By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The Coast Guard is testing and compiling initial lessons learned from its ongoing Arctic operations, a senior officer said last week. "It became obvious to me 18 months to two years ago that with the retreat of the multiyear polar sea ice, the Coast Guard was going to have to do more than it had in the past to provide maritime safety and security to northern and western Alaska, the Arctic Ocean and the Beaufort Sea," Coast Guard Rear Adm. Arthur E. Brooks, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District, told bloggers and online journalists during a teleconference on Aug. 21.
If the mission expands to include northern and western Alaska and the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas in the Arctic, the Coast Guard ultimately would need more units and more people to successfully carry out operations in the harsh environment, though this would require a national decision, Brooks said.
"Through the spring and summer, we've been conducting a test bed for moving various Coast Guard units into the Arctic environment and determining their suitability for service in northern Alaska," the admiral said.
Brooks added that the Coast Guard recently completed tests in Barrow, Alaska, for a forward operation location with two small boats and two H-65 helicopters; conducted a security exercise in Prudhoe Bay, and deployed a 378-foot high-endurance cutter to the North Slope.
"The biggest hazard, frankly, is ensuring that we avoid sea ice," Brooks said. "And the second issue is [that] helicopter operations will be constrained, because in the Arctic ... we have a concern with the ability to self-rescue."
Brooks added that the lack of organic capability is one of the hindrances to operating in the harsh environment of the Arctic.
"There's no infrastructure," he said. "So, when you start launching helicopters [and] sending boats over the horizon, you now have to worry about how do you get them back?"
Another problem when working in the Arctic, the admiral said, is not having the background information.
"For example, if I have a ship of a certain size, with a certain crew and a certain cargo, inbound to New York at Ambrose, we understand what that means because we know the infrastructure," he explained. "We know the traffic patterns. We know past history with the company. We know all the surrounding information for a vessel contact in much of the world."
Brooks said the Coast Guard is learning that the Arctic is a unique place that requires very expensive tools and a lot more infrastructure than it currently enjoys. For example, polar icebreakers, which the Coast Guard used for the first time in April in the north Bering Sea, are necessary.
"In order to project a surface presence in that part of the world for any extended period of time, [we] very quickly realize that because of the weather conditions -- meaning that even though it's more ice–free than ever, there's still ice much of the year -- and the distances involved, these places are very far away," he said. "It requires polar icebreakers."
Brooks added that there is still time to prepare the infrastructure, because ship traffic is low now through the Bering Strait and along the North Slope.
"The issue of the full-function operations -- the requirement to do everything we do in southern Alaska in northern Alaska, at least seasonally -- will take several years, perhaps up to five years to ramp up to a capability," Brooks said.
Enhanced marine safety and security on newly opened waterways is one of the main reasons for the effort, the admiral said.
"And, that's why we're pushing forward, to be positioned and to be prepared to ensure that we don't have a Titanic of the north, like the motor vessel Explorer in Antarctica last November," he said. The Canadian cruise ship sank after hitting submerged ice. All 154 people aboard were rescued.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Law Firm Offers Careers, Support to Guard, Reserve Members
By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - Because they are military veterans and have a unique understanding of the sacrifices servicemembers make, some of the top leaders of the law firm Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice have created a military-friendly work environment that supports not only veterans, but also employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. The law firm has many policies and programs in place to support its employees who serve part-time in the military, and for its efforts in this area, it is receiving the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, a business law firm with headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C., has 11 offices along the East Coast. The law firm has several employees who have been deployed with the National Guard and Reserve, and the firm goes above and beyond legal requirements to make sure these employees are taken care of when they're gone, said Bruce Buchanan, marketing copywriter for the firm, who prepared the nomination for the Freedom Award.
When an employee is deployed, the law firm makes up the difference in the employee's military pay vs. what he would make at the firm, Buchanan said. In that pay differential, the firm includes the total amount the employee would make with bonuses and overtime, not just base salary, he said.
The firm also continues health, dental, life and disability insurance for the employee and his family, and any time employees spend on active duty counts toward the community service hours all attorneys are expected to perform, he said. The company also gives all employees in the National Guard or Reserve 10 days a year to complete military training.
The firm also does other "informal" support activities, such as sending care packages and cards to deployed employees and organizing drives to collect items for the troops, Buchanan said.
"It's very simple. These are the people who are protecting our safety and guarding our freedom, and anything we can do for them is just a very small token compared to what they do for us," Buchanan said. "Certainly, we can never repay the men and women in the armed forces for all their hard work and sacrifice. We do all we can, but you can never do enough."
Chris Geis, a judge advocate general officer with the Navy and a lawyer with Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, knows about the firm's support efforts firsthand. Geis, who served on active duty for four and a half years and is now in the Navy Reserve, has been deployed twice. His first deployment was on active duty, but his second deployment came after he joined the reserve and became an employee of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice.
Geis was deployed two years ago to Kuwait, and the firm took care of him throughout his time there, he said. The company made up the difference in his pay, and his coworkers wrote him letters and even helped him with the legal services he was providing to the sailors in his unit. The support continued after his deployment as well, he said.
"When I got back, it was not only as if I had never left, but they just showered me with attention and appreciation," he said. "I was very grateful for that."
Geis said he enjoys working for Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice because of the military culture. Many of the employees are former military, including the office administrators in four of the firm's offices, and that makes the company as a whole more appreciative of servicemembers and the sacrifices they make, he said. His military experience also helps him in his civilian job, he said.
