Nonprofits Awarded Grants for Innovative Programs

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 5, 2008 - Newsman's Own awarded a combined $75,000 in grants to 15 nonprofit organizations for their innovative volunteer efforts to improve military quality of life during the company's ninth annual awards ceremony, held at the Pentagon here today.
Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, helped present the awards alongside executives from contest sponsors Newman's Own, Fisher House and the military Times Media Group.

"The clever ideas, the way the ideas were brought forth, the things that were meaningful to people who had family and knew they would be meaningful to others who were family" impressed him about the entries, Cartwright said.

The vice chairman commended the innovation of the programs and said that the recipients ran the gamut from large, mature organizations to smaller, family-run groups.

Cartwright said that the various organizations' efforts were symbols that volunteerism is still alive.

"The coming together of the civilian community and the military, the finding of family, the opportunity to acknowledge service, and to acknowledge those who are willing to serve, and the sacrifices that the families make for those who are willing to serve and do so, to see that come together" shows that volunteerism is still alive and well in America's communities, Cartwright said.

The president of Newman's Own Inc., Tom Indoe, said volunteers form the "backbone" of charities.

"As you'll see, all of these charities that we recognize today start with the volunteers," Indoe said. "They are the threads that hold the fabric of these charities together. And it's the volunteers that bring so much good and goodness to our military families."

Indoe said that Newman's Own, a food company famous for its salad dressing, pasta sauces and popcorn, got involved with Fisher House Foundation about 10 years ago while looking to donate to a charity that helps military families. All profits from Newman's Own products are given to charities.

There were 120 entries for the 2008 contest. Judges evaluated the entries based on the organization's impact to the community, creativity and innovation. The emphasis of the competition was on organizations that support deployed servicemembers or their families, according to officials. The competition started in 2000 and has recognized 114 programs with awards totaling more than $500,000.

This year, the Freedom Calls Foundation received the top $15,000 grant award. The foundation provides videoconferencing and telephone calls free from centers in Iraq and Kuwait, connecting servicemembers to their families in the United States, England, Germany, Guam and Okinawa.

John Harlow from Morristown, New Jersey, said he started the Freedom Calls Foundation after watching a newscast in 2003 in which he saw a report of a National Guardsman who had a $7,000 phone bill from trying to keep in touch with his family during his deployment to Iraq.

"I was shocked to hear that burden had been placed on his family," Harlow said.

After some research, Harlow said he found that it was not unusual for troops deployed to have extraordinarily high phone bills. An exclusive contract at rates of up to 44 cents per minute added up to $100 million per year in calls to families at home, he said.

"I didn't think that was right," Harlow said.

So, Harlow formed a foundation to provide phone calls and videoconferencing services to servicemembers and their families. The operation was launched in April 2004. Now the foundation delivers more than 1 million minutes per month in telephone calls and 2,000 video conferences every month to servicemembers and families. The videoconferences are mainly for "milestone" family events such as births, graduations, anniversaries, and even weddings. Harlow works with 10,000 sites across the United States and hopes to add more sites.

"It's those families and those deployed – they're the reason we do this," Harlow said. "It's been a life-changing experience to work with these families. They're some of the most giving, most humble people that I've ever met in my life ... and they deserve everything that we can do for them."

The $10,000 award winner was Operation Wounded Warrior sponsored by the American Legion Riders of Grants, New Mexico. Operation Wounded Warrior was started by a group of American Legion Riders after a plea three years ago for comfort and hygiene items for troops who had been wounded in Iraq. The mission expanded to include family members who were at their bedside. Each year, a truck loaded with personal and comfort items is escorted by riders to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and its four Fisher Houses.

The $5,000 award winners include:

--Wounded Warrior Assistance Program sponsored by Operation First Response, Inc. of Culpeper, Va. The program supports wounded warriors and families with personal and financial needs. Financial aid varies from rent, utilities, vehicle payments, groceries, clothing, and travel expenses.

--Parent and Child Resource Center sponsored by Osan Parent Network on Osan Air Base, Korea. The network provides services for families at Osan Air Base. Activities include daily playgroups, arts and crafts and other events, daily stroller walk and runs, a breastfeeding support group, a parenting support group, a communication network and family advocacy.

