The DoD and General Services Administration's (GSA) Data-At-Rest Tiger Team (DARTT) has been recognized with several awards for superior performance and accomplishment.
The DARTT is a U.S. government interagency group responsible for data-at-rest (DAR) encryption policies and technology acquisition vehicles. DAR encryption products protect personally identifiable information (PII) and sensitive unclassified data stored on computer and removable storage media.
The DARTT was recognized in January 2008 with the DoD Excellence in Information Assurance Award at the annual DOD Information Assurance Workshop. The award was presented by John Grimes, assistant secretary of defense for network integration and information/DoD chief information officer, and Robert Lentz, deputy assistant secretary of defense for information and identity assurance (DASD IIA).
The DARTT also received the 2008 Intergovernmental Government Solutions Award at the 28th Annual Management of Change Conference on June 9, 2008. The conference and award ceremony were sponsored by the American Council for Technology and the Industry Advisory Council. The DARTT was judged superior in the five qualifying categories:
The programs are intergovernmental and collaborative;
The programs demonstrate technology leadership and innovations
The programs demonstrate business transformation
The programs have measurable impact and results; and
The solution is available and can be replicated.
"Through DoD and GSA leadership of the DARTT, the U.S. government's efforts to protect sensitive and personally identifiable information has been strengthened and improved across the board," said John Johnson, GSA Office of Integrated Technology Services assistant commissioner.
In addition, the Executive Alliance presented Lentz with its Mid-Atlantic Information Security Executive of the Year award at its conference/awards banquet on June 12, 2008.
"This award is an honor that reflects great credit to the team effort of the intergovernmental DARTT, the highly professional people working within the office of the DASD IIA, and the information assurance community across all levels of the U.S. government," said Lentz. "DoD supports intergovernmental, cooperative efforts like this, and we believe it represents a blueprint for future efforts."
More information regarding the Executive Alliance Mid-Atlantic Information Assurance Executive of the Year awards is available at infosecaward.com/regional/midAtlantic.
Friday, July 04, 2008
IndyCar Zooms National Guard Into New Racing Dimension
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - A new relationship with IndyCar promises to propel National Guard recruiting forward and give citizen-soldiers and –airmen a more personal interest in another sport. The new 230-mph, No. 4 National Guard IndyCar was unveiled at the Army National Guard Readiness Center at Arlington Hall here last week.
"We've been involved with NASCAR for a number of years," said Maj. Gen. Ray Carpenter, special assistant to the director of the Army National Guard. "This is the next step in racing for us. It's a great, great opportunity for us to showcase our National Guard capability in a different forum. It's a great, great step forward.
"The benefit for us is that it provides another venue for us to tell the National Guard story and reach out to a target population."
Driven by Vitor Meira for Panther Racing team owner John Barnes, the Dallara IR car has a 3.5-liter Honda Indy V-8 engine and runs on ethanol.
Meira said a visit to wounded Guard members at Brooke Army Medical Center, in San Antonio, was the moment he truly understood what the National Guard stands for.
"I'm gaining so much from every soldier I meet," he said. "It's something very different than other sponsors. We pass the message on -- a message of honor, a message to be proud and stand for the great things this country stands for. I'm really honored to drive the National Guard car. The soldiers influence me. If I drove as good as they perform their duty every day, I would be in the winner's circle every time."
Meira sees common ground between the training he must do and the training soldiers do. "Training is everything in life," he said. "Soldiers and the Guard are a statement of that. The amount that they train and how well they perform their duty is a statement that training is everything."
Adrenaline and the spirit of competition are among Meira's driving forces. "It's my way of life," he said. "It's not work. It's something I was doing as a kid – something I would pay to do and now get paid to do."
The National Guard was the car's primary sponsor at Richmond International Raceway on June 28 and is also scheduled to be on July 6 at Watkins Glen International in New York, on Aug. 9 at the Kentucky Speedway and on Sept. 7 at the Chicagoland Speedway.
Panther Racing hosts up to 200 Guard members at each race. Owner John Barnes is in his 42nd year of racing, and he said he's come full circle: The racing driver who was his father's best friend and best man and who inspired Barnes to enter the world of the track himself was a National Guardsman.
"Now to have the National Guard support my team is unbelievable," he said, "something I never dreamed of."
Sometimes race car drivers are called heroes, Barnes said.
"The true heroes work in this building, and they work at the Guard units across the country, whether it's taking care of floods or tornadoes or whatever," Barnes said. "Every day, 17 governors call the Guard to activate them for something or other, and to know that we have that support as American citizens is just incredible. It's the framework of our country, and it's an honor to be a part of that."
Barnes's car has 18 races scheduled in the 2008 IndyCar series, including appearances in Australia, Canada and Japan.
"Initiatives like this have contributed to the Army National Guard going from 330,000 end strength in June of 2005 to 358,000-plus today," Carpenter said. "There's not been any single silver bullet here. It's taken a collection of NASCAR racing, of what we're doing here with Indy racing and all of the rest of the things we've got out there -- the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program [and] Active First -- have all come together and made this happen."
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - A new relationship with IndyCar promises to propel National Guard recruiting forward and give citizen-soldiers and –airmen a more personal interest in another sport. The new 230-mph, No. 4 National Guard IndyCar was unveiled at the Army National Guard Readiness Center at Arlington Hall here last week.
"We've been involved with NASCAR for a number of years," said Maj. Gen. Ray Carpenter, special assistant to the director of the Army National Guard. "This is the next step in racing for us. It's a great, great opportunity for us to showcase our National Guard capability in a different forum. It's a great, great step forward.
"The benefit for us is that it provides another venue for us to tell the National Guard story and reach out to a target population."
Driven by Vitor Meira for Panther Racing team owner John Barnes, the Dallara IR car has a 3.5-liter Honda Indy V-8 engine and runs on ethanol.
Meira said a visit to wounded Guard members at Brooke Army Medical Center, in San Antonio, was the moment he truly understood what the National Guard stands for.
"I'm gaining so much from every soldier I meet," he said. "It's something very different than other sponsors. We pass the message on -- a message of honor, a message to be proud and stand for the great things this country stands for. I'm really honored to drive the National Guard car. The soldiers influence me. If I drove as good as they perform their duty every day, I would be in the winner's circle every time."
Meira sees common ground between the training he must do and the training soldiers do. "Training is everything in life," he said. "Soldiers and the Guard are a statement of that. The amount that they train and how well they perform their duty is a statement that training is everything."
Adrenaline and the spirit of competition are among Meira's driving forces. "It's my way of life," he said. "It's not work. It's something I was doing as a kid – something I would pay to do and now get paid to do."
The National Guard was the car's primary sponsor at Richmond International Raceway on June 28 and is also scheduled to be on July 6 at Watkins Glen International in New York, on Aug. 9 at the Kentucky Speedway and on Sept. 7 at the Chicagoland Speedway.
Panther Racing hosts up to 200 Guard members at each race. Owner John Barnes is in his 42nd year of racing, and he said he's come full circle: The racing driver who was his father's best friend and best man and who inspired Barnes to enter the world of the track himself was a National Guardsman.
"Now to have the National Guard support my team is unbelievable," he said, "something I never dreamed of."
Sometimes race car drivers are called heroes, Barnes said.
"The true heroes work in this building, and they work at the Guard units across the country, whether it's taking care of floods or tornadoes or whatever," Barnes said. "Every day, 17 governors call the Guard to activate them for something or other, and to know that we have that support as American citizens is just incredible. It's the framework of our country, and it's an honor to be a part of that."
Barnes's car has 18 races scheduled in the 2008 IndyCar series, including appearances in Australia, Canada and Japan.
