Wednesday, September 09, 2009

MILITARY CONTRACTS September 9, 2009

AIR FORCE
Intelligent Software Solutions, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo., was awarded a $300,000,000 contract software research and development for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Rome, N.Y. At this time, $5,000,000 has been obligated. AFRL is the contracting activity. (FA8750-09-D-0022)

Defense Support Services, LLC of Mount Laurel, N.J., was awarded an $86.4 million contract for Acquisition of Aircraft Maintenance Support Services for Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. At this time, $16,940,675.96 has been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity. (FA3002-09-C-0019)

Lockheed Martin Corporation of Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded a modified contract for $77,654.436 for procurement of Multi-Year F-22 Pilot Training Devices in four simulated cockpit configurations. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 478 AESG/PK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (FA8611-06-C-2899)

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $27,951,923 contract to ensure the National Security Agency's, Information Assurance policies are up-to-date and enforced within the agency and that certification and accreditation requirements are met and the compliance guidance is implemented and reported. At this time, $7,193,027 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity. (SP0700-98-D-4002, D.O. 0382)

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $19,323,252 contract to provide Human Systems Integration Impacts on Survivability/Vulnerability. At this time $1,901,904 has been obligated. 55CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity. (SP0700-03-D-1380; D.O. 0324)

NAVY
Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corp., Farmingdale, N.Y., is being awarded a $47,501,027 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Electric Valve Operator (EVO) Assemblies and associated technical data. The performance specification under this contract provides the requirements for a new EVO Assembly design in order to replace existing EVO units and manifold bonnet assemblies used for JP-5 tank manifolds. Work will be performed in Farmingdale, N.Y. (100 percent) and is expected to be completed by September 2014. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with one offer received. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa. is the contracting activity (N65540-09-D-0023).

PAE Government Services, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., is being awarded a not to exceed $10,000,000 modification under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N33191-07-D-1503) to exercise Option 2 for a Job Order Contract at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti. The work to be performed provides for all managerial, supervision, labor, engineering services, tools, materials, equipment and transportation necessary to accomplish a broad range of design/build, repair, renovation and minor construction work on real property. After exercise of this option, the total cumulative contract value will not exceed $30,000,000. Work will be performed in Djibouti, Africa, and expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Europe Africa and Southwest Asia, Naples, Italy, is the contracting activity.

Sauer Incorporated, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $8,429,400 for firm-fixed-price task order #0003 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N69450-09-D-1274) for construction of a child development center at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C. The new center will provide child care/development for full-day, part-day, and hourly care for infants, pre-toddlers, toddlers, and pre-school aged children of military and civilian personnel. The design and construction also includes associated storage, utilities, parking, site improvements, built-in equipment requirements, access, and anti-terrorism force protection. Work will be performed in Parris Island, S.C., and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Constellation NewEnergy, New York, N.Y. is being awarded a maximum $17,707,231 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Other locations of performance are in New York. Using services are Army and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 54 proposals solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 31, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-8030).

Top NATO Official Reaffirms Commitment to Afghanistan

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 9, 2009 - Despite the challenges it faces there, NATO will stay the course during its tough fight against Taliban and other extremists in Afghanistan, the alliance's top leader said here today. "Let no one think that a run for the exits is an option; it is not," NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, berthed at Naval Station Norfolk, after he'd participated in a ceremony transferring command of Allied Command Transformation from U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis to Gen. Stephane Abrial of France's air force.

"My view is very clear," Rasmussen said. "What we are doing now is very difficult, is very costly. But, if we were to walk away, we would pay a much higher cost -- and soon."

A military withdrawal from Afghanistan would result in terrorist attacks originating from Afghanistan, Rasmussen said, as well as "profound instability in Pakistan and in Central Asia." Extremists worldwide would become "emboldened" if NATO disengaged from Afghanistan, he added.

"This is simply not a future we can allow to happen," Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen acknowledged to reporters that more needs to be done in Afghanistan – especially more progress in training higher numbers of Afghan soldiers and police. More trainers, he said, are required to achieve that goal.

"We need to further develop the capacity of the Afghan security forces," Rasmussen said, "so that the Afghans can take responsibility themselves, gradually, province by province."

What's also needed, Rasmussen said, is "a clear step towards transition" to Afghan leadership in the realms of security, health, education, development and governance.