"You get a great perspective being in the military, not only because you know what's important in life, but you are constantly in touch with a culture that values integrity, commitment, duty, and things like that," he said. "And the other thing is, you are constantly dealing with all types of people in the military, and that helps you deal with your clients as a civilian lawyer."
The firm's leadership also recognizes the added value of employees with military experience, Buchanan said. In fact, the firm actively seeks to employ National Guard and Reserve members and retired military personnel.
"We've had good experiences with those people. They typically have very strong leadership skills, are willing and able to accept responsibility and have a proven track record of performance in the military," he said.
Everyone at the firm was very excited to hear about the Freedom Award, Buchanan said. Receiving the award is a huge honor, but is also very humbling, he said. "Anything we do is only a small gesture compared to what the men and women in the armed forces do," he said. "We're very honored."
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - Because they are military veterans and have a unique understanding of the sacrifices servicemembers make, some of the top leaders of the law firm Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice have created a military-friendly work environment that supports not only veterans, but also employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. The law firm has many policies and programs in place to support its employees who serve part-time in the military, and for its efforts in this area, it is receiving the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, a business law firm with headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C., has 11 offices along the East Coast. The law firm has several employees who have been deployed with the National Guard and Reserve, and the firm goes above and beyond legal requirements to make sure these employees are taken care of when they're gone, said Bruce Buchanan, marketing copywriter for the firm, who prepared the nomination for the Freedom Award.
When an employee is deployed, the law firm makes up the difference in the employee's military pay vs. what he would make at the firm, Buchanan said. In that pay differential, the firm includes the total amount the employee would make with bonuses and overtime, not just base salary, he said.
The firm also continues health, dental, life and disability insurance for the employee and his family, and any time employees spend on active duty counts toward the community service hours all attorneys are expected to perform, he said. The company also gives all employees in the National Guard or Reserve 10 days a year to complete military training.
The firm also does other "informal" support activities, such as sending care packages and cards to deployed employees and organizing drives to collect items for the troops, Buchanan said.
"It's very simple. These are the people who are protecting our safety and guarding our freedom, and anything we can do for them is just a very small token compared to what they do for us," Buchanan said. "Certainly, we can never repay the men and women in the armed forces for all their hard work and sacrifice. We do all we can, but you can never do enough."
Chris Geis, a judge advocate general officer with the Navy and a lawyer with Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, knows about the firm's support efforts firsthand. Geis, who served on active duty for four and a half years and is now in the Navy Reserve, has been deployed twice. His first deployment was on active duty, but his second deployment came after he joined the reserve and became an employee of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice.
Geis was deployed two years ago to Kuwait, and the firm took care of him throughout his time there, he said. The company made up the difference in his pay, and his coworkers wrote him letters and even helped him with the legal services he was providing to the sailors in his unit. The support continued after his deployment as well, he said.
"When I got back, it was not only as if I had never left, but they just showered me with attention and appreciation," he said. "I was very grateful for that."
Geis said he enjoys working for Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice because of the military culture. Many of the employees are former military, including the office administrators in four of the firm's offices, and that makes the company as a whole more appreciative of servicemembers and the sacrifices they make, he said. His military experience also helps him in his civilian job, he said.
"You get a great perspective being in the military, not only because you know what's important in life, but you are constantly in touch with a culture that values integrity, commitment, duty, and things like that," he said. "And the other thing is, you are constantly dealing with all types of people in the military, and that helps you deal with your clients as a civilian lawyer."
The firm's leadership also recognizes the added value of employees with military experience, Buchanan said. In fact, the firm actively seeks to employ National Guard and Reserve members and retired military personnel.
"We've had good experiences with those people. They typically have very strong leadership skills, are willing and able to accept responsibility and have a proven track record of performance in the military," he said.
Everyone at the firm was very excited to hear about the Freedom Award, Buchanan said. Receiving the award is a huge honor, but is also very humbling, he said. "Anything we do is only a small gesture compared to what the men and women in the armed forces do," he said. "We're very honored."
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
U.S. Official Says NATO Benefits From Missile Agreement
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The agreement between the United States and Poland on ballistic missile defense is important for the relationship between the two countries and for the NATO alliance, a senior State Department official said today. John C. Rood, acting undersecretary of state for arms control and international security -- who helped to negotiate the agreement -- talked with reporters at the State Department today.
The agreement, signed Aug. 20, will allow the United States to place 10 interceptor missiles in Poland to defend the European NATO allies from a missile strike from a rogue state like Iran. A radar site for the system will be built in the Czech Republic.
There are two pieces to the agreement, Rood said. "One is a ballistic missile defense agreement," he said. "The second is a declaration on a strategic cooperation between the United States and Poland."
The missile defense agreement is the culmination of a NATO initiative approved by alliance leaders at the alliance's summit in Bucharest, Romania, in April. NATO leaders agreed that the missile threat from rogue regimes was growing, and that a system needed to be in place. The summit also called to expand this initial area by exploring options for a NATO-wide architecture for missile defense.
"This capability will be very important to our NATO allies, for their security, just as it's very important for the United States and Poland," Rood said.
NATO remains concerned about the missile threat. "As if on cue, the Iranians just in the last couple of weeks have launched a space launch vehicle, which again demonstrates additional capabilities and underscores the concerns we have about the growing missile threat from countries like Iran," Rood said. "It's not limited to Iran, I should hasten to add, but it's certainly an additional matter."
The agreement covers how the missile defense facility would be operated, Rood said. It also covers what the respective roles of the different parties would be, and their rights.
