of 454,138 pounds of Composition C-4, Class 3 (tagged) Explosives to support the M1112 Demo Charge production at Milan Army Ammunition Plant. Work is to be performed at Holston Army Ammunition Plan, Kingsport, Tenn., with the completion date of Dec. 31, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-D-0003).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
SupplyCore, Inc., Rockford, Ill.* is being awarded a maximum $320,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, prime vendor, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery contract for maintenance, repair, and operations. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The proposal was originally Web solicited with 6 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract is exercising the third option year. The date of performance completion is March 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-05-D-BP06).

Government Scientific Source, Reston, Va.,**, is being awarded a maximum $80,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for available purchase of laboratory supplies and wares. Other location of performance is Virginia. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with 8 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract has a base period and four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Mar. 26, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DE-09-D-7339).

BAE System Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., Is being awarded a maximum $35,307,151 firm fixed quantity contract for outer tactical vests. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally five proposals solicited with four responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-09-C-0011).

Caterpillar Inc., Mossville, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $8,495,904 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for delivery of articulated dump truck. Other location of performance is in England. Using service is Navy. There were originally three proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-01-D-0059-0286).

General Cable Corporation, Highland Heights, Ky., is being awarded a maximum $7,283,232 firm fixed price, sole source, indefinite quantity contract for missile support items. Other location of performance is Tennessee. Using service is Army. The proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with one response. This long-term contract contains a one year base with provisions for four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Mar. 26, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM4A6-09-D-0081).

E-One Inc., Ocala, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $6,106,375 firm fixed price contract for aircraft rescue fire fighting vehicle. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally three proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 11, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-01-D-0067-0009).

NAVY
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $288,862,757 firm fixed price contract for the Fiscal Year 2009 procurement of 11 UH-1Y and 5 AH-1Z helicopters and associated technical data for the U.S. Marine Corps. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, (60 percent) and Amarillo, Texas, (40 percent), and is expected to be completed in Oct. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0023).

EDO Corp., Panama City Operations, Panama City, Fla., is being awarded a $49,545,446 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract with provisions for firm fixed price and cost plus fixed fee pricing arrangements to provide services and materials for repair, modification, and overhaul of the Organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures System. This procurement is in support of depot level repair, overhaul, and modification of the following systems: MK-105 Magnetic Minesweeping Gear, Precision Navigation System, Organic Airborne and Surface Influence Sweep System, and the MH-53 Airborne Mine Neutralization System components (the SEAFOX and Console). Work will be performed in Panama City, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-09-D-0005).

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $42,994,547 undefinitized modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-2110) for the procurement of long lead time material to support production of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System (EMALS) for CVN 78 (Gerald R. Ford) construction. Under this modification the contractor will procure material for Energy Storage Subsystem (ESS) Induction Motor Stator Assemblies, ESS Induction Motor Rotor Assemblies, ESS Exciter Stator Assemblies, ESS Exciter Rotor Assembly, ESS Rectifier Assemblies, ESS Main Rotor Assemblies and Power Conversion Subsystem Rectifier material components to support the production of EMALS. Work will be performed in North Mankato, Minn., (74 percent); Mt. Pleasant, Pa., (17 percent); and San Diego, Calif., (9 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., Raleigh, N.C., is being awarded a $19,424,000 firm fixed price contract for design and construction of a dining facility at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. The work to be performed provides for a one-story steel frame building on pile foundations with exterior concrete masonry unit walls with brick veneer and a standing seam metal roof on a steel truss system. The project will include mechanical, electrical, fire protection systems, and utility connections for electrical power, communications, water, sewer, and steam. Work will be performed in Parris Island, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-1764).

