Navy

McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $149,801,176 firm-fixed-priced contract for the procurement of nine Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) exercise missiles retrofitted and certified from SLAMs to SLAM-ERs for the U.S. Navy. This contract also provides for the procurement of 60 Harpoon Air Launch (Tactical) All-Up-Rounds (AURs) and associated hardware for the Government of Taiwan; nine Air Launch (Tactical) AUR Missiles and associated hardware and 1 missile exercise section with associated hardware for the Government of Korea; four Tactical Block II Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) TARTER AURs and associated hardware for the Government of Turkey; four Exercise Block II Grade B canister AURs for the Government of Canada; and one Harpoon Exercise Section and associated hardware for the Government of Japan. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Mo., (55.32 percent); McKinney, Texas, (10.71 percent); various locations across the United States, (9.10 percent); Toledo, Ohio, (6.28 percent); Huntsville, Ala., (4.58 percent); Lititz, Pa., (3.76 percent); Middletown, Conn., (2.68 percent); Grove, Okla., (2.25 percent); Galena, Kan., (1.55 percent); Minneapolis, Minn., (1.52 percent) the United Kingdom, (1.17 percent); and Elkton, Md., (1.08 percent); and is expected to be completed in Jun. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($9,225,234; 6 percent) and the Governments of Taiwan, ($89,792,266; 59.7 percent); Turkey, ($30,428,714; 20 percent); Korea, ($11,515,499; 8 percent); Canada, ($8,407,360; 6 percent); and Japan, ($432,103; .3 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0042).

Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $22,000,000 delivery order #0006 under previously awarded firm-fixed ceiling priced, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract (N00383-04-G-200H) for repair of various line items for the F/A-18 Advanced Targeting Forward InfraRed (ATFLIR) system components. Work will be performed at McKinney, Texas, (50 percent) and El Segundo, Calif,. (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively awarded. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

Resource Management Concepts, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded an $18,188,217 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide program management support to the anti-terrorism and physical security programs at the Army National Guard (ANRG) Readiness Center. The ARNG Operations Division is responsible for establishing and maintaining an overarching Force Protection Program that encompasses multiple sub-programs. These programs are stand-alone in nature and support ARNG, National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army, and U.S. Northern Command policies and requirements. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with seven offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-08-D-0020).

King Nutronics, Inc., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $7,251,120 firm-fixed-price requirements contract to manufacture pressure calibrators to support the general purpose electronic test equipment weapons system. Work will be performed at Woodland Hills, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.

Air Force

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus incentive fee/award fee contract with InDync Inc. of Reston, Va., for $51,917,700. This contract provides single contractor for range operations, communications and information services required to support the 30th Space Wing Mission. This contract provides for the Western Range operations and maintenance support services; training; command; control; communications; information and computer systems services; testing, modifying and installing communications, electronic and security systems at launch facilities, launch control centers and test facilities. This is the fifth option to be exercised out seven option periods in the contract. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZG, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-03-C-0050; Modification P00211).

The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee with base fee contract/cost reimbursement no-fee contract with United Paradyne Corp. of Santa Maria, Calif., for $6,759,808. This contract is an aerospace support services contract and consolidates of three vital logistical aerospace support services (unconventional propellant support, precision measurement equipment laboratory services, aerospace ground equipment maintenance and transient aircraft maintenance services) into one comprehensive operation and maintenance contract for the 30th Space Wing. The aerospace support services contract provides an integrated management entity, the "Aerospace Maintenance Operations Center," a single point of contact that interfaces, controls, schedules, coordinates, operates, maintains, and provides support to the 30th Space Wing community. This contract supports operational programs, including local airfield operations, U.S. Space Lift programs, the Expeditionary Aerospace Force, and future Aerospace Plane and Space Operational Vehicle activities. Additionally, it provides mission support of test aerospace platforms from domestic and foreign Government agencies (NASA, DoD, NRO, etc), as well as private corporations. This contract encompasses all authorized mission support requirements for programs utilizing the "Western Range and Major Range Test Facility Base" support and Commercial Space activities. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZ, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-02-C-0008, Modification P00149).

