Texas Army Guard retires Army's last A-model AH-64 Apache helicopter

By Sofia Bledsoe

Program Executive Office, Aviation

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. (7/17/12) - It was a proud, historic and emotional moment for the Soldiers of the Texas Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment (Attack/Reconnaissance) as the last AH-64A Apache helicopter, aircraft 451, was “retired” from the Army and handed over to the Project Office for Apache Helicopters during a ceremony on Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, July 15. The event was hosted by the battalion as it was the unit that had the last A-model Apache in its fleet.

The aircraft will be flown to San Angelo, Texas, by Chief Warrant Officer Five Jim Sandberg, standardization pilot with the unit, and Chief Warrant Officer Two Adrian Domonoski, maintenance test officer with the unit, where it will be ‘depopulated’ or disassembled, then reconfigurated into the next generation AH-64D Apache Longbow.

“As the Project Manager for the Apache attack helicopter, I’m really proud to take custody of the 451,” said Army Col. Shane Openshaw. “In about a year from now, you’ll see 451 come out of the production line as the latest and last AH-64D.”

And many in the unit were sad to see the aircraft go, despite its scheduled return as an upgraded model.

“It’s like losing an old friend,” said Army Capt. Stacy James Rostorfer, commander of B Company, 1st Bn., 149th Avn. Regt. “That aircraft has saved my life; it has saved many lives. It’s armored in all the right places, so you can go in, protect others and protect yourself. We always brought everybody home.” 

Rostorfer said he had been an Apache fan as a young man and recalled playing with Apache models when he was ten years old. “They’re still in the basement of my parents’ house. I’ll never part with it.”

During the ceremony, Army Lt. Col. Derrek Hryhorchuk, commander of the battalion, recounted the unit’s heroism, remembering that aircraft 451 kept them safe and alive. 

“We’re going to make sure that aircraft goes out in style,” he said. Hryhorchuk had flown the Apache’s predecessor, the AH-1 Cobra, and noted that things that needed to be improved in the Cobra were in place in the A-model Apache. “I’m looking forward to the capabilities that needed to be improved in the A-model that are now in the D-model Longbow.”

Despite the highlight of the aircraft, the ceremony also focused on the Soldiers.

  “I’m not here to talk about the aircraft,” said Army Maj. Gen. William “Tim” Crosby, program executive officer for Army aviation. “I’m here to talk about you. You, the Soldiers of the Texas National Guard, who have stood up and said, ‘I want to make a difference. I want to give back to my country’. And it’s your pride, your courage, your passion that make that aircraft special. Because aircraft don’t fly. Aviators fly. And they fly because of the mechanics and the crew chiefs who make them ready to fly.”

Aircraft 451 has had a long and proud history with the unit, who was recently nominated for the Valorous Unit Award. Four of its aviators had been recognized for their heroism and extraordinary achievements with the Distinguished Flying Crosses in Ramadi, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Aircraft 451 took numerous heavy ballistic damage, but the aircraft and crew and the Soldiers they protected always came home safely.

 In one case, aircraft 451 was used to quite literally bring a wounded Soldier home.

During a firefight that took place when the unit was deployed to Iraq, an infantry Soldier was seriously wounded. Traditional medical evacuation assets were not able to respond. The crew of aircraft 451 landed and placed the wounded Soldier in the front seat of the Apache. The co-pilot/ gunner, who would normally occupy that seat, attached himself to the aircraft by the wing and fuselage holds. The wounded Soldier was quickly treated and provided the advanced care he needed. In the end, he recovered fully from his wounds.

For this action, the crew was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

“After you get through a couple of weeks in combat, you strap yourself into an Apache, you feel a sense of invincibility,” said Col. Richard Adams, 36th CAB commander. “There are a lot of sons and daughters in America who are alive because of that aircraft.”

Navy Corpsman Saves Drowning Victim at Corpus Christi Beach

By Bill W. Love, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi Public Affairs

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NHCCC) was awarded a medal for saving a child's life during a family outing May 6.

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Jesus A. Cordova, who thought two surfers were playing with their children coming out of the surf, realized that each of the two youngsters were lifeless.

"Once I noticed the children's situation and the anxiety on the surfers' faces, I rushed out and carried on as I've been trained without any thoughts but to resuscitate the child successfully," Cordova said.

Cordova continued cardiopulmonary resuscitation while simultaneously monitoring another adult's lifesaving efforts on the second child.

"It's a state of mind for EMTs, a course I am well-versed in as I have taught it throughout my career," he said.

Capt. Gina M. Jaeger, commanding officer at NHCCC, praised the El Paso, Texas Navy corpsman for his heroic achievement by presenting him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

"HM1 Cordova you had a lot of self-trust that day," Jaeger said, refering to Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote about the essence of heroism. "It is a wonderful thing that you did, saving someone's life, and we really appreciate it. And you are just a fine example of the Sailors we have here at Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi, so again, thank you."

Face of Defense: Shooting Survivor Inspires Others

By Micah Garbarino

72nd Air Base Wing

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., May 27, 2011 – "Control your breathing, lie still, play dead."