"Initiatives like this have contributed to the Army National Guard going from 330,000 end strength in June of 2005 to 358,000-plus today," Carpenter said. "There's not been any single silver bullet here. It's taken a collection of NASCAR racing, of what we're doing here with Indy racing and all of the rest of the things we've got out there -- the Guard Recruiting Assistance Program [and] Active First -- have all come together and made this happen."
(Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill serves with the National Guard Bureau.)
National Security Archive Update, July 2, 2008
New! National Security Archive launches Guatemala Project Web site
For more information contact:
Project Director Kate Doyle, kadoyle@gwu.edu
http://www.nsarchive.org/guatemala
Washington, DC, July 2, 2008 - The National Security Archive launches its new Web page for The Guatemala Project today, with links to information, analysis and declassified documents relating to all the Archive's Guatemala work over the past 14 years. After decades of civil war and genocide, Guatemala has become a virtual laboratory of international and transitional justice, with a genocide case underway in a Spanish court, another about a Guatemalan Army death squad logbook before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and teams of researchers combing through the dilapidated archives of the former Guatemalan National Police for evidence of human rights violations committed during the internal conflict.
The new site includes information on:
* The Genocide Case, with summaries of testimonies given this year to the Spanish judge
* The Death Squad Dossier: Military logbook of the disappeared
* The Guatemalan National Police Archives
* Drugs and the Guatemalan Military
* The CIA and plans for assassinations during the 1954 coup
The Guatemala Project, directed by Archive senior analyst Kate Doyle, has been pressing for the release of secret U.S. files on Guatemala since 1994. The project's first objective was to support the investigations of the UN-sponsored truth commission that was charged with analyzing the origins of the country's brutal 36-year civil conflict. After the commission published its report in 1999, the Archive began working with Guatemalan human rights organizations to mine the U.S. records for use in pivotal human rights cases. In the years that followed, the project also assisted in the dissemination and analysis of the first records to emerge from Guatemala's secret archives, including the notorious "death squad dossier."
Visit the new Guatemala Project Web page to read original declassified documents, check out photographs of the recovery of the National Police files, watch videotaped testimony given in the "death squad dossier" case before the Inter-American Human Rights Commission last October, and more.
http://www.nsarchive.org/guatemala
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.
For more information contact:
Project Director Kate Doyle, kadoyle@gwu.edu
http://www.nsarchive.org/guatemala
Washington, DC, July 2, 2008 - The National Security Archive launches its new Web page for The Guatemala Project today, with links to information, analysis and declassified documents relating to all the Archive's Guatemala work over the past 14 years. After decades of civil war and genocide, Guatemala has become a virtual laboratory of international and transitional justice, with a genocide case underway in a Spanish court, another about a Guatemalan Army death squad logbook before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, and teams of researchers combing through the dilapidated archives of the former Guatemalan National Police for evidence of human rights violations committed during the internal conflict.
The new site includes information on:
* The Genocide Case, with summaries of testimonies given this year to the Spanish judge
* The Death Squad Dossier: Military logbook of the disappeared
* The Guatemalan National Police Archives
* Drugs and the Guatemalan Military
* The CIA and plans for assassinations during the 1954 coup
The Guatemala Project, directed by Archive senior analyst Kate Doyle, has been pressing for the release of secret U.S. files on Guatemala since 1994. The project's first objective was to support the investigations of the UN-sponsored truth commission that was charged with analyzing the origins of the country's brutal 36-year civil conflict. After the commission published its report in 1999, the Archive began working with Guatemalan human rights organizations to mine the U.S. records for use in pivotal human rights cases. In the years that followed, the project also assisted in the dissemination and analysis of the first records to emerge from Guatemala's secret archives, including the notorious "death squad dossier."
Visit the new Guatemala Project Web page to read original declassified documents, check out photographs of the recovery of the National Police files, watch videotaped testimony given in the "death squad dossier" case before the Inter-American Human Rights Commission last October, and more.
http://www.nsarchive.org/guatemala
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.
America Supports You: 'Army Wives' Grace Red Carpet at Walter Reed
By Meghan Vittrup
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - The cast of the Lifetime cable network drama "Army Wives" graced the red carpet at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday to help kick off the July Fourth week and salute servicemembers' often-forgotten spouses. "We wanted to hold a screening at Walter Reed because we feel so strongly about honoring the strength and sacrifice of the real military families who inspire our show 'Army Wives' and our nation," Maria Grasso, senior vice president of series for Lifetime Networks, said in a news release.
The United Service Organizations, the Army and other organizations organized the red-carpet event, where cast members Sally Pressman and Brigid Brannagh, and Tanya Biank -- author of "Army Wives: The Unwritten Code of Military Marriage," the book upon which the series is based -- joined dozens of real military spouses in a tribute to their everyday roles in military life.
"I'm here because it means a ton," said Brannagh, who plays Pamela Moran in the series.
"It just means a lot to be here," she said. "All the soldiers, and the Army families and military families, what they do on our behalf is just so unbelievable." She added that it's an honor to be able to bring more attention to military spouses.
Also strolling across the red carpet were Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and his wife. Although the general confessed he hasn't seen the show, his wife, Sheila, said she hasn't missed an episode.
"Right prior to its debut, I traveled around talking to Army families," Mrs. Casey said. "They were peppering me with questions about this, because there's great concern about how we would be depicted. And so I did start to watch from the beginning, because I knew I was going to be asked questions."
Military spouses and families had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the stars and to talk with them and share their stories.
"I don't go through a day without an Army wife coming up to me and really opening up and telling me a story -- like an intimate story -- about their life, about their day-to-day," said Pressman, who plays Roxy LeBlanc on the show. "And I'm speechless and so unbelievably honored and so grateful."
Mitja Ng-Baumhackl, husband of a Navy officer, also attended the red carpet event. "It's actually been a real adventure," Ng-Baumhackl said of being a military spouse. "And there certainly have been a lot of challenges. The 'Army Wives' show actually is so great because it's very authentic at raising those challenges."
Ng-Baumhackl said some of his challenges as a husband have been a little different from those a wife faces. But, he added that he still faces the same challenges that military wives have faced for years, such as finding steady employment and packing up and moving across the country, all the while making sure the kids have an easy transition as well.
After the red carpet arrivals had concluded, the crowd joined Deborah Spera, "Army Wives" executive producer, and Lee Woodruff, wife of ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff, who was injured in Iraq, for a panel discussion. The Woodruffs are co-authors of a book titled "In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing."
Lee Woodruff described her experience as an "army wife." Although she is not the spouse of a servicemember, she said, she has experienced some of the same things military spouses experience, especially after her husband was seriously injured by a roadside bomb while he was embedded with troops in Iraq.
"I want to honor all of you," she said to the military spouses in the audience. "You are my heroes, all of you. I didn't know a lot about the military before Bob got injured, but I do know some of what you go through."
Woodruff spoke about her experience when her husband was in Iraq, hoping she would not get the dreaded phone call learning of an attack that either injured or killed her husband. Indeed, on June 29, 2006, a roadside bomb nearly took his life.
Bob Woodruff spent weeks in the hospital suffering from traumatic brain injuries. During his recovery, the Woodruff family created the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation. The foundation helps ensure that servicemembers with combat-related injuries receive quality long-term treatment.
Lifetime also launched a postcard drive during last night's event. Network officials are encouraging fans to write and send postcards showing their support not only for servicemembers, but also for the families that allow their husbands, wives and children to serve for their country.
Operation Homefront, a nonprofit group that tries to bring a better quality of life to military families, will distribute the postcards to military families. Operation Homefront is a supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports you program. America Supports You connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
An advance screening of "The Hero Returns" -- the "Army Wives" episode that will air July 6 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Lifetime -- capped off the evening at Walter Reed.