"Within NATO, that means investing much more heavily in training and developing the Afghan security forces," Rasmussen said.

The road to success in Afghanistan entails achieving more progress, Rasmussen said, and demonstrating that progress through "clear, visible transition" to Afghan authorities, Rasmussen said. It's also essential that the Afghan government deliver better services to its citizens, he added.

The bottom line, Rasmussen said, is "we need to show the Afghan people and the citizens of troop-contributing nations that we are getting somewhere."

Reducing civilian casualties is Afghanistan is part of the strategy to achieve success there, the secretary general told reporters. "I know that our troops on the ground do their utmost to reduce the number of civilian casualties," he said, noting that over the last year, civilian casualties in Afghanistan have been reduced by around 95 percent.

"But what we cannot and will not do is waver," Rasmussen said. "Success in our efforts is essential to Afghan security, to regional security and our security -- and we will get there."

Rasmussen cited the change-of-command ceremony as a "significant milestone" for NATO. Abrial became ACT's first nontemporary European commander. Before 2003, ACT was known as Allied Command Atlantic, which was established in 1952. Most of ACA's commanders have been Americans.

"I am truly honored by the command with which I have been entrusted," Abrial said after the ceremony. "I am eager to serve alongside the dedicated men and women in NATO's most diverse command serving here in Norfolk and throughout Europe."

NATO established Allied Command Transformation in 2003. It works with U.S. Joint Forces Command to identify, advocate and facilitate continuous improvement of NATO capabilities to maintain the alliance's effectiveness in the 21st century.

Earlier this year, France decided to rejoin NATO's military command. Then-French President Charles de Gaulle had pulled France out of NATO's military command in 1966. France has hundreds of troops deployed in Afghanistan in support of NATO's International Security Assistance Force there.

"As NATO says, eventually you need France's voice in the command structure if their troops are going to be in every operation," Mattis told reporters after the change-of-command ceremony.

The Marine four-star general, who received NATO's Meritorious Service Medal at the ceremony, remains the chief of U.S. Joint Forces Command, also based here. Mattis had served as Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation for about two years.

Tourney Offers Disabled Vets Fun, Rehabilitation

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 9, 2009 - Jeremy LeGrand, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran who returned home from combat safely only to suffer a brain injury in an off-duty car accident, is learning this week that some of the best therapy is delivered on the golf course and at the bowling alley. LeGrand, who was medically retired as an Army sergeant and now lives in Earlville, Ill., is among disabled veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan participating in the National Veterans TEE Tournament.

The five-day golf-and-bowling rehabilitation program kicked off Sept. 6 in Iowa City, Iowa, and continues through the weekend at venues throughout the area.

About 150 participants in this year's event served in conflicts from World War II to the current wars. All have visual impairments or other disabilities and receive treatment at Veterans Affairs Department medical facilities.

And as LeGrand attests, all refuse to live their lives as couch potatoes.

"I don't want to just sit at home and play my games," he said. "I'm an active person, and I want to get out there. I'm a worker."

Today, LeGrand was putting himself to work at the Colonial Bowling Lanes in Iowa City. Yesterday, he tested his mettle against his fellow vets on one of several participating golf courses. That was a warm-up for the big tournament tomorrow.

VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki called the event --– in which TEE refers not just to golf, but also "Training, Exposure, Experience" -- a big part of veterans' rehabilitation.

"Providing veterans the rehabilitation they need in order to lead a fulfilling, active life is what this event is about," he said. "The courage of these veterans to overcome life's obstacles and soar above their physical limitations is an inspiration to all of us."

The TEE Tournament is just one of many VA-sponsored sporting activities that use a therapeutic format to promote rehabilitation, fellowship and camaraderie among participants.

LeGrand said he gets a lot out of the time he spends talking to and learning from his fellow disabled veterans. But he makes no bones about it: he particularly enjoys the fun of competing against them in just about any venue.

He was among more than 650 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan who participated in the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colo., earlier this year. He's also looking forward to returning later this month to his second National Disabled Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, in San Diego.

"I am going to be in everything" offered there, he said, adding that he's especially looking forward to building on the love of surfing he discovered there last year.

"I was laughing up a storm," he said of his first experience on a surfboard. "I had a big smile on my face."

As he anticipates that event, LeGrand is focusing this week on the bowling alley and golf course. He said he hopes to give his competitors a run for their money at tomorrow's tournament.