During the most devastating moment of her life, Air Force Staff Sgt. Deondra Parks couldn't believe her brain was behaving so rationally.

"So this is what a massacre is like?" she asked herself as a madman with a shotgun wreaked havoc around her.

Parks, a 72nd Security Forces Squadron member, experienced danger and witnessed death during a deployment in Iraq, but nothing prepared her for the night of April 20, 2010. At a bookstore and coffee shop in Wichita Falls, Texas, she wasn’t a target for being a police officer or an airman, but for being African-American.

After changing duty stations for the fourth time in almost five years, Parks applied for retraining as an aerospace medical technician in 2009. She was accepted, and her training began April 6, 2010, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

The night of the shooting, she and two classmates moved a study session from the base library to a coffee shop in town.

"We had a big test on the airway the next day,” Parks said. “I'd been [there] before, so I suggested it. I'd always been totally comfortable there."

Air Force Staff Sgts. Jade Henderson and Tanya Jesser were sitting with Parks at a table in the bookstore's coffee shop when it happened.

"I wasn't really paying attention to him when he came in," Parks said. "Then I felt someone next to me. I looked up into his eyes. I thought he was going to try and start a conversation, but his eyes were vacant, totally checked out, like there was no one there."

Then, 22-year-old Ross William Muehlberger said, "Hey [racial slur], it’s Hitler's birthday." He lifted a shotgun and fired right at Henderson's head, who was sitting across the table from Parks. The first shot grazed her; the second shot did not.

"I thought he shot her twice in the head," Parks said. "I found out later that she put her hand up, which saved her life."

Jesser dove under a table. The shooter was standing between Parks and the door.

"I got up and ran," she said. "I was tripping over tables and chairs. I just wanted to get behind the bookshelves. I heard another shot and felt something graze past my face and hair. Then I dove to the floor."

Parks said she laid there trying to control her breathing. From the training she received as a member of security forces, she thought if she played dead the shooter would ignore her. Instead, he stood over her and fired point-blank into her lower leg, shattering her bones.

"I didn't scream," Parks said. "I didn't move. I forced myself to be still so he wouldn't want to shoot me again, like a dead animal. About 20 seconds after he shot me, I heard someone scream, 'He's gone.'"

Parks screamed for Henderson and dragged herself until she could look her in the eyes. Some people came to help them and waited with them until police and ambulances arrived. They were transported by helicopter to a hospital in Dallas.

Muehlberger continued his rampage through Wichita Falls, killing 23-year-old Iraq war veteran Timothy Donley before going to a house and shooting himself dead.

From the moment Parks went into her first surgery after the shooting until now, she said she knows the Air Force has been looking out for her. She woke up in the emergency room and first saw now-retired Air Force Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, commander of the Air Education and Training Command.

"The first thing he asked was, 'Is there anything I can do for you?' and he assured me that my family was on the way,” she said.

Parks asked him not to take her training slot away. “He told me to focus on getting better and said when I was ready, I may return to training."

The recovery care coordinator here, retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Wood, did everything he could to assist Parks' family when her mother, sister and brother came to stay with her in Dallas for two weeks.

"In a sense, he was like a father," said Parks, who, along with Henderson, stayed at the Fisher House in Dallas while they were recovering.

"I never had to worry about setting anything up," she said. "It really proved me right. I always knew that when I joined the Air Force, if I put my all into it, they'd have my back."

Parks focused on her recovery, which took its toll. After four surgeries in less than a year, she felt like giving up. She didn't want to do rehabilitation anymore and was tired of the struggle, she said.

However, Parks had to work at regaining her strength if she wanted to maintain the physical standards required to stay in the Air Force and avoid a forced medical separation.

"Then I realized that anyone can quit, but not giving up when everyone else would understand shows true strength," Parks said.

Her leaders encouraged her to continue on. She went from a wheelchair to a walker to crutches and was told she would be out of commission for three months. But Air Force Lt. Col. Troy Roberts, her squadron commander, asked her to begin coming in every day for as long as she could stand it, even if it was only to answer phones.

"At first, I wasn't really happy about it, but now I'm so glad he asked me to do it," Parks said. "I needed to be around people, and without them I wouldn't be as far along as I am."

Roberts said what he saw Parks go through would have sent most people into a physical, mental, spiritual and career tailspin.

"Sergeant Parks has fought through and triumphed over multiple surgeries and hours of painful physical therapy," Roberts said. "She reached out to sources for strength such as wingmen, friends and family. She is one of the most resilient airmen I know."

The gunshot wound wasn't the only trauma Parks suffered last April. She has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is receiving treatment.

"I was never bitter, because I knew what could have happened that night, but didn't; I'm still alive," Parks said. "Putting all my trust in God, I don't carry a burden around day to day. Jade and I talked about forgiveness when we were at the Fisher House. Jade told me, 'His hate was not stronger than God's love for us.' Forgiving him was the first step in our recovery."