"I really think what all the Army wives go through -- and military wives in general -- is so much bigger, so much more than what anyone goes through in a marriage anyway," Brannagh said. "But I would still say that the same skill set that works in a marriage works with the Army and works with your husband -- or your wife."
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - The cast of the Lifetime cable network drama "Army Wives" graced the red carpet at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here yesterday to help kick off the July Fourth week and salute servicemembers' often-forgotten spouses. "We wanted to hold a screening at Walter Reed because we feel so strongly about honoring the strength and sacrifice of the real military families who inspire our show 'Army Wives' and our nation," Maria Grasso, senior vice president of series for Lifetime Networks, said in a news release.
The United Service Organizations, the Army and other organizations organized the red-carpet event, where cast members Sally Pressman and Brigid Brannagh, and Tanya Biank -- author of "Army Wives: The Unwritten Code of Military Marriage," the book upon which the series is based -- joined dozens of real military spouses in a tribute to their everyday roles in military life.
"I'm here because it means a ton," said Brannagh, who plays Pamela Moran in the series.
"It just means a lot to be here," she said. "All the soldiers, and the Army families and military families, what they do on our behalf is just so unbelievable." She added that it's an honor to be able to bring more attention to military spouses.
Also strolling across the red carpet were Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and his wife. Although the general confessed he hasn't seen the show, his wife, Sheila, said she hasn't missed an episode.
"Right prior to its debut, I traveled around talking to Army families," Mrs. Casey said. "They were peppering me with questions about this, because there's great concern about how we would be depicted. And so I did start to watch from the beginning, because I knew I was going to be asked questions."
Military spouses and families had the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the stars and to talk with them and share their stories.
"I don't go through a day without an Army wife coming up to me and really opening up and telling me a story -- like an intimate story -- about their life, about their day-to-day," said Pressman, who plays Roxy LeBlanc on the show. "And I'm speechless and so unbelievably honored and so grateful."
Mitja Ng-Baumhackl, husband of a Navy officer, also attended the red carpet event. "It's actually been a real adventure," Ng-Baumhackl said of being a military spouse. "And there certainly have been a lot of challenges. The 'Army Wives' show actually is so great because it's very authentic at raising those challenges."
Ng-Baumhackl said some of his challenges as a husband have been a little different from those a wife faces. But, he added that he still faces the same challenges that military wives have faced for years, such as finding steady employment and packing up and moving across the country, all the while making sure the kids have an easy transition as well.
After the red carpet arrivals had concluded, the crowd joined Deborah Spera, "Army Wives" executive producer, and Lee Woodruff, wife of ABC News anchor Bob Woodruff, who was injured in Iraq, for a panel discussion. The Woodruffs are co-authors of a book titled "In an Instant: A Family's Journey of Love and Healing."
Lee Woodruff described her experience as an "army wife." Although she is not the spouse of a servicemember, she said, she has experienced some of the same things military spouses experience, especially after her husband was seriously injured by a roadside bomb while he was embedded with troops in Iraq.
"I want to honor all of you," she said to the military spouses in the audience. "You are my heroes, all of you. I didn't know a lot about the military before Bob got injured, but I do know some of what you go through."
Woodruff spoke about her experience when her husband was in Iraq, hoping she would not get the dreaded phone call learning of an attack that either injured or killed her husband. Indeed, on June 29, 2006, a roadside bomb nearly took his life.
Bob Woodruff spent weeks in the hospital suffering from traumatic brain injuries. During his recovery, the Woodruff family created the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation. The foundation helps ensure that servicemembers with combat-related injuries receive quality long-term treatment.
Lifetime also launched a postcard drive during last night's event. Network officials are encouraging fans to write and send postcards showing their support not only for servicemembers, but also for the families that allow their husbands, wives and children to serve for their country.
Operation Homefront, a nonprofit group that tries to bring a better quality of life to military families, will distribute the postcards to military families. Operation Homefront is a supporter of the Defense Department's America Supports you program. America Supports You connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad.
An advance screening of "The Hero Returns" -- the "Army Wives" episode that will air July 6 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on Lifetime -- capped off the evening at Walter Reed.
"I really think what all the Army wives go through -- and military wives in general -- is so much bigger, so much more than what anyone goes through in a marriage anyway," Brannagh said. "But I would still say that the same skill set that works in a marriage works with the Army and works with your husband -- or your wife."
Bush, Mullen Send Independence Day Greetings
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - President Bush and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today issued messages to servicemembers and the American public ahead of the Independence Day holiday. Bush and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen paid tribute to servicemembers past and present who have answered their nation's call to duty.
"On this occasion, we pay special tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces," Bush said, "who have answered freedom's call and defended the values that make America the greatest country on earth."
The president cited the bold and courageous visionaries of two centuries ago for signing the Declaration of Independence.
"Guided by ancient and eternal truths, our forefathers proclaimed to the world that liberty was the natural right of all mankind and in doing so began one of the greatest chapters in human history," he said. "On the Fourth of July, our country commemorates the great achievements of these heroes and reaffirms its unwavering confidence in the power of freedom."
Bush credited desire for freedom as the inspiration of America's founding fathers, and said "belief in the universality of freedom" guides the United States today.
Echoing the president's praise of military members, Mullen offered gratitude to servicemembers on behalf of himself and the Joint Chiefs. He said examples are rare in U.S. history when the upcoming anniversary has fallen at so critical and dangerous a time.
"Al-Qaida has been beaten back in Iraq, but it is not defeated. The Taliban still claws for power in Afghanistan," he said. "Extremists of all kinds all over the world still plot against us, our fellow citizens, and our allies and friends.
"And yet still you serve," he continued. "Still you sacrifice."
Mullen said that as Americans everywhere celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and parades, they will do so grateful for service and sacrifice of U.S. military members.
"Wherever you are, whatever you are doing," he said, addressing servicemembers, "thank you for your service -- and that of your families -- at this critical time. Thank you for the gift of our freedom."
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - President Bush and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today issued messages to servicemembers and the American public ahead of the Independence Day holiday. Bush and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen paid tribute to servicemembers past and present who have answered their nation's call to duty.
"On this occasion, we pay special tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces," Bush said, "who have answered freedom's call and defended the values that make America the greatest country on earth."
The president cited the bold and courageous visionaries of two centuries ago for signing the Declaration of Independence.
"Guided by ancient and eternal truths, our forefathers proclaimed to the world that liberty was the natural right of all mankind and in doing so began one of the greatest chapters in human history," he said. "On the Fourth of July, our country commemorates the great achievements of these heroes and reaffirms its unwavering confidence in the power of freedom."
Bush credited desire for freedom as the inspiration of America's founding fathers, and said "belief in the universality of freedom" guides the United States today.
Echoing the president's praise of military members, Mullen offered gratitude to servicemembers on behalf of himself and the Joint Chiefs. He said examples are rare in U.S. history when the upcoming anniversary has fallen at so critical and dangerous a time.
"Al-Qaida has been beaten back in Iraq, but it is not defeated. The Taliban still claws for power in Afghanistan," he said. "Extremists of all kinds all over the world still plot against us, our fellow citizens, and our allies and friends.
"And yet still you serve," he continued. "Still you sacrifice."
Mullen said that as Americans everywhere celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and parades, they will do so grateful for service and sacrifice of U.S. military members.
"Wherever you are, whatever you are doing," he said, addressing servicemembers, "thank you for your service -- and that of your families -- at this critical time. Thank you for the gift of our freedom."
