Thursday, October 01, 2009

Hawaii National Guard, FEMA Teams to Assist American Samoa

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Oct. 1, 2009 - In response to Federal Emergency Management Agency requests, National Guard assets from Hawaii continue to provide air-cargo operations and other support to tsunami victims on American Samoa, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters here today. Support requested by American Samoa authorities includes power-generation equipment, medical supplies, food, water and shelter-support, including bedding and blankets, Whitman said.

"We'll continue to do that for some time," Whitman told reporters, noting nearly 100 Hawaii National Guard personnel are involved in airlift and humanitarian-relief operations for American Samoa.

An 8.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the Samoa Islands region Sept. 29, causing devastating 15-to-20-foot-high waves to cascade inland across the South Pacific archipelago, including the eastern side of American Samoa, a U.S. possession.

FEMA, which maintains well-stocked warehouses in Guam and Honolulu, is deploying resources to American Samoa, including water and meals, to support 70,000 survivors over the coming week.

Two C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes departed Hawaii today en route to American Samoa with FEMA members, food and water, and mortuary-affairs assets aboard, Whitman said. Another C-17 is slated to leave Hawaii for American Samoa later today, he added, carrying more equipment and supplies.

The first of four C-17 relief flights to American Samoa left Hawaii yesterday afternoon, Whitman said, carrying medical, search-and-rescue, and communications personnel, as well as supplies and equipment.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell yesterday outlined some of the infrastructure for the effort.

"We are providing Travis Air Force Base in California, Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii [and] Andersen Air Force Base in Guam as base support installations," he said. "These are basically staging areas for operations to provide aid and assistance to those in American Samoa. We're going to be providing medical triage, [hazardous materials] response, mass-casualty care and strategic airlift. That's what the focus at the outset will be of our assistance."

The Navy yesterday dispatched the frigate USS Ingraham to assist humanitarian-relief efforts in American Samoa. The Ingraham was in the region when the tsunami struck.

U.S. military personnel also are assisting relief efforts in the Philippines, which has experienced massive flooding.

New Missile Plan Serves Same Objectives, Officials Say

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Oct. 1, 2009 - The adoption of a new U.S. missile defense approach does not represent a departure from earlier objectives nor was it influenced by U.S.-Russian relations, top Defense Department officials said today. Like the old system that would have placed missile defense equipment in Poland and the Czech Republic, the proposal announced last month places priority on protecting the United States, American troops abroad and NATO allies on the European continent, Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told lawmakers.

"Our recommendations are not a departure from the objectives," he told the House Armed Services Committee, referring to what he called the three-layered approach.

As opposed to earlier plans to build ground-based components in Eastern Europe, defense officials have said a new sea-based approach is better suited to intelligence on Iranian threats and would provide protection sooner.

Some have interpreted this move away from the plan to place advanced radars in the Czech Republic and 10 ground-based interceptors in Poland as intended to gain political favor with Moscow, which vocally opposed the ground-based approach. But in her remarks to the committee today, Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, emphasized that the decision to alter the missile defense system's architecture was aimed at better securing American interests.

"We certainly welcome Russian interest in the new approach, as well as potential Russian cooperation in sharing data from their radars. But this is not about Russia," she said. "It never has been about Russia. Regardless of the Russian reaction, we will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure our security and those of our partners and allies."

In December 2006, when intelligence suggested the development of Iran's intercontinental ballistic missile was the foremost threat to the United States and its allies, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recommended to then-President George W. Bush that the United States adopt the ground-based approach.

But with current intelligence reports suggesting Iran is moving faster to develop its shorter-range missiles, Gates has said the new architecture better protects the United States and its European allies.

"The original program that I recommended would have had no capability against short- and medium-range missiles until probably 2018," Gates said at a Pentagon news conference last month. "What the new system provides is some capability beginning in 2011 that will grow steadily each year in terms of its sophistication and its coverage of Europe. The next phase would begin in 2015."

Gates -- a former CIA director -- said the new arrangement is preferable even if U.S. intelligence assessments that indicate Iran is more focused on developing short and mid-range missiles over long-range capabilities prove incorrect.