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $9,064,075 modification to previously-awarded contract (N00024-08-C-2300) to exercise an option for the accomplishment of the Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) of the USS Stockdale (DDG 106). Specific efforts include: engineering and management in support of the PSA, labor and procurement of material to correct government responsible deficiencies and accomplish system upgrades, performance of specified PSA work items inclusive of tests and post repair sea trials, additional manhours, and material in order to complete emergent repairs. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded $7,179,413 to exercise an option under a previously awarded cost plus fixed fee contract (N00140-04-D-0043) for services in support of the U.S., Joint Forces Command's Joint National Training Capability. Work will be performed at Suffolk, Va., and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded competitively through Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with six offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk Contracting Department Philadelphia Office is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee with performance incentives to McDonnell Douglas Corp., of Saint Louis Miss., for $9,670,673. This action will design, develop, integrate, test, deliver, install and support dual input power supply into the BRU-61A. At this time, $9,280,000 has been obligated. 918 ARSG/PK, Eglin Air Force Base is the contracting activity (FA8687-09-0062).

The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to General Dynamics of Santa Clara, Calif., for $8,790,215. This requirement to be procured is the fielding of Information Warfare Planning Capability for up to 73 Air Force and Combatant Command sites to support the warfighter and further to provide long-term sustainment to the fielded versions world-wide. At this time, $761,538 has been obligated. OL-AA 950 ELSG/PK, San Antonio, Texas is the contracting activity (FA8707-09-D-0001).
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to Rolls-Royce Engine Services of Oakland, Calif., for $7,344,291. This action will provide T56 Engine Breakout Kits to support the C-130 Fleet of the Egyptian Air Force. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. AFSAC/PKT, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8630-09-C-5083).

North Korean Satellite Launch May Violate U.N. Rule, Mullen Says

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

March 27, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today expressed concern over a possible North Korean satellite launch that could violate United Nations sanctions against nuclear testing by the government in Pyongyang. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said North Korea has threatened a launch as soon as next week, and added that U.S. ships today moved from Japanese ports toward the Korean peninsula.

North Korea reportedly has placed a Taepodong 2 missile at a launch facility in preparation for a launch. Pyongyang has stated the long-range missile is equipped with a commercial satellite and poses no danger, according to reports.

But Mullen said the launch would contravene U.N. Resolution 1718, a unanimous decision the U.N. Security Council reached in 2006 to block attempts by North Korea to employ such technology.

He added that it's unlikely the missile in question could reach U.S. territory, but it "works towards technology to do that," the admiral said.

Appearing on CNN today, Mullen showed imagery that he said depicts a North Korean missile with stacked boosters on a launch pad. He added that North Korean leader Kim Jong II has stated he is readying for a launch between April 4 and 8.

"There's an expectation that even though the North Koreans say this is a satellite launch, what is of most concern to us is we believe it violates [Resolution 1718]," Mullen said. "[It] says very clearly that the technology supporting the development of ballistic missiles is against that resolution no matter what they're packaging."

Mullen said the engineering, guidance and engines involved in the primed missile are identical to the kind of capabilities required in manufacturing a ballistic missile.

"Potentially, with where this could go long-term, [Jong] can develop a system that could actually target us," Mullen said, adding that any upcoming launch could be "very disturbing to the region."

Friday, March 27, 2009

Latest Ship Seizures Broaden Counter-Piracy Challenge

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

March 27, 2009 - Two ship seizures in the Indian Ocean in recent days appear to indicate that pirates have broadened their focus beyond the heavily patrolled Gulf of Aden. Pirates hijacked two chemical tankers: the Bahamian-flagged, Norwegian-owned vessel Bowasir on March 25 and the Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned Nipayia yesterday, a Navy spokesman confirmed.

Bowasir and its 23-member crew were operating more than 380 nautical miles southeast of Kismayo, Somalia. Nipayia and its 19 merchant mariners were pirated 490 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, the official said.

The seizures were the farthest yet from the Gulf of Aden, where the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet and the international community stepped up patrols after piracy soared last year.

"This appears to be a new round of attacks well off the east coast of Somalia vs. in the Gulf of Aden where we had seen the majority of attacks last year and in 2009 to date," the official said.