MILITARY CONTRACTS July 2, 2008
AIR FORCE
Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp., of Boulder, Colo., and CACI Technologies of Chantilly, Va., are being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of $15,900,00 (Ball Aerospace) and a maximum of $9,000,000 (CACI). This action will provide for the Systems of Systems Integrated Capability Effectiveness Research program (SICER) will provide rapid response effectiveness assessments (qualitative/quantitative) of integrated layered sensing technologies/concepts through Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory (IDAL) multi-spectral synthetic battle space simulation. The program will conduct applications effectiveness research through man/hardware-in-the-loop simulation to develop/evolve integrated layered sensing technology, concepts and systems. This program will integrate system of systems technologies through real-time simulation that demonstrates the technical benefits/issues that result from the utilization of layered sensing concepts. This program will develop real-time layered sensing composite mission simulation technology and demonstrate integrated mission performance in IDAL generated multi-spectral synthetic battle spaces. This program will conduct collaborative partnership research to evolve integrated system of systems technologies/concepts for layered sensing. At this time $292,860 (Ball Aerospace) and $150,000 (CACI) has been obligated. AFRL/PKDA, Bldg. 167, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-7827, FA8650-08-D-7834).
MacAulay-Brown, Incorp., of Dayton, Ohio, and Defense Research Associates of Beavercreek, Ohio, are being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of $17,450,000 (MacAulay Brown) and a maximum of $7,450,000 (Defense Research Associates). This action will support and conduct Eletro-Optical threat warning research at the Air Force Research Laboratory in the area of laser sensor technology, missile warning, and space protection sensors. This may include electro-optical situational awareness and intelligence collection. In addition, support and operation of the hanger 4B laboratory facilities is required, which is incidental to the research efforts of this program. This contract support includes the operation and maintenance of the laboratory facilities, associated equipment, and any performance upgrades as needed to conduct specific test or research. At this time $350,000 (MacAulay Brown) and $12,500 (Defense Research Associates) has been obligated. AFRL/PKDA, Bldg. 167, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-7826, FA8650-08-D-7833).
The is modifying a cost plus award fee/cost plus fixed fee contract not to exceed $14 million with Raytheon Systems Co., of El Segundo, Calif. This action will provide anti-tamper protection for the Multi Platform-Radar technology Insertion Program. At this time all funds have been obligated. Electronic Systems Center, Directorate of Contracting, Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft Program Office, Hanscom AFB, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-00-C-0100 P00143).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee/cost plus fixed fee contract not to exceed $9.4 million with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., of Sunnyvale, Calif. This contract will primarily improve the system reliability for Flight 19 and 20 of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, as part of the Service Life Extension Program II (SLEP II). The SLEP II tasks consist of the following: Flight 19 and Flight 20 hardness modifications to improve system reliability; Upgrade Telemetry Real-Time Analysis and Display System (TRADS) for Flight 19 processing; Procure Vertical Transport Enclosure (VTE), procure Star Tracker (ST) ground support equipment, update spacecraft thermal model; Swamp Operational Line Scan (OLS)on Flight 19 and install new Operational Line Scan cable on Flight 19 and Flight 20; Develop and execute Flight 19 Glare Suppression Subsystem-B (GSSBs) Sun Shade certification test plan; install connector backshells on Flight 19 and Flight 20; perform System Engineering (SE) analysis and trending of spacecraft data for Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) modification and parts obsolescence/aging impacts. At this time $1,633,744 has been obligated. Space and Missiles Systems Center/Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0003, P00116).
The Air Force is modifying an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of $3,100,000,000 ($850,000,000 increase in total ceiling amount) with General Dynamics Network Systems, Incorporated of Needham, Mass. The Intelligence Information, Command and Control, Equipment and Enhancements (ICE2) contract provides worldwide information technology (IT) sustainment and technical support. The contractor provides computer equipment support consisting of preventive and remedial maintenance of hardware and inventory management. The option period of the contract expires 30 Jun. 2008. This increase will allow task orders to continue to June 2010. At this time no funds have been obligated. Warner-Robins Air Logistics Center, 330 Aircraft Sustainment Wing, 560 Aircraft Sustainment Group, Contracting Division, Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0095-P00008).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
LB&B Associates, Inc., Columbia, Md., is being awarded a minimum $10,003,632.00 firm fixed price contract for fuel services at government-owned, contractor operated facilities. Other location of performance is in Texas. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jun. 30, 2016. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-C-5816).
CAM International USA, Inc., Flowery Branch, Ga., is being awarded a minimum $14,455,378 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in various DoD locations in Colombia, South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1255).
S&H Air Land Fuels Co., Inc., Bogota, Colombia, South America is being awarded a minimum $13,035,020 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in various DoD locations in Colombia, South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-R-0022).
Theodor Wille Intertrade, Bischofisheim, Germany is being awarded a maximum $39,553,245 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. Other locations of performance are in Georgia and New Jersey. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and hospitals and child development Centers. There was originally one sole-source proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-2985).
Ebrex Food Services Sarl, Geneve, Switzerland is being awarded a maximum $33,431,184 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. Other locations of performance are in N.J. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and other approved military customers in the Southern Europe zone. There was originally one sole-source proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-3059).
ArmorWorks Enterprises, Chandler, Ariz.*, is being awarded a maximum $13,226,250 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for enhanced side ballistic insert. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-08-D-1083).
Belleville Shoe Mfg., Co., Belleville, Ill. is being awarded a maximum $23,885,722 fixed price with economic price adjustment; indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other locations of performance are in Ark. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. This contract is exercising first option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 9, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1518).
Altama Footwear, Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $19,011,724 fixed price with economic price adjustment; indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other locations of performance are in Puerto Rico and Tenn. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. This contract is exercising first option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 9, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1519).
Wellco Enterprises, Inc., Waynesville, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $14,251,934 fixed price with economic price adjustment; indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other location of performance is Puerto Rico. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. This contract is exercising first option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 9, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1522).
Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc., Nelsonville, Ohio is being awarded a maximum $6,005,001 fixed price with economic price adjustment; indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other location of performance is Puerto Rico. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. This contract is exercising first option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 9, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1523).
Navy
Donovan Commercial Industries, Inc *, Nortonville, Ky., is being awarded an $8,881,800 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Low Hazard Flexible Linear Shaped Charge. This is a V-shaped charge, enclosed in foam, to produce a linear shaped cutting action. The charges come in five lengths and various grains per foot. The explosive cutting tape is designed to produce linear shaped cutting action without producing shrapnel. This is important where remote, fast, and reliable cutting of obstacles is needed. Work will be performed in Nortonville, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $67,523 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with proposals solicited via Federal Business Opportunities, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-JM11).
Army
Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture, Tucson, Ariz., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $101,434,463 firm-fixed price contract for an award of foreign military sales for missile rounds, command launch units, enhanced producibility basic skills trainer, battery coolant units and 1 C-size authorized stockage list spare. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by May 15, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jul. 31, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0136).
Textron Systems Corp., Wilmington, Mass., and Alliant Techsystems, Plymouth, Minn., were awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $38,500,031 cost-plus-incentive fee and firm-fixed price contract for intelligent munitions system ammo reload sets for the SPIDER XM-7 networked munition. Work will be performed in Plymouth, Minn., and Wilmington, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Oct. 22, 2007. Joint Munitions & Lethality, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0154).
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Inc. was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $30,078,815 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of an engineering co. operations facility and military policy company operations facility and sitework. Work will be performed in Fort Carson, Colo., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 15, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 1, 2008, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-08-D-0056).
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., IDS Support Systems, Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $16,757,229 firm-fixed price contract for apache longbow crew trainer image generator upgrade. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Nov. 7, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-G-0005).
