By Carol L. Bowers
American Forces Press Service
April 2, 2008 - For only the sixth time in its 59-year history, NATO is poised to expand its membership this week. At the alliance's three-day summit conference that begins today in Bucharest, Romania, officials are expected to extend an invitation to Albania, Croatia and Macedonia for NATO membership. The additions would bring the total number of member countries to 29.
NATO was founded on April 4, 1949, when 12 nations -- the United States, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal and the United Kingdom -- signed the North Atlantic Treaty, creating a unique international security alliance.
By signing the treaty, sometimes called the Washington Treaty because it was signed in Washington, D.C., member countries agreed to work together to contribute to their mutual political, economic and military security. As part of the common security arrangement, NATO members pledge to treat an attack on one member nation as an attack against all.
Leaders of Albania, Croatia and Macedonia have spent the last four years working toward this moment, starting with the formation of the Adriatic Charter, a partnership established with the United States in May 2003 to help them work toward NATO membership.
"A common theme from us ... has been the appreciation for all that the three countries are doing in Afghanistan and Iraq," Daniel P. Fata, deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO policy, said at a Feb. 20 Pentagon news conference that included Albanian Defense Minister Fatmir Mediu, Croatian Defense Minister Branko Vukelic and Macedonian Defense Minister Lazar Elenovski.
The Pentagon has a long-standing, bilateral defense relationship with each country and has helped them achieve defense reforms over the past decade, Fata said, explaining why the countries are ready to join NATO.
In August 2005, the Adriatic Charter sent a combined 12-member medical team to NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, the group's first jointly conducted international mission. Albania and Macedonia both are members of the coalition in Iraq.
Albania, Croatia and Macedonia "have made amazing strides in reforming and modernizing their defense institutions," Fata said, noting they've moved from conscripted to volunteer military forces.
Regarding the three countries' desire to join NATO, Fata observed that the "defense criteria have certainly been met, when it comes to their membership applications." The United States, he said, will advocate on behalf of the countries' bids to join NATO at the summit conference.
The alliance first expanded in 1952 to admit Greece and Turkey, with Germany following in 1955 and Spain in 1982. In the third enlargement, in 1999, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland were admitted to NATO membership. In the fifth and largest enlargement in its history, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia joined NATO in 2004.
A prerequisite for NATO membership is that countries must show they have the capability to further the principles of the North Atlantic Treaty and contribute to mutual security, in addition to meeting political, economic and military goals established in the 1995 study on NATO enlargement.
For example, a future NATO nation must demonstrate that it represents a functioning democratic political system, that the system is based on a market economy, and that it has made an overall commitment toward peaceful settlement of disputes.
Anticipating future expansions, NATO in 1999 developed the Membership Action Plan to assist aspiring member nations in becoming NATO members. Through the action plan, interested countries may submit individual national programs on their preparations for becoming members while NATO provides feedback and assessment of progress, including technical and political advice.
To join NATO, however, countries must be officially invited to begin accession talks with the alliance at its headquarters in Brussels. The talks take place in two sessions. In the first session, invitees and NATO representatives discuss political, defense and military issues, providing an opportunity to assess whether preconditions for membership have been met.
The second session involves discussion of resources, security and legal issues as well as the prospective member country's contribution to NATO's common budget. The assessment is determined on a proportional basis based on the size of the prospective member's economy in relation to other NATO members' economies.
Prospective member countries also are required at this stage to submit a timetable to implement measures to ensure protection of NATO classified information and prepare their security and intelligence services to work with NATO's Office of Security.
In the second step of the accession process, prospective members must send a letter of intent to the NATO secretary-general. Next, NATO prepares accession protocols, or amendments, to the North Atlantic Treaty that allow the invited members to become legal parties to the treaty.
Once the protocols have been ratified by NATO member nations, the secretary-general invites the new countries to accede to the treaty. Upon depositing their instruments of accession with the U.S. State Department -- because the United States government is the official repository of the North Atlantic Treaty -- the invitees become NATO members.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Bush Supports Ukrainian, Georgian Aspirations for NATO Membership
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - President Bush strongly endorsed Ukraine's and Georgia's aspirations to join NATO during a news conference with reporters in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv today. With Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko by his side, Bush told reporters he'll support the adoption of membership action plans for Ukraine and Georgia at the three-day NATO summit conference that starts tomorrow in Bucharest, Romania. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also is slated to attend the conference.
"In Bucharest this week, I will continue to make America's position clear: We support (membership action plans) for Ukraine and Georgia," Bush said. "Helping Ukraine move toward NATO membership is in the interest of every member in the alliance and will help advance security and freedom in this region and around the world."
Ukraine "is the only non-NATO nation supporting every NATO mission," Bush pointed out.
"In Afghanistan and Iraq, Ukrainian troops are helping to support young democracies," Bush said. Ukrainian forces also are helping keep the peace in Kosovo, he added.
Yushchenko said his country has "received full-fledged support from the USA" to join NATO, adding that he hopes for an added "positive signal" at the NATO conference in Bucharest.
Bush reiterated that he "strongly" believes the two former Soviet republics should be admitted into NATO. This issue, he pointed out, should not be influenced by Russian concerns about U.S. wishes to install anti-ballistic missile defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials have publicly expressed apprehension about NATO expansion in Eastern Europe, as well as U.S. proposals to install anti-missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Bush, who is slated to meet with Putin at the Black Sea resort of Sochi following the NATO conference, said he has sought to assuage the Russian president's concerns.
The U.S. president said he told Putin during a recent phone conversation that NATO is a peaceful organization that poses no threat to Russia.
Today, Bush forwarded a report to Congress about the future enlargement of NATO. That report includes, among other things, an explanation of how an invitation to each country to join NATO would affect U.S. national security interests.
In addition, Bush said, he has "made it abundantly clear" to Putin that the proposed missile-defense system "is not aimed at defending against Russia." Bush said he likes Putin, noting the Russian president has provided strong leadership for his country.
Gates also has been heavily involved in negotiations with the Russians over the Poland/Czech Republic missile-defense system proposal. In March, Gates was in Moscow for discussions with senior Russian defense officials about the issue.
"We had the opportunity to elaborate on a number of confidence-building measures and measures for transparency to provide assurance to the Russian Republic that our missile defense sites and radars would not constitute a threat to Russia," Gates told reporters during a March 18 news conference in Moscow.
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - President Bush strongly endorsed Ukraine's and Georgia's aspirations to join NATO during a news conference with reporters in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv today. With Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko by his side, Bush told reporters he'll support the adoption of membership action plans for Ukraine and Georgia at the three-day NATO summit conference that starts tomorrow in Bucharest, Romania. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also is slated to attend the conference.
"In Bucharest this week, I will continue to make America's position clear: We support (membership action plans) for Ukraine and Georgia," Bush said. "Helping Ukraine move toward NATO membership is in the interest of every member in the alliance and will help advance security and freedom in this region and around the world."
Ukraine "is the only non-NATO nation supporting every NATO mission," Bush pointed out.
"In Afghanistan and Iraq, Ukrainian troops are helping to support young democracies," Bush said. Ukrainian forces also are helping keep the peace in Kosovo, he added.
Yushchenko said his country has "received full-fledged support from the USA" to join NATO, adding that he hopes for an added "positive signal" at the NATO conference in Bucharest.
Bush reiterated that he "strongly" believes the two former Soviet republics should be admitted into NATO. This issue, he pointed out, should not be influenced by Russian concerns about U.S. wishes to install anti-ballistic missile defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials have publicly expressed apprehension about NATO expansion in Eastern Europe, as well as U.S. proposals to install anti-missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Bush, who is slated to meet with Putin at the Black Sea resort of Sochi following the NATO conference, said he has sought to assuage the Russian president's concerns.
The U.S. president said he told Putin during a recent phone conversation that NATO is a peaceful organization that poses no threat to Russia.
Today, Bush forwarded a report to Congress about the future enlargement of NATO. That report includes, among other things, an explanation of how an invitation to each country to join NATO would affect U.S. national security interests.
In addition, Bush said, he has "made it abundantly clear" to Putin that the proposed missile-defense system "is not aimed at defending against Russia." Bush said he likes Putin, noting the Russian president has provided strong leadership for his country.
Gates also has been heavily involved in negotiations with the Russians over the Poland/Czech Republic missile-defense system proposal. In March, Gates was in Moscow for discussions with senior Russian defense officials about the issue.
"We had the opportunity to elaborate on a number of confidence-building measures and measures for transparency to provide assurance to the Russian Republic that our missile defense sites and radars would not constitute a threat to Russia," Gates told reporters during a March 18 news conference in Moscow.
America Supports You: MWR Worker is Troops' Substitute Mom
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - Troops passing through Camp Buehring on the way to deployment in Iraq can find a little piece of home at the camp's recreation center, "The Oasis." The comfortable feeling certainly is not a result of the commercial decor. The center sports school-like tile floors, and tables and chairs that likely could be found in many lunchrooms. Stacks of board games and books grace the shelves near the front desk.
Only one thing can give The Oasis the homey feel not even the game table, TVs and air conditioning can convey. That would be Violet Kelly, better known as "Big Momma" to the troops.
"They sort of view me as their mother -- an older figure, a grandmother, mother, whichever way," she said. "I do think of them that way, as my own children."
Big Momma, a recreation lead for Morale, Welfare and Recreation, knows all her children, too.
She knows, for example, what a simple DVD of a favorite movie, or sometimes any movie, can mean to a soldier moving forward. That's why she spent time one day calling out titles and making sure everyone who wanted a DVD got one.
"To me it was just fun calling out the (titles) and seeing everyone interact with them and which one they wanted, which one they didn't want," Kelly said. "They just joined right in, 'Big Momma this. Big Momma that.'"
And like a parent, she tries to treat all her children equally, which means it doesn't matter what military someone is serving. If they're in Big Momma's house when she's handing out care package goodies, they get some too.
She makes sure they mind their Ps and Qs, as well.
"What do we say to the folks who donated those videos?" she asked when the DVDS were all distributed.
She got the usual reply, a hearty "Hooah!" That's also how she's greeted when she walks into the room and asks, "How's everybody today?" She doesn't let them off the hook easily, either. If the "Hooah!" isn't loud or enthusiastic enough, she'll ask again until everyone catches on, including any civilians who happen to be lingering.
It's always been that way at Big Momma's house, she said, adding that nobody gives Big Momma any trouble.
"I've not had anyone to give me a hard time due to the fact that if someone gives Big Momma a hard time, somebody else will take hold of them," she said. "I must say, if I ask them to clean up behind themselves, that's not a problem. They do it.
"I always tell them, 'The maid's going home. This maid ain't picking up behind nobody!" she added, laughing.
Sometimes the troops do give her a little bit of a hard time, though.