The trauma of the shooting, however, still haunts her. She has terrible nightmares, and when she enters a business or a restaurant, she plays out in her head what she would do if a shooting occurred "as if I were already shot," she said.

Parks said she’s learning to deal with these issues. She credits her leaders at the 72nd Security Forces Squadron for their proactive response. Roberts and Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Melissa Garrett, the squadron’s first sergeant, contacted the 72nd Medical Group and had a mental health professional contact Parks within days of the shooting.

Parks said she hopes other service members will seek help for post-traumatic stress rather than suppressing it. "The therapy is awesome," she said.

Although she's willing to share her story with other airmen who are looking for inspiration to continue through struggles, she doesn't want to always be known as "the girl who got shot."

"I am not going to let this control the rest of my life," Parks said.

Lorenz kept his word, and Parks will return to aerospace medical service apprentice technical training in June. Her goal, she said, is to retire from the Air Force as a chief master sergeant.

"The injuries she suffered could have negatively affected her Air Force career, but Sergeant Parks is back on track," Roberts said. "If you think you have a reason to quit, come talk to Sergeant Parks. You will come away with a new perspective."

Highly decorated Army Colonel dies in Texas

WACO, Texas – A man considered to be the country's most decorated soldier has died.

Oak Crest Funeral Home in Waco, Texas, says retired Col. Robert Lewis Howard died Wednesday. He was 70. The funeral home obituary said that at the time of his death he was the most decorated American soldier.

Howard served in the Army from 1956 to 1992. He was nominated three times for the Medal of Honor, the nation's most prestigious award for combat veterans. He was awarded it once, for his bravery in Vietnam during a mission to rescue a missing soldier in enemy territory.

He was wounded 14 times in Vietnam and was awarded eight Purple Hearts.

Howard will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. No date has been set.

MILITARY CONTRACTS December 17, 2008

NAVY

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Waco, Texas, is being awarded ceiling priced $136,132,615 modification to a previously awarded indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the P-3C Sustainment, Modification and Installation Program (SMIP). Work will be performed in Waco, Texas and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-05-D-0008).

General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $39,703,986 cost plus fixed fee modification to the previously awarded contract for the execution of the USS NORTH CAROLINA (SSN 777) Post Shakedown Availability (PSA). The work will be performed in Groton, Conn. (99 precent) and Quonset Point, R.I., (1 precent), and is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity (N00024-96-C-2100).

Lockheed Martin-MS2, Liverpool, N.Y., is being awarded a $15,136,441 firm fixed price, cost plus fixed fee option under an existing contract (N00024-08-C-6282) for the production and support of Multi Function Towed Arrays (MFTAs) for the AN/SQQ-89A (V) 15 Antisubmarine Warfare (ASW) Combat Systems. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., (60 precent), Baltimore, Md., (20 precent), Cleveland, Ohio (14 precent), and Phoenix, Ariz., (6 precent) and is expected to be complete by Dec. 2012. 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.

CACI International, Fairborn, Ohio is being awarded a $11,170,249 cost plus fixed fee contract for non-personal professional engineering, technical and management support services in the areas of engineering and technical support services, scientific/engineering analysis and studies, test and evaluation, technical data support, field engineering, integrated logistics support, configuration management, management support services, and data management support. These services are in support of Airborne Electro-Optic Systems Branch (Air EO) of Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). Work will be performed in Crane, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2009. This contract was not competitively procured. Contract funds in the amount $4,717,216 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity for contract N0016409-D-JQ56.

Dynamic Flowform Corporation, Billerica, Mass., is being awarded a 11,158,250 firm fixed price contract for Launch Tubes in accordance with drawing 6658881 Revision C and all associated drawings. Work will be performed in Billerica, Mass., and is expected to be completed Aug. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Keyport, Wash., is the contracting activity (N00253-09-C-0003).

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP, of Santa Clara, CA is being awarded a $9,900,000 firm fixed priced, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the purchase of Marine Corps Transparent Armor Gun System Kits for multiple vehicular platforms to provide crew protection from blast, fragmentation, and small arms fire while in the turret. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. of 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity and the contract number is M67854-09-D-5026.

Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded an $8,902,982 firm fixed priced, delivery order #0009 under a previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of Category I (CAT I)Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) vehicles with Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) upgrades for Enhanced Maneuverability and associated Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs. This order will also be used to support the procurement of the required initial spare parts support packages for the CAT I Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles which provide protection of U.S. Military personnel supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Work will be performed in West Point, Miss., and work is expected to be completed by the end of May 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $6,827,873 cost plus fixed fee modification to the previously awarded contract N00024-96-C-2100 to incorporate ship alterations to the USS NORTH CAROLINA (SSN 777) during the post-shakedown availability. The work will be performed in Groton, Conn., (99 precent) and Quonset Point, R.I. (1 precent), and is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

The Air Force is modifying a fixed price incentive contract to Boeing Satellite Systems, Incorporated, El Segundo, Calif. for $233,862,871. This contract action will exercise the option for the Wideband Global Satellite Communication Satellite 6 production. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. SMC/MCSW, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. is the contracting activity (FA8808-06-C-0001, Modification P00036).

