Top Pentagon Official Reflects on His Immigrant Roots

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

April 15, 2008 - A day after more than 20 military immigrants became naturalized U.S. citizens at the Pentagon, a top Defense Department official reflected on his family's journey to the United States. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England, who delivered the keynote speech at yesterday's ceremony, spoke today about the American roots his grandmother planted when she emigrated from Germany in 1873.

"She came to America when she was 17 years old. Of course in that era, when you left, you were never going home again," he said. "Her parents knew she was never coming home again, which is absolutely remarkable to me."

England's grandmother met her husband in the United States, and the couple had eight children, including England's mother. After his maternal grandfather -- also a German immigrant -- passed away, England's grandmother raised the eight children alone.

"She raised eight children by herself in a time when there was no support structure, which was probably typical of a lot of immigrants to America who worked extraordinarily hard to survive here in America," said the deputy secretary, who previously served as secretary of the Navy.

On the other side of the family tree, England's father's biological parents died young, leaving England's father an orphan at age 4.

"His father had died early on, so when his mother died he was 4 years old," England said. "So he moved down the street to a family that decided they would take him in, literally. It was a different era; you wouldn't do that these days."

The family down the street comprised two other children and a widow named Mary England, a British immigrant, as the surname suggests. Upon adoption, England's father lost touch with his biological family and began using the name England.

"I think what is remarkable about all of this," England said, "is if you had asked my grandmother when I was a young boy that her grandson would be secretary of the Navy or deputy secretary of defense -- that was not even conceptual in her mind."

England said America affords immigrants opportunities that are unavailable in their birth nations, which drives their work ethic. "It is, I think, indicative of the United States of America that people come to this country and vast opportunities are available to them if they care to take advantage of those opportunities," he said.

"I think immigrants are even more successful than people who have been here for a while, because they recognize that and they work very hard to take advantage of that," he said. "Therefore, our nation is enhanced and blessed by immigrants who come to our country, because they bring enormous energy with them to take advantage of these wonderful opportunities."

England presided over a ceremony yesterday in which 22 uniformed immigrants, representing 15 nations, took the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and became naturalized American citizens.

"The countries you hail from, your names, your cultures, and unique experiences reflect the diversity that is this nation's hallmark and vitality," he told the new citizens yesterday. "The country's strong fabric is woven from the richly varied contributions of citizens from around the entire world."

MILITARY CONTRACTS April 15, 2008

ARMY

AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Apr. 11, 2008, a $650,079,405 firm-fixed price contract for 4,526 high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Mar. 17, 2006. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S0001).

Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln, Mass., was awarded on Apr. 11, 2008, a $10,357,772 firm-fixed price contract for the provision of comprehensive education program services, grades pre-K through 8th, for eligible Department of Defense dependents residing on Hanscom Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Lincoln, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 27, 2006, and one bid was received. Department of Defense Education Activity, Peachtree City, Ga Is the contracting activity (HE1254-07-C-0005).

General Atomics Aeronautical System, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Apr. 11, 2008, an $8,959,146 cost-plus fixed-fee contract to acquire two ground control stations, two ground data terminals, and three lots of spares to support the quick-reaction capability unmanned-aircraft systems deployment initiative. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. and is expected to be completed by May 15, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Aug. 14, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala. is the contracting activity (DAAH01-03-C-0124).

SUMMA Technology, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on Apr. 11, 2007, a $6,200,944 firm-fixed price contract for the container roll-in/roll-out platform. Work will be performed in Cullman, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2011, with deliveries possible through Jun. 30, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 21, 2005, and six bids were received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-D-0269).

Phillips Contracting, Inc., Columbus, Miss., was awarded on Apr. 14, 2008, a $5,548,283 firm-fixed price contract for the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway Mooring Facility. Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 22, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 15, 2007, and four bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-08-C-0026).

Bristol Environmental & Engineering Services Corp., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on Apr. 11, 2008, a $5,016,463 firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of the F22 infrastructure Phase II, and F22 taxiway, taxi lanes, and arm/de-arm. Work will be performed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and work is expected by be completed on Oct. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 8, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-08-C-0007).

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems of Woburn, Mass., is being awarded a $400,000,000 (maximum) indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract to support the design, development, and activation of a European-based mid-course radar. The effort will be accomplished through task orders, each with distinct scope and pricing. The first task order will obligate $5,283,817 and will be limited to site surveys, studies, analysis, planning, design, and similar activities specifically permitted in section 226(d) of the FY08 National Defense Authorization Act. Additional activities necessary to this deployment will be conducted by or through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Work will be performed at the contractor’s facility and Europe and is expected to be complete by Feb. 2013. This is a sole source award. The contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (HQ0147-08-D-0001). The first task order will use FY 08 research and development funds of $5,283,817.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Propper International, Inc., Mayaguez, PR., is being awarded a maximum $13,416,479 modification to a firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for Marine Corps combat utility uniforms. Other locations of performance are Cabo Rojo, Lajas and Las Marias, PR. Using service is Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 18, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-0332).

American Apparel, Inc., Selma, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $19,963,861 modification to a firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for Marine Corps combat utility uniforms. Other locations of performance are Fort Deposit and Opp, Ala. Using service is Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 10 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 18, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SP0100-06-D-0331).

East Coast Fruit Co., Jacksonville, Fla.*, is being awarded a maximum $6,207,134 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fresh fruit and vegetable support in the Georgia Zone. Other locations of performance are Atlanta and Savannah, Ga., and Gainesville, Fla. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and USDA schools. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 15, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-P040)

AIR FORCE

Schafer Corp., of Chelmsford, Mass., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee (predominant), cost, and firm-fixed price contract for $7,583,381. This contract procures no personal advisory and assistance services (A&AS) and non A&AS to support Headquarters Air Force Space Command’s organize, train, and equip responsibilities in the Space Control mission area. The contract services includes, but are not limited to, a life-cycle support approach for: Space Control planning (near and long range) to include strategic master plans, mission area plans, mission area plans, roadmaps, and investment strategic; functional, enabling, and operational concept; Space Control operational and capabilities-based functional, enabling, and operating concepts; Space Control operational and capabilities-based requirements; Space Control operational architecture/Department of Defense architectural framework development; Space Control mission architecture; assessing military effectiveness and utility of Space Control operational and enterprise architectures; integrating information operation with future acquisitions; modeling and simulations and result analysis; Space Control test, training, and exercise support; major command Space Control policy and guidance; operational, requirements, intelligence, logistical, and communications support to programmed and operational Space Control capabilities and systems coordination and integration with missions partners’ programming, planning, and budget execution; and Space Control integrated master schedule. At this time $2,761,372 has been obligated. 21st Contracting Squadron, Colorado Springs, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA2517-08-C-8000).