"They always tease me, 'Big Momma got her lipstick on. Big Momma always putting her lipstick on,'" she laughed. "When you get up in your age, you got to do something! You got to keep your nails done up. You got to keep a little lipstick on."
Though she'll gladly tell anyone who asks her age, she often gets disbelieving looks.
"Some of them say, 'Big Momma, you just don't look 60!'" she said through a deep, throaty laugh. "I've been telling them 60 for three years now!"
Whether her birthday cake would have glowed with 60 or 63 candles on March 13 is of no significance; the troops love her and she loves them.
"You kind of get attached to them, even if when they come in and only stay a week," she said. "Every troop that comes through here is important to me."
Kelly has had nearly three years to solidify her role as the troops' "mom away from mom." With that role comes the same heartache some mothers on the home front have felt.
"Every time I turn around, somebody will come back and say there was an accident," she said solemnly. "Some of them I do know. I've attended a few of the services for them."
Kelly's had plenty of time to get used to the trials and tribulations of military life, however. Her husband is retired from the Navy, which means she's lived a good portion of her life overseas.
With just two exceptions, she always worked for MWR. Only Australia and Hong Kong didn't have MWR programs.
"I've been working for (MWR) for so many years, until it's just a part of me," she said. "It's hard to give up."
So when her husband accepted a position with a defense contractor that took him to Kuwait, she found a position with MWR and followed right along. It was another chance to experience a new culture, something she'd loved about being married to the military.
She figures her children loved that part, too. Her daughter, Patricia, must have. She joined the Air Force and is stationed in Korea. Her son lives in California.
For her boisterous nature, Kelly is quiet about one thing from her family's four-year stay in Bahrain. There they met Marla, who watched Kelly's daughter, and her husband. "I really don't like to talk about it much, but I'm very proud of our Sri Lankan family that we have sponsored," she said. "I'm very, very proud ... that they have come from having nothing to having something now."
Kelly said that even her children send money to help support Marla, her husband and their four children.
"It's better to give than to receive," Kelly said. "You know it doesn't take very much."
That's a lesson Big Momma models every day for her "children" in combat uniforms.
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - Troops passing through Camp Buehring on the way to deployment in Iraq can find a little piece of home at the camp's recreation center, "The Oasis." The comfortable feeling certainly is not a result of the commercial decor. The center sports school-like tile floors, and tables and chairs that likely could be found in many lunchrooms. Stacks of board games and books grace the shelves near the front desk.
Only one thing can give The Oasis the homey feel not even the game table, TVs and air conditioning can convey. That would be Violet Kelly, better known as "Big Momma" to the troops.
"They sort of view me as their mother -- an older figure, a grandmother, mother, whichever way," she said. "I do think of them that way, as my own children."
Big Momma, a recreation lead for Morale, Welfare and Recreation, knows all her children, too.
She knows, for example, what a simple DVD of a favorite movie, or sometimes any movie, can mean to a soldier moving forward. That's why she spent time one day calling out titles and making sure everyone who wanted a DVD got one.
"To me it was just fun calling out the (titles) and seeing everyone interact with them and which one they wanted, which one they didn't want," Kelly said. "They just joined right in, 'Big Momma this. Big Momma that.'"
And like a parent, she tries to treat all her children equally, which means it doesn't matter what military someone is serving. If they're in Big Momma's house when she's handing out care package goodies, they get some too.
She makes sure they mind their Ps and Qs, as well.
"What do we say to the folks who donated those videos?" she asked when the DVDS were all distributed.
She got the usual reply, a hearty "Hooah!" That's also how she's greeted when she walks into the room and asks, "How's everybody today?" She doesn't let them off the hook easily, either. If the "Hooah!" isn't loud or enthusiastic enough, she'll ask again until everyone catches on, including any civilians who happen to be lingering.
It's always been that way at Big Momma's house, she said, adding that nobody gives Big Momma any trouble.
"I've not had anyone to give me a hard time due to the fact that if someone gives Big Momma a hard time, somebody else will take hold of them," she said. "I must say, if I ask them to clean up behind themselves, that's not a problem. They do it.
"I always tell them, 'The maid's going home. This maid ain't picking up behind nobody!" she added, laughing.
Sometimes the troops do give her a little bit of a hard time, though.
"They always tease me, 'Big Momma got her lipstick on. Big Momma always putting her lipstick on,'" she laughed. "When you get up in your age, you got to do something! You got to keep your nails done up. You got to keep a little lipstick on."
Though she'll gladly tell anyone who asks her age, she often gets disbelieving looks.
"Some of them say, 'Big Momma, you just don't look 60!'" she said through a deep, throaty laugh. "I've been telling them 60 for three years now!"
Whether her birthday cake would have glowed with 60 or 63 candles on March 13 is of no significance; the troops love her and she loves them.
"You kind of get attached to them, even if when they come in and only stay a week," she said. "Every troop that comes through here is important to me."
Kelly has had nearly three years to solidify her role as the troops' "mom away from mom." With that role comes the same heartache some mothers on the home front have felt.
"Every time I turn around, somebody will come back and say there was an accident," she said solemnly. "Some of them I do know. I've attended a few of the services for them."
Kelly's had plenty of time to get used to the trials and tribulations of military life, however. Her husband is retired from the Navy, which means she's lived a good portion of her life overseas.
With just two exceptions, she always worked for MWR. Only Australia and Hong Kong didn't have MWR programs.
"I've been working for (MWR) for so many years, until it's just a part of me," she said. "It's hard to give up."
So when her husband accepted a position with a defense contractor that took him to Kuwait, she found a position with MWR and followed right along. It was another chance to experience a new culture, something she'd loved about being married to the military.
She figures her children loved that part, too. Her daughter, Patricia, must have. She joined the Air Force and is stationed in Korea. Her son lives in California.
For her boisterous nature, Kelly is quiet about one thing from her family's four-year stay in Bahrain. There they met Marla, who watched Kelly's daughter, and her husband. "I really don't like to talk about it much, but I'm very proud of our Sri Lankan family that we have sponsored," she said. "I'm very, very proud ... that they have come from having nothing to having something now."
Kelly said that even her children send money to help support Marla, her husband and their four children.
"It's better to give than to receive," Kelly said. "You know it doesn't take very much."
That's a lesson Big Momma models every day for her "children" in combat uniforms.
Missile Defense Embodies Balanced Approach, General Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - In a 21st-century security environment with diverse global threats, the United States must underpin its offensive capabilities with protective systems such as missile defense, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday. Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright said that mutually assured destruction -- the Cold War concept that global stability was achieved through the aversion to war that deadly U.S. and Russian arsenals produced -- is an outdated strategy, given today's security landscape.
"Coming out of the Cold War and having the 'luxury' of a single enemy, and moving to a world in which the threat is much more diverse, the actors are all over and global, the idea of a single strategy -- an offense-only type of construct -- just didn't seem appropriate," Cartwright told an audience at the sixth annual U.S. Missile Defense Conference here.
To adapt to realities of emerging threats, the United States developed the "New Triad," a posture that melds offensive and defensive capabilities into a unified strategy.
"The big idea was an integrated offense and defense, and the ability to pull that together and to offer the nation a broader range of tailored options against any adversary today and in the future," Cartwright said.
Highlighting the defensive side of the strategy is the missile defense system, a bundled network of ground-, sea- and space-based sensors that feed into silos capable of launching U.S. projectiles to collide with and destroy enemy missiles in flight.
Twenty-five years ago, President Ronald Reagan ushered in a new era of missile defense when he gave a landmark speech proposing a "Strategic Defense Initiative" with the intent of making nuclear missiles "impotent and obsolete."
A skeptical media famously dubbed Reagan's initiative "Star Wars."
But Cartwright said the credibility missile defense has brought the United States is apparent through American allies' embracement of the system.
Japan successfully tested the system in December when it fired a U.S.-developed missile into the atmosphere above the Pacific Ocean and shot down a ballistic test missile. In Europe, U.S. officials are negotiating deals with the Czech Republic and Poland to build missile defense components on their soil.
"As we look across the globe today," Cartwright said, "this system -- which was to have as its priority defense of the homeland, defense of our deployed forces, defense of allies and friends -- has really taken off."
The vice chairman said missile defense affords the United States greater flexibility in dealing with emerging and unknown threats.
"This is not just about what it does to others, it's also about what it allows us to do and the diversity of the threats that we can now face and address," he said. "(It reflects) the opportunity to know that nobody's crystal ball is perfect and that we're going to be surprised, but that we can react."
American Forces Press Service
April 1, 2008 - In a 21st-century security environment with diverse global threats, the United States must underpin its offensive capabilities with protective systems such as missile defense, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday. Marine Gen. James E. Cartwright said that mutually assured destruction -- the Cold War concept that global stability was achieved through the aversion to war that deadly U.S. and Russian arsenals produced -- is an outdated strategy, given today's security landscape.
"Coming out of the Cold War and having the 'luxury' of a single enemy, and moving to a world in which the threat is much more diverse, the actors are all over and global, the idea of a single strategy -- an offense-only type of construct -- just didn't seem appropriate," Cartwright told an audience at the sixth annual U.S. Missile Defense Conference here.
To adapt to realities of emerging threats, the United States developed the "New Triad," a posture that melds offensive and defensive capabilities into a unified strategy.
"The big idea was an integrated offense and defense, and the ability to pull that together and to offer the nation a broader range of tailored options against any adversary today and in the future," Cartwright said.
Highlighting the defensive side of the strategy is the missile defense system, a bundled network of ground-, sea- and space-based sensors that feed into silos capable of launching U.S. projectiles to collide with and destroy enemy missiles in flight.
Twenty-five years ago, President Ronald Reagan ushered in a new era of missile defense when he gave a landmark speech proposing a "Strategic Defense Initiative" with the intent of making nuclear missiles "impotent and obsolete."
A skeptical media famously dubbed Reagan's initiative "Star Wars."
But Cartwright said the credibility missile defense has brought the United States is apparent through American allies' embracement of the system.
Japan successfully tested the system in December when it fired a U.S.-developed missile into the atmosphere above the Pacific Ocean and shot down a ballistic test missile. In Europe, U.S. officials are negotiating deals with the Czech Republic and Poland to build missile defense components on their soil.
"As we look across the globe today," Cartwright said, "this system -- which was to have as its priority defense of the homeland, defense of our deployed forces, defense of allies and friends -- has really taken off."
The vice chairman said missile defense affords the United States greater flexibility in dealing with emerging and unknown threats.
"This is not just about what it does to others, it's also about what it allows us to do and the diversity of the threats that we can now face and address," he said. "(It reflects) the opportunity to know that nobody's crystal ball is perfect and that we're going to be surprised, but that we can react."
MILITARY CONTRACTS April 1, 2008
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., of Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $234,000,000. This report is for the initial award for technical services to support Air Force Manpower, Personnel, and Services (AF/A1) initiative to transformation Personnel Service Delivery Model. The Personnel Services Delivery Transformation – Strategic Partnership program is a collaborative effort with an Industry partner. At this time $9,323,500 has been obligated. Randolph AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8734-08-D-0003).