Data Link Solutions of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $6,203,324. This action will provide Spares for the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS): 2 high power amplifiers; 14 receiver transmitters; 2 each control, interface; 13 chassis, electrical. At this time all funds have been obligated. 448 Supply Chain Management Wing, 448SCMG/PKHCA, Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8539-08-C-0012).

Army

Harris Corp., Rochester, N.Y., was awarded on Aug 21, 2008, a $10,000,000 firm fixed priced indefinite quantity contract, for various SATCOM components, to include radios, amplifiers, shock mounts and other communication assemblies. Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Jan 18, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W6-04-D-0009).

Carapace Armor Technology, LLC, North Andover, Mass., was awarded on Aug 20, 2008, a $12,947,520 firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract. This contract is for the procurement of up to 750 transparent armor kits and up to 200 ballistics glass replacements for Stryker vehicles. Work will be performed in North Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Aug 20, 2010. Offers solicited on the web and one bid received. US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Aberdeen, Md., are the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0052).

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Co., Simsbury, Conn., was awarded on Aug 22, 2008, a $64,268,939 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity type contract. The MIN BUY, 990 XM32 Abrams reactive armor title sets blocks two with two out year buys of quantity ranges from 126- 1180 vehicle sets. Work will be performed in Graham, Ky., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. Four bids were solicited and two received. The USA Joint Munitions & Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-D-0453).

MW Builders Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 22, 2008, a $23,599,000 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity, (MATOC), firm fixed price contract. This project is required by the Army's Military Construction Transformation initiatives and will provide single solider housing is similar to apartment type housing in the private sector, rooms shall include but not limited to private sleeping area, walk-in closets, shared bathroom and kitchenette. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Aug 21, 2013. Bids solicited: phase two – six offerors. Bid received: phase two – six offerors. The US Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-D-0044)

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Alfab Inc.,*, Enterprise, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $8,279,842 fixed price with economic price adjustment indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to perform facilities maintenance, Class IV pallet and mat assembly (F44) configuration. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Contract is exercising option year two. This proposal was originally FedBiz solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-05-D-0349).

Conax Florida Corp., St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $34,267,694 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for life support equipment. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va., (SPM4A7-08-D-0338).

Soldier's Wife Becomes First Military Spouse Naturalized Overseas

American Forces Press Service

June 1, 2008 - Zita Chouchan, the wife of a U.S. Army soldier, became a citizen of the United States on May 29 at the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany, in the first overseas naturalization ceremony for a military spouse. Jonathan Scharfen, acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, presided over the ceremony, which also included 20 soldiers stationed throughout Germany and Kosovo.

"This week, as we observe Memorial Day, we take time to reflect upon the sacrifices our military and their families make to defend the freedoms America offers," Scharfen said. "Words cannot express our profound appreciation for the honorable service you provide. You make us proud to be Americans."

In her letter to USCIS seeking the opportunity to conduct her naturalization process and ceremony overseas, Chouchan said, "I'm very proud. ... Not everyone has earned the right to be called a military spouse."

When President Bush signed the fiscal 2008 National Defense Authorization Act into law in January, portions of the Immigration and Nationality Act changed to allow certain military spouses to naturalize overseas where they are stationed. Before then, spouses could naturalize only while physically within the United States.

Chouchan's husband, Army Sgt. 1st Class Lom Chouchan, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1995. His family fled their native Cambodia in the 1970s, spending the next five years in a refugee camp before a Toledo, Ohio, family sponsored them as immigrants in the United States. His family later moved to Long Beach, Calif., where he graduated from high school before joining the Army.

(From a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services news release.)