Fite Building Co., Inc., Decatur, Ala., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $17,538,449 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a second-phase Systems Software Engineering Annex. Work will be performed at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 28, 2008, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-08-C-0039).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $14,493,233 firm-fixed price contract for a modification of the low-rate initial production sustainment spares for the UH-60M aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on May 3, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH23-02-C-0006).
First Choice Armor & Equipment, Inc., Braintree, Mass., was awarded on Jun. 27, 2008, a $12,319,065 firm-fixed price contract for body armor. Work will be performed in Braintree, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 3, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end o the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jun. 3, 2008, and fifteen were received. Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq/Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (GS-07F-9495G).
Pease Construction, Inc., Lakewood, Wash., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $11,844,343 firm-fixed price construction contract for the construction of a railroad upgrade and locomotive maintenance facility. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 6, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Apr. 17, 2008, and six bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-08-C-0010).
Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $7,028,805 firm-fixed price contract for thermal sight systems and various line replaceable unit spares. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited on Apr. 7, 2008. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-02-C-M001).
VT Griffin Services, Inc., Alpharetta, Ga., was awarded on Jul. 1, 2008, a $5,590,300 firm-fixed price contract for buildings and ground maintenance and repair, vehicle and equipment maintenance, supply support, facility issue, transportation, solid waste management, energy management, environmental support, mobilization management, engineering design, real property management and master planning. Work will be performed at Fort McCoy, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 5, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jun. 29, 2001, and one bid was received. Army Contracting Command, Fort McCoy, Wis., is the contracting activity (DAKF61-02-C-0016).
Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp., of Boulder, Colo., and CACI Technologies of Chantilly, Va., are being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of $15,900,00 (Ball Aerospace) and a maximum of $9,000,000 (CACI). This action will provide for the Systems of Systems Integrated Capability Effectiveness Research program (SICER) will provide rapid response effectiveness assessments (qualitative/quantitative) of integrated layered sensing technologies/concepts through Integrated Demonstrations and Applications Laboratory (IDAL) multi-spectral synthetic battle space simulation. The program will conduct applications effectiveness research through man/hardware-in-the-loop simulation to develop/evolve integrated layered sensing technology, concepts and systems. This program will integrate system of systems technologies through real-time simulation that demonstrates the technical benefits/issues that result from the utilization of layered sensing concepts. This program will develop real-time layered sensing composite mission simulation technology and demonstrate integrated mission performance in IDAL generated multi-spectral synthetic battle spaces. This program will conduct collaborative partnership research to evolve integrated system of systems technologies/concepts for layered sensing. At this time $292,860 (Ball Aerospace) and $150,000 (CACI) has been obligated. AFRL/PKDA, Bldg. 167, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-7827, FA8650-08-D-7834).
MacAulay-Brown, Incorp., of Dayton, Ohio, and Defense Research Associates of Beavercreek, Ohio, are being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of $17,450,000 (MacAulay Brown) and a maximum of $7,450,000 (Defense Research Associates). This action will support and conduct Eletro-Optical threat warning research at the Air Force Research Laboratory in the area of laser sensor technology, missile warning, and space protection sensors. This may include electro-optical situational awareness and intelligence collection. In addition, support and operation of the hanger 4B laboratory facilities is required, which is incidental to the research efforts of this program. This contract support includes the operation and maintenance of the laboratory facilities, associated equipment, and any performance upgrades as needed to conduct specific test or research. At this time $350,000 (MacAulay Brown) and $12,500 (Defense Research Associates) has been obligated. AFRL/PKDA, Bldg. 167, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-08-D-7826, FA8650-08-D-7833).
The is modifying a cost plus award fee/cost plus fixed fee contract not to exceed $14 million with Raytheon Systems Co., of El Segundo, Calif. This action will provide anti-tamper protection for the Multi Platform-Radar technology Insertion Program. At this time all funds have been obligated. Electronic Systems Center, Directorate of Contracting, Multi-Sensor Command and Control Aircraft Program Office, Hanscom AFB, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-00-C-0100 P00143).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee/cost plus fixed fee contract not to exceed $9.4 million with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., of Sunnyvale, Calif. This contract will primarily improve the system reliability for Flight 19 and 20 of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, as part of the Service Life Extension Program II (SLEP II). The SLEP II tasks consist of the following: Flight 19 and Flight 20 hardness modifications to improve system reliability; Upgrade Telemetry Real-Time Analysis and Display System (TRADS) for Flight 19 processing; Procure Vertical Transport Enclosure (VTE), procure Star Tracker (ST) ground support equipment, update spacecraft thermal model; Swamp Operational Line Scan (OLS)on Flight 19 and install new Operational Line Scan cable on Flight 19 and Flight 20; Develop and execute Flight 19 Glare Suppression Subsystem-B (GSSBs) Sun Shade certification test plan; install connector backshells on Flight 19 and Flight 20; perform System Engineering (SE) analysis and trending of spacecraft data for Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) modification and parts obsolescence/aging impacts. At this time $1,633,744 has been obligated. Space and Missiles Systems Center/Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0003, P00116).
The Air Force is modifying an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of $3,100,000,000 ($850,000,000 increase in total ceiling amount) with General Dynamics Network Systems, Incorporated of Needham, Mass. The Intelligence Information, Command and Control, Equipment and Enhancements (ICE2) contract provides worldwide information technology (IT) sustainment and technical support. The contractor provides computer equipment support consisting of preventive and remedial maintenance of hardware and inventory management. The option period of the contract expires 30 Jun. 2008. This increase will allow task orders to continue to June 2010. At this time no funds have been obligated. Warner-Robins Air Logistics Center, 330 Aircraft Sustainment Wing, 560 Aircraft Sustainment Group, Contracting Division, Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0095-P00008).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
LB&B Associates, Inc., Columbia, Md., is being awarded a minimum $10,003,632.00 firm fixed price contract for fuel services at government-owned, contractor operated facilities. Other location of performance is in Texas. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jun. 30, 2016. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-C-5816).
CAM International USA, Inc., Flowery Branch, Ga., is being awarded a minimum $14,455,378 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in various DoD locations in Colombia, South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-1255).
S&H Air Land Fuels Co., Inc., Bogota, Colombia, South America is being awarded a minimum $13,035,020 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other locations of performance are in various DoD locations in Colombia, South America. Using services are Army and Air Force. There were originally nine proposals solicited with nine responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 31, 2011. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-R-0022).
Theodor Wille Intertrade, Bischofisheim, Germany is being awarded a maximum $39,553,245 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. Other locations of performance are in Georgia and New Jersey. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and hospitals and child development Centers. There was originally one sole-source proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-2985).
Ebrex Food Services Sarl, Geneve, Switzerland is being awarded a maximum $33,431,184 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, prime vendor contract for supply and distribution of food and non-food products. Other locations of performance are in N.J. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and other approved military customers in the Southern Europe zone. There was originally one sole-source proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-3059).
ArmorWorks Enterprises, Chandler, Ariz.*, is being awarded a maximum $13,226,250 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for enhanced side ballistic insert. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 2, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-08-D-1083).
Belleville Shoe Mfg., Co., Belleville, Ill. is being awarded a maximum $23,885,722 fixed price with economic price adjustment; indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other locations of performance are in Ark. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. This contract is exercising first option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 9, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1518).
Altama Footwear, Atlanta, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $19,011,724 fixed price with economic price adjustment; indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other locations of performance are in Puerto Rico and Tenn. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. This contract is exercising first option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 9, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1519).
Wellco Enterprises, Inc., Waynesville, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $14,251,934 fixed price with economic price adjustment; indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other location of performance is Puerto Rico. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. This contract is exercising first option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 9, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1522).
Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc., Nelsonville, Ohio is being awarded a maximum $6,005,001 fixed price with economic price adjustment; indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set aside contract for hot weather combat boots. Other location of performance is Puerto Rico. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with nine responses. This contract is exercising first option period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jul. 9, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-07-D-1523).
Navy
Donovan Commercial Industries, Inc *, Nortonville, Ky., is being awarded an $8,881,800 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Low Hazard Flexible Linear Shaped Charge. This is a V-shaped charge, enclosed in foam, to produce a linear shaped cutting action. The charges come in five lengths and various grains per foot. The explosive cutting tape is designed to produce linear shaped cutting action without producing shrapnel. This is important where remote, fast, and reliable cutting of obstacles is needed. Work will be performed in Nortonville, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $67,523 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with proposals solicited via Federal Business Opportunities, with one offer received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-JM11).
Army
Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture, Tucson, Ariz., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $101,434,463 firm-fixed price contract for an award of foreign military sales for missile rounds, command launch units, enhanced producibility basic skills trainer, battery coolant units and 1 C-size authorized stockage list spare. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and Orlando, Fla., and is expected to be completed by May 15, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Jul. 31, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-C-0136).
Textron Systems Corp., Wilmington, Mass., and Alliant Techsystems, Plymouth, Minn., were awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $38,500,031 cost-plus-incentive fee and firm-fixed price contract for intelligent munitions system ammo reload sets for the SPIDER XM-7 networked munition. Work will be performed in Plymouth, Minn., and Wilmington, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Oct. 22, 2007. Joint Munitions & Lethality, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0154).
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Inc. was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $30,078,815 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of an engineering co. operations facility and military policy company operations facility and sitework. Work will be performed in Fort Carson, Colo., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 15, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 1, 2008, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-08-D-0056).
McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Co., IDS Support Systems, Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $16,757,229 firm-fixed price contract for apache longbow crew trainer image generator upgrade. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Nov. 7, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-G-0005).
Fite Building Co., Inc., Decatur, Ala., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $17,538,449 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a second-phase Systems Software Engineering Annex. Work will be performed at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 28, 2008, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-08-C-0039).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $14,493,233 firm-fixed price contract for a modification of the low-rate initial production sustainment spares for the UH-60M aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on May 3, 2007. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH23-02-C-0006).
First Choice Armor & Equipment, Inc., Braintree, Mass., was awarded on Jun. 27, 2008, a $12,319,065 firm-fixed price contract for body armor. Work will be performed in Braintree, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Jun. 3, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end o the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jun. 3, 2008, and fifteen were received. Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq/Joint Contracting Command, Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (GS-07F-9495G).
Pease Construction, Inc., Lakewood, Wash., was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $11,844,343 firm-fixed price construction contract for the construction of a railroad upgrade and locomotive maintenance facility. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 6, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Apr. 17, 2008, and six bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-08-C-0010).
Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded on Jun. 30, 2008, a $7,028,805 firm-fixed price contract for thermal sight systems and various line replaceable unit spares. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Jun. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited on Apr. 7, 2008. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-02-C-M001).
VT Griffin Services, Inc., Alpharetta, Ga., was awarded on Jul. 1, 2008, a $5,590,300 firm-fixed price contract for buildings and ground maintenance and repair, vehicle and equipment maintenance, supply support, facility issue, transportation, solid waste management, energy management, environmental support, mobilization management, engineering design, real property management and master planning. Work will be performed at Fort McCoy, Wis., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 5, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jun. 29, 2001, and one bid was received. Army Contracting Command, Fort McCoy, Wis., is the contracting activity (DAKF61-02-C-0016).
Pentagon Standardizes Enlistment Waiver Reporting System
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - A new enlistment waiver-reporting policy for all of the services that establishes four groupings and uses numeric coding for specific transgressions will assist the Pentagon to better gauge force quality, a senior defense official said here today. By dividing waiver terminology into four separate groupings and employing codes to identify transgressions, "we can keep [better] track of things, judge whether ... to allow more or fewer people in, based on whether that attribute matters to performance and retention," Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, told reporters during a Pentagon news conference.
Each armed service is to align its waiver-reporting procedures according to the new policy guidelines that become effective this fall, Carr said. Each service, he noted, had categorized offenses differently before the change.
The policy change won't affect the high quality of recruits that join today's all-volunteer military, Carr emphasized. Today's soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, he said, are the best quality ever.
Under the new policy, waiver groupings are divided into four categories: traffic offenses, nontraffic offenses, misconduct offenses and major misconduct offenses, Carr explained. Transgressions in the misconduct column are what are commonly known as misdemeanors, he said, while major misconduct transgressions are akin to felonies.
Today, about one in five recruits requires some kind of waiver to enlist, according to Pentagon statistics. About two-thirds of those waivers involve petty infractions of the law; the other third involve health concerns, low aptitude scores and other issues.
Most waivers issued to recruits involve youthful misconduct, according to a Pentagon news release issued today. One-third of medical waivers are issued for too-high body fat, according to the release.
"Waivers have long been a part of the enlistment process, allowing communities a greater voice in identifying young persons who, despite factors such as youthful misconduct, are judged trustworthy and capable, and found fully qualified for service in the armed forces," Carr stated in the news release.
The all-volunteer military that's been in place since July 1, 1973, is a proven success story, David S. C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, reported Feb. 26 during a U.S. House Armed Services Committee hearing.
The vast majority of today's military enlistees meet a high-quality education standard, possessing a high school diploma or a general equivalency degree, Chu told legislators, adding that the percentage of military members with either a high school diploma or a GED surpasses the national average of 80 percent.
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - A new enlistment waiver-reporting policy for all of the services that establishes four groupings and uses numeric coding for specific transgressions will assist the Pentagon to better gauge force quality, a senior defense official said here today. By dividing waiver terminology into four separate groupings and employing codes to identify transgressions, "we can keep [better] track of things, judge whether ... to allow more or fewer people in, based on whether that attribute matters to performance and retention," Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, told reporters during a Pentagon news conference.
Each armed service is to align its waiver-reporting procedures according to the new policy guidelines that become effective this fall, Carr said. Each service, he noted, had categorized offenses differently before the change.
The policy change won't affect the high quality of recruits that join today's all-volunteer military, Carr emphasized. Today's soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, he said, are the best quality ever.
Under the new policy, waiver groupings are divided into four categories: traffic offenses, nontraffic offenses, misconduct offenses and major misconduct offenses, Carr explained. Transgressions in the misconduct column are what are commonly known as misdemeanors, he said, while major misconduct transgressions are akin to felonies.
Today, about one in five recruits requires some kind of waiver to enlist, according to Pentagon statistics. About two-thirds of those waivers involve petty infractions of the law; the other third involve health concerns, low aptitude scores and other issues.
Most waivers issued to recruits involve youthful misconduct, according to a Pentagon news release issued today. One-third of medical waivers are issued for too-high body fat, according to the release.
"Waivers have long been a part of the enlistment process, allowing communities a greater voice in identifying young persons who, despite factors such as youthful misconduct, are judged trustworthy and capable, and found fully qualified for service in the armed forces," Carr stated in the news release.
The all-volunteer military that's been in place since July 1, 1973, is a proven success story, David S. C. Chu, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, reported Feb. 26 during a U.S. House Armed Services Committee hearing.
The vast majority of today's military enlistees meet a high-quality education standard, possessing a high school diploma or a general equivalency degree, Chu told legislators, adding that the percentage of military members with either a high school diploma or a GED surpasses the national average of 80 percent.
