By Christen N. McCluney
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 31, 2009 - The Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program is working to prepare servicemembers and their families for a successful transition to civilian life. “We are trying to ensure that [servicemembers] transition from active duty back to the civilian community is a smooth and seamless one," Ron Horne, deputy director for the Transition Assistance Program at the Office of Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Policy told listeners during a "Dot Mil Docs" interview today.
The idea of the program is to make them aware of the support systems that are available to them, he said. The DoD has a partnership with the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs to help servicemembers with their transition. The program also works with the Department of Homeland Security for Coast Guard Members as well.
Horne said that the program has five major components to it: pre-separation counseling, Department of Labor employment workshops, VA benefits briefings, the Disabled Transition Assistance Program and one-on-one counseling, all of which take place at local military installations and bases.
The pre-separation counseling component consists of an overview of 16 topics that counseling and coaching addresses with service members, Horne said. It gives a review of transition services, benefits, and resources available for the transition process.
The employment workshop is "a baseline to start looking and preparing for employment," said Horne. In the workshop, servicemembers go over skills including resume writing, creating cover letters, dressing for success and job search techniques.
The VA benefits briefing serves as a session to inform servicemembers of benefits they may be entitled to include the Montgomery GI Bill, healthcare, VA counseling and the home loan program.
Servicemembers who have a service related disability also must attend the DTAP briefing. "In this session they learn about the benefits they may be entitled based on their ratings from VA," Horne said.
Once servicemembers have completed those four core components of TAP, they are eligible for one-on-one counseling at their installations transition office, Horne said. Transition counselors assist the servicemembers in a variety of ways including completing their resume, information on medical benefits and technology access.
For Army installations, services are provided by Army Career and Alumni Program Centers. On Navy installations, the transition assistance office is usually located at the Fleet and Family Support Center, at Marine Corps Bases the services are provided through the Marine Corps Community Services and Air Force services are provided through the Airmen and Family Readiness Flight centers. Members of the Coast Guard can receive services through Work-Life offices.
Horne also said that many separating servicemembers are not looking for employment but are returning to school. "We encourage them to use their education benefits because they've earned it and that is one way to ensure that they are prepared to compete with their contemporaries that were getting an education while they were on active duty," he said.
He encourages servicemembers to start their transition process 12 months before voluntarily leaving the service and 24 months before retiring. "Anyone that reaches the 18th year mark should start the transition process," he said. "It is overwhelming when you wait until the last minute."
TAP also has a Web site, www.turbotap.org, which offers a timeline on the transitioning process and other resources that help with the entire process. "We are trying to get [servicemembers] started early enough so that they can plan to do things step by step."
He also said the TAP office is "rethinking and reshaping the program," so that transitioning isn't an event but a process from when a servicemember joins the military to their departure or retirement or as long as they need assistance once they become a veteran. The program hopes to guide servicemembers in setting career goals and starting financial planning early. They are also finding ways to leverage technology to reach their younger audiences through Facebook, Twitter, and texting.
"We feel that TAP needs to be designed and developed in a way that when a member needs it, it will be there for them. Whether it's a facility at a base or online for someone that is at a remote location," Horne said. "We think the future of Tap is bright and we have a way to go, but we have done some wonderful things."
(Christen N. McCluney works in the Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media directorate.)
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Christmas inside a plow truck – South Dakota Guard responds to record blizzard
By Maj. Brendan Murphy
South Dakota National Guard
When meteorologists predicted more than a foot of snow, high winds and impossible travel across South Dakota in the days before Christmas, Guardmembers here prepared and waited to respond. “Our job was to get snow removal equipment where it was needed, or potentially needed,” said Col. Scott Jacobson, director of operations for the South Dakota Army Guard, just before the record-breaking winter storm hit.
The South Dakota Guard awaited the support request from the emergency management agency as the state braced itself for a blanket of snow, wind and freezing temperatures during the Christmas weekend.
Meteorologists had predicted a foot of snow or more, high winds and virtually impossible travel across the state.
Winter storm warnings and travel advisories were issued. The state’s emergency operations center in Pierre requested support from the National Guard. Gov. Mike Rounds issued a state of emergency Dec. 22.
Guard officials prepositioned equipment and notified personnel to stand ready to assist with snow removal from the state’s roads and highways.
The storm made its way into the Black Hills and the plains and delivered on meteorologists’ predictions.
Higher elevations in the Black Hills received up to 40 inches of snow while the eastern part of the state reported accumulations ranging from one to two feet. Rapid City reported wind gusts up to 76 mph.
The Guard’s Rapid City Task Force 109 dispatched snow blowers, dozers and dump trucks. More than 80 Soldiers from TF109 assisted the Department of Transportation with snow removal missions.
They formed “blade teams” consisting of various heavy-equipment that worked statewide in snow removal operations.
Guard teams also delivered six, 20-ton truckloads of firewood to the citizens of the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations.
At least 30 South Dakota Guard members remain in storm response operations in support of state agencies.
South Dakota National Guard
When meteorologists predicted more than a foot of snow, high winds and impossible travel across South Dakota in the days before Christmas, Guardmembers here prepared and waited to respond. “Our job was to get snow removal equipment where it was needed, or potentially needed,” said Col. Scott Jacobson, director of operations for the South Dakota Army Guard, just before the record-breaking winter storm hit.
The South Dakota Guard awaited the support request from the emergency management agency as the state braced itself for a blanket of snow, wind and freezing temperatures during the Christmas weekend.
Meteorologists had predicted a foot of snow or more, high winds and virtually impossible travel across the state.
Winter storm warnings and travel advisories were issued. The state’s emergency operations center in Pierre requested support from the National Guard. Gov. Mike Rounds issued a state of emergency Dec. 22.
Guard officials prepositioned equipment and notified personnel to stand ready to assist with snow removal from the state’s roads and highways.
The storm made its way into the Black Hills and the plains and delivered on meteorologists’ predictions.
Higher elevations in the Black Hills received up to 40 inches of snow while the eastern part of the state reported accumulations ranging from one to two feet. Rapid City reported wind gusts up to 76 mph.
The Guard’s Rapid City Task Force 109 dispatched snow blowers, dozers and dump trucks. More than 80 Soldiers from TF109 assisted the Department of Transportation with snow removal missions.
They formed “blade teams” consisting of various heavy-equipment that worked statewide in snow removal operations.
Guard teams also delivered six, 20-ton truckloads of firewood to the citizens of the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations.
At least 30 South Dakota Guard members remain in storm response operations in support of state agencies.
New Yorkers Enjoy New Years' With Additional Security in Place
York National Guard to Provide Support to City, State over Holiday weekend
(12/30/2009) - As New Yorkers and visitors gear up for New Year's Eve celebrations, the Citizen Soldiers and Airmen of the New York National Guard remain on duty in support of homeland security missions across the state. At the direction of New York Gov. David Paterson, members of the New York Army and Air National Guard will conduct additional security missions and stand ready to respond to local civil authorities if an emergency occurs.
Throughout New York City, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen will conduct security operations at Penn Station, the PATH terminal, and LaGuardia and JFK airports in coordination with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The airport security measures directed by Paterson earlier this week were the result of the failed terrorist bombing on Christmas Day of a commercial airliner in Detroit.
"Our actions should not raise the alarm, but rather demonstrate that we are working at the local, state and federal levels to keep travelers safe," Paterson said in a statement Dec. 28.
The National Guard's 2nd Civil Support Team (CST), a full-time rapid response element that detects chemical, biological or radiological hazards will also provide a detachment in Manhattan to support the New York Police Department. The 22-man detachment, based at the Scotia Air National Guard Base near Schenectady, N.Y. has been partnered with the NYPD for counter-terrorism support operations since the unit's formation in 2000.
It is estimated that a million people will celebrate New Years' in Times Square. The New York Police Department will control all access points to Times Square as part of the evening's security plans. No bags or backpacks are permitted. Emergency Service squads, drug and bomb sniffing canine units and other counter-terrorism personnel will be present in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
At the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, N.Y., staff representatives from New York State military forces will man the National Guard's Joint Operations Center. This command and control node provides liaison and linkage to the State Emergency Management Office and New York State Department of Homeland Security.
"We will be monitoring Joint Task Force Empire Shield and the 2nd Civil Support Team," Maj. Robert Stabb, director of the New York National Guard Joint Operations Center, explained. "Empire Shield and the 2nd CST both are ready to assist the city of New York as required," he said.
The New York National Guard will also provide liaison officers to the New York Police Department in preparation for the New Year's celebration.
Media representatives who wish to visit the Joint Operations Center at the National Gaurd Joint Forces Headquarters in Latham should contact the public affairs office at 518-786-4581 before noon on Dec. 31.
For more information about the capabilities and organization of the New York National Guard, visit the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website at http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/
(12/30/2009) - As New Yorkers and visitors gear up for New Year's Eve celebrations, the Citizen Soldiers and Airmen of the New York National Guard remain on duty in support of homeland security missions across the state. At the direction of New York Gov. David Paterson, members of the New York Army and Air National Guard will conduct additional security missions and stand ready to respond to local civil authorities if an emergency occurs.
Throughout New York City, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen will conduct security operations at Penn Station, the PATH terminal, and LaGuardia and JFK airports in coordination with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The airport security measures directed by Paterson earlier this week were the result of the failed terrorist bombing on Christmas Day of a commercial airliner in Detroit.
"Our actions should not raise the alarm, but rather demonstrate that we are working at the local, state and federal levels to keep travelers safe," Paterson said in a statement Dec. 28.
The National Guard's 2nd Civil Support Team (CST), a full-time rapid response element that detects chemical, biological or radiological hazards will also provide a detachment in Manhattan to support the New York Police Department. The 22-man detachment, based at the Scotia Air National Guard Base near Schenectady, N.Y. has been partnered with the NYPD for counter-terrorism support operations since the unit's formation in 2000.
It is estimated that a million people will celebrate New Years' in Times Square. The New York Police Department will control all access points to Times Square as part of the evening's security plans. No bags or backpacks are permitted. Emergency Service squads, drug and bomb sniffing canine units and other counter-terrorism personnel will be present in Times Square on New Year's Eve.
At the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, N.Y., staff representatives from New York State military forces will man the National Guard's Joint Operations Center. This command and control node provides liaison and linkage to the State Emergency Management Office and New York State Department of Homeland Security.
"We will be monitoring Joint Task Force Empire Shield and the 2nd Civil Support Team," Maj. Robert Stabb, director of the New York National Guard Joint Operations Center, explained. "Empire Shield and the 2nd CST both are ready to assist the city of New York as required," he said.
The New York National Guard will also provide liaison officers to the New York Police Department in preparation for the New Year's celebration.
Media representatives who wish to visit the Joint Operations Center at the National Gaurd Joint Forces Headquarters in Latham should contact the public affairs office at 518-786-4581 before noon on Dec. 31.
For more information about the capabilities and organization of the New York National Guard, visit the Division of Military and Naval Affairs website at http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/
New year’s resolution: nominate your patriotic employer for an ESGR award
Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
National Guard Bureau
- Go online to www.esgr.org and click on the Patriot Award link and fill out the nomination form.
- This award recognizes all employers with a certificate and accompanying lapel pin and are considered for other awards and recognitions based on their level of support.
- Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award
- Go online to http://www.freedomaward.mil/ and fill out the nomination form.
This award is the highest in a series of employer recognition awards given by the DoD. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 18.
National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of December 29, 2009
This week the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps announced an increase in activated reservists, while the Army and Coast Guard announced a decrease. The net collective result is 217 fewer reservists activated than last week.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 105,243; Navy Reserve, 6,281; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 15,706; Marine Corps Reserve, 7,600; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 774. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 135,604, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/Dec2009/d20091229ngr.pdf.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 105,243; Navy Reserve, 6,281; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 15,706; Marine Corps Reserve, 7,600; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 774. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 135,604, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/Dec2009/d20091229ngr.pdf.