Flournoy amplified that position at today's hearing, saying the previous configuration was based on threat information and technology that is now outdated.

"Circumstances have changed since then," she told lawmakers. "First, the intelligence picture has evolved. And second, we have made major strides in missile defense technologies and capabilities in just the last few years. We are now in a position to put in place a far more effective missile defense system more rapidly than just a few years ago."

An additional drawback to the previous plan was that ground-based interceptors designed to deal with no more than five enemy missiles at once were prone to being overwhelmed by a larger salvo fired simultaneously, Army Lt. Gen. Patrick J. O'Reilly, director of the Missile Defense Agency, told lawmakers.

"The previously proposed European defense architecture was insufficient to protect NATO and our forward-based forces, and provide redundant coverage of the United States homeland," he said.

President Barack Obama's announcement of the new program last month puts the United States on track for a four-phase missile defense program with the ultimate goal being a robust, interconnected, multinational system.

Deploying the Navy's ships equipped with the Aegis weapons system to the region by 2011 drives the new plan's initial phase. Their Standard Missile 3 interceptor has passed several tests in the past two years, and forward-position Army radar systems will support them.

This will give the military a smaller range of detection and protection, but is enough initially to protect U.S. troops and allies against Iran's shorter-range missiles, officials said.

Army Confirms First Suspected H1N1-related Death

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
Special to American Forces Press Service

Oct. 1, 2009 - A soldier stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C., who died Sept. 10, possibly is the first H1N1-related death suffered by the U.S. armed forces, Army officials here said. Army Spc. Christopher Hogg, 23, of Dayton, Fla., died of pneumonia, but autopsy reports released yesterday confirm his death was the result of complications caused by the H1N1 virus, better known as swine flu, said Karen Soule, a Fort Jackson spokeswoman.

Fort Jackson doesn't yet offer the H1N1 vaccine, but officials there expect the first supply to arrive this month, she added.

Fort Jackson is taking the issue seriously, Soule said. The base is the largest Army training facility with more than 10,000 soldiers stationed there at any given time. An H1N1 epidemic there could compromise the Army's ability to effectively produce soldiers to support fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, she explained.

Hoggs was a basic training recruit in his fifth week of training when he was taken to the hospital Sept. 1 for a fever and respiratory issues. He was set to graduate Oct. 15.

Virginia Women's Group Donates Items for Troops

By Heather Forsgren Weaver
American Forces Press Service

Oct. 1, 2009 - Sometime around Thanksgiving some troops in Iraq and Afghanistan will receive boxes filled with gifts from a women's group in Alexandria, Va. For the first time in 15 years of doing fall service projects, the Mount Vernon Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated granola and energy bars, mints, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other items at its annual dinner Sept. 26, 2009.

The Relief Society teamed up with Judith Albarelli, of Alexandria who has been sending boxes to Iraq since her son, Army Capt. Nolan Albarelli of the 25th Infantry Division, was deployed in 2006.

Albarelli told his mom that some of his men never got mail from home and that they needed new boots. Ms. Albarelli began collecting money for boots and items for boxes. She eventually sent 35 pair of Oakley boots and a themed box for each of the 15 months her son and his men were deployed.

"It then just became a bad habit," she jokingly said about something that has truly become a labor of love. Capt. Albarelli continues to give his mom names of soldiers who don't receive mail and may need extra encouragement. She sends the boxes to the troops until they return home and then a new group of troops is chosen.

As people heard about Albarelli's project, they started dropping items at her house. She gratefully accepts everything. "A little makes a lot," she said.

Albarelli doesn't receive requests for specific items, although she always asks the troops when they are first deployed, she said.

Troops especially like homemade cards from children and when a new group of servicemembers become recipients of Albarelli's boxes, she usually includes a large, handmade calendar that they can use to count down to when they come home, she said.

While the items are donated, Albarelli packs each box personally and pays the average $13 each to ship them.

"I want to pack the boxes. I want to know what is in the boxes," she said. "My part always has been and always will be to pay for shipping. That is my deal with God for bringing my son home."