AT&T National Kicks Off With Military Salute
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - They may not be on the pro tour yet, but two military children got a taste of the big time when they helped pro golfer Fred Couples kick off the second AT&T National at Congressional Country Club here today. Jeffrey Dahl, 9, of New Jersey and Margaret Rollins, 13, of Virginia, teed up with Couples to hit the ceremonial "shot from around the world" to conclude the opening ceremonies and officially start the week's tournament-related events.
The two were excited about the opportunity as they waited for their 15 minutes of fame. Jeffrey, whose father, New Jersey Air National Guardsman Maj. Thomas Jeffery Dahl, is serving in Pakistan, had even set a goal for the day.
"I want to hit it straight and far," Jeffrey said. "Probably my best drive is about 135 yards."
Their waiting ended when the golf balls they were about to send into the wild blue yonder arrived from the very same place. Five members of the 101st Airborne Division's Screaming Eagle Parachute Demonstration Team carried the golf balls with them as they jumped onto the course.
Nike Golf had shipped drivers and golf balls to military installations in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Afghanistan and the USS Harry S. Truman. A servicemember on each installation and the ship took a swing and sent the balls back to the tournament, where Jeffrey, Margaret and Couples sent them flying once more.
For Margaret, whose father, Army Sgt. Tyrone M. Rollins, is deployed to California, that was the highlight of her experience at Congressional, which is saying something considering her first impressions.
"When I first got here I loved it. I just fell in love with it. I was like, 'Oh, my gosh! This is not like the local golf club,'" she said. "It's not every day you get to play here."
Jeffrey and Margaret were just two of the 20 military kids representing the "Our military Kids" organization who were honored during the event. Each has a parent deployed or who recently returned from deployment.
Our Military Kids provides support to the children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and military reserve personnel through grants for enrichment activities and tutoring.
"The children are having a wonderful time," said Linda Davidson, Our Military Kids co-founder. "They're very excited about the opportunity to be here, and I think it's a great way to recognize them."
In fact, they seemed to be having the time of their lives when they met the members of the Screaming Eagles and got to climb into the team's 1974-model UH-1H helicopter.
The children weren't the only honorees enjoying themselves. The Wounded Warriors Project hosted several injured servicemembers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.
One of those soaking up the ambiance said the day was a blast for all of them.
"They're just ecstatic to be out here," said Dan Nevins, a former soldier. "[For] a lot of the guys, this is the furthest they've been away from the hospital since they've been hurt. They're just out here to enjoy the weather, enjoy the game, enjoy the golf, enjoy the hospitality."
He knows of what he speaks, too. Nevins, who now works for the PGA Tour, deployed to Iraq in January 2004 with his National Guard unit. The soldier was injured Nov. 10 that year when a homemade bomb exploded under his vehicle as his unit was heading out on a mission.
"It got my legs," he said. "The other three guys in the truck, they got their bell rung pretty good, but they were fine."
This is the kind of sacrifice the AT&T National honors, he said. Tiger Woods, who grew up in a military family, hosts the tournament.
The military honors will continue as each day of the tournament is dedicated to a branch of the armed forces. Today the recognition went to the Coast Guard. Tomorrow, the honors go to the Air Force, with the Navy, Marine Corps and Army following on consecutive days.
Our Military Kids and the Wounded Warrior Project are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. AT&T is a corporate sponsor of the Defense Department program.
American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - They may not be on the pro tour yet, but two military children got a taste of the big time when they helped pro golfer Fred Couples kick off the second AT&T National at Congressional Country Club here today. Jeffrey Dahl, 9, of New Jersey and Margaret Rollins, 13, of Virginia, teed up with Couples to hit the ceremonial "shot from around the world" to conclude the opening ceremonies and officially start the week's tournament-related events.
The two were excited about the opportunity as they waited for their 15 minutes of fame. Jeffrey, whose father, New Jersey Air National Guardsman Maj. Thomas Jeffery Dahl, is serving in Pakistan, had even set a goal for the day.
"I want to hit it straight and far," Jeffrey said. "Probably my best drive is about 135 yards."
Their waiting ended when the golf balls they were about to send into the wild blue yonder arrived from the very same place. Five members of the 101st Airborne Division's Screaming Eagle Parachute Demonstration Team carried the golf balls with them as they jumped onto the course.
Nike Golf had shipped drivers and golf balls to military installations in Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, Iraq, Afghanistan and the USS Harry S. Truman. A servicemember on each installation and the ship took a swing and sent the balls back to the tournament, where Jeffrey, Margaret and Couples sent them flying once more.
For Margaret, whose father, Army Sgt. Tyrone M. Rollins, is deployed to California, that was the highlight of her experience at Congressional, which is saying something considering her first impressions.
"When I first got here I loved it. I just fell in love with it. I was like, 'Oh, my gosh! This is not like the local golf club,'" she said. "It's not every day you get to play here."
Jeffrey and Margaret were just two of the 20 military kids representing the "Our military Kids" organization who were honored during the event. Each has a parent deployed or who recently returned from deployment.
Our Military Kids provides support to the children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and military reserve personnel through grants for enrichment activities and tutoring.
"The children are having a wonderful time," said Linda Davidson, Our Military Kids co-founder. "They're very excited about the opportunity to be here, and I think it's a great way to recognize them."
In fact, they seemed to be having the time of their lives when they met the members of the Screaming Eagles and got to climb into the team's 1974-model UH-1H helicopter.
The children weren't the only honorees enjoying themselves. The Wounded Warriors Project hosted several injured servicemembers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here.
One of those soaking up the ambiance said the day was a blast for all of them.
"They're just ecstatic to be out here," said Dan Nevins, a former soldier. "[For] a lot of the guys, this is the furthest they've been away from the hospital since they've been hurt. They're just out here to enjoy the weather, enjoy the game, enjoy the golf, enjoy the hospitality."
He knows of what he speaks, too. Nevins, who now works for the PGA Tour, deployed to Iraq in January 2004 with his National Guard unit. The soldier was injured Nov. 10 that year when a homemade bomb exploded under his vehicle as his unit was heading out on a mission.
"It got my legs," he said. "The other three guys in the truck, they got their bell rung pretty good, but they were fine."
This is the kind of sacrifice the AT&T National honors, he said. Tiger Woods, who grew up in a military family, hosts the tournament.
The military honors will continue as each day of the tournament is dedicated to a branch of the armed forces. Today the recognition went to the Coast Guard. Tomorrow, the honors go to the Air Force, with the Navy, Marine Corps and Army following on consecutive days.
Our Military Kids and the Wounded Warrior Project are supporters of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families serving at home and abroad. AT&T is a corporate sponsor of the Defense Department program.
Acting Air Force Secretary Shares Views With Airmen
By Ed White
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - The U.S. Air Force core values of "integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do" will remain in place, Acting Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said during a visit here yesterday. In his first visit to an Air Force base since being named to the position, Donley held a candid town-hall style meeting with members of Air Force Space Command.
"We are working through the issues confronting the Air Force," he said, referring to the nuclear enterprise issues and others that caused his predecessor to resign. "We need to build back inner confidence in our Air Force, and we need to rebuild our credibility."
Donley outlined three perspectives he brings to the position.
"The first thing you will get from me is 'jointness,'" he said. "The Air Force is one part of a big team." He outlined some of the ways the Air Force contributes to the ongoing joint fight in Iraq, Afghanistan and the war on terrorism, both in the United States and around the world.
"I know the Air Force is contributing lots of mission sets and capabilities, and it is an impressive array, I can tell you," the acting secretary said.
A related theme is support to the war on terrorism.
"This is a priority for this Air Force," he said. "We have more than 30,000 airmen deployed around the world, engaged in the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan."