For example, he said, the United States has undertaken a commitment not to conduct flight tests of the ballistic defense interceptors that would be stationed there out of that site.
The agreement also covers other issues such as command and control, protection of the environment and base access.
The strategic cooperation declaration is the political agreement between the countries. In it, the two countries agreed to deepen and expand security relationships, Rood said. The agreement looks at ways to increase cooperation and establishes a framework to work together through establishing a high-level strategic cooperation consultative group.
"We also talked about the desire of the United States and Poland to pursue cooperation involving air and missile defense cooperation," he said.
The agreement commits the United States to deploy an Army Patriot battery to Poland.
"We'll begin those deployments once, of course, we reach the necessary agreements with the Poles, and that could begin next year," Rood said. "And then we set the goal of establishing a garrison for the U.S. Army Patriot battery in Poland by the year 2012."
Other aspects -- such as information sharing, defense-industrial research and technology cooperation -- also are discussed in the agreement.
"It's a pretty broad coverage in terms of the subject matter in that document, and I think it's befitting of the fact that this is going to be a ... substantially changed relationship between the United States and Poland, in that you will have a much greater level of defense cooperation," Rood said.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The agreement between the United States and Poland on ballistic missile defense is important for the relationship between the two countries and for the NATO alliance, a senior State Department official said today. John C. Rood, acting undersecretary of state for arms control and international security -- who helped to negotiate the agreement -- talked with reporters at the State Department today.
The agreement, signed Aug. 20, will allow the United States to place 10 interceptor missiles in Poland to defend the European NATO allies from a missile strike from a rogue state like Iran. A radar site for the system will be built in the Czech Republic.
There are two pieces to the agreement, Rood said. "One is a ballistic missile defense agreement," he said. "The second is a declaration on a strategic cooperation between the United States and Poland."
The missile defense agreement is the culmination of a NATO initiative approved by alliance leaders at the alliance's summit in Bucharest, Romania, in April. NATO leaders agreed that the missile threat from rogue regimes was growing, and that a system needed to be in place. The summit also called to expand this initial area by exploring options for a NATO-wide architecture for missile defense.
"This capability will be very important to our NATO allies, for their security, just as it's very important for the United States and Poland," Rood said.
NATO remains concerned about the missile threat. "As if on cue, the Iranians just in the last couple of weeks have launched a space launch vehicle, which again demonstrates additional capabilities and underscores the concerns we have about the growing missile threat from countries like Iran," Rood said. "It's not limited to Iran, I should hasten to add, but it's certainly an additional matter."
The agreement covers how the missile defense facility would be operated, Rood said. It also covers what the respective roles of the different parties would be, and their rights.
For example, he said, the United States has undertaken a commitment not to conduct flight tests of the ballistic defense interceptors that would be stationed there out of that site.
The agreement also covers other issues such as command and control, protection of the environment and base access.
The strategic cooperation declaration is the political agreement between the countries. In it, the two countries agreed to deepen and expand security relationships, Rood said. The agreement looks at ways to increase cooperation and establishes a framework to work together through establishing a high-level strategic cooperation consultative group.
"We also talked about the desire of the United States and Poland to pursue cooperation involving air and missile defense cooperation," he said.
The agreement commits the United States to deploy an Army Patriot battery to Poland.
"We'll begin those deployments once, of course, we reach the necessary agreements with the Poles, and that could begin next year," Rood said. "And then we set the goal of establishing a garrison for the U.S. Army Patriot battery in Poland by the year 2012."
Other aspects -- such as information sharing, defense-industrial research and technology cooperation -- also are discussed in the agreement.
"It's a pretty broad coverage in terms of the subject matter in that document, and I think it's befitting of the fact that this is going to be a ... substantially changed relationship between the United States and Poland, in that you will have a much greater level of defense cooperation," Rood said.
Face of Defense: Soldier Develops Love for Running
By Army Sgt. James Hunter
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - When Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Hess, a native of Lancaster, Ohio, left Fort Campbell, Ky., for Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, he weighed 229 pounds. "I was in the office during (physical training) hours about as often or more as I was outside doing PT during those hours," said Hess, the brigade's paralegal noncommissioned officer in charge. "More than that though, my diet was terrible."
However, soon after arriving in Baghdad, Hess took it upon himself to increase his physical fitness level and lose the weight that was holding him back.
"There were several factors, like overall health and wanting to look and feel better," he said, but the biggest factor to him was being flagged as overweight while under consideration for promotion to sergeant first class.
"I wanted the flag gone before the board convened, and I wanted to be underweight by a solid margin and not just making it," Hess said.
He went online to find the calorie counts for common foods and began to log everything he ate daily to check his calorie count.
Initially, Hess said, he wanted to lower his weight to 185 pounds. "I started with a diet that was high protein, low fat, low carb and eating six to eight times a day," he said.
He lifted weights four to six times a week and ran two to three times a week in the evening, but no more than three or four miles at a time, he said. To his surprise, he gained three pounds, mostly muscle, and decided to step up his routine.
Now his current PT program focuses more on running.
"I run four days per week and do a combination of abs and muscular strength training three days per week on the days I don't run," Hess said.
His running consists of two speed and endurance runs, one easy run and one long run. Weekly, he increases the number of miles he runs. This week, he ran 33.53 miles. By mid-September, he said, he plans to be doing 42 miles per week.