The Relief Society gathers annually to do a service project and share a meal. This year, they filled 40 bags of requested items, said Deborah Blair, a group leader. The items will be sorted and combined with other items from the community, she said.

"We have the servicemembers on our minds during this difficult time," Blair said. "This project blends the church with service to the community and highlights our appreciation for the troops."

Afghan Decision Expected in Matter of Weeks

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Oct. 1, 2009 - President Barack Obama is getting the ground-level perspective on Afghanistan, and soon will address the strategy and resources needed in the country, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said here today. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates expects a decision on the way forward in Afghanistan in a matter of weeks, Morrell told MSNBC. "I would remind you that the Bush administration when they were deliberating whether or not to surge forces into Iraq took about three months to come to that conclusion," he said.

Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, chief of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, recently submitted to the Pentagon and White House his assessment of Afghan operations and requirements. The general believes that the right strategy is more important than resources, Morrell said.

"We need to be much more focused on changing the strategy, changing how we behave on the ground in Afghanistan," Morrell said. "If we are able to win the trust and confidence of the Afghan people, if they trust that we are there by their side and committed to being there for the duration, he believes we can succeed."

The McChrystal strategy is making inroads with Gates, Morrell said. "The secretary, I think, is growing increasingly comfortable with that notion," he said.

The secretary has said he is uncomfortable with a large foreign military presence in Afghanistan. "General McChrystal was making the case to him and to others that it's not the size of the force; it's how that force behaves" that matters most, the press secretary said.

McChrystal believes the Afghan people do not regard U.S. and NATO forces as occupiers, Morrell said. This will continue as long as International Security Assistance Force personnel ensure the population is protected and that civilian casualties are kept to the minimum.

Obama's meeting yesterday with civilian and military leaders lasted three hours, Morrell said. Vice President Joe Biden; Gates; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; retired Marine Gen. Jim Jones, the assistant to the president for national security; and Army Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. Central Command; participated.

McChrystal, U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry and U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Ann Patterson joined the meeting by teleconference, Morrell said.

MILITARY CONTRACTS October 1, 2009

AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Technical Services of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $3.8 billion contract to provide contractor logistics services in support of Air Mobility Command assets. At this time, $4,000,000 has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKA, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-10-D-0001).

MITRE Corp., of Bedford, Mass., was awarded a $360,211,389 contract to provide systems engineering and integration support for Air Force ceiling programs for fiscal year 2010. At this time $1,607,901 has been obligated. ESC/PKE, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting Activity (FA8721-10-C-0001).

Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $270,891,078 contract to provide for the basic C-17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership contract. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 730 ACSG/GFKAA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00TBD).

Salish & Kootenai Aerospace, Inc., of Saint Ignatius, Mont. was awarded a $77,000,000 which will provide for third party logistics management services to support the F-15 aircraft, low altitude navigation and targeting infrared for Night System Program Offices, and the Royal Saudi Air Force. At this time, $23,300,000 has been obligated. 830 ACSG/GFKA, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia is the contracting activity (FA8505-10-D-0001).

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Bellevue, Neb., was awarded a $53,466,566 contract which will extend the performance period for fiscal year 2010 through 2015, for systems engineering, management, development, and sustainment for Air Force weather systems. At this time, no money has been obligated. 55 CONS, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (FA4600-08-D-0002,P00013).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., of San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $49,212,364 contract which will add contingency operations for Fiscal Year 2010 and additional incentive fee metrics into the performance plan to support Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle fielded systems and subsystems. At this time, no money has been obligated. 560 ACSG/GFKAB, Robins, Kirtland Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8528-09-D-0001,P00005).

Science Applications International Corp., of San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $21,965,395 contract which will provide technology development and research into optical division of the Air Force Research Laboratory Directed Energy Directorate to develop, simulate, analyze and characterize beam control systems for laser propagation, optical imaging, and target acquisition, pointing, and tracking applications. At this time, $284,300 has been obligated. AFRL/RDKL, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9451-09-C-0384).

Alliant Techsystems Inc., of Mesa, Ariz., was awarded a $20,101,019 contract which will provide 200,000 rounds of 30 millimeter ammunition. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 667 AESS/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8629-09-C-2442, P00001).