--The SHARE Initiative sponsored by the Shepherd Center of Atlanta. The program assists the rehabilitation, recovery and community re-entry care for soldiers who have sustained a traumatic brain or spinal cord injury while serving on active duty in Afghanistan or Iraq.

--Snowball Express, based in Costa Mesa, Calif. The program provides an all-expense-paid gathering for the children of servicemembers who have died since Sept. 11, 2001. In 2007, the $3.5 million dollar event provided more than 1,100 children a weekend of fun in Anaheim, Calif.

--Remote Warrior Care Program sponsored by the Madigan Foundation of Fort Lewis, Wash. The foundation places wounded, injured and ill warriors back into their hometowns to recuperate before being released from active military service or returned to active duty.

--Family Assistance Program sponsored by the Armed Forces Foundation of Washington, D.C. The foundation's family assistance program offers direct financial assistance to servicemembers and their families. Needs range from utility bills to mortgage payments.

--Military Family Retreats sponsored by Project New Hope of Annandale, Minn. Project New Hope hosts weekend retreats for soldiers and families struggling with reintegration after deployment. The retreats are free to recipient families and focus on concerns shared by combat veterans, spouses and children. Counseling services and sessions are available, but not mandatory.

--Free Home Repairs and Modifications for Troops sponsored by Rebuilding Together's Veterans Housing Initiative of Washington, D.C. Rebuilding Together is the nation's largest nonprofit group providing home repairs and renovation services free to those in need. The organization has responded to a growing need among retired and active-duty United States military homeowners.

--Military Family Assistance Program sponsored by USA Cares of Radcliff, Ky. USA Cares provides military families with financial support through grants for needs such as foreclosure and eviction prevention, utility assistance and food and car payments. The program also offers counseling and mentorship through family resource coordinators with expertise in military benefits and services.

The $2,000 award winner is:

--Good Grief Camps for Survivor Children sponsored by Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) of Washington, D.C. Founded in 1994, TAPS is a national nonprofit that provides peer-based emotional support services to those affected by the death of a military member. TAPS assists thousands of widows, children, parents, siblings and others. It provides casework assistance, 24-hour crisis intervention and grief and trauma resources free of charge.

The $1,000 award winners are:

--The Happy Mail Club sponsored by United Cerebral Palsy of Palm Beach and Mid-Coast Counties, Palm Beach, Fla. Members of the Happy Mail Club assemble boxes with cards, handmade crafts, high protein foods, and personal supplies to be sent to deployed American troops. They target soldiers who are stationed in the most remote locations and have the greatest need of supplies.

--CampLIFE! A non-profit benefiting children and spouses of deceased soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq, based in Austin, Texas. The mission of CampLIFE! is to provide free recreation, education and counseling in a camp setting to the children and spouses of recently deceased U.S. soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

--Kids Sending Hero Hugs, sponsored by Hero Hugs of Niceville, Fla. Hero Hugs was started by Bailey Reese, 7, of Niceville after she saw soldiers passing out aid to victims following a hurricane, and receiving no thanks. Bailey started Hero Hugs not only to thank the troops, but to teach kids to always appreciate the service and sacrifice of servicemembers. The packages are packed by kids from all over the country.

In a surprise donation at the event, Newman's Own Foundation Vice Chairman Robert Forrester donated $150,000 to the Fisher House Foundation. The donation took the company over the $1 million dollar mark for total donations to the Fisher House over the past 10 years.