The Air Force is awarding a cost plus incentive fee, cost reimbursement contract to General Dynamics C4 Systems, Needham, Mass. for $49,990,054. This contract action will provide for System Development and Demonstration of Remote Rekey System. At this point, $7,547,500 has been obligated. CPSG/PK, San Antonio, Texas is the contracting activity (FA8307-08-C-0013).

The Air Force is awarding afirm fixed price, labor hour and cost reimbursement contract to BAE Systems, Calif., Md., for 14,100,000. This action will integrate Non-Development Item radios into existing High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles. At this time $5,700,000 has been obligated. 653 ESC/PK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8726-09-C-0003).

ARMY

BAE Systems Land & Armaments, Inc Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., was awarded on Dec. 16, 2008 a, $50,000,000 cost plus fixed price contract. This modification is to add $50,000,000 in future option material dollars to the W56HZV-07-C-0256 contract. Work will be performed in York, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. TACOM Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-C-0256).

Summa Technology, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Dec18, 2008, a $14,700,203 five year firm fixed price contract for a Container Roll In/Out Platform. The estimated Five Year total quantity was 3,270. This is delivery order 0015 for a total quantity of 1,631 units. Work to be determined with each task order with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2012. Bids solicited were via www and six bids were received. U.S. Army Tacoma, Warren. Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-D-0269).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Carroll Independent Fuel Co., Baltimore, Md.*, is being awarded a maximum $30,263,705 fixed price with economic price adjustment for diesel fuel. Other locations of performance are Va., Md., Ind., Ky., District of Columbia and Ohio. Using services are Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Federal Civilian Agencies. The original proposals were Web solicited with 22 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-4002).

'Phantom Thunder' Promotes Motorcycle Safety, Honors Veterans

By Michael Heckman
Special to American Forces Press Service

Nov. 10, 2008 - The roar of nearly 1,200 motorcycle engines split the morning air at Hood Stadium here Nov. 7 as soldiers and civilians in the "Phantom Thunder" motorcycle safety event started their ride to Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, said he organized the 60-mile ride to emphasize the importance of motorcycle safety, family time and fun for soldiers and to honor the men and women who have served in the military and sacrificed their lives to defend American interests.

Addressing the crowd, Lynch said he asks himself the same questions every day: "Are we doing the right thing, and are we doing things right?"

"What we're doing today is, indeed, the right thing," Lynch said, noting that he implemented new rules for motorcycle riders on and off post "because it is ridiculous to have survived the fields of battle and combat and come home and die on the highways and byways of Central Texas."

"I refuse to allow that to happen," he said.

With Veterans Day approaching, Lynch told the soldiers and veterans at the event that their service is important to all Americans. "It's because of the veterans who served today and in past battles ... that we have the freedoms we enjoy today -- the freedoms you provided us," he said. "We will continue your legacy to assure that your kids and our kids enjoy the same freedoms."

As he recognized World War Two veterans, Lynch singled out an 83-year-old veteran who planned to ride. "Thank you for your courage," he said. "We complain about our 12- to 15-month deployments, but yours lasted five years. You and your generation mounted up and went to war and didn't come back until the war was over. Just know we love you and appreciate you."

Lynch also recognized two motorcycle groups whose members assisted with the ride, the Patriot Guard and Combat Veterans Association.

"You amazing people ... have been at memorial services and funerals for our fallen comrades for the past six years, ... and are there to assure that there is no disturbance to the dignity and solemnity of the event," he said. "Thank you."

Lynch then called country music artist Michael Scott, who performed as part of the event, a "true American hero" for his many performances for the nation's servicemembers. Scott performed several times at Fort Stewart, Ga., when Lynch was 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, Lynch said, and he invited Scott to perform for troops in Iraq. "He came and played at every base," the general said, "and ... whether it was for two or 2,000 soldiers, it was the same good party every time."

When two reports from a nearby howitzer signaled the start of the Phantom Thunder ride, Lynch led the 60-mile ride to the cemetery across the Central Texas countryside with clear skies and temperatures near 70.

"We are here today to honor our veterans," Lynch said at the cemetery. "Not only those who currently serve but those who have served before us."

Lynch and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola, 3rd Corps command sergeant major, presented a wreath in honor of all veterans and then saluted the traditional Army memorial with an M-16 rifle and helmet on a pedestal.

Following the ceremony, one rider sitting next to his battle buddy said he was excited and honored to participate in the ride.

"This is one of those times that makes our service all worth it," said Army Sgt. James Mosely, a wheeled vehicle mechanic for the 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. "It's like the times when someone walks up to you in a store and says, 'Thank you for your service,' but this event was that much more special." Mosely said he couldn't believe so many riders participated from so many different organizations.

Mosely's battle buddies were Army Spc. Jason Arnold and his wife, Nicole, also from 2nd Battalion, 1st Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

Another unit that participated in the ride with 23 riders and 21 bikes was the 36th Engineer Brigade. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Lewis and his wife, Liz, led the unit of riders.