University of Hawaii of Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a modified contract for $8,000,000. This action will provide the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (PanSTARRS) proposed a mufti-year program to develop and deploy a telescope data management system. The initial effort was awarded via a Grant to the University of Hawaii (a Minority Institute) and as the various phases progressed, the Air Force determined a Cooperative Agreement would be the more appropriate instrument as now we would be substantially involved. PanSTARRS will address numerous science applications ranging from the structure of the Solar System to the properties of the Universe of the largest scales. It will be able to detect and catalog large numbers of earth-orbit crossing asteroids, or near earth objects (NEO) that present a potential threat to mankind. At this time $8,000,000 has been obligated. Kirkland AFB, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9451-06-2-0338 P00002).
NAVY
Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical Systems, Inc., Austin, Texas is being awarded a $23,180,475 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to provide the Multi-TADIL Processor (MTP) and the Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI) program. The contract will provide technical services and supplies for appointed systems being implemented with the U.S. Navy Data Link Systems, Communication System, and Cryptographic System. This contract is for technical, management, and logistics support to include, product development, communication systems production, and training. The contract contains options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $49,500,840. Work will be performed in Austin, Texas, (70 percent); Charleston, S.C., (10 percent); San Diego, Calif., (10 percent); Other (10 percent); and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010 (Mar. 2012 with options exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured because Ultra Electronics is the designer and manufacturer of the Multi-TADIL Processor (MTP) and the Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI)รค product line. The ADSI product line software and hardware are proprietary items belonging to Ultra Electronics. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website, one offer was received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-5143).
Utah State University Research Foundation, North Logan Utah, is being awarded a $21,299,620 cost-plus-fixed-fee completion task order #0001 under previously awarded contract (N00173-08-D-2002) for research in the area of advanced space airborne, and ground support systems. This effort will require system and control station design, development, procurement, installation, software development, sensor and data link interfacing, algorithm development. Work will be performed in North Logan, Utah, and work is expected to be completed Mar. 2010. Contracting funds in the amount of $250,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was procured under a sole source basis. The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Earle Industries, Portsmouth, Va., is being awarded a $10,586,448 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4403) for maintenance, repair and alterations of USS Ponce (LPD-15) during non-drydocking CNO scheduled availability. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Va., and work is expected to be completed by Jul. 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $10,586.448 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $5,809,689 delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0009) for the procurement of spares in support of the Maritime Demonstration Program. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed in Feb. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Special T Hosiery Mills, Inc., Burlington, N.C. is being awarded a maximum $7,092,000.00 firm fixed price, total set-aside contract for boots. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. There were 25 proposals originally solicited with 16 responses. This contract is exercising the third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 7, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SP0100-05-D-0386).
Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., of Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for $234,000,000. This report is for the initial award for technical services to support Air Force Manpower, Personnel, and Services (AF/A1) initiative to transformation Personnel Service Delivery Model. The Personnel Services Delivery Transformation – Strategic Partnership program is a collaborative effort with an Industry partner. At this time $9,323,500 has been obligated. Randolph AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8734-08-D-0003).
University of Hawaii of Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a modified contract for $8,000,000. This action will provide the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (PanSTARRS) proposed a mufti-year program to develop and deploy a telescope data management system. The initial effort was awarded via a Grant to the University of Hawaii (a Minority Institute) and as the various phases progressed, the Air Force determined a Cooperative Agreement would be the more appropriate instrument as now we would be substantially involved. PanSTARRS will address numerous science applications ranging from the structure of the Solar System to the properties of the Universe of the largest scales. It will be able to detect and catalog large numbers of earth-orbit crossing asteroids, or near earth objects (NEO) that present a potential threat to mankind. At this time $8,000,000 has been obligated. Kirkland AFB, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9451-06-2-0338 P00002).
NAVY
Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical Systems, Inc., Austin, Texas is being awarded a $23,180,475 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to provide the Multi-TADIL Processor (MTP) and the Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI) program. The contract will provide technical services and supplies for appointed systems being implemented with the U.S. Navy Data Link Systems, Communication System, and Cryptographic System. This contract is for technical, management, and logistics support to include, product development, communication systems production, and training. The contract contains options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $49,500,840. Work will be performed in Austin, Texas, (70 percent); Charleston, S.C., (10 percent); San Diego, Calif., (10 percent); Other (10 percent); and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010 (Mar. 2012 with options exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured because Ultra Electronics is the designer and manufacturer of the Multi-TADIL Processor (MTP) and the Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI)รค product line. The ADSI product line software and hardware are proprietary items belonging to Ultra Electronics. The Request for Proposal was posted on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center E-commerce website, one offer was received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-5143).
Utah State University Research Foundation, North Logan Utah, is being awarded a $21,299,620 cost-plus-fixed-fee completion task order #0001 under previously awarded contract (N00173-08-D-2002) for research in the area of advanced space airborne, and ground support systems. This effort will require system and control station design, development, procurement, installation, software development, sensor and data link interfacing, algorithm development. Work will be performed in North Logan, Utah, and work is expected to be completed Mar. 2010. Contracting funds in the amount of $250,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was procured under a sole source basis. The Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Earle Industries, Portsmouth, Va., is being awarded a $10,586,448 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-4403) for maintenance, repair and alterations of USS Ponce (LPD-15) during non-drydocking CNO scheduled availability. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Va., and work is expected to be completed by Jul. 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $10,586.448 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $5,809,689 delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0009) for the procurement of spares in support of the Maritime Demonstration Program. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed in Feb. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Special T Hosiery Mills, Inc., Burlington, N.C. is being awarded a maximum $7,092,000.00 firm fixed price, total set-aside contract for boots. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, and Marine Corps. There were 25 proposals originally solicited with 16 responses. This contract is exercising the third option year. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is April 7, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SP0100-05-D-0386).
Gates Stops in Belgium En Route to NATO Summit
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates stopped here briefly today for a fact-finding visit on his way to the NATO Summit in Bucharest, Romania. Gates will spend only a few hours at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, receiving operational updates on NATO efforts in Afghanistan and Kosovo from Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, the alliance's top commander.
"The secretary's looking to get a feel for the situation on the ground ... and how it's looked at from the headquarters perspective," a senior defense official, speaking on background, told reporters traveling with Gates during the flight from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Brussels.
"He thought it would make sense to go to SHAPE before going to Bucharest to get a better sense how SHAPE plays in the whole decision-making process, ... and in particular, he wants to get some operational briefs on Afghanistan and on Kosovo," the official said.
This is Gates' 11th trip to Europe, but his first visit to SHAPE as defense secretary. Gates also will stop in Copenhagen, Denmark, for meetings with his Danish counterpart before going on to the summit.
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates stopped here briefly today for a fact-finding visit on his way to the NATO Summit in Bucharest, Romania. Gates will spend only a few hours at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, receiving operational updates on NATO efforts in Afghanistan and Kosovo from Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, the alliance's top commander.
"The secretary's looking to get a feel for the situation on the ground ... and how it's looked at from the headquarters perspective," a senior defense official, speaking on background, told reporters traveling with Gates during the flight from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Brussels.
"He thought it would make sense to go to SHAPE before going to Bucharest to get a better sense how SHAPE plays in the whole decision-making process, ... and in particular, he wants to get some operational briefs on Afghanistan and on Kosovo," the official said.
This is Gates' 11th trip to Europe, but his first visit to SHAPE as defense secretary. Gates also will stop in Copenhagen, Denmark, for meetings with his Danish counterpart before going on to the summit.
America Supports You: Sports Clinic Opens for Disabled Veterans
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - Sixty-seven veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan are among 400 disabled veterans who converged here yesterday to kick off the world's largest disabled ski clinic. Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield and Robert T. Reynolds, national commander of Disabled American Veterans, opened the 22nd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic last night.
The annual six-day program, jointly sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans, helps disabled veterans discover abilities many never knew they had or thought they'd lost.
Mansfield and Reynolds, both disabled veterans themselves, applauded participants for their willingness to push beyond their comfort zones to discover the challenges they can overcome.
"I encourage you to make the most of this," Reynolds told first-timers at the event, encouraging them to follow the lead of veterans of past winter sports clinics. "Look for inspiration in your fellow veterans, and you will find it quickly," he said.
Reynolds recalled his own first experience at the clinic after a disabling skydiving accident left him withdrawn and doubtful about his capabilities. He said he remembers "leaving this mountain a changed man," with a new sense of freedom and self-worth. "I hope the same sense of hope and confidence I gained through this event will reach you as well," he told the veterans.
Mansfield saluted the participants for applying the same qualities of dedication, pride and self-worth they demonstrated during their military service to their rehabilitation.
"You met and adapted to life-changing circumstances," he said. "You are a source of pride to all Americans. ... You have already demonstrated that you are men and women of great courage."
The winter sports clinic is open to U.S. military veterans with disabilities ranging from spinal cord injuries and orthopedic amputations to visual impairment and neurological conditions. Veterans who receive health care at a VA medical facility get first priority to attend.
Participants learn adaptive skiing with mono-skis and bi-skis, as well as Alpine and Nordic skiing techniques. More advanced skiers get innovative race training designed to identify world-class disabled skiers with potential to become Paralympic athletes.
But the clinic isn't limited to skiing. Participants are introduced to a variety of other activities and sports, including rock climbing, snowshoeing, golf, scuba diving, trapshooting, snowmobiling, sled hockey and fencing. Between their scheduled sports activities, the veterans will enjoy concerts, dances, gondola rides, a trip to a local hot springs, and educational and instructional workshops.
From start to finish, the clinic gives disabled veterans the red-carpet treatment. Yesterday afternoon, local restaurants hosted a "Taste of Snowmass" event in the town center, treating participants to their specialties. Douglas Mercatoris, Snowmass Village mayor, proclaimed the veterans honorary citizens and called them "the guardian angels of Snowmass Village, Colorado and the United States."
Sandy Trombetta, the VA's national director for the clinic, said that even with their biggest turnout ever, the clinic staffers will continue strive to reach every participant in an individual way.
"We want each and every one person to have the best experience they could hope for," he said.
Trombetta said he had no idea that his concept of a winter sports clinic would blossom into such a resounding success. "It's the greatest show on earth," he said, not just for the transformation it evokes in participants, but also in the way it brings together people who want to support them.
"None of this is possible without the power of all the people who make it happen," Trombetta said. He pointed to the sponsors who help finance the activities and volunteers who return year after year, giving up vacation time and paying their own way to get here to work with the veterans. Among them are more than 200 certified adaptive ski instructors, including current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team.
"They all want to be part of something bigger than themselves," he said. "What you see here is people really giving back to others. It still leaves me awestruck."
Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake shared Trombetta's enthusiasm about the benefits the clinic brings veterans and the forum it creates for them to support and inspire each other. He is slated to attend the closing ceremonies and award presentations April 4.
"Each year this clinic enhances the physical, social and emotional well-being of the veterans who participate in this life-changing event," Peake said. "Not only does the clinic motivate veterans, young and old, to reach for their full potential and enjoy a higher quality of life, but it also gives them a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie with their fellow veterans."
Among this year's participants is Alan "Doc" Babin, a 27-year-old Army veteran who was among the first soldiers injured in Iraq, in March 2003. The former 82nd Airborne Division medic was rushing to the aid of a fellow soldier when he was hit several times by small-arms fire. The bullets tore through his abdomen, damaging about 90 percent of his stomach, threatening his survival.
But after more than 70 surgeries and numerous hospital stays, Babin is back at the winter sports clinic and ready to challenge himself again.
"I want to reunite with friends from last year and continue receiving the good therapy the mountain provides," he said. "The clinic gives me a sense of peacefulness."
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - Sixty-seven veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan are among 400 disabled veterans who converged here yesterday to kick off the world's largest disabled ski clinic. Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield and Robert T. Reynolds, national commander of Disabled American Veterans, opened the 22nd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic last night.
The annual six-day program, jointly sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans, helps disabled veterans discover abilities many never knew they had or thought they'd lost.
Mansfield and Reynolds, both disabled veterans themselves, applauded participants for their willingness to push beyond their comfort zones to discover the challenges they can overcome.
"I encourage you to make the most of this," Reynolds told first-timers at the event, encouraging them to follow the lead of veterans of past winter sports clinics. "Look for inspiration in your fellow veterans, and you will find it quickly," he said.
Reynolds recalled his own first experience at the clinic after a disabling skydiving accident left him withdrawn and doubtful about his capabilities. He said he remembers "leaving this mountain a changed man," with a new sense of freedom and self-worth. "I hope the same sense of hope and confidence I gained through this event will reach you as well," he told the veterans.
Mansfield saluted the participants for applying the same qualities of dedication, pride and self-worth they demonstrated during their military service to their rehabilitation.
"You met and adapted to life-changing circumstances," he said. "You are a source of pride to all Americans. ... You have already demonstrated that you are men and women of great courage."
The winter sports clinic is open to U.S. military veterans with disabilities ranging from spinal cord injuries and orthopedic amputations to visual impairment and neurological conditions. Veterans who receive health care at a VA medical facility get first priority to attend.
Participants learn adaptive skiing with mono-skis and bi-skis, as well as Alpine and Nordic skiing techniques. More advanced skiers get innovative race training designed to identify world-class disabled skiers with potential to become Paralympic athletes.
But the clinic isn't limited to skiing. Participants are introduced to a variety of other activities and sports, including rock climbing, snowshoeing, golf, scuba diving, trapshooting, snowmobiling, sled hockey and fencing. Between their scheduled sports activities, the veterans will enjoy concerts, dances, gondola rides, a trip to a local hot springs, and educational and instructional workshops.
From start to finish, the clinic gives disabled veterans the red-carpet treatment. Yesterday afternoon, local restaurants hosted a "Taste of Snowmass" event in the town center, treating participants to their specialties. Douglas Mercatoris, Snowmass Village mayor, proclaimed the veterans honorary citizens and called them "the guardian angels of Snowmass Village, Colorado and the United States."
Sandy Trombetta, the VA's national director for the clinic, said that even with their biggest turnout ever, the clinic staffers will continue strive to reach every participant in an individual way.
"We want each and every one person to have the best experience they could hope for," he said.
Trombetta said he had no idea that his concept of a winter sports clinic would blossom into such a resounding success. "It's the greatest show on earth," he said, not just for the transformation it evokes in participants, but also in the way it brings together people who want to support them.
"None of this is possible without the power of all the people who make it happen," Trombetta said. He pointed to the sponsors who help finance the activities and volunteers who return year after year, giving up vacation time and paying their own way to get here to work with the veterans. Among them are more than 200 certified adaptive ski instructors, including current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team.
"They all want to be part of something bigger than themselves," he said. "What you see here is people really giving back to others. It still leaves me awestruck."
Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake shared Trombetta's enthusiasm about the benefits the clinic brings veterans and the forum it creates for them to support and inspire each other. He is slated to attend the closing ceremonies and award presentations April 4.
"Each year this clinic enhances the physical, social and emotional well-being of the veterans who participate in this life-changing event," Peake said. "Not only does the clinic motivate veterans, young and old, to reach for their full potential and enjoy a higher quality of life, but it also gives them a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie with their fellow veterans."
Among this year's participants is Alan "Doc" Babin, a 27-year-old Army veteran who was among the first soldiers injured in Iraq, in March 2003. The former 82nd Airborne Division medic was rushing to the aid of a fellow soldier when he was hit several times by small-arms fire. The bullets tore through his abdomen, damaging about 90 percent of his stomach, threatening his survival.
But after more than 70 surgeries and numerous hospital stays, Babin is back at the winter sports clinic and ready to challenge himself again.
"I want to reunite with friends from last year and continue receiving the good therapy the mountain provides," he said. "The clinic gives me a sense of peacefulness."
Africa Command Makes Progress With African Allies
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - U.S. Africa Command is making progress in gaining acceptance in Africa, the command's deputy for civil-military affairs said in an interview here. “We're doing OK," Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates said in a tone that indicated she'd like to do much better. Yates is the No. 2 person in U.S. Africa Command and the first civilian to hold such a position in a U.S. combatant command.
The command will reach full operational capability Oct. 1. The going hasn't been easy, AFRICOM officials said, as many African leaders questioned the formation of the command -- calling it a U.S. grab for African resources -- while others felt the command represented the militarization of U.S. foreign policy.
The U.S. position, Yates explained, is that the command is a reorganization that allows the U.S. military to help the Africans themselves provide security and to support the far larger U.S. civilian agency programs on the continent.
"What we are finding is that the more we explain, the more understanding (there is) that it is a reorganization," Yates said, "and that we want the security relationships to continue as they are and find ways to enrich and enhance this."
The command will provide expertise for all of Africa and surrounding island nations, with the exception of Egypt. The continent currently is split among U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command. AFRICOM will take over responsibility for programs those commands are currently running in Africa.
Africa Command also is breaking new ground in that it includes civilians from federal agencies outside the Defense Department. In addition to Yates, leaders from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the departments of Treasury, Justice and Commerce, and other agencies are integral parts of the new command.
"We believe the new interagency approach is the way we can build more," the ambassador said. "We can buttress what we're doing to have the programs more effective."
Civilian agencies have the expertise in Africa, Yates said, adding that it's the right time for such a step. "The biggest difference I have seen in my 20 years of being involved in Africa is the Africans are taking more responsibility for themselves," she said.
Africans want to fight the nearly endemic corruption, she said, and they understand that democracies are less likely to go to war. They also realize they need help in fighting the spread of AIDS. They understand the relationship between security and economic progress, and they believe they are up to the challenge, she added.
"They'll decide which programs they want to enrich their security and stability, and we, hopefully, will be ready and have built a more effective 21st-century structure to work with them," Yates said.
Africa Command is a "listening command," Yates said, and command officials have taken every opportunity to explain their mission to African leaders and the African people.
At meetings here last week, the Americans laid out their concerns about problems, and the Africans shared their perspective. Then both sides looked at the common ground.
"What's really important is for us to realize we are different, and we look at things differently," Yates said. Even the Africans differ depending on their region, their tribe, their history and their resources, she noted.
The ambassador said she believes more dialogues with more people would be helpful -- that Americans cannot stay in their stovepipes, but rather must reach out for the cross-fertilization of ideas. If that doesn't happen, she said, "we're not going to get it right."
"One of my biggest 'takeaways' (from the talks here) is that we have to find more ways for routine consultations," she said. "It's one thing for the Americans to interact with the Africans; it's also wonderful to have the Africans interacting with each other and learning from the debates that go on between them."
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - U.S. Africa Command is making progress in gaining acceptance in Africa, the command's deputy for civil-military affairs said in an interview here. “We're doing OK," Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates said in a tone that indicated she'd like to do much better. Yates is the No. 2 person in U.S. Africa Command and the first civilian to hold such a position in a U.S. combatant command.
The command will reach full operational capability Oct. 1. The going hasn't been easy, AFRICOM officials said, as many African leaders questioned the formation of the command -- calling it a U.S. grab for African resources -- while others felt the command represented the militarization of U.S. foreign policy.
The U.S. position, Yates explained, is that the command is a reorganization that allows the U.S. military to help the Africans themselves provide security and to support the far larger U.S. civilian agency programs on the continent.
"What we are finding is that the more we explain, the more understanding (there is) that it is a reorganization," Yates said, "and that we want the security relationships to continue as they are and find ways to enrich and enhance this."
The command will provide expertise for all of Africa and surrounding island nations, with the exception of Egypt. The continent currently is split among U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command. AFRICOM will take over responsibility for programs those commands are currently running in Africa.
Africa Command also is breaking new ground in that it includes civilians from federal agencies outside the Defense Department. In addition to Yates, leaders from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the departments of Treasury, Justice and Commerce, and other agencies are integral parts of the new command.
"We believe the new interagency approach is the way we can build more," the ambassador said. "We can buttress what we're doing to have the programs more effective."
Civilian agencies have the expertise in Africa, Yates said, adding that it's the right time for such a step. "The biggest difference I have seen in my 20 years of being involved in Africa is the Africans are taking more responsibility for themselves," she said.
Africans want to fight the nearly endemic corruption, she said, and they understand that democracies are less likely to go to war. They also realize they need help in fighting the spread of AIDS. They understand the relationship between security and economic progress, and they believe they are up to the challenge, she added.
"They'll decide which programs they want to enrich their security and stability, and we, hopefully, will be ready and have built a more effective 21st-century structure to work with them," Yates said.
Africa Command is a "listening command," Yates said, and command officials have taken every opportunity to explain their mission to African leaders and the African people.
At meetings here last week, the Americans laid out their concerns about problems, and the Africans shared their perspective. Then both sides looked at the common ground.
"What's really important is for us to realize we are different, and we look at things differently," Yates said. Even the Africans differ depending on their region, their tribe, their history and their resources, she noted.
The ambassador said she believes more dialogues with more people would be helpful -- that Americans cannot stay in their stovepipes, but rather must reach out for the cross-fertilization of ideas. If that doesn't happen, she said, "we're not going to get it right."
"One of my biggest 'takeaways' (from the talks here) is that we have to find more ways for routine consultations," she said. "It's one thing for the Americans to interact with the Africans; it's also wonderful to have the Africans interacting with each other and learning from the debates that go on between them."