America Supports You: Program Gets Wounded Vets Outdoors, Active

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

April 15, 2008 - Wounded veterans who once enjoyed sports and being outdoors have the opportunity once again, courtesy of a program in Alabama. "Lakeshore Foundation's 'Lima Foxtrot Programs for Injured Military' help servicemen and women adapt sports and recreation activities so they may get back to living healthy, active, independent lives," said Susan Katz, the foundation's communications coordinator. "These programs are open to military personnel who have sustained severe service-related injuries in recent warfare in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations in the world."

For more than 20 years, the Lakeshore Foundation has worked to enable people with physical disability and chronic health conditions to lead healthy, active and independent lifestyles through physical activity. It offers its clients a chance to participate in outdoor activities such as water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, scuba diving and shooting sports, to name a few.

"Participants generally have injuries that include amputation, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment or blindness, burns, or other severe orthopedic injuries," Katz said.

The recently created Lima Foxtrot Programs are specifically for wounded veterans. Composed of different "operations," the programs offer injured servicemembers the opportunity to get back to nature.

"Our signature event, Operation Rise and Conquer, is a four-day outdoor adventure experience held each fall that is open to servicemen and women with a variety of physically disabling conditions," Katz said.

Injured servicemembers and one guest also may take part in Operation Night Vision and Operation X-Sports. The first is for those suffering vision impairment. The second is for servicemembers who want to push the limits and try a variety of extreme sports.

Operation Endurance, the fourth Lima Foxtrot program, focuses on providing injured servicemembers from Alabama with a daily fitness program.

"All programs are provided at absolutely no cost to the servicemen and women, and each participant is allowed to have one guest attend at no cost as well," Katz said. "Lakeshore Foundation covers the cost for all air and ground transportation, lodging, meals and activities."

The foundation also recently became a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

"Lakeshore Foundation is pleased to [be affiliated] with America Supports You, as we are hoping to raise the general awareness of our Lima Foxtrot program on a national level," Katz said. "We hope this helps build the credibility of the programs we are offering, as well as helps us find and recruit injured servicemen and women to participate."

Department Works to Improve Absentee-Voting Procedures, Boost Participation

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

April 15, 2008 - The Defense Department has made great strides over the past four years to ensure servicemembers, particularly those stationed and deployed overseas, have greater opportunity to vote, a senior defense official told Congress today. Michael L. Dominguez, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, told the House Administration Committee the department is working closely with the U.S. and military postal services and other entities to ensure no servicemember wishing to vote misses out on the opportunity.

The Defense Department's Federal Voting Assistance Program works cooperatively with state and local elections to carry out provisions of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. This 1986 law safeguards absent servicemembers' and their families' right to vote for federal offices, and also protects voting rights of other U.S. citizens overseas.

In 2005, the department simplified two forms used for absentee voting: the Federal Post Card Application, a registration and ballot request form, and the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, a back-up federal ballot used when a state ballot doesn't arrive on time.

Dominguez said the revisions not only make the ballots easier to use, but also safeguard the voter's private information.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department continues to reach out to citizens covered by the UOCAVA law and to federal, state and local officials and to advocate the greatest use of existing or emerging technology into the voting process, he told the panel.

"We have made progress, but more remains to be done," he said. "The Internet holds promise."

The department also encourages states to adopt Federal Voting Assistance Program legislative initiatives, he said. Its top priorities are to get states and territories to mail ballots at least 40 to 45 days before their due date and to allow election officials to send out state write-in absentee ballots three to six months before elections.

The program's other initiatives include expanding the distribution of voting materials through electronic transmissions and to give state chief election officials emergency authority to alter election procedures in limited circumstances -- from extending ballot return deadlines to allowing blank or voted ballots to be transmitted electronically.

"The department takes extraordinary steps to ensure that members of the uniformed services, their family members and overseas citizens have an opportunity to vote," Dominguez said in prepared testimony submitted to the panel. "Expediting ballots through any and all media accepted by state and local officials is a very important aspect of the absentee process."

One initiative introduced in 2004 allows eligible absentee voters to request and receive absentee ballots via the Internet. To take advantage of this system, voters must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, be covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, and be registered to vote in a state and county participating in the DoD program.

Meanwhile, the Defense Department continues working to educate servicemembers and other citizens covered under the absentee-voting law about the absentee-voting process, Dominguez told the committee. Between September 2007 and September 2008, the Federal Voting Assistance Program staff will conduct 155 workshops for voting assistance officers.

Dominguez hailed an "extensive outreach program" these voting assistance officers provide as they educate their units about absentee-voting requirements and procedures. Meanwhile, the Federal Voting Assistance Program maintains a Web site of voting information.

While conceding that it's impossible to know exactly how many citizens covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act actually vote, Dominguez said survey results showed more voted in 2004 than in 2000. Among uniformed servicemembers both overseas and statewide who responded to the survey, 73 percent voted in 2004, compared to 57 percent in 2000, he said. In addition, 77 percent of federal civilian employees overseas voted in 2004, up from 55 percent in 2000.

Dominguez expressed confidence that these rates will continue to climb. "Through our collective efforts to improve ballot transit time and promote and implement expanded electronic transmission alternatives, voters will continue to reap the benefits of these improvements and in this and future elections," he said.

America Supports You: Country Star to Help 'Toast Troops' at Quantico

American Forces Press Service

April 15, 2008 - Military spouses and United Service Organizations volunteers will have a chance to join the Jack Daniel's Distillery in offering a "Toast to the Troops" and enjoy a performance by country music star Craig Morgan at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., April 19. The event will be the third year Jack Daniel's and the USO have conducted the "Toast to the Troops" campaign. The goal this year is to assemble 10,000 USO Care Packages for troops serving overseas.

But the day won't be all work for those participating. They'll also enjoy a special barbecue and a concert by Morgan.

The "stuffing party" for care packages will begin at noon, and the concert, which is free and open to servicemembers and others with access to the base, will begin at 5 p.m.

Morgan, who has performed at every Jack Daniel's/USO Toast to the Troops event, is a 10-year Army veteran. During that time, he participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama, and he completed tours in Korea among other assignments.

As a country singer, Morgan has entertained troops in Iraq on the USO and sergeant major of the Army's holiday tour. He's had back-to-back No. 1 hits with "That's What I Love About Sunday" and "Redneck Yacht Club." His current album, "Little Bit of Life," produced three top-10 hits including the title track, "Tough," a tribute to breast cancer survivors, and "International Harvester."

Morgan also is a recipient of the USO Merit Award, presented by the USO of Metropolitan Washington.

USO is a supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program, connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

Foxjohn, Munson and Kuboviak

Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former servicemember.



April 13, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books.