The latest hijackings expand the pirates' operating area, creating what the official called "a monumental challenge" to those working to prevent piracy.

"To put the challenge into geographic perspective, the area involved off the coast of Somalia and Kenya as well as the Gulf of Aden equals more than 1.1 million square miles," he said. "That is roughly four times the size of the U.S. state of Texas, or the size of the Mediterranean and Red Seas combined."

To better confront the problem, Navy Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, who commands U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, stood up a multinational, anti-piracy effort known as Combined Task Force 151 on Jan. 1.

Task force members have national mandates to conduct counter-piracy operations and work together "to support our goal of deterring, disrupting and eventually bringing to justice the maritime criminals involved in piracy events," Gortney explained as the task force became fully operational in mid-January.

CTF 151 operates primarily in and around the Gulf of Aden, but also in the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea.

At any given time, 12 to 16 warships from the task force as well as non-coalition nations are operating in the region. "The international presence there is significant," the Navy official said. "We are working with everybody who is there."

But the vast size of the region would require 61 ships just to control the internationally designated shipping lanes, he said. "And that's a small portion of the area we are talking about."

Despite the geographic challenges, the task force's efforts are showing signs of success.

Pirates seized 42 ships last year, but 80 of the 122 piracy "events" were unsuccessful, the official reported. So far in 2009, 48 "events" have occurred, with 11 hijackings and 37 unsuccessful attempts.

Meanwhile, more commercial shipping crews are applying lessons learned so they can foil pirates' attempts.

Just this week, the vessel Preventor evaded an attack more than 450 nautical miles southeast of Dar el Salam, Tanzania. The ship's crew conducted evasive maneuvering and used charged fire hoses to repel the pirates, the official said.

Face of Defense: Shooter Aims for 2012 Paralympics

By Caroline Gotler
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 27, 2009 - An infantryman for most of his Army career, Army Staff Sgt. Josh Olson never dreamed he would someday become an internationally ranked shooter with the Army's World Class Athlete Program. But everything changed for Olson after losing his right leg in an attack during a deployment to Iraq in 2003.

"I was going to get out of the military," Olson said. "I was an infantryman, and I knew I couldn't do that anymore, so I just wanted to get out. Then this opportunity came up and it gave me a renewed sense of duty and honor."

That opportunity was a call from U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit recruiters to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where Olson was undergoing physical therapy. Olson had been participating in a program that provides hunting, fishing and outdoor sports events to recovering soldiers. When medical center officials asked if any soldiers were interested in an AMU recruiting trip here, Olson jumped at the chance.

"When I found out I could do this, I was like, 'Yeah, absolutely, let's do it!'" he said. "You can't be in the fight, but you have the opportunity to help soldiers who are going to fight. So I'm still contributing, just in a different way."

Since joining the AMU international rifle shooting team in 2005, Olson has risen rapidly through the world of shooting. He competed in the 2006 International Paralympics Committee World Championships and the 2007 Oceanic Games, and earned a spot as an alternate on the 2008 Paralympics team. Today, he's aiming for a spot on the U.S. shooting team at the 2012 Paralympics in London.

"As far as he's come in such a short period of time is amazing," Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Parker, Olson's AMU teammate, said. "He came to us with no international shooting experience and in three years' time, he was an alternate. We expect him to be up on the medal podium in another three years."

To qualify for the Paralympics, Olson will need to shoot at least three qualifying scores in international matches over the next four years. He expects to have shot at least two by the end of this year.

Olson's dedication and positive attitude have set an example for the entire unit, Parker said.

"He's always had a positive attitude," Parker said. "That's one of the great things about him. You look at him and sometimes you can see that he's not feeling great, but he's out there putting out 100 percent. He's a great motivator. He's contributed to our mission in every possible way."

Olson said that knowing his AMU teammates are counting on him helps keep him motivated during tough times.

"On days I don't want to get up and come to training and I'm kind of feeling sorry for myself, I think, 'Hey look, there are people counting on you, so you need to get out there and work your butt off,'" he said.