Hess includes half-marathons into his schedule as well, with his best run being 1 hour, 54 minutes, 15 seconds. He said he wants to run the half-marathon in less than an hour and 45 minutes. Once the unit redeploys back to Kentucky, he added, he will run 18 to 24 miles on his long-day runs and keep the other runs under 10 miles to prepare for his goal of completing a marathon.
"In the next month or so, I will register for the Country Music Marathon in Nashville," Hess said. "As it turns out, this race will be on my birthday in April 2009. That will almost certainly be my first official marathon. At this point, I can't possibly imagine it will be my last."
Hess said his wife has joined his pursuit of fitness.
"My wife and I are both trying to alter our lifestyles to be much more aware of our health," he said. "It isn't quite time for my over-40 physical, but I'm not getting any younger, either."
When he went home on environmental leave a few months ago, Hess said, his family noticed the changed.
"My teenage girls kept saying 'Dad got hot,' and 'I can't believe you are wearing teenager clothes,'" Hess said. "Of course, my wife said, 'We need to go shopping!'"
Hess said he feels much better about himself every day as he works off the energy he has gained from dropping 50 pounds and exercising daily. It's also beneficial to his mission in Iraq, where it may seem hard to perform at the top of one's game daily, he said.
"It shows his true dedication to improving his overall physical fitness level and his desire to lead by example," said Army 1st Sgt. William Plummer, a native of McGregor, Minn., assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
As the chief paralegal for the Strike brigade, Hess oversees all legal actions produced through the battalion paralegals and functions as the pay agent for claims. His day-to-day battle rhythm fluctuates often, he said.
"My (job) is such that much of what I do is reactive to whatever is going on," he explained. "A soldier comes in the office and needs a power of attorney, we do that. A first sergeant or commander comes in with a packet for an Article 15, we do that. Unless I'm going out on a claims mission, it's really difficult for me to say what I will be doing from one day to the next."
At the Iraqi Assistance Center in Baghdad, Hess pays out claims for compensation to Iraqi local nationals who were injured or whose homes or property were damaged by coalition forces.
"Hess has always been a dedicated NCO, putting 100 percent into his work and taking care of both his technical and tactical responsibilities," Plummer said.
Hess' determination is evident in his daily activities as he continues to strive to become a healthier, strong-bodied individual.
As Hess put it, "If you want to test a man's body, make him run two miles; if you want to test his mind, make him run 20."
Hess will be promoted to sergeant first class Sept. 1.
(Army Sgt. James Hunter serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - When Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Hess, a native of Lancaster, Ohio, left Fort Campbell, Ky., for Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, he weighed 229 pounds. "I was in the office during (physical training) hours about as often or more as I was outside doing PT during those hours," said Hess, the brigade's paralegal noncommissioned officer in charge. "More than that though, my diet was terrible."
However, soon after arriving in Baghdad, Hess took it upon himself to increase his physical fitness level and lose the weight that was holding him back.
"There were several factors, like overall health and wanting to look and feel better," he said, but the biggest factor to him was being flagged as overweight while under consideration for promotion to sergeant first class.
"I wanted the flag gone before the board convened, and I wanted to be underweight by a solid margin and not just making it," Hess said.
He went online to find the calorie counts for common foods and began to log everything he ate daily to check his calorie count.
Initially, Hess said, he wanted to lower his weight to 185 pounds. "I started with a diet that was high protein, low fat, low carb and eating six to eight times a day," he said.
He lifted weights four to six times a week and ran two to three times a week in the evening, but no more than three or four miles at a time, he said. To his surprise, he gained three pounds, mostly muscle, and decided to step up his routine.
Now his current PT program focuses more on running.
"I run four days per week and do a combination of abs and muscular strength training three days per week on the days I don't run," Hess said.
His running consists of two speed and endurance runs, one easy run and one long run. Weekly, he increases the number of miles he runs. This week, he ran 33.53 miles. By mid-September, he said, he plans to be doing 42 miles per week.
Hess includes half-marathons into his schedule as well, with his best run being 1 hour, 54 minutes, 15 seconds. He said he wants to run the half-marathon in less than an hour and 45 minutes. Once the unit redeploys back to Kentucky, he added, he will run 18 to 24 miles on his long-day runs and keep the other runs under 10 miles to prepare for his goal of completing a marathon.
"In the next month or so, I will register for the Country Music Marathon in Nashville," Hess said. "As it turns out, this race will be on my birthday in April 2009. That will almost certainly be my first official marathon. At this point, I can't possibly imagine it will be my last."
Hess said his wife has joined his pursuit of fitness.
"My wife and I are both trying to alter our lifestyles to be much more aware of our health," he said. "It isn't quite time for my over-40 physical, but I'm not getting any younger, either."
When he went home on environmental leave a few months ago, Hess said, his family noticed the changed.
"My teenage girls kept saying 'Dad got hot,' and 'I can't believe you are wearing teenager clothes,'" Hess said. "Of course, my wife said, 'We need to go shopping!'"
Hess said he feels much better about himself every day as he works off the energy he has gained from dropping 50 pounds and exercising daily. It's also beneficial to his mission in Iraq, where it may seem hard to perform at the top of one's game daily, he said.
"It shows his true dedication to improving his overall physical fitness level and his desire to lead by example," said Army 1st Sgt. William Plummer, a native of McGregor, Minn., assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
As the chief paralegal for the Strike brigade, Hess oversees all legal actions produced through the battalion paralegals and functions as the pay agent for claims. His day-to-day battle rhythm fluctuates often, he said.