John Foxjohn has investigated more than 300 homicides during his ten years in law enforcement. Born and raised in Nacogdoches in East Texas, John Foxjohn quit high school and joined the U.S. Army, spending six years as a Ranger in Vietnam and Germany, and becoming one of the youngest sergeants in the Army, at that time. After his military service, John FoxJohn returned to Texas and joined the Nacogdoches Police Department. Later, he became a member of the Houston Police Department.

Upon leaving law enforcement, John Foxjohn attended Stephen F. Austin State University, received a degree in history, and began another career teaching and coaching. He retired from teaching in 2003 and is a full time writer. John FoxJohn is the author of Cold Tears; Journey of the Spirit; and, Code of Deceit.

According to the book description of Cold Tears, “A veteran Houston homicide detective's unfortunate mistake causes a woman's death. When a woman shoots David Mason he returns fire, killing her, but he can't escape her accusing eyes. Beth Porter, David's fiancée, already feared his dangerous job, and when he's wounded the fear escalates and she separates from him. His mistake that threatens his career now endangers the relationship with the love of his life.”

Charlie Munson was a deputy sheriff with the Lavaca County Sheriff’s Department at the beginning of the 20th Century. He is the author of Mister Charlie: Memoir of a Texas Lawman, 1902-1910.

Jim Kuboviak began his career in criminal justice in 1969 as a police officer for the Sam Houston State University Police Department (Texas). Jim Kuboviak graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice in 1972; he earned two master's degrees; and two doctorates. Since 1985, Jim Kuboviak has served as the County Attorney for Brazos County (Texas). Jim Kuboviak is the author of Legal and Procedural Application of Mobile Videotaping to Criminal Interdiction and DWI Mobile Videotaping for Police and Prosecutors: Policy, Procedures, and Law.

Police-Writers.com now hosts 963 police officers (representing 405 police departments) and their 2050 law enforcement books in 35 categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

America Supports You: Military Family Web Site Up for 'Internet Oscar'

American Forces Press Service

April 14, 2008 - A prominent online community for military families is a finalist in the 12th Annual Webby Awards. The Webby Awards, hailed by the New York Times as the "Oscars of the Internet," selected CinCHouse.com to compete for the title of Best Lifestyle site of 2008.

The recognition caps a comprehensive effort to improve the site's content and quality, said Regina Galvin, CinCHouse.com editor in chief. It's also a chance to bring greater awareness to issues affecting military families.

"To be showcased alongside such mainstream sites really increases our exposure to the general public," Galvin said. "Despite seven years of war putting military issues into the mainstream media, there continues to be misconceptions of who military wives and women in uniform really are."

CinCHouse.com was one of nearly 10,000 sites nominated from all 50 states and more than 60 countries. It was selected as one of five finalists in the Lifestyles category, pitting it against giants such as Epicurious.com and Reebok.

"That a nonprofit site started by a military wife, edited by a military wife and largely maintained by military wives is going up against corporate titans for such a competitive award gives us great pride," Galvin said. "It's a testament to our determination to give voice to the military community."

The Webby Awards program is the leading international awards program honoring excellence on the Internet, including Web sites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile Web sites. The awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a 550-person judging academy whose members include Internet co-inventor Vinton Cerf, R/GA's Chief Bob Greenberg, "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening, Arianna Huffington and Harvey Weinstein.

"The Webby Awards honor the outstanding Web sites that are setting the standards for the Internet," said David-Michel Davies, executive director of The Webby Awards. "CinCHouse.com's Webby Award nomination is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators."

Founded in 1996, the Webby Awards are known for having a five-word speech limit. Past headline-grabbing speechmakers include Al Gore ("Please don't recount this vote."), Beastie Boys ("Can anyone fix my computer?"), and Prince ("Everything you think is true.")

From now through May 1, online fans around the world can cast their own votes for CinCHouse.com in The Webby People's Voice Awards presented by Nokia at pv.webbyawards.com. Winners will be announced May 6 and will be honored at a star-studded gala in New York on June 10.

CinCHouse.com and its parent organization Operation Homefront are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.

(From an Operation Homefront news release.)

Joint Task Force Supports Army South in Honduras

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. William Farrow
Special to American Forces Press Service

April 14, 2008 - A U.S. Army South exercise in Honduras is testing Joint Task Force Bravo's ability to support forward-deployed troops over three months as the number of U.S. military personnel on Soto Cano Air Base nearly doubles. A Honduran base that's home to the Honduran air force academy, Soto Cano Air Base also is home to the 500 U.S. Army, Air Force and Navy personnel who make up Joint Task Force Bravo and has opened its gates to more than 300 personnel associated with the exercise, dubbed "Beyond the Horizon."

"Beyond the Horizon is a multinational, joint-force exercise in which U.S. military personnel will conduct various engineering projects and medical readiness exercises for the benefit of the local population in Honduras," said exercise spokesman Army Staff Sgt. Danny McCormick. "From April until June, we will renovate three schools and construct two new schools, four lavatories, four water towers and one storage shed, in addition to conducting various [medical readiness training exercises]."

Throughout the exercise, nearly 2,100 people will cycle through Soto Cano Air Base, requiring a vast array of support from almost every Joint Task Force Bravo unit, ranging from the tents they live in to the food they eat.

"One of our primary capabilities is to support forward-deployed forces during a contingency in Central America," said Army Col. Marcus DeOliveira, Joint Task Force Bravo commander. "[Beyond the Horizon] is an excellent way to test that capability, and the men and women of JTF Bravo have risen to the challenge."

Air Force Capt. Kenya Colon, logistics deputy director, said some tasks the joint task force has performed to date include coordinating customs clearance for Beyond the Horizon materials and equipment, line-hauling 50 vehicles and nearly 140 pieces of equipment, issuing more than 6,600 field-ration meals and 9,500 bottles of water, and providing more than 8,000 gallons of fuel for exercise activities.

The base engineering office is providing a variety of support for Beyond the Horizon, from building the "tent city" in which the exercise personnel are living to providing showers and laundry facilities.

"Our support activities, which include sanitation, ground works and any other infrastructure-related concerns, will continue through the duration of the exercise," said Air Force 1st Lt. Tim Brodman, the engineering section chief.

Procuring supplies for the various Beyond the Horizon medical teams also has tested the Joint Task Force Bravo medical element's support abilities, as the element ordered, stored and distributed the vast majority of the supplies the visiting medical corps needs to perform medical readiness training exercises throughout the region, Air Force 1st Lt. Joel Richardson, medical logistics office, said.

"We also function as their logistical reach-back capability during their time in the field," Richardson said. "If anything goes wrong with their supplies, we assist them as much as possible."