MILITARY CONTRACTS December 30, 2009
NAVY
Sauer, Inc., East Jacksonville, Fla. (N40080-10-D-0490); Haskell, Jacksonville, Fla. (N40080-10-D-0491); John C. Grimberg, Rockville, Md. (N40080-10-D-0492); TtEC-Tesoro, JV, Virginia Beach, Va. (N40080-10-D-0493); and Whiting-Turner, Baltimore, Md. (N40080-10-D-0494), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity large multiple award construction contract for various large dollar construction projects within the area of responsibility of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Washington. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all five contracts combined is $750,000,000. Sauer, Inc., is being awarded task order 0001 at $15,478,820 for construction of the headquarters facility and Officer Candidate School mess hall at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by July 2011. All work on this contract will be performed within NAVFAC Washington's area of responsibility, to include Maryland (55 percent), Virginia (30 percent), and Washington, D.C. (15 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of December 2014. Contract funds for task order 0001 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 10 proposals received. These five contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Owego, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded an $81,973,196 firm-fixed-price modification to definitize a previously awarded advance acquisition contract. This definitization will provide for the production and delivery of common cockpits for the MH-60S Lot 12 aircraft and MH-60R Lot 8 aircraft. In addition, this modification provides for long lead items to support MH-60S Lot 13 and MH-60R Lot 9 common cockpit kits. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y. (58.8 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (13.9 percent); Farmingdale, N.Y. (12.7 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (4.7 percent); Woodland Hills, Calif. (3.7 percent); Lewisville, Texas (2.9 percent); Windsor Locks, Conn. (2.2 percent); Middletown, Conn. (0.6 percent); and Butler, N.J. (0.5 percent). Work is expected to be completed in July 2012. 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 (N00019-06-C-0098).
Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $32,013,370 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technical and engineering support and related operation and maintenance of the Navy's Combat Systems Engineering Development Site and technical engineering support of the SPY-1A test lab and Naval Systems Computing Center. Work under this modification is in support of the U.S. Navy and the governments of Australia, Spain and Korea. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by October 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-5124).
L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, LP, Waco, Texas, is being awarded a $16,099,786 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract to complete Zone 5 critical airframe structures replacements for five P-3C aircraft in support of the P-3C sustainment, modification and installation program. Work will be performed in Waco, Texas (80 percent), and Greenville, Texas (20 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $5,677,624 will 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).
Niking Corp.*, Wahiawa, Hawaii, is being awarded firm-fixed-price task order 0003 at $15,237,555 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity design-build multiple award construction contract to install grid-tied photovoltaic power systems at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by July 2011. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-08-D-4010).
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $13,777,196 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously issued basic ordering agreement for the design, development and manufacture of 12 peculiar support equipment end items to support the intermediate and operational level of maintenance of the V-22 aircraft for the Navy and the Air Force. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas, and is expected to be completed in March 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $10,626,029 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N68335-06-G-0007).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a modification, P00025, to a previously awarded contract to establish contract line item ceiling worth $13,198,666, cost-plus-fixed fee, for January through April of calendar year 2010 production support for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile. Production support includes tasks needed to support missile production that are not directly associated with the manufacture of missile hardware. This modification combines purchases of the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium which includes the Navy and the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Turkey. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (45 percent); Camden, Ark. (2 percent); Andover, Mass. (10 percent); Australia (11 percent); Canada (7 percent); Denmark (1 percent); Greece (1 percent); Germany (8 percent); The Netherlands (6 percent); Norway (5 percent); Spain (3 percent); and Turkey (1 percent). Work is expected to be complete by April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5432).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $12,420,974.00 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, without a provision for an option quantity, for 12 months of 2010 avionics repair facility support, which provides for repair of various F/A-18 components. This announcement involves a foreign military sale, less than 1 percent, for Spain, Kuwait and Malaysia. The applicable funding for this action is the Navy Working Capital Fund. Funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Lemoore, Calif. (57 percent), Cecil Field, Fla. (40 percent), and at the Hornet Control Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 percent). Work will be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. One company was solicited for this non-competitive requirement and one offer was received. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00383-07-G-005H-0011).
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded an $11,406,910 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity delivery order contract to provide specialized technical services in support of depot level maintenance work performed at the Fleet Readiness Center, Southwest on aircraft and rework of associated components and materials. Services to be provided include modifications, in-service repairs and all other categories of service associated with aircraft depot level maintenance and its planning. The estimated level of effort for this modification is 346,670 man-hours. Work will be performed at the Fleet Readiness Center, Southwest, San Diego, Calif. (78 percent); the Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif. (9 percent); the Naval Air Station, Lemoore, Calif. (4 percent); the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Point Mugu, Calif. (2 percent); Naval Air Station,Whidbey Island, Bremerton, Wash. (2 percent); Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (2 percent); Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. (2 percent); and Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, Calif. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-06-D-0024).
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $10,750,886.00 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the exercise of FY 10 options for performing as the platform system engineering agent for the Ship Self Defense System. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (90 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (2.5 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (2.5 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (2.5 percent); and Tucson, Ariz. (2.5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-5122).
Adaptive Methods Inc.*, Centreville, Va., is being awarded an $8,083,728 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-reimbursable contract for engineering services to develop and integrate improved algorithms into the Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW DSS). USW DSS provides an integrated, near real-time net-centric undersea warfare command and control capability across multiple platforms. Work will be performed in Centreville, Va. (50 percent), Clearwater, Fla. (20 percent), Rockville, Md. (15 percent), and Middletown, R.I. (15 percent).. Work is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-5229).
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla. is being awarded a $6,114,217 modification to previously awarded contract for calendar year 2010 contractor logistics support, for Expeditionary Fire Support System-Internally Transportable Vehicles (EFSS-ITV). This modification provides for the exercise of an option for an additional increment of 12 months of support services for fielding and associated training requirements for EFSS-ITV systems. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala. (60 percent), and St. Petersburg, Fla. (40 percent). Work is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-05-D-6014).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $5,914,484 firm-fixed-price delivery order, 0096, under their existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This delivery order is for the purchase of 22 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement vehicles. Production and work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-04-D-5016).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., King of Prussia, Pa., was awarded a $16,020,497 contract for all design elements through the preliminary design review. Lockheed Martin shall design, fabricate, integrate and test payload delivery vehicle for flight demonstration for the conventional prompt global strike capability. At this time, no funds have been obligated. SMC/XRC, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8814-08-C-003).
DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY
Nayyarsons Corp., New Hyde Park, N.Y., was awarded a fixed-price incentive, requirements-type contract to provide deli/bakery operations for resale to the Defense Commissary Agency's West region commissaries. The estimated award amount is $9,448,990.56. The contract is for a 24-month base period of performance beginning Feb. 1, 2010, through Jan. 31, 2012. Two one-year option periods and four award terms are available. If both option periods are exercised and four award terms are earned, the contract will be completed Jan. 31, 2018. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 13 firms were solicited and four offers were received. The Defense Commissary Agency, Marketing Business Unit, Resale Contracting Division, Fort Lee, Va., is the contracting activity (HDEC02-10-D-0004).
Sauer, Inc., East Jacksonville, Fla. (N40080-10-D-0490); Haskell, Jacksonville, Fla. (N40080-10-D-0491); John C. Grimberg, Rockville, Md. (N40080-10-D-0492); TtEC-Tesoro, JV, Virginia Beach, Va. (N40080-10-D-0493); and Whiting-Turner, Baltimore, Md. (N40080-10-D-0494), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity large multiple award construction contract for various large dollar construction projects within the area of responsibility of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Washington. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all five contracts combined is $750,000,000. Sauer, Inc., is being awarded task order 0001 at $15,478,820 for construction of the headquarters facility and Officer Candidate School mess hall at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by July 2011. All work on this contract will be performed within NAVFAC Washington's area of responsibility, to include Maryland (55 percent), Virginia (30 percent), and Washington, D.C. (15 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of December 2014. Contract funds for task order 0001 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with 10 proposals received. These five contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Systems Integration-Owego, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded an $81,973,196 firm-fixed-price modification to definitize a previously awarded advance acquisition contract. This definitization will provide for the production and delivery of common cockpits for the MH-60S Lot 12 aircraft and MH-60R Lot 8 aircraft. In addition, this modification provides for long lead items to support MH-60S Lot 13 and MH-60R Lot 9 common cockpit kits. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y. (58.8 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (13.9 percent); Farmingdale, N.Y. (12.7 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (4.7 percent); Woodland Hills, Calif. (3.7 percent); Lewisville, Texas (2.9 percent); Windsor Locks, Conn. (2.2 percent); Middletown, Conn. (0.6 percent); and Butler, N.J. (0.5 percent). Work is expected to be completed in July 2012. 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 (N00019-06-C-0098).
Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $32,013,370 modification to previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for technical and engineering support and related operation and maintenance of the Navy's Combat Systems Engineering Development Site and technical engineering support of the SPY-1A test lab and Naval Systems Computing Center. Work under this modification is in support of the U.S. Navy and the governments of Australia, Spain and Korea. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by October 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-5124).
L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, LP, Waco, Texas, is being awarded a $16,099,786 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract to complete Zone 5 critical airframe structures replacements for five P-3C aircraft in support of the P-3C sustainment, modification and installation program. Work will be performed in Waco, Texas (80 percent), and Greenville, Texas (20 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $5,677,624 will 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).
Niking Corp.*, Wahiawa, Hawaii, is being awarded firm-fixed-price task order 0003 at $15,237,555 under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity design-build multiple award construction contract to install grid-tied photovoltaic power systems at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by July 2011. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-08-D-4010).
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $13,777,196 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously issued basic ordering agreement for the design, development and manufacture of 12 peculiar support equipment end items to support the intermediate and operational level of maintenance of the V-22 aircraft for the Navy and the Air Force. Work will be performed in Amarillo, Texas, and is expected to be completed in March 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $10,626,029 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N68335-06-G-0007).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a modification, P00025, to a previously awarded contract to establish contract line item ceiling worth $13,198,666, cost-plus-fixed fee, for January through April of calendar year 2010 production support for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile. Production support includes tasks needed to support missile production that are not directly associated with the manufacture of missile hardware. This modification combines purchases of the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium which includes the Navy and the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Turkey. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (45 percent); Camden, Ark. (2 percent); Andover, Mass. (10 percent); Australia (11 percent); Canada (7 percent); Denmark (1 percent); Greece (1 percent); Germany (8 percent); The Netherlands (6 percent); Norway (5 percent); Spain (3 percent); and Turkey (1 percent). Work is expected to be complete by April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-5432).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Boeing Company, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $12,420,974.00 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, without a provision for an option quantity, for 12 months of 2010 avionics repair facility support, which provides for repair of various F/A-18 components. This announcement involves a foreign military sale, less than 1 percent, for Spain, Kuwait and Malaysia. The applicable funding for this action is the Navy Working Capital Fund. Funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Lemoore, Calif. (57 percent), Cecil Field, Fla. (40 percent), and at the Hornet Control Center, Philadelphia, Pa. (3 percent). Work will be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. One company was solicited for this non-competitive requirement and one offer was received. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N00383-07-G-005H-0011).
L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded an $11,406,910 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity delivery order contract to provide specialized technical services in support of depot level maintenance work performed at the Fleet Readiness Center, Southwest on aircraft and rework of associated components and materials. Services to be provided include modifications, in-service repairs and all other categories of service associated with aircraft depot level maintenance and its planning. The estimated level of effort for this modification is 346,670 man-hours. Work will be performed at the Fleet Readiness Center, Southwest, San Diego, Calif. (78 percent); the Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif. (9 percent); the Naval Air Station, Lemoore, Calif. (4 percent); the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, Point Mugu, Calif. (2 percent); Naval Air Station,Whidbey Island, Bremerton, Wash. (2 percent); Marine Corps Air Station, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (2 percent); Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Ariz. (2 percent); and Marine Corps Air Station, Miramar, Calif. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-06-D-0024).
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $10,750,886.00 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the exercise of FY 10 options for performing as the platform system engineering agent for the Ship Self Defense System. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (90 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (2.5 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (2.5 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (2.5 percent); and Tucson, Ariz. (2.5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-5122).
Adaptive Methods Inc.*, Centreville, Va., is being awarded an $8,083,728 cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-reimbursable contract for engineering services to develop and integrate improved algorithms into the Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW DSS). USW DSS provides an integrated, near real-time net-centric undersea warfare command and control capability across multiple platforms. Work will be performed in Centreville, Va. (50 percent), Clearwater, Fla. (20 percent), Rockville, Md. (15 percent), and Middletown, R.I. (15 percent).. Work is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-5229).