"Yesterday I was pretty good, but not outstanding," he said. "As for tomorrow, well, we'll find out."

The TEE tournament began in 1994 as a regional program for legally blind veterans, then went national last year.

"This is a really great program," said Sandy Franks, who works at the VA Medical Center in Shreveport, La., and volunteered to help at the TEE Tournament. "It's a real inspiration to meet these veterans."

VA Secretary Challenges Fort Meade Students to Achieve

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 9, 2009 - Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki visited Meade High School on Fort George G. Meade, Md., yesterday to challenge more than 700 students to work hard, set educational goals and take responsibility for their learning. Shinseki joined President Barack Obama and other Cabinet members in reaching out to America's youth through "My Education, My Future" events. Obama visited Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va., where he presented a virtual address to students across the country.

Meanwhile, the VA secretary told the Meade High School students, many of them children of troops at Fort Meade, that he wants to see them succeed and that the country's future depends on their success.

"We are committed to helping you achieve greatness for yourselves, your communities and the nation by encouraging each of you to set and achieve the highest educational goals," he said. "America will not succeed in the 21st century unless we do a far better job of educating you, our sons and daughters."

Shinseki also encouraged the students to consider a path of volunteerism. He noted that more than 20,000 young people volunteer their time to more than 160 VA facilities across the nation.

"Volunteering at a VA medical facility is a learning experience in as many ways as it is a giving experience," he told the students. "Veterans enjoy the company and care young volunteers provide."

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates observed the White House back-to-school initiative in a quieter manner. He traveled to Fort Belvoir, Va., to meet with about a dozen military parents and talk about the challenges military children face in the education system.

Gates noted that 44 percent of active-duty servicemembers have children, about two-thirds of them under age 11. Of the 1.2 million military children, only about 85,000 attend Defense Department schools. The rest attend public schools -- where he conceded that their nonmilitary schoolmates often don't understand or relate to their lifestyle and the difficulties they face, and staffs too often aren't equipped to offer the support they need.

The defense secretary told reporters after his Fort Belvoir visit that he planned to return to the Pentagon with a list of issues to look into to help improve support for military families and their children.

Emergency Service Degree

UNION INSTITUTE & UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES BS IN EMERGENCY SERVICES MANAGEMENT

New program prepares leaders in rapidly growing field

Union Institute & University (UI&U), a private, non-profit university headquartered in Cincinnati with centers in Sacramento and Los Angeles, Miami, and Montpelier and Brattleboro, Vt., today announced the launch of the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management (ESM) program. The new ESM major is ideal for both those already in a career related to emergency services or disaster response, and those seeking to join a rapidly growing field.

Jobs in emergency services have grown since the September 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. According the recent careerbuilder.com article, “Seven emerging jobs poised for growth,” jobs in emergency services are estimated to grow by 7-13 percent in the upcoming years. “Our world is changing and, despite the economic outlook, the field of emergency service continues to grow,” said Dr. James Rocheleau, dean of UI&U’s California centers.

UI&U’s emergency services management program prepares graduates for careers in emergency services industries where a high level of understanding in organizational dynamics and interpersonal skills are required. Graduates of the program will be able to solve administrative problems, fine-tune strategic plans, enhance human resource potential, increase productivity, and address internal organizational issues. “We are essentially preparing learners for leadership roles within the field of emergency service,” said Dr. Rocheleau.

Learners in the ESM program have several degree completion options. They can attend on-ground classes that meet face-to-face five times in an eight-week session or select a distance learning option and earn eight credits in eight weeks. Learners may also be able to transfer credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities and request credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom through work or professional experience. Law enforcement officers and firefighters may be able to apply credits earned in their training towards their ESM degree requirements.

For more information on the new Emergency Services Management program contact Fatemeh Fazely, faculty advisor, at fatemeh.fazely@myunion.edu or 800-486-3116, ext. 1511.

Union Institute & University is a private, accredited university that has, since 1964, redefined higher education by placing learners at the center of their own education. Union serves more than 2000, self-motivated, socially conscious adults in rigorous faculty- mentored programs without interrupting professional, family, and community commitments. UI&U offers individualized programs of study leading to the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. In addition to its distance learning programs, academic centers are located in Cincinnati (OH), Los Angeles and Sacramento (CA), Miami (FL), and in Montpelier and Brattleboro (VT).