He credits his injury with allowing him to serve and represent his country in new ways.

"Without me getting injured, I would have never gotten the opportunity to come here and shoot," he said. "Being wounded might have closed some doors, but it opened others in other places. And this is one of the places it opened up -- for me to be able to compete, shoot and train troops and still be contributing to the war effort.

"Being a disabled veteran, to go out and wear U.S.A. on your jacket and to hear them announce you -- 'Now shooting for the U.S., Josh Olson' -- that's a pretty big deal. I can't represent the U.S. as a deployed soldier, but now I represent them on a whole new battlefield -- the athletic field."

(Caroline Gotler works at the Fort Benning public affairs office.)

Colorado Employers Eager to Hire, Support Army Reservists

By Army Reserve 1st Lt. Olivia Cobiskey
Special to American Forces Press Service

March 27, 2009 - Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter Jr. signed on to the Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative at a March 20 ceremony here that also drew 11 private-sector employers. The governor is the first to commit all state agencies to working with the Army Reserve to fill critical shortages, officials said.

"It is my pleasure to add Colorado to the list of employers who will proactively seek to hire and retain Army Reserve soldiers when they return home," Ritter said. "This partnership with the Army Reserve expands the opportunities for the men and women who have made great sacrifices on our behalf. It is one more step towards attempting to repay the debt we owe our brave troops and veterans."

In the end, 11 Denver employers and the state of Colorado agreed to work collaboratively with the Army Reserve to enhance job opportunities for America's soldiers and veterans. The Denver-area employers that signed on include Adecco, BC Services, City of Denver, Cicsco, Front Range Airport, Loomis, NorthGlenn Dodge, Pennica Financial Group, Pepsi Bottling Group and Western Freightways.

The alliances launched under the initiative will help to strengthen the community, support Army Reserve soldiers and their families, and maintain a strong economy, Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve, said.

The excitement over the program's success, especially at the height of an economic recession, was clear on the faces of Army Reserve Sgt. Gregory S. Ruske and others who attended the event.

"It just demonstrates how much the public supports the military," said Ruske, who serves with the 96th Regional Readiness Command and received the Silver Star, the Army's second-highest award, for valor while deployed in Afghanistan. "You can't help but smile each time a business signs the agreement. Here we are in a struggling economy, and they're willing to put their support in writing and hire Army Reserve soldiers."

Ruske, a juvenile corrections officer at the Mount View Youth Service Center in Denver, said he has found the tools offered by the EPI invaluable.

"I want to find something in law enforcement, security," said Ruske, 29, the fourth Army Reserve soldier to earn the Silver Star for heroic service since Sept. 11, 2001. "I think it's more suited to my personality, and I like to be more active, not confined to a cubicle."

It's also more suited to the skills he learned while an infantry soldier and complements the bachelor's degree in sociology he earned from Colorado State University.

Employers at the ceremony in Denver seemed to agree as Ruske collected a stack of business cards. But that's not the only help he has received from the initiative. Carl Blum from Tip of the Arrow Foundation has been helping Ruske with his resume and networking.

"There are tools out there to help you in your job search, but EPI is like a power tool -- most of the grunt work is done for you, and you can concentrate on the details," Ruske said.

"It's not like the old days where you had to know someone, or play golf, to get a job," Ruske said. "EPI has created this symbiotic relationship that benefits both the Army Reserve and the employers."

Since its inception in April 2008, nearly 300 public and private employers have joined the initiative, including Fortune 500 corporations, hospitals, industry associations, state agencies and local police departments.

"I'm pleased to officially begin an enduring, strategic partnership with so many of Denver's leading employers and the state of Colorado," Army Maj. Gen. Mari K. Eder, deputy chief of the Army Reserve, said during the ceremony. "I look forward to collaborating with our newest valued partners to achieve mutual goals to attract, develop and retain a quality workforce."

(Army 1st Lt. Olivia Cobiskey serves with the Army Reserve.)