"JTF Bravo is key to the success of [Beyond the Horizon]," said Army Maj. Lyndon Jones, the mission's information operations officer. "While BTH personnel are out in the community working with Hondurans to improve services in the community, they can focus on the task at hand knowing that JTF Bravo will make sure they have a place to shower, eat and sleep when the job is done."

(Air Force 1st Lt. Erika Yepsen contributed to this report. Yepsen and Farrow serve with Joint Task Force Bravo Public Affairs.)

Bush Awards Commander-in-Chief's Trophy to Midshipmen

By Army Sgt. Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service

April 14, 2008 - For the fifth year in a row, the football players from the U.S. Naval Academy were honored guests at the White House to receive the Commander-in-Chief's trophy today. The Midshipmen claimed the trophy by beating the Air Force, 31-20, and the Army, 38-3, during the 2007-08 season. The trophy is presented each year to the military academy with the best head-to-head record.

"This team has had an historic season," Bush said at the award presentation in the Rose Garden. "For the third year in a row, [Navy] had the most rushing yards in the nation, as well as the nation's highest graduation rate. You went to your fifth straight bowl game, and of course you accomplished your most important goal: you beat Army."

The Navy team set a school record by scoring 511 points this season and, with its sixth straight win over the Army, established the longest winning streak against Army in history, Bush noted. The Midshipmen also beat Notre Dame for the first time since 1963.

Bush lauded several of the stand-out performers on the team, including the team's captain, slot back Reggie Campbell, who holds eight school records. The president singled out slot back Zerbin Singleton, who overcame injuries from a car accident to make it to the Naval Academy and during the season received Disney's Wide World of Sports Spirit Award as college football's most inspirational figure. Singleton is the brigade commander of all 4,200 midshipmen at the Naval Academy and will soon begin flight training as a Marine aviator.

Bush said he was proud to welcome the individual stars to the White House, "but no question this team played well because you played as a unit. I want to thank every football player for agreeing to put on the uniform of the finest military ever. You signed up after 9/11. You knew the stakes involved in the war against extremists and radicals. You knew that your country depended on you. And you didn't hesitate to wear the uniform."

Bush said he looks forward to welcoming the Midshipmen into the military.

"I cannot wait to be able to say to you some day, 'I'm proud to be your commander in chief,'" he said. "And so I welcome you to the Rose Garden. I congratulate you on being fine football players. More importantly, I congratulate you on being patriotic Americans."

Wounded Warriors' Health Care Improving, Senior Officials Say

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

April 14, 2008 - The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments are making progress to improve health care for injured servicemembers and military veterans, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. The two agencies "are working together to better serve wounded warriors," Gates, accompanied by Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake, told reporters at a news conference at the Pentagon's river entrance.

"Our departments are making progress on the over 400 recommendations put forth by several major commissions and task forces," Gates said. Several fact-finding panels were formed to examine servicemembers' and veterans' health care after a series of Washington Post articles published in February 2007 cited substandard practices involving medical outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.

Gates and Peake were accompanied at the Pentagon news conference by Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England and Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield. The deputies have been meeting weekly "to track implementation and progress" of commission recommendations, Gates said.

Defense and VA collaborations are improving veterans' outpatient care, tracking patients' long-term recovery through one system that is jointly administered by both DoD and VA, streamlining disability medical evaluation procedures, simplifying case-management procedures, and more, Gates said.

Gates said he looks forward to future collaboration with Peake and his agency "to ensure the wounded servicemembers receive the first-rate health care that they so much deserve."

Peake echoed Gates' sentiments, noting federal wounded warrior recovery coordinators in place nationwide "are really starting to make a difference" in ensuring military veterans are getting the best health care available.

"We continue to seek ways ... to understand how best to improve our disability processing for our wounded warriors and transition them effectively into the VA system when that is necessary," Peake said.

Peake saluted the Army's wounded warrior transition brigades, the Navy's Safe Harbor program, the Marine Corps' Marine for Life and wounded warrior regiment programs, and the Air Force's Palace HART (Helping Airmen Recover Together) programs for assisting injured servicemembers and wounded transitioning veterans.

All of these programs "are important as we focus on doing the right thing by our wounded warriors," Peake said, adding that he's pleased by the progress that has been made.

"There has never, in my experience, been a closer cooperation between the departments and a more vigorous exchange of information and ideas and problem-solving than what we have today," Peake added.

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala and former Sen. Robert Dole were appointed by President Bush to head an investigative panel to examine allegations of poor outpatient care at Walter Reed. That commission released its findings in July. In addition, the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments launched extensive reviews of all of their medical facilities to ensure that wounded warriors are being treated properly.

MILITARY CONTRACTS April 14, 2008

ARMY

AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind. was awarded on April 11, 2008, a $28,580,470 firm-fixed price contract to incorporate a reliability enhanced vehicle Group B engineering change. Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on March 17, 2006. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).

Weeks Marine, Inc., Covington, La. was awarded on April 11, 2008, a $14,115,500 firm-fixed price contract for a shore protection project. Work will be performed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and is expected to be completed on Oct. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five bids were solicited on Feb. 12, 2008, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville, Fla. Is the contracting activity (W912EP-08-C-0012).

Chugach Government Services, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on April 11, 2008, a $14,085,673 firm-fixed price contract for construction of the F-22 jet inspection and maintenance facility. Work will be performed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and is expected to be completed on Sept. 28, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 17, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-08-C-0009).

L-3 Combat Propulsion Systems, Muskegon, Mich. was awarded on April 10, 2008, a $6,483,484 cost-plus fixed fee contract for a service contract for 38,500 base year hours of systems technical support for the Bradley Fighting Vehicle system transmission. Work will be performed primarily in Muskegon, Mich. and is expected to be completed on April 7, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 16, 2008, and one bid was received. TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich. is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-2050).

NAVY

Stanley Associates, Inc.,Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $25,483,854 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee performance based contract for services that support the implementation of a consolidated Rack/Component Procurement and Integration (RCP&I) common product capability across all applicable programs. The work performed under the contract will encompass technical support to provide systems enegineering, integration, testing, small-scale fabrication, NDI procurement, interim depot repair and maintenance services, and training on legacy systems. This contract includes four one-year options, if exercised, and three one-year award terms which, if earned, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $249,882,601. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., (90 percent); Norfolk, Va., (10 percent); and work is expected to be completed by April 2009 (April 2016 with options exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively procured under full and open competition. The request for proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center e-commerce website, with one offer received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston is the contracting activity for this action (N65236-08-D-2835).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $24,108,479 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-05-D-0018) for the procurement of 13 acoustic receiver technical refresh upgrade kits and 21 acoustic receiver technical refresh retrofit kits for the P-3 Aircraft. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., and work is expected to be completed in August 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.