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla. is being awarded a $6,114,217 modification to previously awarded contract for calendar year 2010 contractor logistics support, for Expeditionary Fire Support System-Internally Transportable Vehicles (EFSS-ITV). This modification provides for the exercise of an option for an additional increment of 12 months of support services for fielding and associated training requirements for EFSS-ITV systems. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala. (60 percent), and St. Petersburg, Fla. (40 percent). Work is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-05-D-6014).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $5,914,484 firm-fixed-price delivery order, 0096, under their existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This delivery order is for the purchase of 22 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement vehicles. Production and work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-04-D-5016).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Corp., King of Prussia, Pa., was awarded a $16,020,497 contract for all design elements through the preliminary design review. Lockheed Martin shall design, fabricate, integrate and test payload delivery vehicle for flight demonstration for the conventional prompt global strike capability. At this time, no funds have been obligated. SMC/XRC, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8814-08-C-003).
DEFENSE COMMISSARY AGENCY
Nayyarsons Corp., New Hyde Park, N.Y., was awarded a fixed-price incentive, requirements-type contract to provide deli/bakery operations for resale to the Defense Commissary Agency's West region commissaries. The estimated award amount is $9,448,990.56. The contract is for a 24-month base period of performance beginning Feb. 1, 2010, through Jan. 31, 2012. Two one-year option periods and four award terms are available. If both option periods are exercised and four award terms are earned, the contract will be completed Jan. 31, 2018. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 13 firms were solicited and four offers were received. The Defense Commissary Agency, Marketing Business Unit, Resale Contracting Division, Fort Lee, Va., is the contracting activity (HDEC02-10-D-0004).
DoD Works to Ensure Health Assessments Are Administered Post Deployment
The Post-Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) is a tool using the DD Form 2900, designed to identify service member health concerns which may have either been unresolved from the deployment or emerged during the post-deployment period.
The PDHRA is to be offered to all active duty service members, Reservists and National Guardsmen within a three- to six-month time period after returning from overseas deployments greater than 30 days in length and where there are no fixed medical treatment facilities. The basic purpose is to enable health providers, in partnership with service members, to identify post-deployment medical issues in service members and make recommendations for treatment.
Department of Defense (DoD) policy requires that completed PDHRA forms be kept electronically in a central repository administered by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC). Data extrapolated from these forms also assists the Military Health System in detecting patterns of medical issues affecting American forces post-deployment.
Last year, the Senate Armed Services Committee directed the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate reports that completed PDHRA forms were not making their way into the central repository for a variety of reasons. Without these reports, DoD would find it difficult to accurately track and respond to long-term medical concerns of American military forces.
During the course of its investigation, GAO found that the DoD central repository did not have reports for approximately 23 percent of service members whom the GAO expected to complete the PDHRA in the post-deployment period. DoD found this number to be wholly unacceptable, and concurred with GAO recommendations that every effort be made to ensure service members who are required to complete the PDHRA do so, and that these reports are electronically submitted to the central repository.
Without waiting for the final GAO report, DoD began the process of rectifying these issues by taking the following steps:
DoD is currently working with the armed services to determine that eligible service members are correctly identified (for example, sailors who remained shipboard during their deployment were incorrectly expected to have completed the PDHRA), why eligible individuals within that service either did not complete the PDHRA or why it is not in the central repository. Once this initiative is complete, DoD will take corrective action and conduct a follow-up review to ensure accountability.
The armed services are working with AFHSC to develop a process by which automated confirmation will be obtained when PDHRAs are added to the central repository. The Navy already has such a system in place, covering their personnel as well as United States Marines.
All services have issued policies to ensure frequent deployers receive the PDHRA annually.
The Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Health Protection and Readiness issued a memorandum to the armed service surgeons general re-emphasizing the need for the PDHRA to be offered to all who are eligible.
In addition, the Reserve Health Readiness Program has taken steps to improve its documentation of problem identification and resolution regarding the PDHRA processes, thereby solidifying program improvements.
In short, DoD is taking the steps necessary to ensure service members receive the care they have earned and deserve. We appreciate and welcome outside scrutiny because we will accept nothing less than the best for members of the United States Armed Forces.
The PDHRA is to be offered to all active duty service members, Reservists and National Guardsmen within a three- to six-month time period after returning from overseas deployments greater than 30 days in length and where there are no fixed medical treatment facilities. The basic purpose is to enable health providers, in partnership with service members, to identify post-deployment medical issues in service members and make recommendations for treatment.
Department of Defense (DoD) policy requires that completed PDHRA forms be kept electronically in a central repository administered by the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC). Data extrapolated from these forms also assists the Military Health System in detecting patterns of medical issues affecting American forces post-deployment.
Last year, the Senate Armed Services Committee directed the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate reports that completed PDHRA forms were not making their way into the central repository for a variety of reasons. Without these reports, DoD would find it difficult to accurately track and respond to long-term medical concerns of American military forces.
During the course of its investigation, GAO found that the DoD central repository did not have reports for approximately 23 percent of service members whom the GAO expected to complete the PDHRA in the post-deployment period. DoD found this number to be wholly unacceptable, and concurred with GAO recommendations that every effort be made to ensure service members who are required to complete the PDHRA do so, and that these reports are electronically submitted to the central repository.
Without waiting for the final GAO report, DoD began the process of rectifying these issues by taking the following steps:
DoD is currently working with the armed services to determine that eligible service members are correctly identified (for example, sailors who remained shipboard during their deployment were incorrectly expected to have completed the PDHRA), why eligible individuals within that service either did not complete the PDHRA or why it is not in the central repository. Once this initiative is complete, DoD will take corrective action and conduct a follow-up review to ensure accountability.
The armed services are working with AFHSC to develop a process by which automated confirmation will be obtained when PDHRAs are added to the central repository. The Navy already has such a system in place, covering their personnel as well as United States Marines.
All services have issued policies to ensure frequent deployers receive the PDHRA annually.
The Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Health Protection and Readiness issued a memorandum to the armed service surgeons general re-emphasizing the need for the PDHRA to be offered to all who are eligible.
In addition, the Reserve Health Readiness Program has taken steps to improve its documentation of problem identification and resolution regarding the PDHRA processes, thereby solidifying program improvements.
In short, DoD is taking the steps necessary to ensure service members receive the care they have earned and deserve. We appreciate and welcome outside scrutiny because we will accept nothing less than the best for members of the United States Armed Forces.
Officials Encourage Guard, Reserve to Honor Employers
By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 30, 2009 - Providing pay and benefits during deployments, sending care packages to deployed employees, allowing time off, and celebrating military service with send-off and homecoming ceremonies are just a few commitments that the Guard and Reserve's top employers are honored for each year. Officials here are asking Guard and Reserve servicemembers to speak out and honor their patriotic employers.
With ongoing global operations, support from employers for Guard and Reserve service is more critical now than ever, said Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve officials.
The ESGR's mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support. It also increases awareness of the laws governing Guard and Reserve service and resolves potential employer-servicemember conflicts through mediation.
Guard and Reserve leaders continually stress how critical the support of families, communities and employers are to the defense of the nation.
"If you added up all of your family members and all the employers you touch, we have over a million people that directly know what we do with the National Guard of the United States," Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, told Guard leaders at a conference last month.
Guard and Reserve servicemembers can nominate their employers for the Patriot and the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom awards online.
The Patriot Award recognizes all employers with a certificate and an accompanying lapel pin. Nominees are considered for other awards and recognition based on their level of support.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest in a series of employer recognition awards given by the Defense Department. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 18.
Officials said the award was created to publicly recognize employers that provide exceptional support to their National Guard and Reserve employees.
More than 3,200 nominations for awards were submitted to ESGR this year.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 30, 2009 - Providing pay and benefits during deployments, sending care packages to deployed employees, allowing time off, and celebrating military service with send-off and homecoming ceremonies are just a few commitments that the Guard and Reserve's top employers are honored for each year. Officials here are asking Guard and Reserve servicemembers to speak out and honor their patriotic employers.
With ongoing global operations, support from employers for Guard and Reserve service is more critical now than ever, said Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve officials.
The ESGR's mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support. It also increases awareness of the laws governing Guard and Reserve service and resolves potential employer-servicemember conflicts through mediation.
Guard and Reserve leaders continually stress how critical the support of families, communities and employers are to the defense of the nation.
"If you added up all of your family members and all the employers you touch, we have over a million people that directly know what we do with the National Guard of the United States," Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, told Guard leaders at a conference last month.
Guard and Reserve servicemembers can nominate their employers for the Patriot and the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom awards online.
The Patriot Award recognizes all employers with a certificate and an accompanying lapel pin. Nominees are considered for other awards and recognition based on their level of support.
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest in a series of employer recognition awards given by the Defense Department. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 18.
Officials said the award was created to publicly recognize employers that provide exceptional support to their National Guard and Reserve employees.
More than 3,200 nominations for awards were submitted to ESGR this year.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves at the National Guard Bureau.)
Community Partnerships Assist Families of Deployed Soldiers
By Rob Mcllvaine
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 30, 2009 - Due to multiple military deployments that have occurred for nearly a decade, many Army families choose to remain in their established neighborhoods or return to a relative's hometown when their soldier deploys. In many cases this means that family resources commonly found on a military installation aren't available for the duration of the soldier's deployment.
The Army has hired 61 community support coordinators located across the United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and Japan to help connect these geographically dispersed military personnel with community-service systems.
Community support coordinators work to engage and invite community organizations to partner with the Army, which has led to new programs and support initiatives. Partnership with community organizations provides an extension to the services traditionally offered on Army posts. Army families, therefore, can access services wherever they reside while their military sponsor is deployed.
Community support coordinators work to identify resources and build partnerships with community organizations, said Karen Conrad, a family programs specialist at the Army's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command here. These services then are made available to family programs staff of the active Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve to build connections for soldiers and their family members, so they have a link to information and services even if they don't live on or near an installation.
"The CSCs have been very instrumental in connecting geographically dispersed soldiers and families to services," Conrad said. "Community organizations want to step up and partner with the military, but don't always know how they can make the connection. The CSCs provide them with the information they need to build that partnership."
CSCs have been trained by Army family specialists at the University of North Carolina's Odum Institute for Research in Social Science at Chapel Hill.
The CSC program is a result of an Army Family Action Plan issue and the Army Family Covenant. All Army components and family-service agencies are developing a strategic partnership to standardize soldier- and family-support programs and services regardless of component or geographical location, officials said.
Most civilian community programs and agencies, such as schools, nonprofit agencies, faith-based, legal and financial service organizations, as well as behavioral health and government organizations -- state and local government, Veterans Affairs, for instance -- are unaware of the number of Army personnel or families who live in their community or use their services, officials said.
The Army Community Covenant is a way of formally introducing these servicemembers and the organizations.
"We're in the [ninth] year of this war, the longest in our nation's history with an all-volunteer force," said retired Army Maj. Gen. Craig Whelden, the covenant's national outreach coordinator.
Whelden is a former commander of the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center, now redesignated as Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command.
"The secretary of the Army thought this would be an opportunity to engage the American public in their communities and raise the level of visibility of the dedication and sacrifices [of] our servicemembers," Whelden said at this year's community covenant signing with the American Legion.
Since April 2008, 85 communities have signed community covenants
"It's incumbent upon us to look in our own backyards ... and to figure out who's out there serving our country and what kind of support they need," First Lady Michelle Obama said during a visit to Fort Bragg, N.C., in March. "We need to make sure, as a community, that we're coming together around those [military] families."
The Army OneSource online portal provides easy access to many services for families living far outside garrison borders.
Besides offering family-service connections initiated by community support coordinators, Army OneSource also compiles up-to-date information in a single location for access at any time of day.
The AOS portal features Army family-services-oriented articles, videos and resources in categories, such as programs and services, health care, soldier and family housing, child, youth and school services; education, careers and libraries; recreation, communities, marketplace and travel, as well as information about the Army's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program.
By using the Army OneSource portal, soldiers and families "can have local services at their fingertips and access information regardless of their component or where they reside," Conrad said.
(Rob Mcllvaine works with U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 30, 2009 - Due to multiple military deployments that have occurred for nearly a decade, many Army families choose to remain in their established neighborhoods or return to a relative's hometown when their soldier deploys. In many cases this means that family resources commonly found on a military installation aren't available for the duration of the soldier's deployment.
The Army has hired 61 community support coordinators located across the United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and Japan to help connect these geographically dispersed military personnel with community-service systems.
Community support coordinators work to engage and invite community organizations to partner with the Army, which has led to new programs and support initiatives. Partnership with community organizations provides an extension to the services traditionally offered on Army posts. Army families, therefore, can access services wherever they reside while their military sponsor is deployed.