MILITARY CONTRACTS September 4, 2008

Navy

Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., is being awarded a $752,042,549 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0009 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5032) for the procurement of Category I (CAT I) Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) low rate initial production vehicles with engineering change proposal upgrades for enhanced maneuverability and associated non-recurring engineering costs. This order will also be used to support the procurement of additional CAT I MRAP vehicles to provide protection of U.S. military personnel supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Work will be performed in WestPoint, Miss., and work is expected to be completed Feb. 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Canadian Commercial Corp., General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada, London, Ontario Canada, is being awarded a $7,723,145 firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0005 under a previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for the purchase of five test vehicles with engineering change proposal upgrades for enhanced maneuverability and associated non-recurring engineering costs. Work will be performed in Durban, South Africa, (80 percent), and London, Ontario, Canada, (20 percent), and work is expected to be completed no later than Jan. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Force Protection Industries, Inc., Ladson, S.C., is being awarded $7,230,897 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0013 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5031) for the purchase of five test vehicles with engineering change proposal upgrades for enhanced maneuverability and associated non-recurring engineering costs. Work will be performed in, Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be completed no later than Jan. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

IMPACT Science & Technology, Nashua, N.H., is being awarded a $28,447,410 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6319) for the production and support of 550 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) electronic warfare systems to meet urgent DoD requirements in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Vehicle mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD's Joint Counter RCIED electronic warfare program. Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of radio-controlled Improvised Explosive Devices. This contract is for the urgent procurement and support of CREW systems, to be used by forces in each of the military services of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The Navy manages the joint CREW program for Office of the Secretary of Defense Joint IED Defeat Organization. Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H., (86 percent) and Dover, N.H., (14 percent), and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

Tetra Tech EC, Inc., Santa Ana, Calif., is being awarded $6,343,703 for firm-fixed-price task order #0002 under a previously awarded environmental multiple award contract (N62473-08-D-8823) for Fisher and Spear Avenues sanitary and storm drain removal at Hunters Point Shipyard. The work to be performed provides for continuing the base-wide sewer sanitary system and storm drain time-critical removal action in Work Areas 15 and 26 (Fisher and Spear Avenues). The contractor will remove the sewer and storm drain lines depicted by the Design Plan. Both Spear and Fisher Avenues are part of the main utility and transportation corridor through the shipyard. Coordination efforts will be required to control access to the radiological work area and reroute transportation and utilities during this removal action. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Air Force

Science Applications International Corp., of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for a maximum of $49 million. This action will provide research and development under BAA entitled "High Energy Research and Application (HERA)," Call 0001 entitled HERA/High power microwave technologies. This effort will advance the state-of-art and scientific knowledge in directed energy Technology such as high power electromagnetic source development, pulsed power and pulsed power systems, and prime power systems. At this time $550,000 has been obligated. Air Force Research Laboratory/RDKP, Det 8 Directorate of Contracting, Kirtland AFB, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9451-08-D-0170).

The Air Force is modifying cost plus award fee contract with the Boeing Co., of Anaheim, Calif., for $16,707,177. This action will provide survivable communications for U.S. Armed Forces, the Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) must update new platform requirements and Advanced EHF (AEHF) system interface. At this time $6,997,080 has been obligated. Electronic Systems Center, Air Force Materiel Command, USAF, 653d ELSG/PK, Hancom AFB, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-02-C-0048, P00146).

Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for an estimated $9,567,490. This contract action will develop effective and valid methods for measuring chemical agents, and toxic industrial chemicals and materials and their metabolites in biological fluids, assure the quality of these methods, transfer these methods to other public health organizations, and apply these methods to incidents of suspected exposure. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180, Delivery Order: 0559).

Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a cost plus fixed-fee contract for an estimated $7,021,916. This action will provide research and develop laboratory, dosimetric, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) procedures, emergency response training, and advanced techniques for CBRN risk characterization, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and risk management. At this time $503,382 has been obligated. 55th Contracting Squadron, 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180, Delivery Order: 0563).

Army

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., El Segundo, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 2, 2008, a $7,532,649 cost/plus/fixed fee contract to develop and demonstrate the ability of the Rapid Eye program to rapidly deliver a persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability anywhere on the globe through the use of a launch system and the ability to remain on-station until relieved or the mission is completed. Work will be performed in Frederica, Del., Elsinore, Calif., Tustin, Calif., Glenbrook, Nev., Torrance, Calif., Ronkonkoma, N.Y., El Segundo, Calif., San Diego, Calif., and Palmdale, Calif., with an estimated date of completion Feb. 11, 2011. Bids were solicited Broad Agency Announcement and five bids were received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR011-08-C-0108).