"My (job) is such that much of what I do is reactive to whatever is going on," he explained. "A soldier comes in the office and needs a power of attorney, we do that. A first sergeant or commander comes in with a packet for an Article 15, we do that. Unless I'm going out on a claims mission, it's really difficult for me to say what I will be doing from one day to the next."
At the Iraqi Assistance Center in Baghdad, Hess pays out claims for compensation to Iraqi local nationals who were injured or whose homes or property were damaged by coalition forces.
"Hess has always been a dedicated NCO, putting 100 percent into his work and taking care of both his technical and tactical responsibilities," Plummer said.
Hess' determination is evident in his daily activities as he continues to strive to become a healthier, strong-bodied individual.
As Hess put it, "If you want to test a man's body, make him run two miles; if you want to test his mind, make him run 20."
Hess will be promoted to sergeant first class Sept. 1.
(Army Sgt. James Hunter serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Russia Defies Calls for Withdrawal; U.S. Continues Georgia Relief
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - Russia continues to defy international calls for the country to pull its forces out of Georgia, and humanitarian operations continue, a Pentagon official said here today. Russian troops continue to occupy the breakaway region of South Ossetia, and Russian troops continue to maintain troops in Gori, a Georgian city that is the gateway to South Ossetia, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
"It is fair to say they are still not living up to the terms of the cease-fire agreement," Whitman said during a meeting with reporters. The terms of the cease-fire include monitoring by military officers under the auspices of the Organization of Security Cooperation in Europe.
The Russian Duma – equivalent to the U.S. House of Representatives -- has called on the government to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia from Georgia.
Meanwhile, U.S. military personnel continue to deliver humanitarian aid to Georgia. Whitman said about 100 U.S. military and DoD civilian personnel are in Georgia coordinating the aid.
The Navy's USS McFaul docked in the Georgian port of Batumi over the weekend and began off-loading supplies as more humanitarian aid continued to arrive by airlift. "Over the weekend, we have 48 sorties that have flown in with 774 short tons of materials," Whitman said.
The Coast Guard Cutter Dallas has passed through the Dardanelles and entered the Black Sea with more supplies. The USS Mount Whitney is loading humanitarian supplies at Gaeta, Italy.
The United States has provided $18.3 million in aid, with the Defense Department's portion standing at $7.2 million so far for airlift and emergency supplies. DoD's "spend rate" -- the continuing contribution – is about $1 million per day, Whitman said.
Cots, bedding, mattresses, sleeping bags, small tents, mobile kitchen units and medical supplies are "still in need and are priorities," Whitman said.
A U.S. European Command assessment team remains in the country, working with Georgians and the U.S. Embassy in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - Russia continues to defy international calls for the country to pull its forces out of Georgia, and humanitarian operations continue, a Pentagon official said here today. Russian troops continue to occupy the breakaway region of South Ossetia, and Russian troops continue to maintain troops in Gori, a Georgian city that is the gateway to South Ossetia, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
"It is fair to say they are still not living up to the terms of the cease-fire agreement," Whitman said during a meeting with reporters. The terms of the cease-fire include monitoring by military officers under the auspices of the Organization of Security Cooperation in Europe.
The Russian Duma – equivalent to the U.S. House of Representatives -- has called on the government to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia from Georgia.
Meanwhile, U.S. military personnel continue to deliver humanitarian aid to Georgia. Whitman said about 100 U.S. military and DoD civilian personnel are in Georgia coordinating the aid.
The Navy's USS McFaul docked in the Georgian port of Batumi over the weekend and began off-loading supplies as more humanitarian aid continued to arrive by airlift. "Over the weekend, we have 48 sorties that have flown in with 774 short tons of materials," Whitman said.
The Coast Guard Cutter Dallas has passed through the Dardanelles and entered the Black Sea with more supplies. The USS Mount Whitney is loading humanitarian supplies at Gaeta, Italy.
The United States has provided $18.3 million in aid, with the Defense Department's portion standing at $7.2 million so far for airlift and emergency supplies. DoD's "spend rate" -- the continuing contribution – is about $1 million per day, Whitman said.
Cots, bedding, mattresses, sleeping bags, small tents, mobile kitchen units and medical supplies are "still in need and are priorities," Whitman said.
A U.S. European Command assessment team remains in the country, working with Georgians and the U.S. Embassy in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
Military Health System Prepares More Online Mental Health Tools
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The Military Health System is planning a late-September update to its behavioral health Web site, AfterDeployment.org. The site was launched Aug. 5. "AfterDeployment.org provides servicemembers, their families, and veterans with online behavioral health tools," Dr. Robert Ciulla, afterdeployment.org project manager at Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Wash., said on the "Dot Mil Docs" program on BlogTalkRadio.com Aug. 21.
"The Web site is a self-care solution targeting post-deployment adjustment concerns," he said. "Individuals who might not otherwise seek out services can now be empowered to use AfterDeployment's resources at their own pace."
During the initial phases of the site's development, officials worked to understand the site's eventual user population, Ciulla said, recognizing that since October 2001, more than 1.5 million United States troops have deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Among that group, Ciulla noted that the most troops are between the ages of 17-29, and have a high school-level education.
"We also recognized that our user population is knowledgeable about computers," Ciulla said. "The intent, then, was to build a site that offered more than just a lot of text-based articles; we wanted the materials to be interactive. We wanted to give users a variety of ways to access the information."
The site has many features. "If a user wanted to get a better understanding about their stress level or their anger problem, they can take a quick self-assessment right on the site and get some immediate feedback concerning their scores," Ciulla said.