"This was a beautiful day to ride," Lewis said. "I like to ride with wind in my face. And the views from a motorcycle are so different than a car. I just love it, and so do my guys."

He said this was the third safety and mentorship ride for his unit.

"We just like getting together," he said. "And the less-experienced riders really like the mentorship and tips they get for the more experienced riders."

Following the ceremony, the riders continued the ride through the Central Texas countryside before returning safely to Hood Stadium for the after-ride party with their families and community members.

(Michael Heckman writes for the Fort Hood Sentinel.)

Face of Defense: Company Commander Exemplifies Warrior Ethos

By Sarah Maxwell
Special to American Forces Press Service

Oct. 30, 2008 - In most ways, Army Capt. Alex Houston is like any other Army commander. He comes to work here every day ready to lead and set the standard for the soldiers who work for him. He diligently performs all of his administrative duties as the 21st Signal Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander, and he gets down and dirty with the unit during company physical training. He jokes with his staff, and even has been known to sing off-key for them.

And he does this all as a wounded warrior. As a platoon leader in Iraq, Houston lost his left hand when his convoy was attacked during a night mission.

The electricity was going on and off while his 1st Cavalry Division unit was on patrol, Houston recalled. "It was so dark -- the kind of dark that you can't even see your hand in front of your face," he said.

As the lights flickered off, the unit's battalion commander came under fire from enemy forces. Although others were in the area, Houston said, he was trained to step up as the ranking officer on the mission, and he headed into the battle to support his commander. He took charge, and while on the radio, he also took a hit.

"There was melted metal all around my hand, and shrapnel went through my arm," he said, "but I was still on the radio giving information to headquarters."

His duty came before the pain, he said, and his faith in God allowed him to remain calm and accomplish the mission of getting the convoy through the area.

"After everyone came over to see how I was, I kept saying, 'I'm OK.' And I was," he said.

He was rushed to the combat support hospital, and doctors later told him they couldn't save his hand. The division commander presented his Purple Heart while he was still sedated in the combat hospital.

"I just said 'Hooah,'" said Houston, "and they saw the soldier in me."

Houston was given the choice of going back to Fort Hood, Texas, or to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Having heard the Army's best care was at Walter Reed, he said, he spent about a year recovering there.

While at Walter Reed, he had access to many programs that helped wounded warriors transition into the civilian job market, but he said when the Army asked him if he wanted to stay in, he knew his answer was yes. Houston, who started out as an enlisted soldier, already had made a commitment to a career in the Army. "I made a decision a long time ago that I'm going to give 100 percent," he said.

Before he deployed to Iraq and before he attended Officer Candidate School, Houston was a chaplain's assistant for the 21st Signal Brigade.

Army Col. Theresa Coles, the brigade commander, said Houston was an easy choice to take command of the headquarters company, since he desired to lead and already had strong connections to the unit and Fort Detrick.

"I thought he was a committed officer and soldier — committed to his profession," she said. "He went to OCS, became an officer and hadn't gotten a chance to fulfill his goals. He wants to be a leader and is not letting the injury stop him."

Coles said she couldn't be happier with her decision, as Houston has been an outstanding company commander.

"He walks the walk, and talks the talk," she said. "He and his family are committed to the unit and soldiers. His injury has not been an impediment at all. He's a true testament to the Warrior Ethos — a testament to what the folks at Walter Reed and he have done."

(Sarah Maxwell works at Fort Detrick Public Affairs.)

Guard Members Can Receive 'Safe Haven' Compensation

By Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 19, 2008 - When Hurricane Ike made landfall on the Texas coast, it left behind damaged and destroyed buildings, massive flooding, and thousands of residents without power or, in many cases, without homes. For many of those affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters, it can be a time of uncertainty. But for some National Guard members, assistance is available if a hurricane or other natural disaster strikes.

The Safe Haven program offers financial compensation to Guard members on Title 10 or Title 32 active duty status who must evacuate an area because of a natural disaster.

"Safe Haven provides for a National Guard or an active duty member or a federal employee to be compensated for their relocation to a safe haven," said Blaine Coffey, chief of Personnel Readiness and Compensation at the National Guard Bureau. That compensation, Coffey said, covers transportation expenses to a safe area as well as expenses to return to the Guard member's home or duty station.

Additionally, Guard members are eligible for compensation at the full per diem rate, which includes lodging, meals and incidental expenses, for up to 30 days. They may be compensated for up to 180 days, but the daily per diem rate drops to 60 percent after the first 30 days.

Before a Guard member can take advantage of the benefit, however, an evacuation order must be issued in writing by federal or local officials. "It's incumbent upon the competent authority to declare your duty station or quarters to be uninhabitable," Coffey said.

Additional limitations apply to what qualifies as a safe haven location. One limitation is that if the Guard member elects to stay with family or friends, that individual does not qualify for lodging expenses, Coffey noted.