Watts-Weitz, Novato, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 29, 2008 a $51,301,000 construction/firm/fixed price contract for the construction of a combat support brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Work will be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 11, 2011. Bids were solicited via web and two bids were received. US Army Corp of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912DQ-08-D-0057).

Protective Apparel Corp of America, Jacksboro, Tenn., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2008, a $ 8,246,400 firm/fixed price contract to provide body armor for Iraq Ministry of Interior security forces. Work will be performed in Jacksboro, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2009. Bids were solicited via web and eleven bids were received. Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq/Joint Contracting Command-Iraq (MNSTC-1/JCC-1), Baghdad, Iraq, is the contracting activity (GS-07F-9075G).

Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2008 a, $82,652,531 firm/fixed price contract. This modification is for the RECAP of 292 HEMMT A4 vehicles. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2008. One bid was solicited and one was received. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV07-C-0248).

Honeywell International Inc, Albuquerque, N.M., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2008, a $11,000,000 cost/plus/fixed fee contract for the design, development, integration, testing and qualification, delivery and support for the upgrade of the OH-Kiowa Warrior aircraft Control Display System four (CDS4) Improved Master Processor Unit (IMCPU) to the CDS IMCPU configuration. Work will be performed in Albuquerque, N.M., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation & Missile Command, AMSAM-AC-AR-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0024).

Sampson Construction Co., Inc, Lincoln, Neb., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2008 a, $13,386,147 firm/fixed price contract for the construction of a base civil engineering administration facility, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. Work will be performed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S. D., with an estimated completion date of May 24, 2010. Bids were solicited via web and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-08-C-0022).

DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems, Optronics Division, Palm Bay, Fla., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2008, a $ 40,842,948 firm/fixed price new work modification under the authority of unusual and compelling urgency for 4,229 Driver's Vision Enhancer (DVE) B-Kits (sensor assembly, display control module, and cabling) for the Mine Resident Ambush Protected (MRAP) Program. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2008. Bids were solicited via web and three bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-04-C-J202).

Correction: Simmonds Precision Products Inc, Vergennes, Vt., was awarded Aug 27, 2008, a $31,706,454 five- year- firm- fixed- price indefinite -quantity contract for the procurement of integrated vehicle health management system kits, ground support equipment kits and deployment spares in support for the UH-60 aircraft. Work will be performed in Vergennes, Vt., with an estimated completion date of Jul. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited and one bid was received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM), is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-D-0224).

MILITARY CONTRACTS April 25, 2008

UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND

Lynden Air Cargo LLC of Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded an estimated $108,708,861 (revised) firm fixed-price contract for international airlift services with a minimum guarantee of $47,370,492. This is a revision to the original announcement to include dollars associated with urgent missions to move Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The United States Transportation Command Directorate of Acquisition, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., is the contracting activity, (HTC711-07-D-0028).

AIR FORCE

Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $14,492,746. The objective of this technical area task is to provide expertise in capabilities identification, modeling simulation and airborne platform requirements to the Defense Information System Agency and other DoD agencies. At this time $1,275,726 has been obligated. Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SPO700-98-D-4002, DO 0337).

Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $10,924,258. This contract action will provide joint defense studies and analysis in the combating of weapons of mass destruction. At this time $929,880 has been obligated. Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180, Delivery Order: 2543).

Boeing Co., of Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a modified contract for $6,284,045. This contract action will purchase engineering services from the Boeing Co., to investigate and report on failure of the Command Receiver Decoder (CRD) contained in the Minuteman III Mod seven wafer during a recent test flight at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., repair 11 Mod seven wafers (which contain two each CRDs). Boeing is also required by this effort to provide five five new CRDs. The investigative and repair effort is being awarded as a cost-plus-fixed-fee line item while the five new CRDs are being purchased as firm-fixed-price. At this time $2,910,057 has been obligated. Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8204-08-C-0010PZ0001).

Lockheed Martin Corp., of Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a modified contract for $5,516,070. This action provides for twenty (20) Common Organizational Level Tester (COLT) for the F/A-22 options five and twenty (20) Common Organizational Level Tester (COLT) Accessory Kits for the F/A-22 options five. At this time $5,516,070 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-04-C-2060 P00029).