Face of Defense: Soldier Writes New Chapter in Family History
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - As some 19-year-olds are going to college, hanging out with friends and beginning their adult life, one Multinational Division Baghdad soldier is beginning his adulthood in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Pvt. Derk Hayes, a Peru, Ind., native, is the youngest soldier in his unit, the 25th Infantry Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
From a very young age, the soldier's mother said, Hayes knew he wanted to be a soldier.
"He always said that he was going into the Army," Candace Hayes said. She remembers him saying that when he was 6 or 7 years old. By following through on that dream, Hayes opens a new chapter in the line of his family's service.
Hayes' great-uncle, Virgil Hayes, served in the Army during World War II and passed away in 1995, when Hayes was 6. "The last time I saw my Uncle Virgil, I told him I would join the Army," Hayes said.
His grandfathers also served. His paternal grandfather, Lyle Hayes, is a Pearl Harbor veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he suffered in Japan's Dec. 7, 1941, attack on military forces in Hawaii. His maternal grandfather, "Hoot" Gibson, retired after serving 30 years in the Air Force.
After attending basic combat training at Fort Benning, Ga., Hayes was assigned to the 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds" at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where he spent three weeks before deploying to Iraq.
"I knew it was going to happen, but not that soon," Hayes said. "Telling my mom was hard. I care about her more than anything."
His mom was at work when she received his text message and phone call notifying her that he was deploying in weeks.
"I broke down and just started to cry," the soldier's mother said. "I just prayed, prayed and prayed; I was so scared."
Almost four months into her son's deployment, his mother admits it's been tough for her. "I'm doing better and praying for him every day," she said. "Some days I cry, but he reassures me that he's fine."
Hayes said he communicates with his mom as much as possible. Candace Hayes said she also talks with other military mothers in a social network. She is a member of the Web site www.milclub.net, which is a place for troops and their families to communicate and share their experiences. She communicates with other mothers who have children deployed, and said "they are helping me get through this."
In his first four months in Iraq, Hayes has been on more than 30 patrols, where he helps to provide security for the brigade's embedded provincial reconstruction team as it travels throughout northwestern Baghdad's Taji neighborhood.
Hayes received his 25th Infantry Division combat patch March 9 at a ceremony here. The ceremony was a "time to pause and recollect on the gains that we are making," said Army Lt. Col. Richard "Flip" Wilson, commander of 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.
After presenting Hayes with his combat patch, Wilson asked the soldier to join him in front of the company formation, where he presented him with a commander's coin.
"I felt great. Getting a coin inspired me to do better," Hayes said. "I've never seen (a coin) before, and I was really amazed. I'm keeping it in my pocket below my heart."
Candace Hayes said the military has helped her son make the transition into adulthood.
"The military changed him for the better," she said upon hearing that the battalion commander had recognized her son. "I'm really, really proud of him."
(Army Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - As some 19-year-olds are going to college, hanging out with friends and beginning their adult life, one Multinational Division Baghdad soldier is beginning his adulthood in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Army Pvt. Derk Hayes, a Peru, Ind., native, is the youngest soldier in his unit, the 25th Infantry Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
From a very young age, the soldier's mother said, Hayes knew he wanted to be a soldier.
"He always said that he was going into the Army," Candace Hayes said. She remembers him saying that when he was 6 or 7 years old. By following through on that dream, Hayes opens a new chapter in the line of his family's service.
Hayes' great-uncle, Virgil Hayes, served in the Army during World War II and passed away in 1995, when Hayes was 6. "The last time I saw my Uncle Virgil, I told him I would join the Army," Hayes said.
His grandfathers also served. His paternal grandfather, Lyle Hayes, is a Pearl Harbor veteran who was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he suffered in Japan's Dec. 7, 1941, attack on military forces in Hawaii. His maternal grandfather, "Hoot" Gibson, retired after serving 30 years in the Air Force.
After attending basic combat training at Fort Benning, Ga., Hayes was assigned to the 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds" at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, where he spent three weeks before deploying to Iraq.
"I knew it was going to happen, but not that soon," Hayes said. "Telling my mom was hard. I care about her more than anything."
His mom was at work when she received his text message and phone call notifying her that he was deploying in weeks.
"I broke down and just started to cry," the soldier's mother said. "I just prayed, prayed and prayed; I was so scared."
Almost four months into her son's deployment, his mother admits it's been tough for her. "I'm doing better and praying for him every day," she said. "Some days I cry, but he reassures me that he's fine."
Hayes said he communicates with his mom as much as possible. Candace Hayes said she also talks with other military mothers in a social network. She is a member of the Web site www.milclub.net, which is a place for troops and their families to communicate and share their experiences. She communicates with other mothers who have children deployed, and said "they are helping me get through this."
In his first four months in Iraq, Hayes has been on more than 30 patrols, where he helps to provide security for the brigade's embedded provincial reconstruction team as it travels throughout northwestern Baghdad's Taji neighborhood.
Hayes received his 25th Infantry Division combat patch March 9 at a ceremony here. The ceremony was a "time to pause and recollect on the gains that we are making," said Army Lt. Col. Richard "Flip" Wilson, commander of 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.
After presenting Hayes with his combat patch, Wilson asked the soldier to join him in front of the company formation, where he presented him with a commander's coin.
"I felt great. Getting a coin inspired me to do better," Hayes said. "I've never seen (a coin) before, and I was really amazed. I'm keeping it in my pocket below my heart."
Candace Hayes said the military has helped her son make the transition into adulthood.
"The military changed him for the better," she said upon hearing that the battalion commander had recognized her son. "I'm really, really proud of him."
(Army Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.)
Monday, March 31, 2008
Chairman Speaks With Troops at North Carolina Base
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff thanked soldiers and airmen based here and at adjoining Fort Bragg for their service during what he called the "most dangerous time" he has seen. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited special operations personnel and held an "all-hands call" here today. He told the soldiers and airmen that the United States has never had a better military. The military is so good "because you and people like you made the decision to raise your hands to serve your country and your fellow men," Mullen said.
Mullen said this is an unpredictable and dangerous time for America and its allies. He told the servicemembers that the military is executing its missions flawlessly. The chairman also thanked their families. "You could not do what you do without their support," he said.
America and the military are going through "an extraordinary time of change," Mullen said. "We need to adapt to change and lead that change, because the pace of change is accelerating."
One example of that change is that conventional forces are going to have to "become more Special Forces-like," he said, not only in warfighting, but also in how they are recruited, trained, retained and rewarded.
The chairman also told the troops that it is important that they lead. He said that everyone has a responsibility to lead and to train those coming behind them.
"Someone mentored you," Mullen said. "It's your turn to give back."
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff thanked soldiers and airmen based here and at adjoining Fort Bragg for their service during what he called the "most dangerous time" he has seen. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen visited special operations personnel and held an "all-hands call" here today. He told the soldiers and airmen that the United States has never had a better military. The military is so good "because you and people like you made the decision to raise your hands to serve your country and your fellow men," Mullen said.
Mullen said this is an unpredictable and dangerous time for America and its allies. He told the servicemembers that the military is executing its missions flawlessly. The chairman also thanked their families. "You could not do what you do without their support," he said.
America and the military are going through "an extraordinary time of change," Mullen said. "We need to adapt to change and lead that change, because the pace of change is accelerating."
One example of that change is that conventional forces are going to have to "become more Special Forces-like," he said, not only in warfighting, but also in how they are recruited, trained, retained and rewarded.
The chairman also told the troops that it is important that they lead. He said that everyone has a responsibility to lead and to train those coming behind them.
"Someone mentored you," Mullen said. "It's your turn to give back."
Disabled Vets Motivate Each Other at Winter Sports Clinic
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - As disabled veterans test their mettle this week during the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, they're finding motivation not just on the slopes, but also in each other. Four hundred disabled veterans, 67 of them wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, said coming together for the six-day clinic is helping them push themselves even harder to achieve things they never thought possible.
As they heed the advice of Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield, a disabled veteran himself who opened the clinic last night urging them to reach out to each other, the veterans said they're finding a special brand of camaraderie that's driving them on.
Among them is retired Marine Cpl. Jason Poole, who was on a patrol near Iraq's border with Syria in June 2004 when a massive bomb killed three of his fellow Marines and sent him into a coma. Poole awoke two months later deaf in his left ear, blind in his left eye, riddled with shrapnel and suffering a traumatic brain injury.
Poole admits he was "very scared" to come to the winter sports clinic the first time in 2006, but quickly got over his trepidations. "I had a blast!" he said.
Now back for his third clinic, 25-year-old Poole savors every opportunity the clinic has to offer. "I love it here!" he exclaimed. "This is 110 percent the most fun, craziest, most beautiful time ever!"
What makes the clinic so special, he said, is the chance to spend time with other disabled veterans who understand him and what he's gone through. "It's really fantastic coming together with all these different military members. What we share is why everyone has so much fun."
Now-retired Army Pfc. Adam Lewis was serving in Baghdad with 3rd Infantry Division when a land mine claimed both his legs in July 2003. What scared him the most about his circumstances, he said, was the prospect of never being able to do the things he once loved.
Motivated by his daughter, who was born during his deployment, Lewis became an active athlete, earning top honors in the Wheelchair Games in several categories and returning here for his third winter sports clinic.
"I try to compete in everything," 27-year-old Lewis said. "But this is about more than the competition. It's about the people you're around."
Now considering himself "a seasoned veteran," Lewis said he tries to help more recently wounded veterans adjust to their new situations. "I try to listen and see where they're coming from," he said. "If they ask for advice, I'm happy to give it."
Lewis said disabled veterans, regardless of when they served or which uniform they wore, share a common bond. "A soldier is a soldier always," he said. "It doesn't really matter who you are or what your rank (is). All of us share the same mixed emotions. The wiser the veteran I become, the more I realize that everyone is pretty much the same."
This time last year, Angel Gomez had just been medically retired from the Marine Corps and had to wear a helmet around the clock to protect his skull following surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
Gomez was driving a 7-ton truck during a night mission in Ramadi, Iraq, in April 2005 when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle and sent him into a coma. He awoke two weeks later to find the right side of his body paralyzed, a tube holding his windpipe open and his brain damaged by a traumatic injury.
Even as he struggled to recover, with grueling hours developed to regaining his ability to walk and talk, the Mountain View, Calif., native said he felt so self-conscious about his appearance that he withdrew into himself. He turned down opportunities to go on outings that provided a respite from the hospital, hating the way people stared at his helmet, his cane and the pipe sticking out of this throat after his tracheostomy.
Coming to the winter sports clinic last year, where he learned how to snowboard, proved to be a huge boost in Gomez' recovery. "I got motivated going out there," he said. "It was a big step for me."
This year, Gomez is back again, his helmet now gone, and ready to take mono-skiing so he can ski even faster than last year. But he said he's equally excited about the chance to spend time with his fellow veterans.
"There's a big benefit of coming here, because you meet people on the slopes, at the concerts, dancing and at meals," he said. "You spend time together and talk, and it really means a lot."