Users also can test their knowledge with user-friendly quizzes and participate in narrator-guided multimedia workshops tailored to address specific concerns.
AfterDeployment.org also includes video-based testimonials from servicemembers, veterans and families discussing their deployment challenges and how they coped.
Online tools have several advantages, including 24/7 access anywhere an Internet connection is available. Users can log on to AfterDeployment.org in the privacy of their own homes, which should help to reduce or eliminate barriers to care and the stigma associated with seeking out in-person consultation, the doctor said. For some, AfterDeployment.org may serve as an alternative to traditional face-to-face care, while others may use the site in tandem with an actual provider, he added.
Ciulla said the self-care tools available on AfterDeployment.org provide the entire Military community with vital service-delivery options. The site has particular advantages for National Guard and Reserve units, who may be distant from a Military treatment facility or otherwise located in areas lacking providers who are knowledgeable about Military-related adjustment concerns, he noted.
Additionally, military leadership and health care providers can tap the site's materials to learn about common problems and change strategies, and to obtain useful contact information concerning local resources, he said.
AfterDeployment.org offers 12 programs: Adjusting to War Memories, Dealing with Depression, Handling Stress, Improving Relationships, Succeeding at Work, Overcoming Anger, Sleeping Better, Controlling Alcohol and Drugs, Helping Kids Deal with Deployment, Seeking Spiritual Fitness, Living with Physical Injuries, and Balancing Your Life.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The Military Health System is planning a late-September update to its behavioral health Web site, AfterDeployment.org. The site was launched Aug. 5. "AfterDeployment.org provides servicemembers, their families, and veterans with online behavioral health tools," Dr. Robert Ciulla, afterdeployment.org project manager at Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Wash., said on the "Dot Mil Docs" program on BlogTalkRadio.com Aug. 21.
"The Web site is a self-care solution targeting post-deployment adjustment concerns," he said. "Individuals who might not otherwise seek out services can now be empowered to use AfterDeployment's resources at their own pace."
During the initial phases of the site's development, officials worked to understand the site's eventual user population, Ciulla said, recognizing that since October 2001, more than 1.5 million United States troops have deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Among that group, Ciulla noted that the most troops are between the ages of 17-29, and have a high school-level education.
"We also recognized that our user population is knowledgeable about computers," Ciulla said. "The intent, then, was to build a site that offered more than just a lot of text-based articles; we wanted the materials to be interactive. We wanted to give users a variety of ways to access the information."
The site has many features. "If a user wanted to get a better understanding about their stress level or their anger problem, they can take a quick self-assessment right on the site and get some immediate feedback concerning their scores," Ciulla said.
Users also can test their knowledge with user-friendly quizzes and participate in narrator-guided multimedia workshops tailored to address specific concerns.
AfterDeployment.org also includes video-based testimonials from servicemembers, veterans and families discussing their deployment challenges and how they coped.
Online tools have several advantages, including 24/7 access anywhere an Internet connection is available. Users can log on to AfterDeployment.org in the privacy of their own homes, which should help to reduce or eliminate barriers to care and the stigma associated with seeking out in-person consultation, the doctor said. For some, AfterDeployment.org may serve as an alternative to traditional face-to-face care, while others may use the site in tandem with an actual provider, he added.
Ciulla said the self-care tools available on AfterDeployment.org provide the entire Military community with vital service-delivery options. The site has particular advantages for National Guard and Reserve units, who may be distant from a Military treatment facility or otherwise located in areas lacking providers who are knowledgeable about Military-related adjustment concerns, he noted.
Additionally, military leadership and health care providers can tap the site's materials to learn about common problems and change strategies, and to obtain useful contact information concerning local resources, he said.
AfterDeployment.org offers 12 programs: Adjusting to War Memories, Dealing with Depression, Handling Stress, Improving Relationships, Succeeding at Work, Overcoming Anger, Sleeping Better, Controlling Alcohol and Drugs, Helping Kids Deal with Deployment, Seeking Spiritual Fitness, Living with Physical Injuries, and Balancing Your Life.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Navy
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $149,801,176 firm-fixed-priced contract for the procurement of nine Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) exercise missiles retrofitted and certified from SLAMs to SLAM-ERs for the U.S. Navy. This contract also provides for the procurement of 60 Harpoon Air Launch (Tactical) All-Up-Rounds (AURs) and associated hardware for the Government of Taiwan; nine Air Launch (Tactical) AUR Missiles and associated hardware and 1 missile exercise section with associated hardware for the Government of Korea; four Tactical Block II Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) TARTER AURs and associated hardware for the Government of Turkey; four Exercise Block II Grade B canister AURs for the Government of Canada; and one Harpoon Exercise Section and associated hardware for the Government of Japan. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Mo., (55.32 percent); McKinney, Texas, (10.71 percent); various locations across the United States, (9.10 percent); Toledo, Ohio, (6.28 percent); Huntsville, Ala., (4.58 percent); Lititz, Pa., (3.76 percent); Middletown, Conn., (2.68 percent); Grove, Okla., (2.25 percent); Galena, Kan., (1.55 percent); Minneapolis, Minn., (1.52 percent) the United Kingdom, (1.17 percent); and Elkton, Md., (1.08 percent); and is expected to be completed in Jun. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($9,225,234; 6 percent) and the Governments of Taiwan, ($89,792,266; 59.7 percent); Turkey, ($30,428,714; 20 percent); Korea, ($11,515,499; 8 percent); Canada, ($8,407,360; 6 percent); and Japan, ($432,103; .3 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0042).
Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $22,000,000 delivery order #0006 under previously awarded firm-fixed ceiling priced, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract (N00383-04-G-200H) for repair of various line items for the F/A-18 Advanced Targeting Forward InfraRed (ATFLIR) system components. Work will be performed at McKinney, Texas, (50 percent) and El Segundo, Calif,. (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively awarded. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Resource Management Concepts, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded an $18,188,217 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide program management support to the anti-terrorism and physical security programs at the Army National Guard (ANRG) Readiness Center. The ARNG Operations Division is responsible for establishing and maintaining an overarching Force Protection Program that encompasses multiple sub-programs. These programs are stand-alone in nature and support ARNG, National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army, and U.S. Northern Command policies and requirements. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with seven offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-08-D-0020).
King Nutronics, Inc., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $7,251,120 firm-fixed-price requirements contract to manufacture pressure calibrators to support the general purpose electronic test equipment weapons system. Work will be performed at Woodland Hills, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Air Force
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus incentive fee/award fee contract with InDync Inc. of Reston, Va., for $51,917,700. This contract provides single contractor for range operations, communications and information services required to support the 30th Space Wing Mission. This contract provides for the Western Range operations and maintenance support services; training; command; control; communications; information and computer systems services; testing, modifying and installing communications, electronic and security systems at launch facilities, launch control centers and test facilities. This is the fifth option to be exercised out seven option periods in the contract. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZG, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-03-C-0050; Modification P00211).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee with base fee contract/cost reimbursement no-fee contract with United Paradyne Corp. of Santa Maria, Calif., for $6,759,808. This contract is an aerospace support services contract and consolidates of three vital logistical aerospace support services (unconventional propellant support, precision measurement equipment laboratory services, aerospace ground equipment maintenance and transient aircraft maintenance services) into one comprehensive operation and maintenance contract for the 30th Space Wing. The aerospace support services contract provides an integrated management entity, the "Aerospace Maintenance Operations Center," a single point of contact that interfaces, controls, schedules, coordinates, operates, maintains, and provides support to the 30th Space Wing community. This contract supports operational programs, including local airfield operations, U.S. Space Lift programs, the Expeditionary Aerospace Force, and future Aerospace Plane and Space Operational Vehicle activities. Additionally, it provides mission support of test aerospace platforms from domestic and foreign Government agencies (NASA, DoD, NRO, etc), as well as private corporations. This contract encompasses all authorized mission support requirements for programs utilizing the "Western Range and Major Range Test Facility Base" support and Commercial Space activities. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZ, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-02-C-0008, Modification P00149).
Data Link Solutions of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $6,203,324. This action will provide Spares for the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS): 2 high power amplifiers; 14 receiver transmitters; 2 each control, interface; 13 chassis, electrical. At this time all funds have been obligated. 448 Supply Chain Management Wing, 448SCMG/PKHCA, Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8539-08-C-0012).
Army
Harris Corp., Rochester, N.Y., was awarded on Aug 21, 2008, a $10,000,000 firm fixed priced indefinite quantity contract, for various SATCOM components, to include radios, amplifiers, shock mounts and other communication assemblies. Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Jan 18, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W6-04-D-0009).
Carapace Armor Technology, LLC, North Andover, Mass., was awarded on Aug 20, 2008, a $12,947,520 firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract. This contract is for the procurement of up to 750 transparent armor kits and up to 200 ballistics glass replacements for Stryker vehicles. Work will be performed in North Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Aug 20, 2010. Offers solicited on the web and one bid received. US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Aberdeen, Md., are the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0052).
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Co., Simsbury, Conn., was awarded on Aug 22, 2008, a $64,268,939 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity type contract. The MIN BUY, 990 XM32 Abrams reactive armor title sets blocks two with two out year buys of quantity ranges from 126- 1180 vehicle sets. Work will be performed in Graham, Ky., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. Four bids were solicited and two received. The USA Joint Munitions & Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-D-0453).
MW Builders Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 22, 2008, a $23,599,000 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity, (MATOC), firm fixed price contract. This project is required by the Army's Military Construction Transformation initiatives and will provide single solider housing is similar to apartment type housing in the private sector, rooms shall include but not limited to private sleeping area, walk-in closets, shared bathroom and kitchenette. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Aug 21, 2013. Bids solicited: phase two – six offerors. Bid received: phase two – six offerors. The US Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-D-0044)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Alfab Inc.,*, Enterprise, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $8,279,842 fixed price with economic price adjustment indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to perform facilities maintenance, Class IV pallet and mat assembly (F44) configuration. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Contract is exercising option year two. This proposal was originally FedBiz solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-05-D-0349).
Conax Florida Corp., St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $34,267,694 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for life support equipment. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va., (SPM4A7-08-D-0338).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $149,801,176 firm-fixed-priced contract for the procurement of nine Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) exercise missiles retrofitted and certified from SLAMs to SLAM-ERs for the U.S. Navy. This contract also provides for the procurement of 60 Harpoon Air Launch (Tactical) All-Up-Rounds (AURs) and associated hardware for the Government of Taiwan; nine Air Launch (Tactical) AUR Missiles and associated hardware and 1 missile exercise section with associated hardware for the Government of Korea; four Tactical Block II Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) TARTER AURs and associated hardware for the Government of Turkey; four Exercise Block II Grade B canister AURs for the Government of Canada; and one Harpoon Exercise Section and associated hardware for the Government of Japan. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Mo., (55.32 percent); McKinney, Texas, (10.71 percent); various locations across the United States, (9.10 percent); Toledo, Ohio, (6.28 percent); Huntsville, Ala., (4.58 percent); Lititz, Pa., (3.76 percent); Middletown, Conn., (2.68 percent); Grove, Okla., (2.25 percent); Galena, Kan., (1.55 percent); Minneapolis, Minn., (1.52 percent) the United Kingdom, (1.17 percent); and Elkton, Md., (1.08 percent); and is expected to be completed in Jun. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($9,225,234; 6 percent) and the Governments of Taiwan, ($89,792,266; 59.7 percent); Turkey, ($30,428,714; 20 percent); Korea, ($11,515,499; 8 percent); Canada, ($8,407,360; 6 percent); and Japan, ($432,103; .3 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0042).
Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $22,000,000 delivery order #0006 under previously awarded firm-fixed ceiling priced, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract (N00383-04-G-200H) for repair of various line items for the F/A-18 Advanced Targeting Forward InfraRed (ATFLIR) system components. Work will be performed at McKinney, Texas, (50 percent) and El Segundo, Calif,. (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively awarded. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Resource Management Concepts, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded an $18,188,217 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide program management support to the anti-terrorism and physical security programs at the Army National Guard (ANRG) Readiness Center. The ARNG Operations Division is responsible for establishing and maintaining an overarching Force Protection Program that encompasses multiple sub-programs. These programs are stand-alone in nature and support ARNG, National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army, and U.S. Northern Command policies and requirements. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with seven offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-08-D-0020).
King Nutronics, Inc., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $7,251,120 firm-fixed-price requirements contract to manufacture pressure calibrators to support the general purpose electronic test equipment weapons system. Work will be performed at Woodland Hills, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Air Force
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus incentive fee/award fee contract with InDync Inc. of Reston, Va., for $51,917,700. This contract provides single contractor for range operations, communications and information services required to support the 30th Space Wing Mission. This contract provides for the Western Range operations and maintenance support services; training; command; control; communications; information and computer systems services; testing, modifying and installing communications, electronic and security systems at launch facilities, launch control centers and test facilities. This is the fifth option to be exercised out seven option periods in the contract. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZG, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-03-C-0050; Modification P00211).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee with base fee contract/cost reimbursement no-fee contract with United Paradyne Corp. of Santa Maria, Calif., for $6,759,808. This contract is an aerospace support services contract and consolidates of three vital logistical aerospace support services (unconventional propellant support, precision measurement equipment laboratory services, aerospace ground equipment maintenance and transient aircraft maintenance services) into one comprehensive operation and maintenance contract for the 30th Space Wing. The aerospace support services contract provides an integrated management entity, the "Aerospace Maintenance Operations Center," a single point of contact that interfaces, controls, schedules, coordinates, operates, maintains, and provides support to the 30th Space Wing community. This contract supports operational programs, including local airfield operations, U.S. Space Lift programs, the Expeditionary Aerospace Force, and future Aerospace Plane and Space Operational Vehicle activities. Additionally, it provides mission support of test aerospace platforms from domestic and foreign Government agencies (NASA, DoD, NRO, etc), as well as private corporations. This contract encompasses all authorized mission support requirements for programs utilizing the "Western Range and Major Range Test Facility Base" support and Commercial Space activities. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZ, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-02-C-0008, Modification P00149).
Data Link Solutions of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $6,203,324. This action will provide Spares for the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS): 2 high power amplifiers; 14 receiver transmitters; 2 each control, interface; 13 chassis, electrical. At this time all funds have been obligated. 448 Supply Chain Management Wing, 448SCMG/PKHCA, Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8539-08-C-0012).
Army
Harris Corp., Rochester, N.Y., was awarded on Aug 21, 2008, a $10,000,000 firm fixed priced indefinite quantity contract, for various SATCOM components, to include radios, amplifiers, shock mounts and other communication assemblies. Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Jan 18, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W6-04-D-0009).
Carapace Armor Technology, LLC, North Andover, Mass., was awarded on Aug 20, 2008, a $12,947,520 firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract. This contract is for the procurement of up to 750 transparent armor kits and up to 200 ballistics glass replacements for Stryker vehicles. Work will be performed in North Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Aug 20, 2010. Offers solicited on the web and one bid received. US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Aberdeen, Md., are the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0052).
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Co., Simsbury, Conn., was awarded on Aug 22, 2008, a $64,268,939 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity type contract. The MIN BUY, 990 XM32 Abrams reactive armor title sets blocks two with two out year buys of quantity ranges from 126- 1180 vehicle sets. Work will be performed in Graham, Ky., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. Four bids were solicited and two received. The USA Joint Munitions & Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-D-0453).
MW Builders Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 22, 2008, a $23,599,000 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity, (MATOC), firm fixed price contract. This project is required by the Army's Military Construction Transformation initiatives and will provide single solider housing is similar to apartment type housing in the private sector, rooms shall include but not limited to private sleeping area, walk-in closets, shared bathroom and kitchenette. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Aug 21, 2013. Bids solicited: phase two – six offerors. Bid received: phase two – six offerors. The US Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-D-0044)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Alfab Inc.,*, Enterprise, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $8,279,842 fixed price with economic price adjustment indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to perform facilities maintenance, Class IV pallet and mat assembly (F44) configuration. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Contract is exercising option year two. This proposal was originally FedBiz solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-05-D-0349).
Conax Florida Corp., St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $34,267,694 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for life support equipment. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va., (SPM4A7-08-D-0338).
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