NAVY

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Bloomington, Minn., is being awarded a $27,000,000 five year performance -based logistics requirements contract for performance-based logistics support of the mission computer that are part of AN/AYQ-25 (V) Electronics Protection Radio System used in support of the F/A-18 and AV-8B aircraft. Work will be performed in Bloomington, Minn., and work is expected to be completed by Apr. 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded competitively. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00383-08-D-010G).

DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY

Signature Science LLC, Austin, Texas, was awarded on Apr. 17, 2008, a $4,131,342 increment of a $5,859,595 cost plus fixed fee contract for the Hyperadsorptive Atmospheric Sampling Technology program. Work will be performed in Austin, Texas, (27 percent), San Antonio, Texas (31 percent), Linthicum, Md. (12 percent), Urbana, Ill. (15 percent), Bellefonte, Pa., (14 percent), and Westbrook, Conn., (1 percent), and is expected to be completed Oct. 2009. Funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. DARPA issued a solicitation in Federal Business Opportunities on Sep. 19, 2007, and 13 proposals were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., (HR0011-08-C-0054).

MILITARY CONTRACTS April 9, 2008

AIR FORCE

Boeing Co., of Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a modified contract for $24,960,000. This undefinitized contract action will incorporate Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) 0035, Strategic Networks, into the Family of Advanced Beyond-Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) Increment 1 program. At this time $9,250,000 has been obligated. Hanscom AFB, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-02-C-0048/P00141).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated System Sector, of El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a modified contract for $22,300,005. This action will provide T38, 33 wing assemblies and gear boxes, 15 each. At this time $22,300,005 has been obligated. Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8218-07-C-0009-P00003).

General Electric Co., Aircraft Engines of Cincinnati, Ohio, is being awarded a modified firm-fixed price contract for $7,751,279. This contract modification will provide nozzle flaps, 3212 units for Air Force Requirements and 250 units for foreign military sales requirements applicable to F110 Engine in the F-16 Aircraft. At this time $7,751,279 has been obligated. Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-05-G-0003-0158).

Honeywell International Incorporated of Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a modified contract for $7,598,610. This action will provide research and development under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) VS-05-01, exercise option five, Strategic Resonating Beam Accelero-meter (SRBA Stage 3)" for the Advanced Ballistic Missile Technologies Program. At this time $735,000 has been obligated. Kirtland AFB, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-05-C-0241 P00019).

ARMY

Bertucci Industrial Services, LLC, Kenner, La., was awarded on Apr. 8, 2008, a $12,497,052 firm-fixed price contract for the Grand Isle and vicinity hurricane protection project, rehabilitation of Hurricane Katrina damage. Work will be performed in Grand Isle/Jefferson Parish, La., and is expected to be completed by Jan. 2, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Feb. 21, 2008, and one bid was received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-08-C-0045).

Raytheon, Netcentric Systems, Fort Wayne, Ind., was awarded on Apr. 7, 2008, a $12,160,993 firm-fixed price contract for development of advanced field artillery tactical data system, versions 3 and 3+. Work will be performed in Fort Wayne, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Sep. 7, 2007. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-99-C-E003).

MaxFour-Weitz JV, Englewood, Colo., was awarded on Apr. 8, 2008, a $6,586,176 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of a child development center. Work will be performed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 16, 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on Feb. 13, 2008, and two bids were received. Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Mo., Is the contracting activity (W912DQ-07-D-0031).

BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded on Apr. 7, 2008, a $6,300,000 firm-fixed price contract for fire suppression modification kits. Work will be performed in York, Pa., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Mar. 17, 2008. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Outdoor Venture Corp., Stearns, Ky.*, is being awarded a maximum $35,816,675.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery contract for tent equipment. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally Web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 15, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-08-D-1061).

Shamrock Foods Co., Commerce City, Colo., is being awarded a maximum $7,660,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for full line food distribution. Other locations of service are Albuquerque, New Mexico. Using services are Army, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were six proposals originally solicited withsix responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 11, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM300-08-D-3220).