The Safe Haven entitlement grew out of an older benefit intended for those in embassies and other overseas locations. "It was more associated with embassies and locales that in many, many cases had to be evacuated based upon the threat to life or limb of the members," Coffey explained, "not from natural disasters necessarily, but that of actual armed conflict."

That began to change when Hurricane Andrew devastated southern Florida in 1992. "When there had been major incidents in the United States back in the early '90s, beginning with the evacuation of Homestead Air Force Base [because of Hurricane Andrew], DoD began to look in more detail at the authority for entitlements of the active component member and his or her family to be evacuated from an installation like Homestead," said Coffey.

Hurricane Katrina changed the way the law affected Guard members. "We had a number of Guard members in two major brigades in Mississippi and Louisiana that were on Title 10 orders. So they were active duty members having their homes destroyed, having their duty locations destroyed – whether it be Jackson Barracks or any number of installations in Louisiana," Coffey said.

While soldiers on Title 10 orders were covered by Safe Haven, those on Title 32 orders were not. That changed with Hurricane Katrina.

"What we did during Katrina and Rita was to get an exception to policy waiver authority to include Title 32 members for eligibility for Safe Haven benefits," Coffey said. "At the same time, we recognized that Katrina was not isolated. We are going to continue to have this potential issue."

The authority to have similar benefits apply if a similar disaster occurred was put into place, and recently the law was changed to include Title 32 Guard members.

The number of people who have taken advantage of the Safe Haven benefits during recent hurricanes has been low. "Within the Guard at this point, the numbers aren't tremendously large, but during Katrina, it was close to 1,000 members," Coffey said. "You had so many Title 10 mobilized soldiers returning, and many of them were given the option to stay on duty. That was part of the 'soft landing' that we tried to formulate for the soldiers."

Those who believe they may be eligible for benefits under Safe Haven should contact their state's joint forces headquarters personnel office.

(Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy serves at the National Guard Bureau.)

MILITARY CONTRACTS September 18, 2008

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

SupplyCore, Inc., Rockford, Ill. is being awarded a maximum $525,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for Maintenance, Repair and Operation for Supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies and Defense Logistics Agency. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 11 responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 18, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-02-D-0122).

Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas is being awarded a maximum $381,048,496 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were originally 69 proposals solicited with 16 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0502).

Tesoro Hawaii Corp., Kapolei, Hawaii is being awarded a maximum $198,914,133 fixed price with economic price adjustment, partial set-aside, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 16 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0512).

Petro Star Inc., Anchorage, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $158,669,053 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is Valdez, Ala. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were originally 69 proposals solicited with 16 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0507).

U.S. Oil Trading LLC, Tacoma, Wash., is being awarded a maximum $103,462,873 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were originally 69 proposals solicited with 16 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0501).

Chevron Global Aviation, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $87,998,492 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is Salt Lake City, Utah. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were originally 69 proposals solicited with 16 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0505).

Sinclair Oil Corp., Salt Lake City, Utah is being awarded a maximum $59,710,349 fixed price with economic price adjustment, partial set-aside, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for jet fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 16 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 Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0511).

Sargent & Greenleaf, Inc., Nicholasville, Ky., is being awarded a maximum $25,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for high security padlocks. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. This proposal was originally Web solicited with one response. This contract has two year base period and three one-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 17, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM5L5-08-D-0264).

ConocoPhillips, Bartlesville, Okla., is being awarded a maximum $7,121,381 fixed price with economic price adjustment, partial set-aside, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is Commerce City, Colo. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 16 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-0509).

Caterpillar Inc., Mossville, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $6,681,190 firm fixed price contract for backhoe loaders. Other location of performance is N.C. Using service is Marine Corps. There were originally four proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal years. The date of performance completion is Apr. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-01-D-0059-0215).

Air Force

AAR Manufacturing, Inc., DBA AAR Mobility Systems, of Cadillac, Mich., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for a maximum of $137,959,200. This action will provide depot-level repair of 463L pallets. A maximum quantity for 120,000 each for the two year basic plus three option years with a maximum quantity of 60,000 each per year. At this time no funds have been obligated. 642 CBSG/GBKBA, Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8519-08-D-0008).

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., of Littleton, Colo., not to exceed $30.7 million. The purpose of this modification is to provide a program for the development and implementation of a Global Position System metric tracking to include a detailed program acquisition/execution plan and Integration Master Schedule supporting a Sept. 2011 IOC (Atlas configurations) and 2012 (Delta configuration) availability. Identified milestones will be evaluated at the time the individual Statements of work are resubmitted. This is an initial study that will lay the foundation for the actual development of the launch requirements. At this time $17,320,801 has been obligated. Space and Missile Systems Center, Space Launch and Range Systems Material Wing, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0002, P00097).

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus fixed fee contract with Boeing Launch Services of Huntington Beach, Calif., for $6,279,686. Launch Services for NASA Kepler mission. This contractor will plan, organize, control, integrate, and execute the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV) III program to meet the requirements, as defined in the MLV III Statement of Work and Kepler SOW. At this time all funds have been obligated. Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Launch and Range Systems Wing, Los Angeles AFB, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-93-C-0004, P00377).