Community support coordinators work to identify resources and build partnerships with community organizations, said Karen Conrad, a family programs specialist at the Army's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command here. These services then are made available to family programs staff of the active Army, Army National Guard and Army Reserve to build connections for soldiers and their family members, so they have a link to information and services even if they don't live on or near an installation.
"The CSCs have been very instrumental in connecting geographically dispersed soldiers and families to services," Conrad said. "Community organizations want to step up and partner with the military, but don't always know how they can make the connection. The CSCs provide them with the information they need to build that partnership."
CSCs have been trained by Army family specialists at the University of North Carolina's Odum Institute for Research in Social Science at Chapel Hill.
The CSC program is a result of an Army Family Action Plan issue and the Army Family Covenant. All Army components and family-service agencies are developing a strategic partnership to standardize soldier- and family-support programs and services regardless of component or geographical location, officials said.
Most civilian community programs and agencies, such as schools, nonprofit agencies, faith-based, legal and financial service organizations, as well as behavioral health and government organizations -- state and local government, Veterans Affairs, for instance -- are unaware of the number of Army personnel or families who live in their community or use their services, officials said.
The Army Community Covenant is a way of formally introducing these servicemembers and the organizations.
"We're in the [ninth] year of this war, the longest in our nation's history with an all-volunteer force," said retired Army Maj. Gen. Craig Whelden, the covenant's national outreach coordinator.
Whelden is a former commander of the U.S. Army Community and Family Support Center, now redesignated as Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command.
"The secretary of the Army thought this would be an opportunity to engage the American public in their communities and raise the level of visibility of the dedication and sacrifices [of] our servicemembers," Whelden said at this year's community covenant signing with the American Legion.
Since April 2008, 85 communities have signed community covenants
"It's incumbent upon us to look in our own backyards ... and to figure out who's out there serving our country and what kind of support they need," First Lady Michelle Obama said during a visit to Fort Bragg, N.C., in March. "We need to make sure, as a community, that we're coming together around those [military] families."
The Army OneSource online portal provides easy access to many services for families living far outside garrison borders.
Besides offering family-service connections initiated by community support coordinators, Army OneSource also compiles up-to-date information in a single location for access at any time of day.
The AOS portal features Army family-services-oriented articles, videos and resources in categories, such as programs and services, health care, soldier and family housing, child, youth and school services; education, careers and libraries; recreation, communities, marketplace and travel, as well as information about the Army's Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers program.
By using the Army OneSource portal, soldiers and families "can have local services at their fingertips and access information regardless of their component or where they reside," Conrad said.
(Rob Mcllvaine works with U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command Public Affairs.)
Civilian Turns Computer Parts into Artwork
By Air Force Capt. Larry van der Oord
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 30, 2009 - A civilian administrator working for the Air Force here transforms worn out computer parts into unique works of art. When computer hard drives go bad, airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron here typically remove all of the pertinent data and send them to the local disposal unit for destruction.
However, Miguel Rivera has been using some old hard drives and other discarded computer parts to create a collection of distinctive sculptures. So far he has constructed two different cars, a motorcycle and a robot.
"I just started making them just a few months ago," said Rivera, who has worked with the squadron for the past five years.
"We had a growing pile of hard drives just lying around the shop," Rivera explained. "One day I decided to take one apart, since I'd never looked at the 'guts' up close before. That's pretty much how it all started."
His first sculpture, a car-like vehicle, was built over one full weekend from standard 3.5-inch hard drives. It took a total of 33 hard drives to make.
"The first one wasn't really difficult to put together, since I didn't have to modify much other than the cover," Rivera said. "Everything else just screwed on."
Rivera's second sculpture was another miniature car. His third piece of art, a motorcycle, was a bit more difficult to construct.
"I just couldn't get parts to mix well at first to reflect the look I wanted," Rivera said. "It took many hours of taking apart pieces and putting them back together to get it right."
Rivera's favorite sculpture is the robot he built.
"In fact, I'm not sure I can out-do this one," Rivera said of his robot sculpture. "Building it went surprisingly smooth; it took me about two full weeks to make."
Rivera's creations are displayed on his office desk. And, his handiwork is drawing outside attention. All four sculptures were recently featured on "Wired" magazine's Web site.
Rivera "applies the same creativity in solving communication challenges as he applies in creating his very unique sculptures," said Air Force Maj. Roy Rockwell, 386th ECS commander.
Meanwhile, Rivera is working on a fifth sculpture and plans to unveil his "Hard-drive Helicopter" within the next few weeks.
(Air Force Capt. Larry van der Oord serves with 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Task Force Conducts Bomb Training With Philippine Police
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 29, 2009 - Members of Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines taught more than 40 Philippine National Police officers how to identify homemade bombs during training conducted in Zamboanga del Norte province Dec. 22 and 23. Philippine police spent the first day in the classroom learning about the materials used to make crude improvised explosive devices. On the second day, the bomb squad detonated the explosives during a live-fire exercise at police headquarters.
"The purpose of the class was to teach the bomb squads what to look for when searching a property of someone who is suspected of making explosives," Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Dave Friedman, an explosive ordnance disposal technician, said. "Even typical household products can be used for making IEDs."
For the past six months task force members have been helping Philippine police improve their ability to better recognize, respond to and counter homemade bombs.
"In our job, we must understand the [chemical] mixtures that can make up these IEDs, so we can counter them," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneby Damsid, a bomb technician.
The joint task force ordnance disposal teams are situated at various locations throughout the southern Philippines, assisting the country's armed forces, the national police and local government units.
The U.S. teams draw upon experience working in the Philippines, and the knowledge gained through multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I am glad we can share our best practices" with the Philippine military and law enforcement officials, said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Daniel Smith, an explosive ordnance disposal technician.
(Navy Lt. j.g. Theresa Donnelly serves with Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines public affairs.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS December 29, 2009
ARMY
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $258,364,288 firm-fixed-price contract for the purchase of 728 new M1075 palletized load system trucks on the existing contract. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $171,055,147 firm-fixed-price contract to produce fourteen UH-60M aircraft and convert them to the unique configuration for the United Arab Emirates. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).
Kongsberg Defense, Kongsberg, Norway, was awarded on Dec. 23, 2009, a $162,208,210 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the modification of an existing contract to increase the maximum quantity of common remotely operated weapon stations (CROWS) by 3,849 units from 6,500 units to 10,349 units in accordance with FAR 6.302-2, unusual and compelling urgency, and 10 US U.S.C.2304 ( c) (2). The total estimated amount of the additional CROWS is $820,000,000. This is an undefinitized contract action with $162,208,210 or 50 percent obligated at time of award. Work is to be performed in Johnstown, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2012. One bid was solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-D-0018).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Missile and Fires Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $151,166,292 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract includes high mobility artillery rocket system full rate production Lot 5 launchers in support of the Army, to include 46 Army launchers; one Army launcher rebuild; launchers loader module trainer kit; product definition data package maintenance tack; new equipment training; and support equipment. Work is to be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (40 percent), and East Camden, Ark. (50 percent), with an estimated completion date of March 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-C-0001).
General Dynamics Land Systems Division, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $150,472,736 firm-fixed-price contract for the definization of material contract and acquisition of 140 M1A1 Abrams vehicles for Foreign Military Sales program customer Iraq. Work is to be performed in Lima, Ohio (70 percent), Scranton, Pa. (14 percent), Anniston, Ala. (10 percent), and Tallahassee, Fla. (6 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006)
GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC, JV, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2009, an $83,930,178 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for call-up of battle damage assessment and repair services and materials required to support strykers in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Period of performance is Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010. Work is to be performed at Doha, Qatar (64 percent), and Anniston Army Depot, Anniston, Ala. (35 percent), with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).
BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2009, a $74,079,850 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of the forty third command and unique items, and remaining parts to support the quantity of 101 vehicles for Operation Desert Storm-situational awareness kits for the Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Work is to be performed in York, Pa., with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army, TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).
Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2009, a $58,250,212 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the continuous technology refreshment of 124 PATRIOT PAC2 forebodies to guidance enhanced missile plus frequency generator upgrade. Work is to be performed in Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation and Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2009, a $56,430,339 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the purchase of 207 new Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) M983A4 trucks on the existing HEMTT A4 contract. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2009, a $54,313,972 firm-fixed-price contract for the partial exercise of the option for 800 rocket propelled grenade kits and 172 explosively formed penetrator kits on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with one bid received. TACOM, AMSCC-TAC-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
Sevenson Environmental Services, Inc., Niagara Falls, N.Y., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2009, a $49,000,000 cost-reimbursement task order modification contract. This modification is to increase the contract capability by $49,000,000 for a pre-placed remedial action services contract for Environmental Protection Agency Region II and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division that awarded four contracts under a multiple award task order contract. This congressional notification gives notice that the JTAV of $600,000,000 is increased by $49,000,000 with the sole intent to award on W912DQ-04-D-0023-0011. Work is to be performed in South Plainfield, N.J., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 30, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CECT-NWK-H/Cofer, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-04-D-0023).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $33,878,731 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for a change order modification for 2,277 Check-6 rear view sensor systems on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis. (50 percent), and McConnellsburg, Pa. (50 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. TACOM, AMSCC-TAC-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2009, a $33,638,976 firm-fixed-price contract for 144 Bradley reactive armor tile sets for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle systems. Work is to be performed in Haifa, Israel (43 percent); Burlington, Vt. (25.3 percent); Lyndonville, Vt. (16 percent); Simsbury, Conn. (11 percent); McHenry, Miss. (1.7 percent); Stoughton, Mass. (1 percent); St. Paul, Minn. (1 percent); and Fall River, Mass. (1 percent), with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions and Lethality, Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0143).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $31,878,806 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the change of 728 new M1075 palletized load system trucks A0 configuration to be upgraded to the A1 configuration. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2009, a $31,751,725 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the purchase of 110 new HEMTT M977A4 trucks on the existing HEMTT A4 contract. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Dec. 16, 2009, a $28,983,970 firm-fixed-price contract for the funding of Army advance procurement funding for fifth program year of multi-year contract for Army Lot 35 for UH-60M and HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0003)
AeroVironment, Inc.., Simi Valley, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2009, a $28,949,041 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract exercised FY 09 supplemental options for Army Digital Data Link systems (DDL), Army DDL initial spares packages (ISPs), Marine Corps DDL systems, Marine Corps DDL ISPs, Army DDL retrofit kits and incorporated a not-to-exceed option for the family of systems proof of principle effort. Work is to be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 1, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command/CCAM-AR-A, Aviation and Missile Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338).
GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC, JV, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2009, a $28,333,431 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract in support of the Stryker family of vehicle. It is for the procurement of 474 hull protection "B" kits and associated spare parts for the 2/25-5th Stryker Bridge. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Tank Automotive and Armament Command, CCTA-IL, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., was awarded on Dec. 23, 2009, a $27,939,130 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for the Land Warrior systems and engineering support. Work is to be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-10-C-0028).
Point Blank Body Armor, Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla., was awarded on Dec. 23, 2009, a $26,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for 44,501 improved outer tactical vests. Work is to be performed in Pompano Beach., Fla., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command, Contracting Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground. Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-C-0124)
Hickory Construction, Inc., Alcoa, Tenn., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2009, a $9,728,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an Army Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. Work is to be performed at Chattanooga, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of March 28, 2011. Bids were solicited on the FedBizOpps Web site and eight bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0025).
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Corp., Electronics Systems, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a contract modification valued at $35,449,872. The estimated cost ceiling of CLIN0001 and the target cost of CLIN0001 is increased by $35,449,872 to reflect the complete definitization of change orders to the configuration of the prime movers up through the final configuration change to the Medium Tactical Vehicle replacement with uparmor; the change of the Identification-Friend-or-Foe system from government furnished property to contractor acquired government property; and the modification and implementation of the upgraded UPX 40 as the identification-friend-or-foe into the Ground/Air Task Order Radar design. Approximately 80 percent of the work will be performed by Northrop Grumman in Linthicum Heights, Md., and approximately 20 percent will be performed by Northrop Grumman's subcontractor, Sensis Corp., located in Syracuse, N.Y. Contract funds will expire at the end of the next fiscal year. The contract modification was not competitively procured, as the contract cost increase is within scope of the current contract and is entered into pursuant to the changes clause. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-2072).