Marine Corps Reservist Jared Smith was mobilized at Camp Pendleton, Calif., in June when a spinal cord injury from running with a combat rucksack left him in a wheelchair with little hope of ever walking again. Less than nine months later, he's walking with one crutch and planning to try out an adaptive mono-ski here at Snowmass Mountain.
Looking forward to returning to the slopes, 22-year-old Smith said he's confident he can tackle the mountain and return to the skiing level he'd built since he first picked up skiing 10 years ago. "If there's one thing I've learned since this injury, it's that you can do everything you did before," he said. "You just have to do it in an adaptive way."
Now medically retired as a corporal, Smith said he's also excited about the opportunity to meet and mingle with other disabled veterans. "When I look around here, I can see that we all have something in common. That's just not something you find in your hometown," he said. "So just being here and getting to talk with them is pretty amazing."
Alfred Clarke, an Army Gulf War veteran who was medically retired from the Army due to an eye disease, returned this year for his fourth winter sports clinic to ski and snowmobile and spend time with fellow veterans.
"This place gives me motivation," said the Tampa, Fla., native. "It's someplace where I can talk with and hang out with some of the guys. There's a lot of spirit here."
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - As disabled veterans test their mettle this week during the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, they're finding motivation not just on the slopes, but also in each other. Four hundred disabled veterans, 67 of them wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, said coming together for the six-day clinic is helping them push themselves even harder to achieve things they never thought possible.
As they heed the advice of Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield, a disabled veteran himself who opened the clinic last night urging them to reach out to each other, the veterans said they're finding a special brand of camaraderie that's driving them on.
Among them is retired Marine Cpl. Jason Poole, who was on a patrol near Iraq's border with Syria in June 2004 when a massive bomb killed three of his fellow Marines and sent him into a coma. Poole awoke two months later deaf in his left ear, blind in his left eye, riddled with shrapnel and suffering a traumatic brain injury.
Poole admits he was "very scared" to come to the winter sports clinic the first time in 2006, but quickly got over his trepidations. "I had a blast!" he said.
Now back for his third clinic, 25-year-old Poole savors every opportunity the clinic has to offer. "I love it here!" he exclaimed. "This is 110 percent the most fun, craziest, most beautiful time ever!"
What makes the clinic so special, he said, is the chance to spend time with other disabled veterans who understand him and what he's gone through. "It's really fantastic coming together with all these different military members. What we share is why everyone has so much fun."
Now-retired Army Pfc. Adam Lewis was serving in Baghdad with 3rd Infantry Division when a land mine claimed both his legs in July 2003. What scared him the most about his circumstances, he said, was the prospect of never being able to do the things he once loved.
Motivated by his daughter, who was born during his deployment, Lewis became an active athlete, earning top honors in the Wheelchair Games in several categories and returning here for his third winter sports clinic.
"I try to compete in everything," 27-year-old Lewis said. "But this is about more than the competition. It's about the people you're around."
Now considering himself "a seasoned veteran," Lewis said he tries to help more recently wounded veterans adjust to their new situations. "I try to listen and see where they're coming from," he said. "If they ask for advice, I'm happy to give it."
Lewis said disabled veterans, regardless of when they served or which uniform they wore, share a common bond. "A soldier is a soldier always," he said. "It doesn't really matter who you are or what your rank (is). All of us share the same mixed emotions. The wiser the veteran I become, the more I realize that everyone is pretty much the same."
This time last year, Angel Gomez had just been medically retired from the Marine Corps and had to wear a helmet around the clock to protect his skull following surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
Gomez was driving a 7-ton truck during a night mission in Ramadi, Iraq, in April 2005 when an improvised explosive device hit his vehicle and sent him into a coma. He awoke two weeks later to find the right side of his body paralyzed, a tube holding his windpipe open and his brain damaged by a traumatic injury.
Even as he struggled to recover, with grueling hours developed to regaining his ability to walk and talk, the Mountain View, Calif., native said he felt so self-conscious about his appearance that he withdrew into himself. He turned down opportunities to go on outings that provided a respite from the hospital, hating the way people stared at his helmet, his cane and the pipe sticking out of this throat after his tracheostomy.
Coming to the winter sports clinic last year, where he learned how to snowboard, proved to be a huge boost in Gomez' recovery. "I got motivated going out there," he said. "It was a big step for me."
This year, Gomez is back again, his helmet now gone, and ready to take mono-skiing so he can ski even faster than last year. But he said he's equally excited about the chance to spend time with his fellow veterans.
"There's a big benefit of coming here, because you meet people on the slopes, at the concerts, dancing and at meals," he said. "You spend time together and talk, and it really means a lot."
Marine Corps Reservist Jared Smith was mobilized at Camp Pendleton, Calif., in June when a spinal cord injury from running with a combat rucksack left him in a wheelchair with little hope of ever walking again. Less than nine months later, he's walking with one crutch and planning to try out an adaptive mono-ski here at Snowmass Mountain.
Looking forward to returning to the slopes, 22-year-old Smith said he's confident he can tackle the mountain and return to the skiing level he'd built since he first picked up skiing 10 years ago. "If there's one thing I've learned since this injury, it's that you can do everything you did before," he said. "You just have to do it in an adaptive way."
Now medically retired as a corporal, Smith said he's also excited about the opportunity to meet and mingle with other disabled veterans. "When I look around here, I can see that we all have something in common. That's just not something you find in your hometown," he said. "So just being here and getting to talk with them is pretty amazing."
Alfred Clarke, an Army Gulf War veteran who was medically retired from the Army due to an eye disease, returned this year for his fourth winter sports clinic to ski and snowmobile and spend time with fellow veterans.
"This place gives me motivation," said the Tampa, Fla., native. "It's someplace where I can talk with and hang out with some of the guys. There's a lot of spirit here."
U.S. to Push European Missile Defense Plans
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - The United States will continue to push for a missile defense system in Europe despite resistance from Russia, a top Pentagon official said ahead of President Bush's visit with Russia's top leader this week. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England today said the United States has offered "a wide range of proposals" on working through disagreements with Russia over building U.S. radar and interceptor sites in Poland and the Czech Republic. Construction on missile defense sites could begin once "necessary agreements" are reached with the two nations, he said.
"Despite some Russian reluctance to sign up with these cooperative missile defense activities, we continue to work towards these goals," England told an audience at the sixth annual U.S. Missile Defense Conference here.
Russian senior officials have expressed fears that the extension of the U.S. system into Europe could be used against their country.
In attempts to assuage Russia's concerns, England said, the United States has offered to keep the system inoperative until Iran conducts further missile tests, and has proposed sharing relevant data among countries involved.
"An extraordinary series of transparency measures have also been offered to reassure Russia," England said. He added that sites in Europe would help counter potential threats to the United States, Europe and Russia from Iranian ballistic missiles.
The deputy secretary praised NATO for making progress in developing an "active layer" of the missile defense system capable of protecting deployed alliance forces, which he characterized as a step toward keeping U.S. and allied security "tightly linked."
President Bush, who left today for a four-nation trip, is expected to discuss missile defense with the 26 NATO members and other attendees at the alliance's April 2-4 summit in Bucharest, Romania. In addition, he and Russian President Vladimir Putin are slated to hold talks on the issue when they meet at the Black Sea resort of Sochi following the NATO conference.
"The main issue there is to find a way, in concrete terms, to reassure Russia that the radar and missile installation that is planned in Poland and the Czech Republic are, as we say, about potential threats coming to Europe, coming to Russia, if you will, from the Middle East, and are not aimed at Russia," National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley said March 26 at a White House briefing.
Hadley noted the United States hopes to find "a formula of measures" that would reciprocate Russia for its effort to cooperate in an integrated missile defense system while respecting Czech and Polish sovereignty.
In a meeting at the Bush family home in Kennebunkport, Maine, last July, Putin offered to incorporate a radar and early warning system in southern Russia into the defense system's architecture as an alternative to the other European sites.
Earlier this month, officials expressed optimism in an agreement reached in Moscow to draft a "strategic framework" document that could guide U.S.-Russian negotiations on the European missile defense plan.
"We had the opportunity to elaborate on a number of confidence building measures and measures for transparency to provide assurance to the Russian Republic that our missile sites and radars would not constitute a threat to Russia," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at a March 18 news conference in Moscow.
"I think both President Putin (yesterday) and our Russian colleagues today found these ideas useful and important, ... and they will be studying them further," said Gates, who was joined by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russia's Defense Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov and Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Russian officials at the meetings acknowledged the United States was working to assuage fears that the system could threaten Russia. They also agreed on the importance of maintaining continuity while both administrations change their top leadership in the months to come.
But Russia's defense minister remained steadfast against the U.S. proposal.
"In principle, our positions have not changed," Serdyukov said. "We can say that we have a lot of work to do, but we need to see these proposals to look at them, to understand them, and then, following the work at the expert level, we'll make a decision on how to move forward."
Asked today whether Bush's upcoming talks with Putin will yield success, Hadley said U.S. officials remain hopeful at the possibility.
"I think we're moving in a direction where something that some of us have been working for, for a long time, where Russia and the United States could have missile defense as an area of strategic cooperation," he told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Kyiv, Ukraine.
"Interestingly, that was something that President Putin said when he talked to the press at Kennebunkport last summer," he continued. "And we are trying to see if we can articulate that in concrete terms."
American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - The United States will continue to push for a missile defense system in Europe despite resistance from Russia, a top Pentagon official said ahead of President Bush's visit with Russia's top leader this week. Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England today said the United States has offered "a wide range of proposals" on working through disagreements with Russia over building U.S. radar and interceptor sites in Poland and the Czech Republic. Construction on missile defense sites could begin once "necessary agreements" are reached with the two nations, he said.
"Despite some Russian reluctance to sign up with these cooperative missile defense activities, we continue to work towards these goals," England told an audience at the sixth annual U.S. Missile Defense Conference here.
Russian senior officials have expressed fears that the extension of the U.S. system into Europe could be used against their country.
In attempts to assuage Russia's concerns, England said, the United States has offered to keep the system inoperative until Iran conducts further missile tests, and has proposed sharing relevant data among countries involved.
"An extraordinary series of transparency measures have also been offered to reassure Russia," England said. He added that sites in Europe would help counter potential threats to the United States, Europe and Russia from Iranian ballistic missiles.
The deputy secretary praised NATO for making progress in developing an "active layer" of the missile defense system capable of protecting deployed alliance forces, which he characterized as a step toward keeping U.S. and allied security "tightly linked."
President Bush, who left today for a four-nation trip, is expected to discuss missile defense with the 26 NATO members and other attendees at the alliance's April 2-4 summit in Bucharest, Romania. In addition, he and Russian President Vladimir Putin are slated to hold talks on the issue when they meet at the Black Sea resort of Sochi following the NATO conference.