The Grunley Walsh US, LLC, Rockville, Md., is being awarded $6,639,525 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0004 under a previously awarded indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0174) for modifications to a sewage treatment plant at Naval Support Activity at South Potomac. The work also includes the construction of a new Headworks Building and associated equipment, two new primary clarifiers, new aerobic digester, equalization basin, and minor site and utilities modifications and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Dahlgren, Va., and work is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity.

Naturalization Ceremony Honors New Uniformed Citizens

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

April 14, 2008 - As a naturalization ceremony began this afternoon, 22 U.S. military immigrants representing 15 nations stood at attention in the balmy Pentagon courtyard while the color guard passed before them. Though they were born in Peru, Kenya or Jamaica or hailed from the United Kingdom, Canada or Ethiopia, when the troops took the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the star-spangled American flag became their national banner.

"We are a greater country, we are a stronger country, we are a better country today, because you have joined us this day as Americans," Air Force Maj. Gen. James W. Graves, assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for reserve matters, told the troops before they pledged citizenship.

The group wore a collective look of pride as they raised their right hands and recited the oath, led by Emilio T. Gonzalez, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

In a pastiche of foreign voices with varying levels of English fluency, the immigrants repeated each clause of the oath. Together, they renounced "fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty"; vowed to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and the nation's laws; promised to serve at the will of the nation; and pledged they were assuming their duties "without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion."

Following recitation of the oath, the USCIS director congratulated the group, calling them "America's newest citizens," as the crowd rose to its feet and gave a thundering standing ovation.

"It speaks volumes about America when people are willing to pick up arms and defend her, yet they can't even vote here," Gonzalez said. "The fact that tens of thousands of legal, permanent noncitizens serve in our armed forces is something that's quite unfathomable to countries around the world."

Gonzalez, an immigrant himself, told the new citizens that America is land where people are measured by what they can be, not by their country of origin.

"You are the future of this country, and more immigrant communities will continue to strengthen this nation and make it what it is today," he said. "Those of you here, you honor America by your service, and hopefully America has repaid that honor with well-earned citizenship."

Before the immigrant troops undertook the oath, they had to first demonstrate good moral character and show knowledge of the English language, the U.S. government and civics, according to the USCIS Web site.

By joining more than 300 million other U.S. citizens, those naturalized today leave roughly 37,000 other non-U.S. citizens currently serving in the military, according to U.S. Congress statistics.

Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England said that in acknowledgement of foreign-born servicemembers' merit, President Bush signed an executive order in 2002 making the immigrants immediately eligible for U.S. citizenship when they serve on active duty. "If some people are willing to risk their lives for our country, they ought to be full participants in our country," England said, quoting the president.

"What is altogether remarkable about the people here today -- the nation's newest citizens -- is that long before this day when that distinction is being conferred upon you, you had volunteered to serve your nation of choice in a most demanding occupation, and during one of the most demanding periods in the nation's recent history," England said.

"That service has taken some of you far from this country, in some cases to the harsh and often violent streets of Iraq and Afghanistan," he said. Three of the servicemembers naturalized today have served in Iraq, and one has served in Afghanistan, according to Defense Department officials. "All of you are dedicated servants of the nation you've chosen and for which you've shouldered the burden of its defense."

The deputy secretary welcomed the wide-ranging experience and wisdom the new citizens were adding to the U.S. melting pot.

"The countries you hail from, your names, your cultures, and unique experiences reflect the diversity that is this nation's hallmark and vitality," he said. "The country's strong fabric is woven from the richly varied contributions of citizens from around the entire world."

A citizen for about an hour, Juan De La Maza, a 33-year-old Army private from Mexico City already was looking forward to exercising his new rights. "It will be nice to have the liberty to do something more," he said, "like vote."

Texas Lawmen

Editor's Note: One of the authors is a former servicemember.

April 12, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three law enforcement officials from the State of Texas

Ted Hinton became a Dallas County Sheriff’s Department deputy sheriff in 1932. He was a member of the posse that confronted and killed the infamous Bonnie and Clyde. Ted Hinton left the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department in 1941. A pilot, Ted Hinton gave flying instruction to Army Air Corps recruits throughout World War II. After the war, he opened restaurant and passed away in 1982. Ted Hinton is the author of Ambush: The Real Story of Bonnie and Clyde.

According to one reader, Ambush: The Real Story of Bonnie and Clyde, it “is Ted Hinton's account describing the early years and the facts leading up to the bloody end of two desperate criminals. Hinton speaks out as one of the six men who killed Bonnie and Clyde in a hailstorm of bullets without warning on the morning of May 23, 1934 near Gibsland, Louisiana. This book is well illustrated and provides several rare pictures. I recommend this book to readers.”

Captain James Howell has been in law enforcement for over 30 years and is the Commander of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department Criminal Investigations Division. James Howell is the author of Copper Eyes and the co-author of Emerald Reflections.

According to the book description of Copper Eyes, “Danielle Ramos is a new Dallas County deputy sheriff who recently left the El Paso Sheriff’s Department to move forward with her life following her divorce. The detective’s first murder case in Dallas County thrusts her into the world of a past serial killer who had decided that after twelve years, now is the time to start killing again. Danielle is merely in the way.”

Chief Reece Daniel began his law enforcement career in 1976 with the Paris Police Department (Texas). He joined the Farmers Branch Police Department in 1980, rising to the rank of Captain. In 1999, he became the chief of police for the Rowlett Police Department; and, in 2006 he became the chief of police for the Jacksonville Police Department (Texas).

Chief Reece Daniel has a AA in law enforcement; a BS in Criminology and Psychology; and, a MS in Criminal Justice. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a Criminal Justice Practitioner’s Certificate from the University of Virginia. Chief Reece Daniel is the author of Desert Sunshine.

According to the book description of Desert Sunshine, it “combines elements of modern law enforcement with the Old West of 1882. Ed Adair, retired police chief, moves back to his boyhood home in Arizona to become a Special Arizona Ranger, where he can indulge his insatiable appetite for western memorabilia and unsolved cases from the 1880s.”

Police-Writers.com now hosts 957 police officers (representing 403 police departments) and their 2037 law enforcement books in 35 categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.

Leadership Book is Hoffer Award Finalist

Editor's Note: The author, Raymond E. Foster, is a former servicemember.

April 12, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style was a finalist for the Eric Hoffer Book Award. According to the Executive Editor of Writers Notes & Best New Writing, Christopher Klim, “While it did not win a category distinction this year, it fell within the top 10% of entrants to be considered for prizes. With respect to the competition, we consider this an honor of its own merit. Less than 50 books each year are dubbed with the title of “Eric Hoffer Award Finalist.”