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded an $11,873,306 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement to provide recurring engineering for the Suite of Integrated Radio Frequency Counter Measure (SIRFC) system on the V-22 aircraft, to include replacement of LRU-2 with LRU-2B, SIRFC cable changes and antenna radome redesign. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (98 percent), and Fort Worth, Texas (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2013. 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 (N00019-07-G-0008).
Alutiiq International Solutions*, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $10,210,210 ($9,884,370 firm-fixed-price and $325,840 estimated indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity) modification under a combination firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the exercise of option 1 for armed security guard services at the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $14,846,486 ($13,217,286 firm-fixed-price and $1,629,200 estimated indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity). Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-D-9967).
NAVISTAR Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded for $6,999,931 firm-fixed-priced contract that will consist of CAT III technical labor hour support for the design and development of the Maxxpro Dash vehicle independent suspension system. Work will be performed in Warrenville, Ill., and is expected to be completed by the April 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-5032).
AIR FORCE
Integral System, Inc., Lanham, Md., was awarded a $13,586,952 contract, with a modification exercising option CLIN 1004, for sustainment calendar year 2010 in support of the Command and Control System-Consolidated program and includes program management; hardware and software maintenance updates; core and satellite vehicle-specific software maintenance; database maintenance; and pperations support for Satellite Operations Center block at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. At this time, $2,300,000 has been obligated. Space and Missiles Systems Center, Military Satellite Communication Systems Wing, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0012).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $12,427,000 contract, with a task order from an existing requirements contract, to purchase 43 range safety systems necessary for decoy operational testings and miniature air launched decoy and jammer initial operational test and evaluation. At this time, $4,060,450 has been obligated. 692 ARSS/PK Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8682-09-D-0070).
SPARTA, Inc., Lake Forest, Calif., was awarded a $5,800,000 contract, with an advisory and assistance services task order, to provide technical expertise to the Space and Missile Systems Center's Directorate of System Engineering and Architecture, who provides support to all of the wings associated within the Space and Missile Systems Center. At this time, $1,050,000 has been obligated. SMC/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8802-10-F-3011).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $5,766,699 contract, exercising option year II, in support of the advanced cruise missile AGM-129A engineering services. At this time, no funds have been obligated. 327th Aircraft Sustainment Group Contracting Division, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8107-08-D-0001).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $258,364,288 firm-fixed-price contract for the purchase of 728 new M1075 palletized load system trucks on the existing contract. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $171,055,147 firm-fixed-price contract to produce fourteen UH-60M aircraft and convert them to the unique configuration for the United Arab Emirates. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).
Kongsberg Defense, Kongsberg, Norway, was awarded on Dec. 23, 2009, a $162,208,210 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the modification of an existing contract to increase the maximum quantity of common remotely operated weapon stations (CROWS) by 3,849 units from 6,500 units to 10,349 units in accordance with FAR 6.302-2, unusual and compelling urgency, and 10 US U.S.C.2304 ( c) (2). The total estimated amount of the additional CROWS is $820,000,000. This is an undefinitized contract action with $162,208,210 or 50 percent obligated at time of award. Work is to be performed in Johnstown, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2012. One bid was solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-D-0018).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Missile and Fires Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $151,166,292 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract includes high mobility artillery rocket system full rate production Lot 5 launchers in support of the Army, to include 46 Army launchers; one Army launcher rebuild; launchers loader module trainer kit; product definition data package maintenance tack; new equipment training; and support equipment. Work is to be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (40 percent), and East Camden, Ark. (50 percent), with an estimated completion date of March 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-C-0001).
General Dynamics Land Systems Division, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $150,472,736 firm-fixed-price contract for the definization of material contract and acquisition of 140 M1A1 Abrams vehicles for Foreign Military Sales program customer Iraq. Work is to be performed in Lima, Ohio (70 percent), Scranton, Pa. (14 percent), Anniston, Ala. (10 percent), and Tallahassee, Fla. (6 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006)
GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC, JV, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2009, an $83,930,178 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for call-up of battle damage assessment and repair services and materials required to support strykers in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Period of performance is Jan. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010. Work is to be performed at Doha, Qatar (64 percent), and Anniston Army Depot, Anniston, Ala. (35 percent), with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).
BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2009, a $74,079,850 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of the forty third command and unique items, and remaining parts to support the quantity of 101 vehicles for Operation Desert Storm-situational awareness kits for the Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Work is to be performed in York, Pa., with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army, TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).
Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2009, a $58,250,212 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the continuous technology refreshment of 124 PATRIOT PAC2 forebodies to guidance enhanced missile plus frequency generator upgrade. Work is to be performed in Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of March 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation and Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2009, a $56,430,339 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the purchase of 207 new Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) M983A4 trucks on the existing HEMTT A4 contract. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2009, a $54,313,972 firm-fixed-price contract for the partial exercise of the option for 800 rocket propelled grenade kits and 172 explosively formed penetrator kits on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with one bid received. TACOM, AMSCC-TAC-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
Sevenson Environmental Services, Inc., Niagara Falls, N.Y., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2009, a $49,000,000 cost-reimbursement task order modification contract. This modification is to increase the contract capability by $49,000,000 for a pre-placed remedial action services contract for Environmental Protection Agency Region II and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division that awarded four contracts under a multiple award task order contract. This congressional notification gives notice that the JTAV of $600,000,000 is increased by $49,000,000 with the sole intent to award on W912DQ-04-D-0023-0011. Work is to be performed in South Plainfield, N.J., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 30, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CECT-NWK-H/Cofer, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-04-D-0023).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $33,878,731 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for a change order modification for 2,277 Check-6 rear view sensor systems on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis. (50 percent), and McConnellsburg, Pa. (50 percent), with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. TACOM, AMSCC-TAC-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Burlington, Vt., was awarded on Dec. 15, 2009, a $33,638,976 firm-fixed-price contract for 144 Bradley reactive armor tile sets for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle systems. Work is to be performed in Haifa, Israel (43 percent); Burlington, Vt. (25.3 percent); Lyndonville, Vt. (16 percent); Simsbury, Conn. (11 percent); McHenry, Miss. (1.7 percent); Stoughton, Mass. (1 percent); St. Paul, Minn. (1 percent); and Fall River, Mass. (1 percent), with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions and Lethality, Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0143).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 22, 2009, a $31,878,806 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the change of 728 new M1075 palletized load system trucks A0 configuration to be upgraded to the A1 configuration. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Dec. 18, 2009, a $31,751,725 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the purchase of 110 new HEMTT M977A4 trucks on the existing HEMTT A4 contract. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Dec. 16, 2009, a $28,983,970 firm-fixed-price contract for the funding of Army advance procurement funding for fifth program year of multi-year contract for Army Lot 35 for UH-60M and HH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0003)
AeroVironment, Inc.., Simi Valley, Calif., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2009, a $28,949,041 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract exercised FY 09 supplemental options for Army Digital Data Link systems (DDL), Army DDL initial spares packages (ISPs), Marine Corps DDL systems, Marine Corps DDL ISPs, Army DDL retrofit kits and incorporated a not-to-exceed option for the family of systems proof of principle effort. Work is to be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 1, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command/CCAM-AR-A, Aviation and Missile Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338).
GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC, JV, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Dec. 21, 2009, a $28,333,431 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract in support of the Stryker family of vehicle. It is for the procurement of 474 hull protection "B" kits and associated spare parts for the 2/25-5th Stryker Bridge. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Tank Automotive and Armament Command, CCTA-IL, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., was awarded on Dec. 23, 2009, a $27,939,130 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for the Land Warrior systems and engineering support. Work is to be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-10-C-0028).
Point Blank Body Armor, Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla., was awarded on Dec. 23, 2009, a $26,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for 44,501 improved outer tactical vests. Work is to be performed in Pompano Beach., Fla., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command, Contracting Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground. Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-C-0124)
Hickory Construction, Inc., Alcoa, Tenn., was awarded on Dec. 28, 2009, a $9,728,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of an Army Reserve Center in Chattanooga, Tenn. Work is to be performed at Chattanooga, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of March 28, 2011. Bids were solicited on the FedBizOpps Web site and eight bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0025).
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Corp., Electronics Systems, Linthicum Heights, Md., is being awarded a contract modification valued at $35,449,872. The estimated cost ceiling of CLIN0001 and the target cost of CLIN0001 is increased by $35,449,872 to reflect the complete definitization of change orders to the configuration of the prime movers up through the final configuration change to the Medium Tactical Vehicle replacement with uparmor; the change of the Identification-Friend-or-Foe system from government furnished property to contractor acquired government property; and the modification and implementation of the upgraded UPX 40 as the identification-friend-or-foe into the Ground/Air Task Order Radar design. Approximately 80 percent of the work will be performed by Northrop Grumman in Linthicum Heights, Md., and approximately 20 percent will be performed by Northrop Grumman's subcontractor, Sensis Corp., located in Syracuse, N.Y. Contract funds will expire at the end of the next fiscal year. The contract modification was not competitively procured, as the contract cost increase is within scope of the current contract and is entered into pursuant to the changes clause. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-C-2072).
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded an $11,873,306 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement to provide recurring engineering for the Suite of Integrated Radio Frequency Counter Measure (SIRFC) system on the V-22 aircraft, to include replacement of LRU-2 with LRU-2B, SIRFC cable changes and antenna radome redesign. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (98 percent), and Fort Worth, Texas (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2013. 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 (N00019-07-G-0008).
Alutiiq International Solutions*, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $10,210,210 ($9,884,370 firm-fixed-price and $325,840 estimated indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity) modification under a combination firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the exercise of option 1 for armed security guard services at the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $14,846,486 ($13,217,286 firm-fixed-price and $1,629,200 estimated indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity). Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-D-9967).
NAVISTAR Defense, LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded for $6,999,931 firm-fixed-priced contract that will consist of CAT III technical labor hour support for the design and development of the Maxxpro Dash vehicle independent suspension system. Work will be performed in Warrenville, Ill., and is expected to be completed by the April 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-07-D-5032).
AIR FORCE
Integral System, Inc., Lanham, Md., was awarded a $13,586,952 contract, with a modification exercising option CLIN 1004, for sustainment calendar year 2010 in support of the Command and Control System-Consolidated program and includes program management; hardware and software maintenance updates; core and satellite vehicle-specific software maintenance; database maintenance; and pperations support for Satellite Operations Center block at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. At this time, $2,300,000 has been obligated. Space and Missiles Systems Center, Military Satellite Communication Systems Wing, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-01-C-0012).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $12,427,000 contract, with a task order from an existing requirements contract, to purchase 43 range safety systems necessary for decoy operational testings and miniature air launched decoy and jammer initial operational test and evaluation. At this time, $4,060,450 has been obligated. 692 ARSS/PK Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8682-09-D-0070).
SPARTA, Inc., Lake Forest, Calif., was awarded a $5,800,000 contract, with an advisory and assistance services task order, to provide technical expertise to the Space and Missile Systems Center's Directorate of System Engineering and Architecture, who provides support to all of the wings associated within the Space and Missile Systems Center. At this time, $1,050,000 has been obligated. SMC/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8802-10-F-3011).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $5,766,699 contract, exercising option year II, in support of the advanced cruise missile AGM-129A engineering services. At this time, no funds have been obligated. 327th Aircraft Sustainment Group Contracting Division, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8107-08-D-0001).
32nd Brigade Family Readiness Group among best in nation
Date: December 29, 2009
By Sgt. Andy Poquette
Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs
The Family Readiness Group for the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team has been named the best in the Army National Guard for 2009, and will be one of seven reserve component family readiness groups to receive a Department of Defense award in February. "I am so thankful our Red Arrow soldiers have the best family readiness program in the nation," said Col. Steven Bensend, commander of the 32nd Brigade from Iraq. "Our soldiers did a great job over here because of the great work done to support their families back in Wisconsin."
"It's pretty exciting," said Janell Kellett, lead volunteer for the 32nd Brigade's family readiness group. "I've been calling all my volunteers."
Kellett oversees volunteers representing family readiness groups for 27 units deployed with the 32nd Brigade - including units from the 64th Troop Command and the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade - along with some additional groups representing units that provided individual Soldiers to augment the brigade.
The Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards were established in 2000 to recognize the top unit in each Reserve component - Army and Air National Guard, Army and Air Force Reserve, Navy and Marine Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve - that demonstrates outstanding family readiness while maintaining superior mission readiness. Each Reserve component selects its winner from among a large pool of nominees; final nominees are forwarded to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs for final approval.