NAVY

Solpac Construction, dba Soltek Pacific Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $6,126,200 for firm-fixed-price Task Order #0002 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8609) for construction of a physical fitness center at area 33, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. The work to be performed provides for a new single-story physical fitness center that will include racquetball and basketball courts, telescoping bleachers, aerobics, weight and cardiovascular training areas, restrooms, lockers, showers, saunas, laundry and administrative support areas, and will include all services, labor, materials and equipment necessary to complete the work as described in the request for proposal.

Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Jun. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

MILITARY CONTRACTS

Missile Defense Agency

Raytheon Missile Systems of Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $1,015,601,310 cost-plus-incentive-fee sole source contract modification to manufacture seventy-five (75) Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) block IA for the United States, and twenty-seven (27) SM-3 Foreign Military Sales Block IA missiles in support of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. The principle place of performance is Tucson, Ariz. Work will also be performed in Elkton, Md., by a major subcontractor, Alliant Techsystems, Incorporated and is expected to be complete by Feb. 2012. The FY 07 research and development contract funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. is the contracting activity (N00024-07-C-6119). FY 07 research and development and Japanese Foreign Military Sales funds will be used for the initial funding. The contract modification will be incrementally funded and at award will obligate $92,790,383 ($85.9M FMS and $6.9 FY 07).

NAVY

Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $13,171,418 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0008) to provide FY 2008 technical support for Lot 8 production AIM-9X Tactical Missiles for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. This modification combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($8,672,933; 66 percent) and the U.S. Air Force ($4,498,485; 34 percent). Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., (90 percent), Eglin Air Force Base, Eglin, Fla., (5 percent); and the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Nov. 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $11,028,637 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

EG&G Technical Services, Inc., Dumfries, Va., was awarded $11,267,986 for task order #0060 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9016) to provide on-going acquisition and technical support to the Joint Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Program (JMVP). This includes contractor support directly to the Joint Program Manager (JPM), product and functional team leaders and their deputies. This effort will include comprehensive Joint Program Management services for all MRAP vehicles and systems; systems engineering; production, test and evaluation, integration, transportation, logistics and acquisition management support. Key events include expedited testing, integration, fielding, and training for MRAP vehicles; concurrent integration of system and component improvements to both MRAP and related low density vehicles and comprehensive assessments, selection, and fielding of other Improvised Explosive Device countermeasure equipment, all in response to Urgent Universal Needs Statements (UUNS) generated by the Operating Forces (OPFORs). The Secretary of Defense designated the JMVP the highest priority DoD acquisition program. The program requires a highly competent and agile program management structure to respond to a myriad of urgent and priority requests for information and action. The program has transitioned from a component rapid deployment capability to an ACAT ID program that is currently producing, fielding, upgrading and sustaining life-saving vehicles for Warfighters. Work will be performed in Stafford, Va., and work is expected to be completed in Feb. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.

Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded a $ 7,733,484 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-03-C-6310 for three Low Rate Initial Production units of the Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS). The purpose of the AMNS is to reacquire and neutralize mines after detection. The AMNS will be employed by the MH-60S helicopter to explosively neutralize unburied bottom, close tethered and moored sea mines that are impractical or unsafe to counter using existing minesweeping/mine neutralization techniques. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I., (56 percent); Waterlooville, United Kingdom (23 percent); Claremont, N.H., (11 percent); Windber, Pa., (5 percent); West Wareham, Mass., (3 percent); Biddford, Maine (1%), and Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (1 percent) and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

United Technologies, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $119,524,002.22 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for engines. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Navy and Air Force. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. This modification is to exercise the fourth option period of a ten year contract with a three-year base period and seven one-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Feb. 15, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va., (SPM400-01-D-9405).

Tennier Industries, Pamona, N.Y., is being awarded a maximum $28,703,000.00 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for parkas and trousers. Other location of performance is Tenn. Using service is Air Force. This proposal was originally solicited on Dibbs with five responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Feb. 14, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa.

Metals USA i-Solutions, Fort Washington, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $22,300,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, tailored vendor relationship contract for metals and metal products. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 63 proposals solicited with three responses. This is a five year contract with three one-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Dec. 6, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-06-D-BP17).