Army Vet, Hockey Player Puts Iraq War Injuries 'On Ice'

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

April 16, 2008 - Retired Army reservist Joseph L. Bowser was 9 years old when he first experienced the thrill of skating and using his hockey stick to whack a rubber puck across the ice on a frozen pond in his birthplace of Toledo, Ohio. Today, the 48-year-old Iraq veteran still plays ice hockey, despite the loss of the lower portion of his right leg four years ago during a rocket attack on Camp Anaconda, in Balad, Iraq.

Bowser, then a truck driver with 283rd Transportation Company based in Fairfield, Conn., recalled that the enemy attack occurred on April 12, 2004, soon after he returned to Camp Anaconda after delivering a 5,000-gallon load of jet fuel.

Bowser credits Connecticut Army National Guard Maj. Michael McMahon, a physician assistant, for saving his life. McMahon, he said, used his fingers to slow the bleeding from a gashed artery on Bowser's injured right leg.

"He reached up on my leg to clamp off my artery so I wouldn't 'bleed out,'" Bowser recalled.

McMahon, now 45, recalled during a recent phone interview from his home in Hamden, Conn., that his military training kicked in when he saw the stricken Bowser bleeding profusely.

"You just react," McMahon said. "We took care of him and got him stabilized. There was a combat surgical hospital in Balad.

"Once we got the bleeding controlled, ... I thought he was going to make it," McMahon recalled. Bowser and McMahon keep in touch; they met up in February when Bowser was in Connecticut to play a hockey game.

Wearing body armor probably also saved his life, Bowser said, noting his armored vest was riddled with shrapnel damage. The then-staff sergeant also suffered shrapnel injuries to his left hand.

Bowser said he arrived at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here about a week after being wounded. The doctors thought he would have more mobility with a prosthetic leg, he recalled, rather than by keeping his mangled limb.

"The first thing that I thought of was that I wanted to play hockey again," Bowser said. "So, I said I wanted to have it amputated."

Bowser spent more than two years of inpatient and outpatient recovery at Walter Reed, and he was medically retired from the Army as a sergeant first class in July 2006. He rates the medical care he received at Walter Reed as "awesome."

"You couldn't ask for a better place," Bowser said of Walter Reed.

Bowser now works at the Pentagon as an administrator for Army Secretary Pete Geren. In his spare time he plays pickup hockey games at Maryland rinks near his present-day home near Baltimore. He also occasionally travels to play in hockey tournaments.

Bowser plays right wing, one of the three forwards on an ice hockey team. The center and left winger make up the other two-thirds of the forward line, and their job is to harass the opposing team and score goals. Two defensive players are positioned rearward to protect the goalie.

Bowser said his artificial leg can be adjusted to accommodate his skating style, and that having a prosthetic limb actually has its advantages during a rough-and-tumble game of hockey.

"You don't have to worry about getting a puck slapped on your foot," Bowser said, noting he enjoys ice hockey's speed of play and physical aspects.

Bowser completed as a member of the U.S. National Amputee Hockey Team during the 2008 Standing Amputee Hockey World Championships that were held April 2-6 in Marlborough, Mass. Team USA won the silver medal at that four-team tournament, beating out teams from Latvia and Finland. Canada won the gold medal, and Finland took the bronze.

Before he got his job in the secretary of the Army's office, Bowser had volunteered to work with injured military veterans as part of an initiative administered through Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England's office.

Bowser met with a number of Washington Capitals professional ice hockey team players and coaches when they paid an April 6 visit to the Pentagon last year. Later, he got to skate with some Capitals players during a team practice.

The Capitals hockey club has sponsored several Military Appreciation Nights at the Verizon Center here for servicemembers and their families, Bowser noted.

"I've gone there several times with wounded warrior guys from Walter Reed," Bowser said. "They've just opened their doors to us. They totally support us."

Bowser, who got married April 12, said God gave him a second chance at life after being severely wounded in Iraq. Grateful for each day of existence, he strives to help his fellow wounded warriors.