About the Award
The Eric Hoffer Award honors the memory of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing. The Hoffer Award honors freethinking writers and independent books of exceptional merit. The “Hoffer” honored books are chiefly from small, academic, and micro presses, including self-published offerings. The books and prose of the Hoffer Award are nominated by the people and judged by independent panels. Since its inception as the Writers Notes Award, the Hoffer Award has grown in prominence. Winners of the “Hoffer” are given prizes, honors, and worldwide media exposure, as well as being covered in the annual anthology, Best New Writing.

About the Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style
Using poker as analogy for leadership, Captain Andrew J. Harvey, CPD (ret.), Ed.D. and Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA found the right mix of practical experience and academic credentials to write a definitive book for leaders. Working together, Harvey and Foster have written Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style. Most often leaders find they are given a set of resources people, equipment, funds, experience and a mission. As Foster noted, "You're dealt a certain hand. How you play that hand as a leader determines your success."

About the Authors
Dr. Andrew J. Harvey served in law enforcement for 25 years, the last 12 as a captain with a Southern California police agency. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal State Los Angeles, and an educational doctorate in the field of organizational leadership from Pepperdine University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the California POST Command College, the West Point Leadership Program, and is recognized in California as a master instructor.

Dr. Harvey is an experienced college educator, currently serving as a professor at the University of Phoenix, and as a faculty advisor at the Union Institute and University. He has been published numerous times in national and international publications. He is a recognized expert in leadership and career development, and has served as an instructor in command leadership at the Los Angeles Police Department Academy. He has appeared as a leadership authority on television and radio, including the internationally-broadcast Bloomberg Business Television Show, and the nationally syndicated Joey Reynolds Radio Show.

His first book, The Call to Lead: How Ordinary People Become Extraordinary Leaders, received national attention. The book shows the way for leaders toward ethical and competent leadership. Through his company, Andrew Harvey Seminars, he provides leadership training and consulting to individuals and organizations throughout the nation.

Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton. He has completed his doctoral course work in business research. Raymond is a graduate of the West Point Leadership program and has attended law enforcement, technology and leadership programs such as the National Institute for Justice, Technology Institute, Washington, DC.

Raymond is currently a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement. His first book, “Police Technology (Prentice Hall, July 2004)” is used in over 100 colleges and universities nationwide.

Contact Information
www.pokerleadership.com
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Military's Hawaiian Playground Undergoes Major Facelift

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

April 11, 2008 - Army Pfc. Shane Stuard couldn't think of a better place to spend the last day of his rest-and-recuperation leave before rejoining his unit in Iraq than at the Hale Koa Hotel here. Stuard, an infantryman assigned to 2nd Brigade, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade, sent the kids off to the nanny and headed with his wife, Hazel, to the resort hotel that's considered a crown jewel among the Defense Department's four armed forces recreation centers.

Relishing their first private time since Stuard's arrival at Schofield Barracks two weeks ago, the two frolicked along Waikiki Beach, flew above the sparkling coastline on a parasail, and popped into the hotel's own Post Exchange to stock up on goodies for Stuard's return flight.

As they enjoyed the surf and each other, Camp Taji, Iraq, seemed a million miles away.

The Hale Koa has offered servicemembers, military retirees and Defense Department civilian employees a piece of paradise on Hawaii's most famous beach since it opened its doors in 1975.

"We love it here," Hazel Stuard said. "The customer service is excellent, and the rooms are beautiful. It's right on the beach!"

"Plus, it's a whole lot cheaper than anywhere else around!" her husband added.

Prices for the hotel's 817 guestrooms are based on military rank, with Stuard and other E-1s through E-5s paying as little as $83 a night for a standard room. The price goes up for more senior noncommissioned officers and officers or guests wanting garden or ocean views. At the high end of the scale, junior servicemembers pay $154 a night for a deluxe oceanfront room; senior officers, warrant officers and Defense Department civilians pay up to $202 for the same room.

Troops returned from Iraq and Afghanistan get additional discounts of 20 to 35 percent off all services, from lodging to dining to entertainment. "A couple thousand" servicemembers a month take advantage of that offering, Mike Naka'ahiki, the hotel's marketing manager, said.

While price may draw guests to the Hale Koa, there's nothing low-budget about its accommodations or vast offerings. The hotel offers everything troops might expect to find in a luxury paradise resort: a vast beachfront, multiple pools, lush tropical gardens, and top-notch Polynesian entertainment.

Servicemembers staying at the resort, as well as troops stationed in Hawaii or transiting through the area, qualify for the Hale Koa's amenities. They can sign up for an authentic Hawaiian-style luau, dine in eateries offering anything from fast food to haute cuisine, or grab a picnic table and fire up one of the many barbecue grills dotting the grounds.

"We try to offer our military families the same experience they would have if they went to another top resort on Waikiki Beach," Naka'ahiki said. "But we like to think that what they're offering is a little better, with so much open green space."

To maintain that standard, the Ilima Tower, the original of the hotel's two towers, is undergoing a $60 million to $70 million renovation that will give its 420 guest rooms a whole new face. "We're giving them a full-on makeover and a fresh look, with new carpeting and wallpaper and updated bath fixtures," Naka'ahiki said.

Although several floors of the tower are closed during construction, the rest of the tower remains open and accepting guests, Naka'ahiki said. The hotel's Maile Tower, opened in 1995, also continues to run at near-full capacity.

When there's no room at the Hale Koa, would-be guests are offered rooms at other local hotels at Hale Koa prices, Naka'ahiki noted. If they take advantage of this offer, they're still welcome to use the Hale Koa's restaurants, pools and other facilities, he said.

And to make up for any inconvenience the renovation may cause, the hotel has brought in special, top-level entertainment. "We're being as unobtrusive as possible with the construction, but it's a little extra to make sure our guests have the best experience possible," Naka'ahiki said. Guests playing badminton on the beach, stretched out on lounge chairs or sipping tropical drinks were doing just that.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Josh Rabb, an operations specialist assigned to U.S. Pacific Fleet at nearby Pearl Harbor, enjoyed the afternoon poolside with his wife, Lauren, and 2-month-old son, Kailer.

"We love it here," Rabb said. "It's a nice environment, right next to the beach. They keep this place very clean, and they treat us really well here."

Army Staff Sgt. Miguel Ross, from 325th Aviation at Schofield Barracks, said he frequents the Hale Koa's beach and pools and enjoys ordering up some of the best mai tais on Oahu.

"The prices here are a big advantage," he said. "But it goes beyond that. It's the way they treat you here -- with respect. They cater to you, no matter who you are."

Some visitors, like Air Force Staff Sgt. David Camacho, feel like they've discovered paradise on Earth when they first see the Hale Koa grounds. "I like it here a lot," said Camacho, who said he heard about the hotel from American Forces Network commercials back at his home base, Misawa Air Base, Japan.