ACG Systems, Inc., of Annapolis, Md., was awarded a $25,000,000 contract which will provide land mobile radio accessories. At this time, $3,500,050 has been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCD, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3002-09-D-0012).

Defense Support Services of Mount Laurel, N.J., was awarded a $15,817,144 contract which will exercise Option 1 providing for civil engineering services at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. At this time, $15,817,144 has been obligated. 82 CONS/LGCM, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3002-09-C-0003, Mod 07).

Angel Staffing, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas was awarded a $12,692,206 contract which will provide for the employment of approximately 280 nurses. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 37 CONS, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3047-08-D-0012).

L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., was awarded a $12,620,514 contract which will exercise option six of a contract that provides trainer maintenance at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. At this time, no money has been obligated. 82 CONS/LGCA, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (F41689-03-C-0018).

BAE Systems Information and Electronics of Nashua, N.H., was awarded a $11,210,738 contract which will provide for performance based logistics services in support of a countermeasures test set determined to be a sole source to BAE Systems. At this time, no money has been obligated. 762 CBSG/GBBC, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8535-09-D-0003).

Boeing Aerospace Operations of Oklahoma City, Okla., was awarded a $10,127,999 contract which will provide F-15/F-16, and F-22 contract aircrew training and courseware development services. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKB, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-06-C-0004, P00011).

Crew Training International, Inc., of Memphis, Tenn., was awarded a $7,325,900 contract which will provide for RC/OC/WC-135 & E-4B contract aircrew training and courseware development services. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKB, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity (FA4890-09-C-0007, P00001).

Five Rivers Services of Colorado Springs, Colorado was awarded a $7,222,560 contract which will provide for the management, operation, maintenance, and logistical support of nine Air Force Space Surveillance System field stations. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 21 CONS/LGCZB, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado is the contracting activity. (FA2517-09-C-8002, P00002)

PKL Services Incorporated of Poway California was awarded a $7,013,194 contract which will provide for Republic of Singapore Air Force maintenance services. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 366 CONS/LGCA of Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho is the contracting activity. (FA4897-08-C-2002, P00009)

T-Square Logistics Services Corporation of Colorado Springs, Colo., was awarded a $6,962,201 contract which will exercise Option 2 which provides for logistics services to include base supply, fuels and vehicle maintenance, and operation at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 82 CONS/LGCA, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3020-07-C-0007,P00016).

C2 Technologies, Inc. of Vienna, Va., was awarded a $6,605,308 contract which will provide for EC-130/A-10 contract aircrew training and courseware development services. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ACC AMIC/PKB, Newport News, Va., is the contracting activity. (FA4890-08-C-0007, P00005)

TYBRIN Corp. of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded a $6,191,927 contract which will provide for non-personal advisory and assistance services to fully support aerospace research, development, test and evaluation activities at the Air Force Flight Test Center. At this time, no money has been obligated. AFFTC/PKTJ, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA9304-09-C-0100).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Hutchinson Industries Inc., Trenton, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $106,566,600 firm-fixed price, sole-source contract for a run-flat kit. Other location of performance is Trenton, N.J. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sep. 29, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Columbus (DSCC), Columbus, Ohio (SPM7LX-09-D-7137).

Abbott Labs, Inc., Abbott Park, Ill. is being awarded a maximum $54,874,910 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for chemical analyzers, accessories and reagents. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 63 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is for a five-year base period. The date of performance completion is Oct. 1, 2015. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-09-D-8214).

Hamilton Sundstrand Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $43,405,976 firm-fixed price contract for parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Sep. 30, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-AHA), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., (SPRRA1-09-D-0060).

FLIR Systems Inc., Wilsonville, Ore. is being awarded a maximum $22,007,356 firm fixe- price, sole-source contract for turret assembly parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sep. 30, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-AHA), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., (SPRRA1-09-D-0061 D.O. 0001).

Woodward Governor Co., Loves Park, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $8,542,200 firm fixed-price, sole-source contract for main fuel control parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Sep. 29, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-AHA), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., (W58RGZ-07-D-0129/ZB01).