Criteria to be considered for the award includes demonstrating the link between family readiness and mission readiness, such as having family points of contact and care plans; implementing programs and services that improve quality of life and support attracting and keeping Soldiers; ensuring that unit members have fair access to benefits and entitlements; and ensuring that National Guard families are seamlessly integrated with the total force, in part by collaborating with local bases or active component units and also by reducing family readiness issues that may interfere with a Soldier's deployment.
According to the Army National Guard panel which determined the final selection, the 32nd Brigade Family Readiness Group exceeded the criteria guidance.
"The incredible amount of time and effort our family volunteers gave is overwhelming," he said. "There is no award that can adequately thank them for that sacrifice," said Bensend.
Kellett said that the award shows the volunteers that their hard work has been recognized. "Our unit leads have done some amazing work," she said. "This reinforces that they've been doing phenomenal work. Everyone pitches in to have a successful program. This shows that the Army National Guard leadership here appreciates what we do. We want to serve the families; we want to serve the community."
The 32nd Brigade's Family Readiness Group launched a community service campaign, "Moving Forward, Giving Back" in May 2008 when the brigade began preparing for its current deployment. The initiative was developed to bring together families of Soldiers who have deployed in the past with families experiencing their first deployment, as well as to provide a focus outside of deployment concerns. Kellett reiterated that the program will continue after the brigade returns next year - in fact, even the homecoming will provide an opportunity for families to give back.
"We'll be doing a food pantry collection," she explained. "It's just another opportunity for military families to give back."
This award is the fourth presented to a Wisconsin Army National Guard Family Readiness Group in recent years. The 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Family Readiness Group won the award in 2005, followed by the 2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry Family Readiness Group in 2006 and the 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery Family Readiness Group in 2007. Like the 32nd Brigade Family Readiness Group this year, those groups were serving deployed battalions during the time they won the award.
Kellett was the battalion lead volunteer for the 2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry when it won the Reserve Family Readiness Award in 2006, and said much of what was learned then has been applied to this family group.
"We wanted to ensure we worked as a team," she explained. "We pulled all the battalion leads together and made sure they had what they needed. They spoke to their unit leads to make sure everyone was on the same page. That's what makes the group strong and more successful."
Bensend said that lengthy Guard deployments cannot succeed without effective family programs. "When our Soldiers know their families are being supported back home, they can focus on their missions overseas," he explained. "Family readiness groups are really supporting the mission, too.
The award ceremony will be held in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes at 10 a.m. on Feb. 12, 2010. In addition to an engraved plaque and framed certificate, the unit will receive a cash award from the Military Officers Association of America.
By Sgt. Andy Poquette
Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs
The Family Readiness Group for the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team has been named the best in the Army National Guard for 2009, and will be one of seven reserve component family readiness groups to receive a Department of Defense award in February. "I am so thankful our Red Arrow soldiers have the best family readiness program in the nation," said Col. Steven Bensend, commander of the 32nd Brigade from Iraq. "Our soldiers did a great job over here because of the great work done to support their families back in Wisconsin."
"It's pretty exciting," said Janell Kellett, lead volunteer for the 32nd Brigade's family readiness group. "I've been calling all my volunteers."
Kellett oversees volunteers representing family readiness groups for 27 units deployed with the 32nd Brigade - including units from the 64th Troop Command and the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade - along with some additional groups representing units that provided individual Soldiers to augment the brigade.
The Department of Defense Reserve Family Readiness Awards were established in 2000 to recognize the top unit in each Reserve component - Army and Air National Guard, Army and Air Force Reserve, Navy and Marine Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve - that demonstrates outstanding family readiness while maintaining superior mission readiness. Each Reserve component selects its winner from among a large pool of nominees; final nominees are forwarded to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs for final approval.
Criteria to be considered for the award includes demonstrating the link between family readiness and mission readiness, such as having family points of contact and care plans; implementing programs and services that improve quality of life and support attracting and keeping Soldiers; ensuring that unit members have fair access to benefits and entitlements; and ensuring that National Guard families are seamlessly integrated with the total force, in part by collaborating with local bases or active component units and also by reducing family readiness issues that may interfere with a Soldier's deployment.
According to the Army National Guard panel which determined the final selection, the 32nd Brigade Family Readiness Group exceeded the criteria guidance.
"The incredible amount of time and effort our family volunteers gave is overwhelming," he said. "There is no award that can adequately thank them for that sacrifice," said Bensend.
Kellett said that the award shows the volunteers that their hard work has been recognized. "Our unit leads have done some amazing work," she said. "This reinforces that they've been doing phenomenal work. Everyone pitches in to have a successful program. This shows that the Army National Guard leadership here appreciates what we do. We want to serve the families; we want to serve the community."
The 32nd Brigade's Family Readiness Group launched a community service campaign, "Moving Forward, Giving Back" in May 2008 when the brigade began preparing for its current deployment. The initiative was developed to bring together families of Soldiers who have deployed in the past with families experiencing their first deployment, as well as to provide a focus outside of deployment concerns. Kellett reiterated that the program will continue after the brigade returns next year - in fact, even the homecoming will provide an opportunity for families to give back.
"We'll be doing a food pantry collection," she explained. "It's just another opportunity for military families to give back."
This award is the fourth presented to a Wisconsin Army National Guard Family Readiness Group in recent years. The 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry Family Readiness Group won the award in 2005, followed by the 2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry Family Readiness Group in 2006 and the 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery Family Readiness Group in 2007. Like the 32nd Brigade Family Readiness Group this year, those groups were serving deployed battalions during the time they won the award.
Kellett was the battalion lead volunteer for the 2nd Battalion, 128th Infantry when it won the Reserve Family Readiness Award in 2006, and said much of what was learned then has been applied to this family group.
"We wanted to ensure we worked as a team," she explained. "We pulled all the battalion leads together and made sure they had what they needed. They spoke to their unit leads to make sure everyone was on the same page. That's what makes the group strong and more successful."
Bensend said that lengthy Guard deployments cannot succeed without effective family programs. "When our Soldiers know their families are being supported back home, they can focus on their missions overseas," he explained. "Family readiness groups are really supporting the mission, too.
The award ceremony will be held in the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes at 10 a.m. on Feb. 12, 2010. In addition to an engraved plaque and framed certificate, the unit will receive a cash award from the Military Officers Association of America.
Military Health Benefits Update
TRICARE Expanded Benefits and Customer Service in 2009
December 29, 2009: The past year has been a busy one for TRICARE with the introduction of a new Web-based counseling program and major enhancements to several other TRICARE benefits.
Introduced Aug. 1, 2009, the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) uses today’s constantly evolving Web-based technologies to bring short-term professional counseling assistance closer to the people who often need it most: service members and veterans recently returned from overseas and their families who’ve persevered through the deployment.
TRIAP is available in the United States to active duty service members, those eligible for the Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and members enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select. It is also available to their spouses, no matter their age, and other eligible family members 18 years of age or older.
From the comfort of their homes, or anywhere else, beneficiaries with a computer, Webcam and the associated software can speak “face-to-face” with a licensed counselor over the Internet at any time of the day or night. Eligible beneficiaries can get more information about TRIAP and other behavioral health resources at www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth.
ECHO benefit increases
TRICARE has increased the amount it pays for certain Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) benefits. ECHO assists eligible family members of active duty sponsors who are diagnosed with moderate or severe mental retardation, a serious physical disability, or an extraordinary physical or psychological condition.
The total TRICARE cost share for training, rehabilitation, special education, and assistive technology devices was increased to $36,000 per fiscal year. This covers institutional care in private, nonprofit, public and state institutions and facilities and, if appropriate, transportation to and from such institutions and facilities. To learn more about ECHO, go to www.tricare.mil/echo.
Standard preventive care enhanced
Getting clinical preventive services can help prevent major health problems. In September 2009 TRICARE waived all cost shares for Standard beneficiaries for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer screenings, immunizations and well-child visits for children under 6 years of age. Also, for all beneficiaries over age 6, when a visit to a health care provider includes one or more of the benefits listed above, the cost share for the visit is waived. Other services provided during the same visit are subject to cost shares and deductibles.
New Active Duty Dental Program
On Aug. 1, 2009, TRICARE launched a new dental program for active duty service members. The Active Duty Dental Program is designed for service members assigned to locations with no access to a military dental facility, and those referred by their dental treatment facility (DTF) to the civilian network for specialty care or due to unavailability of timely DTF appointments.
For more information about this new dental program, go to http://www.addp-ucci.com/
OTC meds available without copay
Due to positive feedback and cost savings, TRICARE’s over-the-counter (OTC) medication demonstration was continued. The demonstration allows TRICARE beneficiaries to substitute certain prescription drugs with over-the-counter versions for zero copay.
OTC medications are generally less expensive than their prescription versions, by as much as 400 percent in some cases.
To get the covered OTC allergy medications cetirizine and loratadine, and heartburn medications (proton-pump inhibitors) Prilosec OTC and its generic form omeprazole with no out-of-pocket costs, beneficiaries still need a prescription from their health care provider specifically for the OTC drug. After submitting the prescription at any TRICARE retail network pharmacy or through the TRICARE mail-order pharmacy, the prescription for the OTC medication is filled at no cost.
For more information about the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, go to www.tricare.mil/pharmacy
After a busy year in 2009, TRICARE is looking forward to an equally productive 2010. Keep an eye on www.tricare.mil/pressroom for news throughout the year and get benefit information direct from TRICARE via e-mail by signing up at www.tricare.mil/subscriptions
December 29, 2009: The past year has been a busy one for TRICARE with the introduction of a new Web-based counseling program and major enhancements to several other TRICARE benefits.
Introduced Aug. 1, 2009, the TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) uses today’s constantly evolving Web-based technologies to bring short-term professional counseling assistance closer to the people who often need it most: service members and veterans recently returned from overseas and their families who’ve persevered through the deployment.
TRIAP is available in the United States to active duty service members, those eligible for the Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP) and members enrolled in TRICARE Reserve Select. It is also available to their spouses, no matter their age, and other eligible family members 18 years of age or older.
From the comfort of their homes, or anywhere else, beneficiaries with a computer, Webcam and the associated software can speak “face-to-face” with a licensed counselor over the Internet at any time of the day or night. Eligible beneficiaries can get more information about TRIAP and other behavioral health resources at www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth.
ECHO benefit increases
TRICARE has increased the amount it pays for certain Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) benefits. ECHO assists eligible family members of active duty sponsors who are diagnosed with moderate or severe mental retardation, a serious physical disability, or an extraordinary physical or psychological condition.
The total TRICARE cost share for training, rehabilitation, special education, and assistive technology devices was increased to $36,000 per fiscal year. This covers institutional care in private, nonprofit, public and state institutions and facilities and, if appropriate, transportation to and from such institutions and facilities. To learn more about ECHO, go to www.tricare.mil/echo.
Standard preventive care enhanced
Getting clinical preventive services can help prevent major health problems. In September 2009 TRICARE waived all cost shares for Standard beneficiaries for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer screenings, immunizations and well-child visits for children under 6 years of age. Also, for all beneficiaries over age 6, when a visit to a health care provider includes one or more of the benefits listed above, the cost share for the visit is waived. Other services provided during the same visit are subject to cost shares and deductibles.
New Active Duty Dental Program
On Aug. 1, 2009, TRICARE launched a new dental program for active duty service members. The Active Duty Dental Program is designed for service members assigned to locations with no access to a military dental facility, and those referred by their dental treatment facility (DTF) to the civilian network for specialty care or due to unavailability of timely DTF appointments.
For more information about this new dental program, go to http://www.addp-ucci.com/
OTC meds available without copay
Due to positive feedback and cost savings, TRICARE’s over-the-counter (OTC) medication demonstration was continued. The demonstration allows TRICARE beneficiaries to substitute certain prescription drugs with over-the-counter versions for zero copay.
OTC medications are generally less expensive than their prescription versions, by as much as 400 percent in some cases.
To get the covered OTC allergy medications cetirizine and loratadine, and heartburn medications (proton-pump inhibitors) Prilosec OTC and its generic form omeprazole with no out-of-pocket costs, beneficiaries still need a prescription from their health care provider specifically for the OTC drug. After submitting the prescription at any TRICARE retail network pharmacy or through the TRICARE mail-order pharmacy, the prescription for the OTC medication is filled at no cost.