A vehicle dispatcher with 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron who's in Hawaii for a U.S. Pacific Command exercise, Camacho said he already assigned his girlfriend back in Japan the task of booking a vacation at the Hale Koa. "I'm looking at doing a week here, going on some cruises, taking advantage of the activities and trips and doing the Hawaiian things here," he said.

"This is the kind of place where you can really enjoy yourself," he added.

The Hale Koa is one of four armed forces recreation centers the U.S. military operates for servicemembers and their families, retirees, and Defense Department civilians. The other facilities are the Edelweis in Germany, Dragon Hill in Korea, and Shades of Green at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. All the facilities operate at no cost to taxpayers.

National Security Archive Update, April 11, 2008

U.S. RECONNAISSANCE SATELLITES: DOMESTIC TARGETS - Updated

Documents Describe Use of Satellites in Support of Civil Agencies and Longstanding Controversy

http://www.nsarchive.org
For more information contact:
Jeffrey Richelson - 202/994-7000

Washington, D.C., April 11, 2008 - The policy debate over using U.S. reconnaissance satellites to obtain imagery of targets in the United States dates back to the earliest days of spy satellites, according to an updated collection of declassified documents published today by the National Security Archive at George Washington University (www.nsarchive.org).

Obtained and edited by Archive senior fellow Dr. Jeffrey Richelson, the documents add significant historical context to current Congressional concerns about privacy and civil liberties guidelines for the new National Applications Office.

Additional historical documents include the charter for the Civil Applications Committee, the statement of authority for National Reconnaissance Program activities over the United States, as well as documents that focus on the question of "proper use" of the satellites and the risk to senior officials should the space assets be used inappropriately.

Documents concerning current plans to establish a National Applications Office and associated Congressional concerns include the letter from the Secretary of Homeland Security to the Director of National Intelligence (reporting his interest in establishing a domestic applications office), expressions of Congressional concern, and the proposed charter (from February 2008).

Visit the Web site of the National Security Archive for more information about today's posting.

http://www.nsarchive.org

THE NATIONAL SECURITY ARCHIVE is an independent non-governmental research institute and library located at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The Archive collects and publishes declassified documents acquired through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). A tax-exempt public charity, the Archive receives no U.S. government funding; its budget is supported by publication royalties and donations from foundations and individuals.

Research Agency Celebrates 50 Years of Technological Evolution

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

April 11, 2008 - When Russia surprised the world a half century ago by launching the Sputnik satellite through Earth's atmosphere, the ripple effect spurred the White House into action. In response to the Russian gambit, President Dwight D. Eisenhower in February 1958 commissioned the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Fifty years later, the agency's mission remains clear: prevent future technological surprises for the United States and create them for the nation's enemies.

"The man in the White House, Dwight Eisenhower, didn't scare easy," Vice President Richard B. Cheney said here last night at a dinner honoring 50 years of DARPA. "He had complete, justified confidence in this nation's ability to reclaim the technological edge and to hold it from then on."

Several hundred past and present DARPA employees gathered to celebrate a half century of success that produced the Saturn V rocket that enabled U.S. Apollo missions to fly to the moon, stealth aircraft, guided munitions, body armor, and an early version of today's Internet, to name some of the agency's mainstays.

"If you've been associated with this agency, you're the kind of person who lives and breathes technology, and you have a place in the story of the past 50 years," said Cheney, the evening's keynote speaker. "It's a story of boldness and excellence; of visionary, high-yield projects; and of service above self.

"And all of these have been directed to the highest purposes that a citizen can assume: the safety of our people, the security of our nation, and the survival of freedom itself," he said.

Cheney, who served as secretary of defense under President George H.W. Bush, remarked that there was a shortage of unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, during Operation Desert Storm. Thanks to DARPA, the technology advanced through the 1990s, and unmanned aircraft now play a vital role in current U.S. operations, he said.

"We've been able to use it all the time in both Afghanistan and Iraq -- for reconnaissance, for remote sensing, and to strike the enemy," said Cheney, noting that Marines in Iraq refer to the small-scale UAVs overhead as "guardian angels."

DARPA's responsiveness is possible because technological innovation is its sole guiding principle. To maintain an entrepreneurial atmosphere and the flow of new ideas, the agency hires program managers for only four to six years, frequently replenishing the organization with fresh perspective, according to DARPA's Web site.

In contrast to the private sector, program managers understand their short timelines at DARPA and therefore are willing to pursue high-risk technical ideas, even those with a reasonable chance of failure, the Web site said. Without bureaucratic distractions and with few institutional interests, the agency pursues a largely unabated mission: radical innovation for national security.

"DARPA is the Department of Defense's only research agency not tied to a specific operational mission," said Anthony Tether, the agency's director. "DARPA supplies technological options for the entire department, and is designed to be a specialized 'technological engine' for transforming DoD."

Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon R. England told audience members that the United States depends on the agency to continue providing state-of-the-art technology to the nation's servicemembers.

"The nation is relying on DARPA to dramatically move the frontier of technology rapidly forward in a way that we can put it into work in the field," he said.

While the next half century holds uncertainty, the continuing success of DARPA will remain constant, England said.

"We can only imagine what the next 50 years will bring," he continued. "But we can be assured that DARPA will continue to ensure that America retains its technological edge."

Research Agency Showcases Robot-Driven Vehicles at Pentagon

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

April 11, 2008 - Defense Department employees got a glimpse of the automobile of the future at a display of robot-driven vehicles in the Pentagon's center courtyard today. The small four-door sedan, compact station wagon and four sport utility vehicles in the exhibit can navigate themselves without human drivers through a combination of servo-devices and radar- and laser-enabled sensors, said Anthony J. Tether, director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

DARPA, now 50 years old, is a Defense Department agency that develops new technology for military use.

"Imagine if we had convoys being driven by robots," Tether said. Military use of autonomous vehicles would nullify the human impact of roadside bombs used by terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan, he explained.

The vehicles on display at the Pentagon had vied for honors during a DARPA-sponsored competition called Urban Challenge that was held Nov. 3 on a closed course at the former George Air Force Base, in Victorville, Calif. A modified 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe entered by Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh won first place, earning a $2 million cash award for its Tartan Racing design team.

A computer brain that "rides" in the back of the General Motors-donated Tahoe takes the place of human thinking to drive the truck, said "Red" Whittaker, leader of the Tartan Racing team.

The much-modified, gasoline-powered truck incorporates a mix of radar- and laser-operated sensors to "see" where it is going, Whittaker said. Its multiple sensors collect data "and then the computer blends those into a complete model of what is going on," he explained.

"This robot with computers is very good at seeing what's occurring now and what it projects will happen in the future," Whittaker said.