The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $6,481,934 firm fixed-price, sole-source contract for aircraft steering units. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. This contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is Sep. 15, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-AHB), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., (W58RGZ-04-G-023 D.O.0134).

Woodward Governor Co., Loves Park, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $5,929,582 firm fixed-price, sole-source contract for main fuel control parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Sep.29, 2009. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency (DSCR-AHA), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., (W58RGZ-07-D-0174/ZB03).

NAVY
Sodexho Management, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is receiving a $71,578,975 modification for the call up of Contract Year 8 (FY10 requirements) to previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (M00027-02-C-0002) to provide food services to the Marine Corps and manage and operate their mess halls in the western region of the United States. This modification is only for the purpose of placing the required funding on this contract. This modification does not include any funding for work that is outside the scope of the original contract. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., (60 percent); Miramar, Calif., (5 percent); Twentynine Palms, Calif., (10 percent); San Diego, Calif., (10 percent); Bridgeport, Calif., (5 percent); and Yuma, Ariz., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The total funded dollars for contract years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (five multi-year base period), and 6, 7, and 8 (3 option years) totals $532,089,467. The contracting activity is USMC Regional Contracting Office Southwest, Marine Corps Installations (MCI) West, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Northrop Grumman Space and Mission Systems, Network Communication Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $24,280,512 firm-fixed-price contract for all material and services to support system development and demonstration phase through preliminary design review for the three capabilities (dismounted, mounted and fixed site) of the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (JCREW) 3.3 System of Systems. This will provide combat troops protection against RCIEDs. CREW systems are designed to provide protection for foot soldiers, vehicles, and permanent structures. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., (84 percent), Sierra Vista, Ariz., (14 percent), and Kileen, Texas (2 percent), and is expected to be complete by March 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-6317).

ITT Force Protection Systems (ITT FPS), Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $16,021,056 firm-fixed-price contract for all material and services to support system development and demonstration phase through preliminary design review for the three capabilities (dismounted, mounted and fixed site) of the Joint Counter Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (JCREW) 3.3 System of Systems. This will provide combat troops protection against RCIEDs. CREW systems are designed to provide protection for foot soldiers, vehicles, and permanent structures. Work will be performed Clifton, N.J., (41 percent), Annapolis Junction, Md., (30 percent), and Thousand Oaks, Calif., (29 percent), and is expected to be complete by March 2010 This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-6316).

Problem-Knowledge Coupler Corp.*, DBA Problem Knowledge Coupler, Burlington, Vt., is being awarded a $7,165,600 firm-fixed-price contract to provide military health system (MHS) enterprise software licenses to support DoD's use of custom screening tools, complete health screening, diagnostic, management and behavioral health tool sets (clinical couplers). This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $29,137,761. Work will be performed in Burlington, Vt., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until September 2013. This contract was not procured competitively. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-10-C-3100).

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, Va., (N00189-10-D-Z002); Serco, Inc., Reston, Va., (N00189-10-D-Z003); and IBM Corp., Fairfax, Va. (N00189-10-D-Z004), are each being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide decision support services for Bureau of Personnel Navy Personnel Research Studies and Technology, Millington, Tenn. This contract contains a one-year base period with two one-year option periods. For Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., the base amount is $7,067,825, and the estimated value if all options are exercised is $37,572,915. For Serco, Inc., the base amount is $5,768,028, and the estimated value if all options are exercised is $30,408,965. For IBM Corp., the base amount is $6,653,382, and the estimated value if all options are exercised is $35,246,006. Work is to be performed in McLean, Va., (32 percent); Reston, Va., (32 percent); Fairfax, Va., (31 percent); and Millington, Tenn., (5 percent), and work is expected to be complete September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured through Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Division, is the contracting activity.

3M Company, Salt Lake City, Utah, is being awarded a $6,450,672 firm-fixed-price contract to provide annual maintenance and support for the 3M Care Innovation licensed software product suite and also software support for BEA Systems Tuxedo and Medicomp MEDCIN. 3M Care Innovation provides the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application program's electronic health record database infrastructure, data standardization and normalization of data, as well as the longitudinal encounter integration of patient data worldwide across the Military Health System enterprise. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $32,967,023. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is expected to be completed by September 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until September 2014. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-10-C-3102).