Metals USA i-Solutions, Fort Washington, Pa., is being awarded a maximum $15,500,000.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, tailored vendor relationship contract for metals and metal products. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 63 proposals solicited with three responses. This is a fire year contract with three one-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Nov. 16, 2008. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-06-D-BP16).

Mobile Energy Products, Inc., Colorado Springs, Colo., is being awarded a maximum $5,039,807.43 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for batteries. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally five proposals solicited with one response. This contract consists of a two-year base with three one-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Feb. 14, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va. (SPM4LG-08-D-0005).

AIR FORCE

Rockwell Collins, Inc., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a contract modification for $116,467,023. This action exercises production options for the purchase of 52,039 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGRs) and accessories. The DAGR will provide authorized Department of Defense and Foreign Military Sales users of GPS User Equipment a Precise Positioning System, hand-held, dual-frequency (L1/L2), lightweight receiver (less than one pound) that incorporates the next generation, tamper-resistant GPS "SAASM" (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) security module. The DAGR will serve as a replacement for the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver in integrated platforms as well as for the advanced and basic GPS user. At this time all funds have been obligated. GPSW/PK, El Segundo Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0011; Modification P00059).

The Boeing Co., of Anaheim, Calif., is being awarded a contract modification for $49,780,000. This undefinitized contract action to incorporate Engineering Change Proposal 0034, New Platform Requirements and Advanced EHF System Interface Changes, into the Family of Advanced Beyond-Line-of-Sight Terminals. At this time $17,000,000 has been obligated. 653 ELSG/PKX, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (F19628-02-C-0048/P00138).

DeCA

Raymond Express International, 320 Harbor Way, San Francisco, CA., 94080-6900 is being awarded an indefinite delivery, requirements type contract on Feb. 14, 2008, to provide as needed, fresh fruits and vegetables for resale at 29 commissary store locations throughout South Korea, Guam, and Japan/Okinawa. The estimated award amount is $26,284,506. The contract is for a two year base period beginning Apr. 1, 2008, through Mar. 31, 2010. Two one-year option periods are available. If both option periods are exercised, the contract will be completed Mar. 31, 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Sixty-seven firms were solicited and seven offers were received. The contracting activity is the Defense Commissary Agency, Resale Contracting Division, Produce Support Branch, 1300 E Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801-1800. (HDEC02-08-D-0001)

Research Agency Celebrates 50th Anniversary Looking to Future

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Feb. 12, 2008 - Fifty years after President Dwight D. Eisenhower created the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in response to the Russians' surprise Sputnik launch, the agency continues to advance technologies and systems that give revolutionary advantages to the U.S. military. Eisenhower's guidance to the new agency when it stood up in February 1958 was clear: keep the U.S. military ahead of its enemies technologically and prevent any future technology surprise from another nation. That meant forging ahead with innovative, sometimes even radical, concepts that might be too risky for the private sector to take on alone.

Fifty years later, DARPA continues following that charge, pushing the envelope toward what Anthony J. Tether, its director since 2001, describes as "the far side" of science and technology development.

Speaking at DARPA's 25th Systems and Technology Symposium in Anaheim, Calif., in August, Tether contrasted DARPA's work with that of the services, which tend to concentrate on "the near and mid-side" and improving "concepts and systems that we know about."

DARPA focuses on new and sometimes radical concepts and systems, many considered higher-risk because their feasibility isn't known, he told participants.

"We search for those ideas worldwide that may make a tremendous difference, and whose time has come to bring them to the near side as fast as possible," Tether said. "DARPA bridges the gap between fundamental discoveries and new military capabilities, and has been doing so since our beginning."

In its earliest days, DARPA -- which initially had no "Defense" in front of its name -- focused on accelerating the development of U.S. space launch and satellite capabilities. The agency developed the Saturn V rocket that enabled the United States to launch the Apollo missions to the moon.

DARPA also developed the first surveillance satellites that gave U.S. presidents intelligence about Russian missile-program activities. "DARPA was not only preventing surprise, but was now creating surprise for our adversaries," Tether said.