The current leading markets for robot-operated vehicles include farming and surface-mining operations, Whittaker noted. Yet, the automotive market could be the "blockbuster" of all potential markets for autonomous vehicles, he said. The U.S. government has long studied the feasibility and potential benefits of so-called "automated highways" featuring vehicles that drive themselves, he noted.

Future use of such highways would likely reduce automobile accidents and provide more efficient traffic management, Whittaker predicted.

"The automotive industry believes in the vision of driving automation," Whittaker pointed out. "And, that's a big change from how things were a year ago."

Maj. John A. Moberly of the Army Staff was impressed with the robot-driven vehicles on display.

"It is amazing technology that can save lives for us in the Army," Moberly said. "There is still definitely work to do and obstacles to overcome, but it is very promising."

MILITARY CONTRACTS April 11, 2008

NAVY

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding – Newport News, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $453,263,184 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the accomplishment of the fiscal year 2008 Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) of USS Enterprise (CVN 65). The CVN 65 FY08 EDSRA is a ship depot availability of approximately 16-month duration. EDSRAs are similar to overhauls in that they restore the ship, including all subsystems that affect combat capability and safety, to established performance standards. Additionally, an EDSRA provides an opportunity to perform hull inspections and recoating, radiological surveys, and other maintenance related evolutions below the waterline that cannot be accomplished while the ship is waterborne. The EDSRA provides sufficient time to perform more extensive propulsion plant repairs and testing than is possible during an Extended Selected Restricted Availability (ESRA). Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and work is expected to be completed by August 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-08-C-2100).

Northrop Grumman Corp. Integration Systems, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $101,900,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the Fiscal Year 2007 full rate production (LOT III) of seven AN/ALQ-218 Tactical Jamming System Receivers (TJSRs), a component of the EA-6B Airborne Electronic Attack Aircraft. In addition, this contract provides for spare Shop Replacement Assemblies and Weapons Replacement Assemblies. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (57 percent), Bethpage, N.Y. (30 percent); various locations throughout the United States (8 percent); Nashua, N.H. (2.5 percent); and San Diego, Calif. (2.5 percent), and work is expected to be completed in November 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 (N00019-08-D-0002).

ITT Communications & Countermeasures Systems, Thousand Oaks, Calif., is being awarded a $45,194,148 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6311) for the production and support of 586 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Vehicle mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RCIED. This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by the military service of the Air Force for the Global War on Terror. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense. Work will be performed in Thousand Oaks, Calif. (87 percent) and Lancaster, Calif. (13 percent) and is expected to be complete by November 2008. 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.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Foster Fuels, Inc., Brookneal, Va.* is being awarded a maximum $55,000,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for providing complete ground fuel support. Other locations of performance are in Texas, Louisiana, Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Using services are Federal Civilian Agencies. This proposal was originally solicited on FedBizOps with one response. This contract has a one year base period and two one-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 10, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-08-D-4000).

Link-Belt Construction Equipment Co., Lexington, Ky., is being awarded a maximum $21,233,151.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for 50 ton rough terrain crane, manuals and spare parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally seven proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-01-D-0103-0012).

Eaton Aeroquip, Jackson, Mich. is being awarded a maximum $16,553,445.15 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for aircraft parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally 21 proposals solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 7, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus, Columbus, Ohio (SPM7AX-08-D-9002).

Adams Brothers Produce Co., Inc., Birmingham, Ala.* is being awarded a maximum $7,616,239.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, total set-aside contract for fresh fruit and vegetables support. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and U.S. Department of Agriculture. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Oct. 10, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-P044).

AIR FORCE

Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a contract for $26,092,199. This action will provide chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense concepts, capability integration and development for the Joint Requirements Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense. At this time $7,469,280 has been obligated. Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180, Delivery Order: 0537).

Rockwell Collins, Inc., Government Systems of Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a modified firm fixed price contract for $21,765,082. This contract modification exercises production options for the purchase of 9,746 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGRs) and accessories. The DAGR will provide authorized Department of Defense (DoD) and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) users of GPS User Equipment (UE) a Precise Positioning System (PPS), hand-held, dual-frequency (L1/L2), lightweight receiver (less than one pound) that incorporates the next generation, tamper-resistant GPS "SAASM" (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) Security module. The DAGR will serve as a replacement for the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) in integrated platforms as well as for the advanced and basic GPS user. At this time $21,765,082 has been obligated. El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0011; Modification No. P00061).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a modified fixed price incentive firm contract for $21,332,347. This contract will provide for long lead associated with five Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload Sensors to be procured in conjunction with Global Hawk Lot 8 Air Vehicles. At this time $21,332,347 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-C-3001 P00001).

L3 Communications Cincinnati Electronics Corp. of Mason, Ohio, is being awarded a firm fixed price price incentive firm contract for $10,747,021. This action provides for Sensor Unit (SU) Upgrade for AN/AAR-44 program: Sensor Unit Modification Kit 210 each; Unit Test Set 23 each; Channel Acquisition Circuit Card Assembly (CCA) 20 each; Controller CCA 20 each; Distribution CCA 20 each; Communication Controller CCA 20 each; Test Set Interface CCA 20 each; Test Set Interface CCA 1 LO; Data 1 LO; Travel 1 LO. At this time $10,747,021 has been obligated. Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8509-08-C-0011).

Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a contract for $6,156,138. This action will provide nonclinical, preclinical and drug delivery studies of MMB4 Dimethanesulfonate. At this time $90,676 has been obligated. Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180, Delivery Order: 0540).

ARMY

DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems, Optronics Division, was awarded on April 10, 2008, a $23,300,110 firm-fixed price contract for 7,991 driver's vision enhancer b-kits and associated spares for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Program. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 21, 2003, and three bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-04-C-J202).

Systems Research & Application Corp., Fairfax, Va. was awarded on April 9, 2008. a $20,712,791 cost-plus award fee and firm-fixed price contract for the deployment of all National Geospatial Intelligence Agency's East Mission and Personnel to New Campus East facility. Work will be performed in Sterling, Va. and is expected to be completed by March 12, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Sept. 20, 2007, and two bids were received. National Geospatial Intelligency Agency, Reston, Va., is the contracting activity (HM0140-08-C-0004).

I.L. Fleming, Inc., Midway, Ga. Was awarded on April 10, 2008, a $10,249,500 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Center. Work will be performed at Fort Jackson, S.C., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 9, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 2, 2008, and seven bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga. Is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-C-0021).

UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND

Presidential Airways, Inc., an Aviation Worldwide Services Company of Moyock, N.C., is being awarded a $16,346,186 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for rotary wing aircraft, personnel, equipment, tools, material, maintenance and supervision necessary to perform passenger and cargo air transportation services. Work will be performed in Afghanistan and is expected to start May 01, 2008 to be completed by Nov. 30, 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of this current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (HTC711-08-D-0021).