One of Donley's first acts upon appointment was to visit Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., and speak with wounded airmen. From this visit, he said, he gained an appreciation of their sacrifices and inspiration from them as well, noting that they all expressed their desire to heal quickly and get back into the fight. Donley also recognized those who stand behind and support the people on the front lines.
His third theme, the acting secretary said, is the welfare of airmen. He said that although the Air Force is a technology-driven service, its most important asset is the knowledge, experience and commitment of the people who make it all work to support the warfighter.
"The welfare of our airmen is very important to me," he said, "and I will try to strike the best balance in the Air Force budget between equipment needs and our people."
After addressing his overall concerns, he spoke to the issue closest to Air Force Space Command members right now.
"The Air Force's credibility has been tarnished, and we need to rebuild it," he said. "The Air Force leadership needs to develop a roadmap for the nuclear enterprise to put us on the right track for stewardship of the nuclear mission that the defense establishment and the American people expect from us.
"There is no quicker route to recovery," he continued, "than the power of tens of thousands of airmen and civilians rededicating themselves to the high standards of excellence that have always been the hallmark of the world's best Air Force."
In addition to airmen here, Donley also carried this message to airmen at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.; Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, over two days.
(Ed White works at Air Force Space Command Public Affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 2, 2008 - The U.S. Air Force core values of "integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do" will remain in place, Acting Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said during a visit here yesterday. In his first visit to an Air Force base since being named to the position, Donley held a candid town-hall style meeting with members of Air Force Space Command.
"We are working through the issues confronting the Air Force," he said, referring to the nuclear enterprise issues and others that caused his predecessor to resign. "We need to build back inner confidence in our Air Force, and we need to rebuild our credibility."
Donley outlined three perspectives he brings to the position.
"The first thing you will get from me is 'jointness,'" he said. "The Air Force is one part of a big team." He outlined some of the ways the Air Force contributes to the ongoing joint fight in Iraq, Afghanistan and the war on terrorism, both in the United States and around the world.
"I know the Air Force is contributing lots of mission sets and capabilities, and it is an impressive array, I can tell you," the acting secretary said.
A related theme is support to the war on terrorism.
"This is a priority for this Air Force," he said. "We have more than 30,000 airmen deployed around the world, engaged in the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan."
One of Donley's first acts upon appointment was to visit Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C., and speak with wounded airmen. From this visit, he said, he gained an appreciation of their sacrifices and inspiration from them as well, noting that they all expressed their desire to heal quickly and get back into the fight. Donley also recognized those who stand behind and support the people on the front lines.
His third theme, the acting secretary said, is the welfare of airmen. He said that although the Air Force is a technology-driven service, its most important asset is the knowledge, experience and commitment of the people who make it all work to support the warfighter.
"The welfare of our airmen is very important to me," he said, "and I will try to strike the best balance in the Air Force budget between equipment needs and our people."
After addressing his overall concerns, he spoke to the issue closest to Air Force Space Command members right now.
"The Air Force's credibility has been tarnished, and we need to rebuild it," he said. "The Air Force leadership needs to develop a roadmap for the nuclear enterprise to put us on the right track for stewardship of the nuclear mission that the defense establishment and the American people expect from us.
"There is no quicker route to recovery," he continued, "than the power of tens of thousands of airmen and civilians rededicating themselves to the high standards of excellence that have always been the hallmark of the world's best Air Force."
In addition to airmen here, Donley also carried this message to airmen at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.; Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, over two days.
(Ed White works at Air Force Space Command Public Affairs.)
Face of Defense: Former Sailor Builds Future as Soldier
By Army Pvt. Christopher McKenna
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 1, 2008 - During his 13 years in the Navy, Craig Bedard learned how to fight fires. He transitioned to the Army to continue serving his country and to learn a new skill he hopes to practice after his time in the military comes to an end. Now an Army staff sergeant, Bedard works as the force protection noncommissioned officer in charge for the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He conducts assessments to make sure things are running smoothly with the systems at different bases. He said his work, though much different from his years as a firefighter with the Navy, is valuable to him.
"Dealing with surveillance systems is something I plan to continue doing outside of the military," Bedard said. "I'm looking into becoming an aerostat technician at the U.S.-Mexico border [as a field service representative]," he said.
This is Bedard's first deployment since transitioning to the Army two and a half years ago. He made the transition through a program known as "Blue to Green," which helped him continue his service uninterrupted.
"I track and maintain all the surveillance systems in the [area of operations], so if there is an issue, they will call me and I can try and bring a solution to the problem at the lowest level possible," Bedard said. "If that's not possible, then I will get the field service representative contractors and send them out to fix it."
Bedard said he dreamed of serving his country early on in life.
"It was around my junior year of high school when I had a good idea of what I was going to do," Bedard said. "I went into the Navy directly out of high school and served nearly 13 years as a fireman or, as the Navy calls it, a damage control man."
From a primarily Navy family, the Cranston, R.I., native was influenced by his uncles to join the military in 1992. He said his family stood behind his decision and continues to support him staying.
Bedard said he understands, though, that deployments are trying times for family members, having served many deployments during his time in the Navy.
"While in the Navy, I did five deployments here to Iraq, and also deployed to Europe, Asia, Russia and South America," he said. "Each deployment was six months long."
His mission here is a drastic change from fighting fires in the Navy, Bedard said, but he added that he is pleasantly surprised with this deployment.
Bedard noted that living in a containerized housing unit here and eating at a dining facility every day is not what he expected from this deployment.
"The quality of life is much better than I anticipated," he said. "I had heard stories from people who were out here for the invasion, and I was expecting to be living in a tent, out of a bag and eating three [field-ration meals] a day."
(Army Pvt. Christopher McKenna serves in the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
July 1, 2008 - During his 13 years in the Navy, Craig Bedard learned how to fight fires. He transitioned to the Army to continue serving his country and to learn a new skill he hopes to practice after his time in the military comes to an end. Now an Army staff sergeant, Bedard works as the force protection noncommissioned officer in charge for the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He conducts assessments to make sure things are running smoothly with the systems at different bases. He said his work, though much different from his years as a firefighter with the Navy, is valuable to him.
"Dealing with surveillance systems is something I plan to continue doing outside of the military," Bedard said. "I'm looking into becoming an aerostat technician at the U.S.-Mexico border [as a field service representative]," he said.
This is Bedard's first deployment since transitioning to the Army two and a half years ago. He made the transition through a program known as "Blue to Green," which helped him continue his service uninterrupted.
"I track and maintain all the surveillance systems in the [area of operations], so if there is an issue, they will call me and I can try and bring a solution to the problem at the lowest level possible," Bedard said. "If that's not possible, then I will get the field service representative contractors and send them out to fix it."
Bedard said he dreamed of serving his country early on in life.
"It was around my junior year of high school when I had a good idea of what I was going to do," Bedard said. "I went into the Navy directly out of high school and served nearly 13 years as a fireman or, as the Navy calls it, a damage control man."
From a primarily Navy family, the Cranston, R.I., native was influenced by his uncles to join the military in 1992. He said his family stood behind his decision and continues to support him staying.
Bedard said he understands, though, that deployments are trying times for family members, having served many deployments during his time in the Navy.
"While in the Navy, I did five deployments here to Iraq, and also deployed to Europe, Asia, Russia and South America," he said. "Each deployment was six months long."
His mission here is a drastic change from fighting fires in the Navy, Bedard said, but he added that he is pleasantly surprised with this deployment.
Bedard noted that living in a containerized housing unit here and eating at a dining facility every day is not what he expected from this deployment.
"The quality of life is much better than I anticipated," he said. "I had heard stories from people who were out here for the invasion, and I was expecting to be living in a tent, out of a bag and eating three [field-ration meals] a day."
(Army Pvt. Christopher McKenna serves in the 101st Airborne Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
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