Wyle Laboratories, Inc., of Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for an estimated $38,647,319. This contract action is for the Reliability Information Analysis Center to research, develop, review, and evaluate data lists and technical data packages as well as develop specialized prototypes of integrated avionics, Integrated Weapon Systems, and aircraft platform systems/subsystems. At this time $289,855 has been obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005, DO: 0080).

The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with the Boeing Co., Integrated Defense System, of Wichita, Kan., for an estimated $35,660,000. This modification is to provide additional contract funding in support of the fourth year of a five-year Contractor Logistics Support contract for the VC-25A aircraft. 727 ACSG/PKB, Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-04-C-0006 / P00086).

Honeywell Technology Solutions Inc., of Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $29,772,521. This delivery order will procure the Transportable Remote Tracking Station, part of the Satellite Contact Network. The Transportable will be designed to operate in three scenarios: 1) a stand-alone satellite tracking station that can completely replace a fixed site tracking station; 2) a stand-alone antenna subsystem that can replace a fixed site's antenna (only); and 3) a stand-alone computer electronics subsystem that can replace a fixed site's computer electronics suite (only). This ability to split the Transportable into separate stand-alone parts will give the Air Force the flexibility to fix specific problems at specific satellite tracking sites simultaneously. The Transportable will also be used to provide extra satellite communications support in "hot spots" around the world without having to build costly permanent satellite tracking sites. At this time $16,375,782 has been obligated. Space and Missile Systems Center Satellite Control Network Group/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-D-0006; DO: 0127).S

Navy

Bechtel Marine Propulsion Corp., San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for Naval Nuclear Propulsion work. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $9,723,700,000. Work will be performed in Schenectady, N.Y. (30 percent); Idaho Falls, Idaho, (15 percent); and Pittsburgh, Pa., (55 percent). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with three offers received via the U.S. Department of Energy's Industry Interactive Procurement System. No work completion date or additional information is provided on Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program contracts. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-2103).

Parsons Infrastructure & Technology Group, Inc., Pasadena, Calif., is being awarded $59,923,547 for firm-fixed price task order #WE01 under a previously awarded multiple award Seaport-e contract for engineering and program support for Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Mid-Atlantic. The work to be performed provides for technical, project management and data management support services to the Capital Improvements Business Line Government workforce at NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic. Work will be performed in Va., (70 percent) and N.C., (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2012. 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, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N00178-05-D-4487).

DCK Pacific Guam, LLC, Barrigada, Guam, is being awarded a $15,399,603 firm fixed price contract for repair and alteration of existing facilities to administrative offices for the Joint Region Marianas Headquarters at Nimitz Hill. The work to be performed provides for the repair and alteration of existing reinforced concrete facilities to administrative offices for the Joint Region Marianas Headquarters. Work includes repair and alteration of administrative buildings and a generator building. The facilities will include administrative spaces, operations center, and conference rooms for approximately 300 personnel. The contract also contains one option, which if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $18,649,630. Work will be performed in Nimitz Hill, Guam, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 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 three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity (N40192-08-C-1316).

McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $14,580,005 ceiling-priced delivery order contract for spares in support of the E/A-18 G Growler aircraft. Work will be performed at St. Louis, Mo., and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2011. The contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $13,000,000 ceiling priced modification to delivery order #0004 under previously awarded contract (N00383-06-D-001J) for support equipment and engineering support for the E/A-18 G Growler aircraft. Work will be performed at St. Louis, Mo., and work is expected to be completed by Apr. 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Corp., Integrated Systems Western Region, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $12,629,951 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus fixed fee contract (N00019-05-C-0057) for operations and maintenance support for the Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration (GHMD), including operation and sustainment, logistics support and sustaining engineering throughout the demonstration. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., (90 percent) and San Diego, Calif., (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $12,629,951 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

J. Kokolakis Contracting, Inc., Rocky Point, N.Y., is being awarded an $11,412,000 firm-fixed-price construction contract for renovations at U. S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point. The work to be performed provides for the renovation of Murphy Hall, a three-story dormitory, and includes demolition and replacement of all interior finishes, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, intercommunication and fire protection systems. The work will be performed in Nassau County, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. 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, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-08-C-2103).

Goodrich ISR Systems (formally Recon/Optical Inc.) Barrington, Ill., is being awarded a $10,350,998 firm-fixed-price contract for seven CA-247 cameras to be deployed in Iraq. The existing camera system, CA-247 is currently being tested and is scheduled to transition to the Marine Corps in Sept. 2008. The development of the CA-247 camera was to develop special optics, special housings, and special software in support of adapting their current line of barrel sensors to the sensor with appropriate imaging capabilities and an appropriately large field of view to be capable of wide area persistent surveillance. Work will be performed in Barrington, Ill., and work is expected to be completed in Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was procured under an other than full and open competition. The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity (N00173-08-C-2134).