"The main issue there is to find a way, in concrete terms, to reassure Russia that the radar and missile installation that is planned in Poland and the Czech Republic are, as we say, about potential threats coming to Europe, coming to Russia, if you will, from the Middle East, and are not aimed at Russia," National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley said March 26 at a White House briefing.
Hadley noted the United States hopes to find "a formula of measures" that would reciprocate Russia for its effort to cooperate in an integrated missile defense system while respecting Czech and Polish sovereignty.
In a meeting at the Bush family home in Kennebunkport, Maine, last July, Putin offered to incorporate a radar and early warning system in southern Russia into the defense system's architecture as an alternative to the other European sites.
Earlier this month, officials expressed optimism in an agreement reached in Moscow to draft a "strategic framework" document that could guide U.S.-Russian negotiations on the European missile defense plan.
"We had the opportunity to elaborate on a number of confidence building measures and measures for transparency to provide assurance to the Russian Republic that our missile sites and radars would not constitute a threat to Russia," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said at a March 18 news conference in Moscow.
"I think both President Putin (yesterday) and our Russian colleagues today found these ideas useful and important, ... and they will be studying them further," said Gates, who was joined by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russia's Defense Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov and Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Russian officials at the meetings acknowledged the United States was working to assuage fears that the system could threaten Russia. They also agreed on the importance of maintaining continuity while both administrations change their top leadership in the months to come.
But Russia's defense minister remained steadfast against the U.S. proposal.
"In principle, our positions have not changed," Serdyukov said. "We can say that we have a lot of work to do, but we need to see these proposals to look at them, to understand them, and then, following the work at the expert level, we'll make a decision on how to move forward."
Asked today whether Bush's upcoming talks with Putin will yield success, Hadley said U.S. officials remain hopeful at the possibility.
"I think we're moving in a direction where something that some of us have been working for, for a long time, where Russia and the United States could have missile defense as an area of strategic cooperation," he told reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Kyiv, Ukraine.
"Interestingly, that was something that President Putin said when he talked to the press at Kennebunkport last summer," he continued. "And we are trying to see if we can articulate that in concrete terms."
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas is being awarded a maximum $397,444,621.88 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set-aside contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is Texas City, Texas. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0480).
Placid Refining Co. LLC., Port Allen, La.*, is being awarded a maximum $134,823,041.55 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were 48 proposal originally solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0481).
Gary-Williams Energy Corp, Denver, Colo.*, is being awarded a maximum $127,153,444.80 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set-aside contract for aviation fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0477).
Alon USA, LP., Dallas, Texas is being awarded a maximum $111,102,800.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set-aside contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is Big Spring, Texas. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0474).
Calumet Sales Co. Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $37,108,800.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set-aside contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is Shreveport, La. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0475).
General Electric Transportation Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $8,513,262.15 firm fixed price, requirements type contract for engine line parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was one sole source proposal solicited with one response. This contract is for ten years with a two-year base and four two-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM400-00-D-9403).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. of Littleton, Colo., is being awarded a modified firm fixed price contract for $124,100,000. This modification is issued to purchase launch services from Lockheed Martin Co. under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program and Atlas medium-plus rocket (Atlas 5510 to launch the Mobile Users Objective System (MUOS)-1 Satellite. At this time $124,100,000 has been obligated. El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0004, Modification Number P00002).
Raytheon Co. Missile Systems of Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee with performance incentive contract for $80,295,119. This action will provide miniature air-launched decoy JAMMER risk reduction phase II effort to include tasking to support through a Critical Design Review and taking a subsystem development into system level. At this time $21,317,355 has been obligated. Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FAB676-08-C-0062).
General Atomics Aeronautical System, Inc., of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $49,870,416. This action provides for 24 Predator MQ-1B Aircraft, Hellfire missile kit installation, IMAs, and core tasks. At this time $49,870,416 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 0042).
Science Applications International Corp. of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a contract for $31,162,736. This modification will allow research and development in accordance with the contractor's statement of work entitled risk reduction of the Alternative Infrared Satellite System. The additional effort provides for upgrading the integrated sensor assembly components to yield a space qualifiable configuration of the integrated sensor assembly. These upgrades will allow enhanced ground environmental testing of the sensor assembly in order to determine that it is a "Space Qualified" design and additionally reduce the risk associated with building space qualification satellite units in the future. At this time $18,750,000 has been obligated. Kirtland AFB, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-06-C-0378, P00010).
General Atomics of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $28,947,434. This effort is for the manufacture, test, and delivery of four Predator B Reaper MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. At this time $28,947,434 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 ORDER 0031).
FMC Technologies Airport Division of Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a firm fixed price supply contract for $9,659,316. This action provides for Halvorsen Aircraft Cargo Loaders: Aircraft Cargo Loader 14 each; Production Support 14 each; Packaging 14 each; Data one lot. At this time $6,726,120 has been obligated. Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8519-08-D-0004 and delivery order 0001).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $9,630,212. The Information Assurance Technnical Analysis Center will provide research to further the development and integration of confidentially, integrity, and authentication capabilities of the Global Information Grid. At this time $1,091,787 has been obligated. Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SPO700-98-D-4002, DO 0334).
ATK Missile Systems Co. Integrated Systems Division of Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a modified contract for $9,234,375. This action exercises options to procure multiple Common Munitions Built-In-Test Reprogrammable Equipment (CAMBRE) Plus units and to modify CMBRE units to a CMBRE Plus configuration. CMBRE's Plus is designed to interface with Munitions in an Air Force backshop/flightline or Navy carrier deck environment. CAMBRE Plus will support the fielding of the next generation AMRAAM and Small Diameter Bomb Munitions and allow the war fighter to maintain one configuration for maximum War Fighter flexibility. W-23 Cables (also part of this contract mod) support simultaneous testing of four AMRAAM missiles at one time (which saves time). This action exercising options to purchase 37 CMBRE Plus's; Data for CMBRE Plus Production; 175 Modifications of CMBRE units to CMBRE Plus; 9 W-23 cables; and 6 Initial Spares through the CMBRE Program Office at WPAFB, Ohio (ASC/647 AESS). At this time $9,234,375 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-06-C-2060, P00010).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a modified contract for $6,125,000. This contract modification is a Foreign Military Sales requirement for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) program. This action incorporates the FY08 Quarter III Option Exercise for site activation and material for RAAF aircraft sustainment. At this time $0 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004 P00241).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Integrated Defense Systems, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded $57,046,566 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #5012 under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-06-G-016F) for procurement of initial and wholesale spares requirements for six different weapons replaceable assemblies that are required to support the system used on the MH-60R/S helicopter. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed by Oct. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
L-3 Communications, Titan Group, Panama City Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $44,594,382 cost-plus-fixed-price contract for the procurement of engineering logistics and material support for the mine roller in-service program. Work will be performed in Panama City, Fla., and work is expected to be completed by Sep. 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Online and the Federal Business Opportunities websites, with three offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-08-C-0007).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $38,540,436 firm-fixed-price, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract modification #0004 under previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-06-D-001J) for new spares to support the F/A-18 AN/APG-79 AESA radar. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., (90 percent) and St. Louis, Mo., (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Aug. 2010. 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
Walbridge Aldinger Co. Detroit, Mich., is being awarded a $35,883,000 firm-fixed price contract for an addition and alterations to the Naval Hospital at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The work to be performed provides for construction of a three-story addition with an eight-story elevator tower and areas of alteration and partial renovation. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and work is expected to be completed by Jul. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively negotiated via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-08-C-1271).
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Integrated Systems Division, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $37,482,191 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-06-G-0014) for the engineering study to modify the AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems in order to improve probability of detection in operational environments. This delivery order will also include the development of a class one engineering change proposal and delivery of modified government furnished equipment for developmental test. Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., (50 percent); Austin, Texas (45 percent); Santa Barbara, Calif., (3 percent); Atlanta, Ga., (1 percent); Natanya, Israel (.5 percent); and Hamamatsu, Japan (.5 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Aug. 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $16,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $20,627,930 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0060) for the procurement of Power By The Hour® maintenance support, including program management, field engineering, and site specific logistical support at V-22 Osprey operating and production sites for the U.S. Navy $17,495,778; 84.8 percent) and the U.S. Air Force ($3,132,152; 15.2 percent). Work will be performed in New River, N.C., (74.9 percent); Kirtland AFB, N.M., (7.4 percent); Hulburt Field, Fla., (7.4 percent); Indianapolis, Ind., (5.2 percent); Patuxent River, Md., (3.6 percent) and Amarillo, Texas (1.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $19,476,930 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
CACI Systems, Inc., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $19,279,281 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00421-06-C-0074) to exercise an option for technical and engineering services and supplies in support of the Special Communications Requirements Division of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. This modification provides support for various Navy, Army, and Air Force, Special Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Electronic Systems. The estimated level of effort for this contract is 286,000 man-hours. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., (80 percent) and St. Inigoes, (20 percent) and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.
Pearson Engineering Ltd, Wincomblee Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom is being awarded $16,910,573 for firm-fixed-price, delivery order #0032 under previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-5000) for 20 lane marking system, 20 high-lift adapter systems, 21 full width mine plow, and six dozer blade subsystems. Work will be performed in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, and work is expected to be complete Mar. 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source award to Pearson Engineering Ltd for the manufacturing the Assault Breecher Vehicle components. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $12,177,810 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to develop technology that supports the Globally Netted Maritime Headquarters with Maritime Operations Center Component Commander by an applied research program which calls for innovative technologies in support of war fighters. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at end of current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Office of Naval Research BAA Number 07-021. The Naval Research Laboratory. Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00173-08-C-4008).
L-3 Services, Inc., Unidyne Division, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $11,223,059 cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering and program support services associated with Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT) legacy shipboard training systems. The BFTT system is a highly flexible, interactive simulation/stimulation tactical combat training system. BFTT is used on all combatant and amphibious ships. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., (53 percent) and San Diego, Calif. (47 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Mar.2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-GR02).
The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $8,406,000 modification to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0045) to provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) services supporting the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Operation Enduring Freedom surge detachment. Work will be performed in Afghanistan (90 percent) and St. Louis, Mo., (10 percent) and is expected to be completed in Oct. 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $8,406,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
C. E. Niehoff & AMP, Co., Evanston, Ill., is being awarded an $8,385,720 firm-fixed-price contract for 3,000 N1602-5 Alternators. Work will be performed in Evanston, Ill., and work is expected to be complete by Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source award as C. E. Niehoff & AMP, Co., is the sole manufacturer of the N1602-5 Alternators. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-C-5025).