Ibis Tek, LLC, Butler, Pa., is being awarded a $6,108,043 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0008 under previously awarded contract (M67854-08-D-5046) for 360 degree light kits and consumables. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle 360 degree light kits are for the Caiman and Cat III Buffalo variants. Work will be performed in Butler, Pa., and is expected to be completed Dec. 4, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with two offers received. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
NCI Information Systems, Inc., of Reston, Va., is being awarded a $12,056,789 labor-hour task order modification for Option Year Six for information technology support of selected USTRANSCOM C4 systems and support functions. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (W91QUZ-04-D-0001-YK01/39)

Lockheed Martin Corp., of Manassas, Va., is being awarded an $11,712,704 fixed-price/labor-hour task order modification for Option Year Two for Global Transportation Network support. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole-source acquisition. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (HTC711-08-F-0047/P00013)

International Business Machines (IBM) Corp., of Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $8,050,340.03 labor-hour task order modification for Option Year One for portfolio Management and information technology investment strategies support. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Contract funds will expire Sept. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill (HTC711-07-D-0011-0002/01).

Systems Research and Applications Corp., (SRA), of Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $7,545,143 labor-hour task order modification for Option Year One for enterprise support services. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill (HTC711-09-F-0005/P00006).

Anvicom, Inc., of Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $7,385,340.48 firm fixed-price task order modification for Option Year One for integrated booking system software engineering services and support. Work will be performed at Alexandria, Va., and is expected to be completed Sept. 30 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (HTC711-09-F-0011/P00002)

NCI Information Systems, Inc., of Reston, Va., is being awarded a $6,991,799 labor-hour task order modification for Option Year Six for information technology support of selected USTRANSCOM and Air Mobility Command C4 systems and support functions. Work will be performed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (W91QUZ-04-D-0001-YK02/50)

Preferred Systems Solutions, Inc. (PSS), of McLean, Va., is being awarded a $6,242,182.96 firm fixed priced task order modification for Option Year Two for systems response center call center support. Work will be performed at Fairvew Heights, Ill., and McLean, Va., and is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., (HTC711-08-F-0031/P00007).

Task Force Takes Up Effort to Prevent Suicides

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Oct. 1, 2009 - Bonnie Carroll, co-chair of the congressionally mandated Suicide Prevention Task Force, aims to remove the stigma within the military of seeking mental health care. Carroll is the founder and executive director of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The group represents all military families who have experienced the loss of a servicemember.

Carroll and co-chair Army Maj. Gen. Philip Volpe conducted the task force's first meeting here today. During an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Carroll said the task force represents a great change in attitude.

"This task force is a tremendous step forward on the part of the Department of Defense to look at suicide today and make a difference, to remove, once and for all, the stigma that kills," she said. "Removing stigma is a key message. If they had a broken leg, no one would question their going to seek medical attention.

"If they're struggling emotionally, mentally, psychologically, it is imperative that they get healthy psychologically and seek that care," she added. "We need [servicemembers] healthy and strong in every way."

Carroll said she's excited that the families' voices will be heard throughout this process. They often can provide hints about why the servicemember chose suicide -- hints that wouldn't be obvious from a fitness report or medical file. Their feedback could include a trauma from the past that had a lasting effect, she added.

"We're working so hard to incorporate the voice of those families so the lessons they have learned can speak to those still living," she said.

Volpe is the deputy commander of Joint Task Force, National Capital Region Medical, based at Bethesda Naval Base, Md.

The suicide prevention task force numbers 14 and includes military, both enlisted and officer; civilians, including representatives of each service; a chaplain; family members; academics; and researchers. The group will produce a report containing their findings and recommendations to the defense secretary for improving the Defense Department's suicide prevention program for all servicemembers.

After just the morning session, Volpe said he's impressed with the gravity being given to the topic by senior service leadership.