JKT/PCL, A Tribal 8(A) Joint Venture*, Bellevue, Wash., is being awarded a $10,281,916 firm fixed price contract for design and construction of a new Fleet Region Readiness Center at Naval Station Everett. The work to be performed provides for construction of a new facility, renovation of administrative support spaces in building 2000, and a new parking lot. The new facility will include instructor offices, classrooms, laboratories, and support spaces. Work will be performed in Everett, Wash., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, limited to eligible eight (a) firms located in Small Business Administration Region X, via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-08-C-6008).

Databuoy, LLC*, Vienna, Va., is being awarded a $10,000,000 ceiling amount, indefinite delivery indefinite-quantity contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract under Small Business Technology Transfer Topic N06-T004 for Embedded Systems Command and Control (EC2) low-power, self-exploiting, netted sensor capability utilizing a collaborative network of sensor components. Work will be performed in Vienna, Va., and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $4,344,970 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This SBIR Phase III contract was not competitively procured, pursuant to FAR 6.302-5. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-08-D-0012).

Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $9,751,814 not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded cost plus incentive fee contract (N00019-03-C-0067) to exercise an option for interim contractor support for the CV-22 operational flight at Hurlburt Field, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., and potential deployed locations. This modification also provides for operational training support at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. Work will be performed at Hurlburt Air Force Base, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., (60 percent) and Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M., (40 percent), and is expected to be completed in Jan. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Miss., is being awarded an $8,571,775 modification on a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-08-C-0019), to exercise an option for the Phase II study and analysis to develop innovative solutions to be used in mission requirements for the Affordable Weapons System (AWS). This weapon system is being designed to fill a sea-based land attack and strike mission, to operate from ships, with potential for a sea-based Navy and Marine Corps aircraft launch capability. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Miss., and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Furniture By Thurston *, Grass Valley, Calif., is being awarded a $6,353,483 firm fixed price supply contract for furnishing and installing furniture under the Whole Room Furniture Concept in nine barracks located throughout Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif. Work will be performed in Camp Pendleton, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Jan 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Request For Quote was sent to the contractors listed under the Fleet Industrial Supply Center, Norfolk, Va., Blanket Purchase Agreement for Barracks Furniture. USMC Regional Contracting Office Southwest, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00189-07-A-0058) (NG-01).

Digital Sandbox Inc.,* McLean, Va., is being awarded a $5,707,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for systems architecture, model refinement, data gathering, analysis and processing validation and verification. Work will be performed in Washington, D.C., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contractfunds in the amount of$1,400,000willexpire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively awarded. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-6019).

Sauer Incorporated, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $5,622,420 for firm-fixed price task order #0005 to build a new conference center at the Naval Air Station, Patuxent River. The work to be performed provides for a full service restaurant and three ballrooms each with projection systems, pull down screens, internet connectivity and video teleconference capabilities. Work will be performed at Patuxent River, and is expected to be completed by September 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Public Works Department, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N62477-04-D-0036).

Army

BAE Systems National Security Solutions, Burlington, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 16, 2008, a $7,165,136 cost plus fixed fee price contract. The objective of this work is to develop an analyst exploitation tool to rapidly search through video archives based on content. Work will be performed in Burlington, Mass., Cambridge, Mass., and Los Angeles, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 16, 2010. Bids were solicited via Broad Agency Announcement and twenty bids were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-08-C-0134).

General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2008, a $37,158,705 cost plus incentive fee price contract for incremental funding for systems development and demonstration (including integration of the Hellfire Missile) for the extended range multi-purpose unmanned aerial vehicle. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., Adelanto, Calif., Palmdale, Calif., Salt Lake City, Utah, Hunt Valley, Md., and Huntsville, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2009. One hundred and twenty bids were solicited and three bids were received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Arsenal Redstone, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0069).

Cazador, Anchorage, Ala., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2008, $11,768,865 firm fixed fee price contract. The project provides for purchase and installation of furniture in the Sustainability Centers of Excellence, Fort Lee, Va. Work will be performed in Fort Lee, Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Engineering District, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-08-C-0063).

ECC International LLA, (ECCI), Burlingame Calif., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2008, a $7,950,041 firm fixed price contract. The project consists of the design & construction of the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan Forwarding Operating Base. Work will be performed in Heart, Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 30, 2009. Bids were solicited via the Web and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineering District, Afghanistan, is the contracting activity (W917PM-07-D-0015).

American Science & Engineering, Billerica, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 16, 2008, a $22,123,830 firm fixed price contract for maintenance and sustainment for vehicle and Cargo Inspection Systems located in Southwest Asia. Work will be performed in Southwest Asia, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. TACOM-Rock Island, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-08D-0393).

Whiting Turner, Baltimore, Md., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2008, $19,773,000 firm fixed fee price contract Co., Operations Facility (COF), Fort Eustis, Va., Design & Construct a standard unit operations facility. The project includes a (COF), classrooms, arms vault, nuclear, biological and chemical equipment storage. Work will be performed in Fort Lee, Va., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2011. Three bids were solicited and two bids were received. U.S. Army Engineering District, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-08-D-0069).