DARPA branched out to other fields, too. It began the information revolution by creating the ARPANET that led to today's Internet. The system began by interconnecting computer at four university research sites in the late 1960s. By 1972, it had grown to include 37 computers. Now, Tether pointed out, the Internet it led to is approaching 1 billion connections.

DARPA developed technologies that revolutionized warfare: stealth aircraft, advanced precision munitions and the Predator and Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles used in Iraq and Afghanistan today.

But not all of DARPA's past accomplishments are as well known, Tether said. He cited the development of new materials such as gallium arsenide, used in high-speed circuits, and new metals such as beryllium that are stronger than steel but lighter than aluminum.

Other advances include solid-state photon detectors that led to today's night vision capabilities and microwave and millimeter-wave monolithic integrated circuits, or MIMICS, that enable cell phones and miniature global position system receivers to work. DARPA's work in lithography enabled a microchip smaller than a thumbnail to hold 100 billion transistors. The agency also developed the computer mouse, an effort to make computers more user-friendly.

Meanwhile, Tether said recent DARPA accomplishments are giving U.S. forces fundamentally new capabilities. He's a firm believer that the key to success in future military operations rests in the network, and has the agency busy developing several network-centric capabilities.

One that's already deployed, the Command Post of the Future, enabled computers to serve as virtual command posts that enable commanders and platoon leaders to conduct operations from wherever they happen to be.

Another "game changer" is the Network Centric Radio System, a technology that enables previously incompatible radios to communicate with each other. "An Army soldier can now talk to a Marine, or to an Air Force aircraft or a Navy ship," Tether said.

Yet another DARPA technology Tether said is making a difference is the WASP micro air vehicle that weighs less than a pound and can be launched with a simple hand-throw. The device has a camera that sends high-quality video to the warfighter, providing real-time information on locations important to them.

"Marines use WASP today," Tether said. "They call it their guardian angel. It watches over and protects them."

Tether ran down a laundry list of other technologies under development at DARPA he said could prove to be "future game changers" if they're successful. One aims to extract high-quality military jet fuel from U.S. crops. Another could lead to a machine capable of translating foreign language speech and text as well as, if not better than, an experienced linguist.

Other technologies DARPA is seeking to develop include an aircraft able to refuel and remain airborne autonomously for five years or even longer, and an autonomous ground vehicle able to remove forces from harm's way and save lives on the battlefield. Another is to create a prosthesis to replace an arm lost in combat that's so capable "the soldier could learn to play Dixieland on the piano," Tether said.

One project seeks to develop a computer able to process more than a billion million instructions per second. Such a high-speed computer would be revolutionary, Tether said. "This new capability will dramatically reduce the time it takes to design, test and bring an idea to reality, giving us a great strategic and tactical advantage over the rest of the world," he said.

Fifty years after DARPA's inception, Tether said, he's proud to report that the agency has stayed true to its original charter. It's remained "an organization willing to take a bet on an idea long before it is proven," he said. It's "a place for people with ideas too crazy, too far out, too risky, even considered by some as bad, that have turned out to be major game changers for the U.S."

Tether pointed to the strategic and tactical dominance the United States has achieved in many areas during the past 50 years. "If the technology was a game-changer, chances are that DARPA had a role," he said.

The threats the United States faces today are far different from those of 50 years ago, Tether said. Gone is the Soviet threat, replaced by new adversaries and threats such as those that launched the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. "The urgency of maintaining technological surprise is as acute as ever," Tether said in a statement released for DARPA's 50th anniversary observance.

"In this time of uncertainty, DARPA's mission remains constant: anticipate all challenges and discover the technical means to conquer those challenges," he told attendees at the 25th Systems and Technology Symposium. DARPA continues its work aimed at "helping our nation prepare for an uncertain future, using the power of ideas to bridge the gap," he said.

Tether, the agency's longest-serving director, said in an anniversary statement he's honored to lead it into its sixth decade. "Everyone at DARPA feels a personal commitment to continuing to deliver revolutionary technologies in support of our men and women in uniform," he said.