"I'm very impressed with a couple of things that we noticed right away in our first meeting. First off, that this has high visibility and it's at the upper levels of each military service," he said. "It also came across clear that all of the services are doing a number of programs at communities, on installations, training programs, education programs, some that are online, some that are in person."

The services are offering a wide variety and scope of programs, he added.

"What we are trying to do is figure out what are the best practices out there that could be shared amongst all the services," he said. "I wouldn't say we're trying to standardize. We're trying to assess what the services are doing, see how well their programs are working ... and then certain things could be shared and standardized."

Certain practices would remain specific to a service, however, because of differing cultures and organization, he added.


The task force understands the importance of the job ahead of them and that the result will be important to the nation which, Volpe said, owes it to servicemember to do "whatever we can to support" the men and women defending the country's freedom and values.

"There's enough external enemies of the United States," he said. "They don't need these internal enemies, too."

Commander Reports on Africa Command Progress

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 30, 2009 - U.S. Africa Command is a "listening command" that has added value to U.S. government programs on the continent, the command's top military officer told the Atlantic Council here last night. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, who stood up Africa Command this time last year, said the nation's newest combatant command is making inroads with Africans and is successful because it is helping African nations do what they need to do.

The question for the command "is how to move ahead in a way that causes the continent of Africa to be as stable as it can be," Ward said.

Africa is a vital national interest for the United States, Ward said, and it does have serious problems. "There are myriad security challenges to consider: the population explosion, illegal trafficking, national disasters, pandemic influenza outbreaks, the increase in insurgencies and piracy," he said.

But it also is important to speak about the opportunities on the continent, the general said. Africa, as a whole, is becoming more prosperous. More nations are embracing democracy. Regional and continental peacekeeping agencies and forces are in place.

"U.S. Africa Command's mission calls for us to do our work in concert with other U.S. government agencies and in support of U.S. foreign policy objectives," Ward said. "I want to emphasize that: we support -- not lead -- those other government agencies."
The command works to help countries establish or continue security. "There is a growing political will among nations to confront challenges and to be serious about providing for their own security," Ward said.

The general admitted that the command had a rough start. When African nations thought of the command, he explained, they thought of permanent bases with U.S. servicemembers conducting operations. "That's not the truth," he said. "And the last year has shown them that."

Some in American embassies on the continent feared that U.S. Africa Command was going to "militarize" American foreign policy on the continent, the general said. "We only operate in support of another federal agency," Ward said. For example, he noted, the command was not to take over the mission of the U.S. Agency for International Development, but rather was to help the agency with its mission.

The command was designed to be something different, Ward said, and the appointment of Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates as the command's deputy to the commander for civil-military affairs was proof of that. Yates, now at the National Security Council, was a civilian voice at the highest level. More than 20 senior civilians from various agencies, including the Departments of State and Justice, are integral members of the command team. These men and women help the command understand the cultures, policies and processes of their parent agencies, Ward explained.

Security gets to the heart of challenges in Africa. It allows for economic growth, better medical care and more equitable distribution of resources, the general said. Africom works with the African Union, regional organizations and individual countries to bolster security efforts.

"We believe that professional African security institutions that operate within the rule of law and are responsive to civilian authority are key to bolstering conditions under which development can occur," he said.

The command provides planning and logistics help to African nations and regional organizations and works with other nations outside the continent to leverage the capacity-building activities. "We want to explore greater collaboration with African and European partners to eliminate duplication and maximize limited resources in order to improve security and stability in Africa," Ward said.

Still, he noted, the command is a combatant command. "We will respond to crises when directed by the president," Ward said. "Our aim is to deter conflict, but we do stand ready to take action when directed to do so by our commander in chief."

The command sponsors exercises throughout the continent that aim to encourage cooperation between the United States and individual countries, Ward said. Some also work to develop regional capabilities and improve communications and liaison among nations.

The command also schedules exercises with African land, sea and air forces, many of which aim to help the nations take responsibility for all areas of their country, including the resources off the coasts, he added.

Again, it all comes back to listening, the general said.

"There is always room for improvement," he said. "We are a listening and learning command, seeking the perspective of others so we can better understand how to develop and implement the programs that our partners make their own and use in their efforts to enhance their professionalism."