For more information about the TRICARE Pharmacy Program, go to www.tricare.mil/pharmacy
After a busy year in 2009, TRICARE is looking forward to an equally productive 2010. Keep an eye on www.tricare.mil/pressroom for news throughout the year and get benefit information direct from TRICARE via e-mail by signing up at www.tricare.mil/subscriptions
Guard Members Respond to Holiday Storms
By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 29, 2009 - More than 100 National Guard soldiers and airmen responded over the holiday and through the weekend to support callouts by governors in four Midwest states hit by severe winter weather. The National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., reported that Guard members were first summoned to preposition equipment in preparation for the storm, which produced blizzard conditions in some areas and deposited record-breaking snow and ice throughout much of the nation.
Some areas closed roadways and airports. News agencies reported that at least 21 deaths were caused by roadway accidents. Localized power outages occurred and many holiday travelers were stranded at shuttered airports and slowed by snow-covered roads and accidents.
Texas officials reported that Gov. Rick Perry activated state resources, including Texas National Guard personnel, high profile vehicles and other resources to assist motorists and communities in Lubbock and the surrounding area.
Officials at the Texas Joint Forces Headquarters reported that at least 36 Guard members supported local responses to road closures, accidents and power outages in areas including Lubbock, Post and Wichita Falls.
In Nebraska, Guard members helped local emergency medical personnel access hard-to-reach areas in Lincoln by providing and operating four-wheel-drive Humvees.
At least 18 Oklahoma Guard members on Christmas Day patrolled interstates to transport stranded travelers to safety after record snowfalls closed major highways and roadways throughout the state Dec. 24.
In South Dakota, Gov. Mike Rounds declared a state of emergency Dec. 22, and at least 90 Guard members helped prepare their state for storm response.
In addition, Army Guard search and rescue crews searched for missing people in Colorado and Maryland.
Colorado Guard members flew an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter to assist emergency responders looking for two skiers in Lake County. Officials reported that the skiers were found and transported to a local command post where they were treated for cold weather injuries.
Guard Bureau officials reported that Maryland Guard members flew an OH-58 to assist emergency responders searching for an 11-year-old girl who was reported abducted from her home Dec. 25. The crew was released by the Wicomico County Sheriff that day.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 29, 2009 - More than 100 National Guard soldiers and airmen responded over the holiday and through the weekend to support callouts by governors in four Midwest states hit by severe winter weather. The National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., reported that Guard members were first summoned to preposition equipment in preparation for the storm, which produced blizzard conditions in some areas and deposited record-breaking snow and ice throughout much of the nation.
Some areas closed roadways and airports. News agencies reported that at least 21 deaths were caused by roadway accidents. Localized power outages occurred and many holiday travelers were stranded at shuttered airports and slowed by snow-covered roads and accidents.
Texas officials reported that Gov. Rick Perry activated state resources, including Texas National Guard personnel, high profile vehicles and other resources to assist motorists and communities in Lubbock and the surrounding area.
Officials at the Texas Joint Forces Headquarters reported that at least 36 Guard members supported local responses to road closures, accidents and power outages in areas including Lubbock, Post and Wichita Falls.
In Nebraska, Guard members helped local emergency medical personnel access hard-to-reach areas in Lincoln by providing and operating four-wheel-drive Humvees.
At least 18 Oklahoma Guard members on Christmas Day patrolled interstates to transport stranded travelers to safety after record snowfalls closed major highways and roadways throughout the state Dec. 24.
In South Dakota, Gov. Mike Rounds declared a state of emergency Dec. 22, and at least 90 Guard members helped prepare their state for storm response.
In addition, Army Guard search and rescue crews searched for missing people in Colorado and Maryland.
Colorado Guard members flew an OH-58 Kiowa helicopter to assist emergency responders looking for two skiers in Lake County. Officials reported that the skiers were found and transported to a local command post where they were treated for cold weather injuries.
Guard Bureau officials reported that Maryland Guard members flew an OH-58 to assist emergency responders searching for an 11-year-old girl who was reported abducted from her home Dec. 25. The crew was released by the Wicomico County Sheriff that day.
(Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
Three Vaccines Now Available at TRICARE Network Pharmacies
December 29, 2009: TRICARE beneficiaries can now receive select vaccines with no out-of-pocket expense at retail pharmacies.For the first time ever, beneficiaries can visit TRICARE retail network pharmacies to receive seasonal flu, H1N1 flu and pneumonia vaccines at no cost. This expanded coverage is available to all TRICARE beneficiaries eligible to use the TRICARE retail pharmacy benefit.
Other vaccines must still be administered in a doctor’s office or authorized convenience clinic to be fully covered by TRICARE’s preventive health services cost-share waiver.
“Vaccines are the most effective defense against the seasonal and H1N1 flu and pneumonia,” said Rear Adm. Thomas McGinnis, TRICARE’s chief pharmacy officer. “We hope this new, convenient and affordable option encourages TRICARE beneficiaries to get their vaccinations.”
To receive the vaccines, beneficiaries can call their local TRICARE retail network pharmacy to make sure it participates in the vaccine program and has the vaccine in stock. To locate a participating retail network pharmacy, go to http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE or call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303.
Other vaccines must still be administered in a doctor’s office or authorized convenience clinic to be fully covered by TRICARE’s preventive health services cost-share waiver.
“Vaccines are the most effective defense against the seasonal and H1N1 flu and pneumonia,” said Rear Adm. Thomas McGinnis, TRICARE’s chief pharmacy officer. “We hope this new, convenient and affordable option encourages TRICARE beneficiaries to get their vaccinations.”
To receive the vaccines, beneficiaries can call their local TRICARE retail network pharmacy to make sure it participates in the vaccine program and has the vaccine in stock. To locate a participating retail network pharmacy, go to http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE or call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303.
Monday, December 28, 2009
U.S. Will Strengthen Defenses, Obama Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2009 - In addition to strengthening defenses, the United States will seek out those who wish Americans harm "anywhere they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland," President Barack Obama said in Hawaii today. The president spoke about the steps the government will take in the wake of the attempted bombing of a Detroit-bound U.S. commercial aircraft on Christmas Day. Nigerian national Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is accused of trying to blow up Northwest Flight 253.
"The American people should be assured that we will do everything in our power to keep you and your family safe and secure during this busy holiday season," Obama said.
The president directed the national security team "to keep up the pressure on those who would attack our country."
Information is still coming out about the incident. "Those who would slaughter innocent men, women and children must know that the United States will do more than simply strengthen our defenses: We will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, dismantle and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us," he said.
The president said as soon as he heard of the attempt he ordered enhanced screening of all flights. He also ordered more federal air marshals on flights entering and leaving the United States.
He also has ordered reviews of the incident. One on the so-called watch list and the other on all screening policies, technologies and procedures related to air travel. "We need to find out how the suspect was able to bring dangerous explosives aboard an aircraft and what additional steps we can take to deter future attacks," Obama said.
The president called for the American people to remain vigilant. A passenger stopped the suspect from blowing up the plane. "This incident, like several that have preceded it – demonstrate that an alert and courageous citizenry are far more resilient than an isolated extremist," he said.
The nation will do all it can to defeat these threats. "As Americans, we will never give in to fear or division," the president said. "We will be guided by our hopes, our unity and our deeply held values."
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2009 - In addition to strengthening defenses, the United States will seek out those who wish Americans harm "anywhere they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland," President Barack Obama said in Hawaii today. The president spoke about the steps the government will take in the wake of the attempted bombing of a Detroit-bound U.S. commercial aircraft on Christmas Day. Nigerian national Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab is accused of trying to blow up Northwest Flight 253.
"The American people should be assured that we will do everything in our power to keep you and your family safe and secure during this busy holiday season," Obama said.
The president directed the national security team "to keep up the pressure on those who would attack our country."
Information is still coming out about the incident. "Those who would slaughter innocent men, women and children must know that the United States will do more than simply strengthen our defenses: We will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, dismantle and defeat the violent extremists who threaten us," he said.
The president said as soon as he heard of the attempt he ordered enhanced screening of all flights. He also ordered more federal air marshals on flights entering and leaving the United States.
He also has ordered reviews of the incident. One on the so-called watch list and the other on all screening policies, technologies and procedures related to air travel. "We need to find out how the suspect was able to bring dangerous explosives aboard an aircraft and what additional steps we can take to deter future attacks," Obama said.
The president called for the American people to remain vigilant. A passenger stopped the suspect from blowing up the plane. "This incident, like several that have preceded it – demonstrate that an alert and courageous citizenry are far more resilient than an isolated extremist," he said.
The nation will do all it can to defeat these threats. "As Americans, we will never give in to fear or division," the president said. "We will be guided by our hopes, our unity and our deeply held values."
MILITARY CONTRACTS
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $98,000,000 modification to the previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for special tooling and special test equipment required for the manufacture of Joint Strike Fighter Air System low rate initial production aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in November 2011. 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 (N00019-08-C-0028).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis,Mo., is being awarded a $54,119,479 advance acquisition contract for long lead materials and effort associated with the full rate production and delivery of Lot 35 F/A-18 and E/A-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (85 percent); Brooklyn Heights, Ohio (8 percent); Torrance, Calif. (3 percent); Ontario, Canada (3 percent); and St. Louis, Mo. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0017).
Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $29,387,585 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement to support the Naval Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron by providing on-site flight test management, flight test engineering, design engineering and related efforts to support the conduct of flight and ground testing for the MV-22 tilt rotor aircraft. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (70 percent); Philadelphia, Pa. (19 percent); and Fort Worth, Texas (11 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. 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 (N00019-07-G-0008).
Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $25,862,655 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to exercise an option to a previously awarded delivery order placed against a previously issued basic ordering agreement. This option provides engineering and technical services for the Navy and Air Force in support of the V-22 flight control system and on-aircraft avionics software. This effort supports configuration changes to the software of the V-22 aircraft for avionics and flight controls; flight test planning; coordination of changed avionics and flight control configurations; and upgrade planning of avionics and flight controls, including performance of qualification testing and integration testing on software products. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (90 percent), and Fort Worth, Texas (10 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $6,079,429 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-G-0008).
DynCorp International, LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $16,902,377 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to exercise an option for maintenance services in support of the Kuwait Air Force F/A-18 program under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Kuwait (90 percent) and Fort Worth, Texas (10 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. 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 (N00019-06-C-0308).
Kalman and Co., Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a task order in the amount of $6,921,545, exclusive of options. The scope of this effort is to provide ongoing business and analytical support to Marine Corps Systems Command, program manager, infantry combat equipment, combat equipment support systems (CESS). Objectives of this initiative include specialized analysis supporting CESS as it develops and refines the Marine Corps' requirements for asset management and logistics support improvements through the consolidation of equipment. This requirement is an ongoing effort to assess current support practices, benchmark efficiencies, and validate course of action alternatives through applied analytical methods. Within this task area are requirements to support multiple program initiatives; documentation development; research; production and fielding decisions; logistics support; Naval Logistics Integration support; and on-site representation. Work will be performed at Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., and Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Ga., with field service representatives at I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), II MEF, III MEF, Hawaii and Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, Calif. Work is expected to be completed by Jan. 29, 2011. Contract funds will expire Sept. 30, 2010. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-03-A-5158-0026).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
LB&B Associates Inc., Columbia, Md., a HUBZone business, is being awarded a minimum $14,104,128 firm-fixed-price contract for fuel services to include aircraft refueling, bulk storage and distribution, ground fuel delivery, etc. Other location of performance is California. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is April 2018. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-C-5024).
Resource Center*, Jamestown, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $5,058,802 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, long-term contract for lap belt restraints. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was web solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is Dec. 26, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-08-D-0074).
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., has been awarded a $5,910,145 contract, option exercise, to provide contractor logistics support for the LITENING advanced targeting pod. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 647 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-98-C-2020).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Miltec Corp., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a sole-source modification to continue performing work under its competitively awarded, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (HQ0006-07-D-0004). Miltec will continue the planning and preparation of flight test payloads for the Missile Defense Agency Producibility and Manufacturing Directorate's Flight Experiment #2. The work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala. The performance period is being extended to March 21, 2012. The contract amount is being raised to $9,809,673 from the previous contract amount of $4,809,673. Obligations will be made using fiscal year 2010 research, development, test and evaluation funds. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $98,000,000 modification to the previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for special tooling and special test equipment required for the manufacture of Joint Strike Fighter Air System low rate initial production aircraft. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in November 2011. 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 (N00019-08-C-0028).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis,Mo., is being awarded a $54,119,479 advance acquisition contract for long lead materials and effort associated with the full rate production and delivery of Lot 35 F/A-18 and E/A-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif. (85 percent); Brooklyn Heights, Ohio (8 percent); Torrance, Calif. (3 percent); Ontario, Canada (3 percent); and St. Louis, Mo. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0017).
Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $29,387,585 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement to support the Naval Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Squadron by providing on-site flight test management, flight test engineering, design engineering and related efforts to support the conduct of flight and ground testing for the MV-22 tilt rotor aircraft. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (70 percent); Philadelphia, Pa. (19 percent); and Fort Worth, Texas (11 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. 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 (N00019-07-G-0008).
Bell-Boeing Joint Program Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $25,862,655 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to exercise an option to a previously awarded delivery order placed against a previously issued basic ordering agreement. This option provides engineering and technical services for the Navy and Air Force in support of the V-22 flight control system and on-aircraft avionics software. This effort supports configuration changes to the software of the V-22 aircraft for avionics and flight controls; flight test planning; coordination of changed avionics and flight control configurations; and upgrade planning of avionics and flight controls, including performance of qualification testing and integration testing on software products. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (90 percent), and Fort Worth, Texas (10 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $6,079,429 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-07-G-0008).
DynCorp International, LLC, Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $16,902,377 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to exercise an option for maintenance services in support of the Kuwait Air Force F/A-18 program under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Kuwait (90 percent) and Fort Worth, Texas (10 percent). Work is expected to be completed in December 2010. 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 (N00019-06-C-0308).
Kalman and Co., Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., is being awarded a task order in the amount of $6,921,545, exclusive of options. The scope of this effort is to provide ongoing business and analytical support to Marine Corps Systems Command, program manager, infantry combat equipment, combat equipment support systems (CESS). Objectives of this initiative include specialized analysis supporting CESS as it develops and refines the Marine Corps' requirements for asset management and logistics support improvements through the consolidation of equipment. This requirement is an ongoing effort to assess current support practices, benchmark efficiencies, and validate course of action alternatives through applied analytical methods. Within this task area are requirements to support multiple program initiatives; documentation development; research; production and fielding decisions; logistics support; Naval Logistics Integration support; and on-site representation. Work will be performed at Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., and Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Ga., with field service representatives at I Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), II MEF, III MEF, Hawaii and Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow, Calif. Work is expected to be completed by Jan. 29, 2011. Contract funds will expire Sept. 30, 2010. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-03-A-5158-0026).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
LB&B Associates Inc., Columbia, Md., a HUBZone business, is being awarded a minimum $14,104,128 firm-fixed-price contract for fuel services to include aircraft refueling, bulk storage and distribution, ground fuel delivery, etc. Other location of performance is California. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is April 2018. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-C-5024).
Resource Center*, Jamestown, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $5,058,802 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, long-term contract for lap belt restraints. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was web solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is Dec. 26, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., is the contracting activity (SPM4A7-08-D-0074).
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., has been awarded a $5,910,145 contract, option exercise, to provide contractor logistics support for the LITENING advanced targeting pod. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 647 AESS/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-98-C-2020).
MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY
Miltec Corp., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded a sole-source modification to continue performing work under its competitively awarded, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (HQ0006-07-D-0004). Miltec will continue the planning and preparation of flight test payloads for the Missile Defense Agency Producibility and Manufacturing Directorate's Flight Experiment #2. The work will be performed in Huntsville, Ala. The performance period is being extended to March 21, 2012. The contract amount is being raised to $9,809,673 from the previous contract amount of $4,809,673. Obligations will be made using fiscal year 2010 research, development, test and evaluation funds. The Missile Defense Agency is the contracting activity.
Marines Serve in Afghanistan With Pride
By Marine Lance Cpl. Walter Marino
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2009 - Marines of 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion are serving in southern Afghanistan with pride, despite the hardship of being away from their families during the holidays. The Marines are working hard, building observational posts, searching for improvised explosive devices and providing route clearance.
"I didn't join the Marine Corps during a time of war not to fight," said Cpl. Aaron A. Bennet, a heavy equipment operator.
"It was time to do my part," he said.
Marines deploy to Afghanistan knowing they may not see loved ones for up to a year. Yet, the positive is found.
"My wife and I say it's not going to kill us, only make us stronger," Bennet said. "Some relationships get stagnant. But we know what it's like to truly miss each other."
Bennet said he got married knowing the possibility of spending long periods of time away from his wife.
"My wife understood why I wanted to deploy," the Spring, Texas, native said. "She told me, 'I know you joined the Marine Corps to fight. Who am I to tell you not to fight?'"
Some Marines subscribe their own meaning to the word sacrifice.
"Sacrifice isn't a real sacrifice unless you believe in the people you're with and the mission at hand," said Cpl. Jonathan Lehman, a combat engineer.
No doubt the Marines in Afghanistan will miss their families this holiday season. But, they are with a different kind of family in Afghanistan, said Col. Randall P. Newman, Regimental Combat Team 7's commander.
"My fellow Marines get me through this, along with mail from home," Newman said.
Receiving mail from home, Newman said, "makes me feel closer to my family."
Lehman has his plans set for next year's holiday season, he said.
"Next year's Christmas will be quite the experience," he said. "It will be me and my wife's first Christmas as a family."
Lehman also said he looks forward to next Christmas as a time to spoil his 4-year-old daughter.
(Marine Lance Cpl. Walter Marino serves with 1st Marine Division's Regimental Combat Team 7 public affairs.)
DoD Looks at Long-term Health Effects of Burn Pits
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2009 - The Defense Department has launched a study on the possible long-term effects of the smoke emitted from burn pits used in overseas locations such as Iraq. Armed services medical officials are conducting studies on the health outcomes of individuals that have been deployed to identify any health conditions associated with smoke exposure.
Burn pit smoke can cause some acute health effects in some people, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today. These can include eye irritation, upper respiratory ailments and coughing.
"To date, we don't have any information on any longer-term health risks that may be associated with burn pit smoke inhalation," Whitman said.
This is the second study of the effects inhaling burn pit smoke may have. The first study used an Environmental Protection Agency risk assessment method to determine what effects the smoke at Balad Air Base, Iraq, had on personnel exposed to it.
"We determined at that time, that there was no long-term health effects that were expected due to inhalation of burn pit smoke to the personnel assigned there," Whitman said.
However, there has been persistent concern about the possible effects, prompting the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center study. "The department's No. 1 priority is the health of our servicemembers," Whitman said. "Whenever concerns of this nature are raised we want to make sure they are being addressed properly and when appropriate studied for any long-term effects."
The Defense Department recognizes that some individuals may be more susceptible to the effects of burn pits because of genetics or pre-existing health conditions. Other factors may contribute to long-term effects including smoking, inhaling dust particles and working around heavy machinery.
The health centers expect a preliminary report out early next year.
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2009 - The Defense Department has launched a study on the possible long-term effects of the smoke emitted from burn pits used in overseas locations such as Iraq. Armed services medical officials are conducting studies on the health outcomes of individuals that have been deployed to identify any health conditions associated with smoke exposure.
Burn pit smoke can cause some acute health effects in some people, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today. These can include eye irritation, upper respiratory ailments and coughing.
"To date, we don't have any information on any longer-term health risks that may be associated with burn pit smoke inhalation," Whitman said.
This is the second study of the effects inhaling burn pit smoke may have. The first study used an Environmental Protection Agency risk assessment method to determine what effects the smoke at Balad Air Base, Iraq, had on personnel exposed to it.
"We determined at that time, that there was no long-term health effects that were expected due to inhalation of burn pit smoke to the personnel assigned there," Whitman said.
However, there has been persistent concern about the possible effects, prompting the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center study. "The department's No. 1 priority is the health of our servicemembers," Whitman said. "Whenever concerns of this nature are raised we want to make sure they are being addressed properly and when appropriate studied for any long-term effects."
The Defense Department recognizes that some individuals may be more susceptible to the effects of burn pits because of genetics or pre-existing health conditions. Other factors may contribute to long-term effects including smoking, inhaling dust particles and working around heavy machinery.
The health centers expect a preliminary report out early next year.
Soldier Aims to Scale Earth's Highest Peak
By Army Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 28, 2009 - Toward the end of every soldier's deployment comes the time to decide what's next. Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Bari, a medic serving with the 34th Infantry Division here, plans to climb mountains after he departs Iraq.
Bari intends to start small as part of his ultimate goal of scaling the world's highest peak: 29,029-feet-high Mount Everest in Nepal.
Bari found his calling in the woods of northern Minnesota last fall.
"I started rock climbing up in Duluth in the summer and fall of 2008," the St. Louis Park, Minn., native said. "And really, I instantly fell in love with rock climbing."
A trudging expedition along the Appalachian Trail in the eastern United States soon followed.
"I really enjoyed the terrain, the angles that you take going up and down hills, especially wearing a pack," Bari said.
Bari and his friends began to talk about taking a rock-climbing trip, but a different kind of challenge interrupted his plans: a deployment to Iraq.
Bari's pre-deployment training brought him to Fort Lewis, Wash., where the looming, white specter of 14,411-feet-high Mount Rainier sat teasingly on the horizon.
"The first time I saw Mount Rainier, I had that instant when I was like: 'Wow, I'd really like to see what it's like on top of that thing,'" Bari said.
While at Fort Lewis, Bari immersed himself in books on mountaineering and its myriad dangers: frigid cold, glaciers, crevasses, high-altitude sickness and falling. It wasn't until Bari's four-day pass that he was able to attempt to climb the mountain. Because of inclement weather, he only was able to reach 8,000 feet up Mount Ranier. Nevertheless, he remained undeterred for future challenges.
Bari continues to train for future mountain-climbing expeditions while deployed in Iraq by running 35 to 45 miles a week.
Leg strength, he said, is "the power that's going to get you up the mountain."
Once his Iraq deployment ends, Bari plans to climb Pikes Peak located near Colorado Springs, Colo. Pikes Peak, which tops off near 14,115 feet, is Bari's warm-up exercise prior to scaling 14,505-feet-high Mount Whitney in California.
After climbing Mount Whitney this summer, Bari said he plans to tackle Alaska's 20,320-feet-high Mount McKinley in the summer of 2011, where he can gain experience working with ropes amid ice and glaciers.
Scaling Mount McKinley "will be the last major training piece before making an attempt at Everest," Bari pointed out.
Ever since New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay first scaled Everest's craggy summit in May 1953, more than 2,700 adventurers have crawled their way up the peak. The mountain is so high, and the trail is so long, that to climb straight through is both foolhardy and dangerous.
"You don't start right at the base camp and go straight to the top," Bari explained. "You go up a little bit, set up a camp and get used to that elevation."
While Bari currently has "absolutely zero" mountain-climbing experience, he noted that he also lacked any serious long-distance running experience before participating in his first 26-mile marathon.
Bari has "kinda lost track" of how many marathons he has run since his first, although he estimates the total to be somewhere close to 20.
Bari hopes that his mountain-climbing plans blossom similarly.
And while there are many things Bari cannot control over the next two years during his mountain-climbing quests, his plan appears to be rock-solid: start at the bottom, and through hard work and effort and sweat, climb your way to the top.
(Army Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence serves with the 34th Infantry Division public affairs office.)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Identity Theft
Jeff Allan is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. After a tour in the United States Marine Corps, he spent the following 11 years as an expatriate in Asia. While in Asia, Jeff honed his skills in the enterprise technology area, becoming an authority on information technology security among other things. During this time he also worked as the director of business development with some of the most recognized global technology giants, including some who like to identify themselves with three letter acronyms. Jeff has spoken professionally about the topics of security technology, organizational security policy, and the future of digital security to government bodies in the United States, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Jeff Allan is the author of Identity Uprising.
According to the book description of Identity Uprising, “Over 350,000 Americans have their identity stolen every year. What would you do if one day you learned that you no longer had control over your own identity? Industry acclaimed expert Jeff Allan shows you proven strategies to both safeguard your identity, and also how to regain control if your identity is stolen.”
According to the book description of Identity Uprising, “Over 350,000 Americans have their identity stolen every year. What would you do if one day you learned that you no longer had control over your own identity? Industry acclaimed expert Jeff Allan shows you proven strategies to both safeguard your identity, and also how to regain control if your identity is stolen.”
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