Belonger/Blinderman Joint Venture LLC.*, West Bend, Wis., is being awarded a $7,742,000 firm-fixed-price contract for repairs and renovations to building three at Naval Station Great Lakes. The contract contains one option totaling $8,068,200, which may be exercised within 180 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $15,810,200. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction for repairing and renovating deficiencies in building three and bringing the facility within all code standards at Naval Station, Great Lakes. Building three is listed as a property of major significance located within the Historic District of the Naval Station. The project will include infrastructure improvements including new heating, ventilation and air conditioning, fire protection, fire alarm, plumbing and electrical systems, new space configuration and architectural finishes, handicap accessibility upgrades, new Anti-Terrorism Force Protection compliant exterior windows and replacement of the existing roof. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively negotiated via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online websitewith six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-08-C-0055).
Niking Corp.*, Wahiawa, Hawaii, is being awarded $6,422,074 for firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract (N62478-07-D-4005) for switchgear replacement at Building 112, Main Base Power Plant, at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands. The work to be performed provides for removal of existing primary generator and distribution switchgears at the Building 112 power plant and providing new primary generator and distribution switchgears, modern integrated electronic generator and switchgear instrumentation and controls, monitoring, and protection equipment, building extension with general power, lighting, and grounding, adding a redundant primary power feed for the existing station service, fire alarm and suppression, and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Kauai, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H., is being awarded a $6,012,934 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-08-C-0003) to exercise an option for the procurement of five OE-120 Antenna Groups. The OE-120 antenna group is one of two major subsystems that provide a centralized identification system for Fleet tactical ships. Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H., and is expected to be completed in Aug. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $118,092,940 firm-fixed price contract for the design, development, fabrication, production, training, integration, testing and delivery of PATRIOT hardware to be issued to the Republic of Korea Air Force for the PATRIOT program. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 26, 2008. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-C-0288).
Raytheon Co., AMDS, Andover, Mass., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $38,710,000 firm-fixed price contract for procurement, installation and testing of three PATRIOT Radar Enhancement Phase 3 classification, discrimination and identification Phase three modification kits. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Mar. 12, 2008. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151).
L-3 Communications, Linkabit Division, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $28,913,720 firm-fixed price contract for PROPHET electronic support. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. And Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 1, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jun. 12, 2001, and three bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-0-C-L539).
General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on Mar. 27, 2008, a $28, 899,825 firm-fixed price contract for M865 kinetic energy training rounds and M1002 target practice multipurpose tracer cartridges. Work will be performed in Middletown, Iowa, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Jan. 11, 2008, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-08-C-0010).
ACC Construction, Augusta, Ga., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $23,755,932 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a battalion headquarters, a co. operations facility and a tactical maintenance facility. Work will be performed at Fort Benning, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 15, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on Nov. 26, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0042).
L-3 Communications, Corp., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $20,845,306 firm-fixed price contract for remanufactured Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems transmissions. Work will be performed in Muskegon, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 4, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Oct. 17, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0119). San Juan Construction, Inc., was awarded on Mar. 27, 2008, a $13,378,020 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a C-17 parking ramp. Work will be performed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Sep. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 17, 2007, and five bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-08-C-0007).
Walbridge Aldinger Co., Inc., Detroit, Mich., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $13,354,750 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a two-story company operations facility of approximately 40,000 square feet. The project includes all utilities, site improvements and demolition of existing buildings. Work will be performed at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 28, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on Oct. 19, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0054).
Emerson Construction Co., Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $10,865,800 firm-fixed price contract for construction of basic expeditionary airman skill training Phase II. Work will be performed at Lackland, Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 23, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 8 2007, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-C-0014).
F – E Contracting, In., Palmer, Alaska, was awarded on Mar. 27, 2008, a $8,880,000 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of the United States Air Force Reserve Group Headquarters facility. Work will be performed in Elmendorf, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 15, 2008, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-08-C-0006).
BAE Systems, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $8,340,793.99 firm-fixed price and cost-plus fixed fee contract for procurement of M88 Counter Remote Electonic Warfare A-Kits and CONUS installation, Paladin CREW II A-Kits and CONUS installation, and Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle CREW II A-Kits and CONUS installation, and M1113 CREW II A-Kits and CONUS installation. Work will be performed primarily in York, Penn., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on May 21, 2007. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).
Conoco Inc., Louisville, Ky., was awarded on Mar. 27, 2008, a $8,180,972 firm-fixed price contract for PA161 and PA103A2 metal containers. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 27, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jun. 11, 2004, and three bids were received. Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-04-C-1139).
Record Steel & Construction Inc., Meridian, Idaho, was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $6,578,019 firm-fixed price contract for a ground water treatment plant capable of treating arsenic and fluoride. Work will be performed at Hawthorne Army Depot, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 6, 2007, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-08-C-0002).
Valero Marketing & Supply Co., San Antonio, Texas is being awarded a maximum $397,444,621.88 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set-aside contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is Texas City, Texas. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0480).
Placid Refining Co. LLC., Port Allen, La.*, is being awarded a maximum $134,823,041.55 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were 48 proposal originally solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0481).
Gary-Williams Energy Corp, Denver, Colo.*, is being awarded a maximum $127,153,444.80 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set-aside contract for aviation fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0477).
Alon USA, LP., Dallas, Texas is being awarded a maximum $111,102,800.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set-aside contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is Big Spring, Texas. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0474).
Calumet Sales Co. Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $37,108,800.00 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, partial set-aside contract for aviation fuel. Other location of performance is Shreveport, La. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. This proposal was originally Web solicited with 23 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0475).
General Electric Transportation Aircraft Engines, Lynn, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $8,513,262.15 firm fixed price, requirements type contract for engine line parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was one sole source proposal solicited with one response. This contract is for ten years with a two-year base and four two-year options. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond, Richmond, Va., (SPM400-00-D-9403).
AIR FORCE
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. of Littleton, Colo., is being awarded a modified firm fixed price contract for $124,100,000. This modification is issued to purchase launch services from Lockheed Martin Co. under the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Program and Atlas medium-plus rocket (Atlas 5510 to launch the Mobile Users Objective System (MUOS)-1 Satellite. At this time $124,100,000 has been obligated. El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8816-06-C-0004, Modification Number P00002).
Raytheon Co. Missile Systems of Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee with performance incentive contract for $80,295,119. This action will provide miniature air-launched decoy JAMMER risk reduction phase II effort to include tasking to support through a Critical Design Review and taking a subsystem development into system level. At this time $21,317,355 has been obligated. Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FAB676-08-C-0062).
General Atomics Aeronautical System, Inc., of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $49,870,416. This action provides for 24 Predator MQ-1B Aircraft, Hellfire missile kit installation, IMAs, and core tasks. At this time $49,870,416 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 0042).
Science Applications International Corp. of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a contract for $31,162,736. This modification will allow research and development in accordance with the contractor's statement of work entitled risk reduction of the Alternative Infrared Satellite System. The additional effort provides for upgrading the integrated sensor assembly components to yield a space qualifiable configuration of the integrated sensor assembly. These upgrades will allow enhanced ground environmental testing of the sensor assembly in order to determine that it is a "Space Qualified" design and additionally reduce the risk associated with building space qualification satellite units in the future. At this time $18,750,000 has been obligated. Kirtland AFB, N.M., is the contracting activity (FA9453-06-C-0378, P00010).
General Atomics of San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $28,947,434. This effort is for the manufacture, test, and delivery of four Predator B Reaper MQ-9 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. At this time $28,947,434 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028 ORDER 0031).
FMC Technologies Airport Division of Orlando, Fla., is being awarded a firm fixed price supply contract for $9,659,316. This action provides for Halvorsen Aircraft Cargo Loaders: Aircraft Cargo Loader 14 each; Production Support 14 each; Packaging 14 each; Data one lot. At this time $6,726,120 has been obligated. Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8519-08-D-0004 and delivery order 0001).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., is being awarded a cost plus fixed fee contract for $9,630,212. The Information Assurance Technnical Analysis Center will provide research to further the development and integration of confidentially, integrity, and authentication capabilities of the Global Information Grid. At this time $1,091,787 has been obligated. Offutt AFB, Neb., is the contracting activity (SPO700-98-D-4002, DO 0334).
ATK Missile Systems Co. Integrated Systems Division of Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a modified contract for $9,234,375. This action exercises options to procure multiple Common Munitions Built-In-Test Reprogrammable Equipment (CAMBRE) Plus units and to modify CMBRE units to a CMBRE Plus configuration. CMBRE's Plus is designed to interface with Munitions in an Air Force backshop/flightline or Navy carrier deck environment. CAMBRE Plus will support the fielding of the next generation AMRAAM and Small Diameter Bomb Munitions and allow the war fighter to maintain one configuration for maximum War Fighter flexibility. W-23 Cables (also part of this contract mod) support simultaneous testing of four AMRAAM missiles at one time (which saves time). This action exercising options to purchase 37 CMBRE Plus's; Data for CMBRE Plus Production; 175 Modifications of CMBRE units to CMBRE Plus; 9 W-23 cables; and 6 Initial Spares through the CMBRE Program Office at WPAFB, Ohio (ASC/647 AESS). At this time $9,234,375 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-06-C-2060, P00010).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Boeing Co., of Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a modified contract for $6,125,000. This contract modification is a Foreign Military Sales requirement for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership (GSP) program. This action incorporates the FY08 Quarter III Option Exercise for site activation and material for RAAF aircraft sustainment. At this time $0 has been obligated. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8614-04-C-2004 P00241).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Integrated Defense Systems, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded $57,046,566 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #5012 under a previously awarded basic ordering agreement contract (N00383-06-G-016F) for procurement of initial and wholesale spares requirements for six different weapons replaceable assemblies that are required to support the system used on the MH-60R/S helicopter. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and work is expected to be completed by Oct. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
L-3 Communications, Titan Group, Panama City Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $44,594,382 cost-plus-fixed-price contract for the procurement of engineering logistics and material support for the mine roller in-service program. Work will be performed in Panama City, Fla., and work is expected to be completed by Sep. 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Online and the Federal Business Opportunities websites, with three offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-08-C-0007).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $38,540,436 firm-fixed-price, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract modification #0004 under previously awarded basic ordering agreement (N00383-06-D-001J) for new spares to support the F/A-18 AN/APG-79 AESA radar. Work will be performed in El Segundo, Calif., (90 percent) and St. Louis, Mo., (10 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Aug. 2010. 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
Walbridge Aldinger Co. Detroit, Mich., is being awarded a $35,883,000 firm-fixed price contract for an addition and alterations to the Naval Hospital at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The work to be performed provides for construction of a three-story addition with an eight-story elevator tower and areas of alteration and partial renovation. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and work is expected to be completed by Jul. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively negotiated via the Naval Facilities Engineering Command e-solicitation website two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-08-C-1271).
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Integrated Systems Division, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $37,482,191 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-06-G-0014) for the engineering study to modify the AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems in order to improve probability of detection in operational environments. This delivery order will also include the development of a class one engineering change proposal and delivery of modified government furnished equipment for developmental test. Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., (50 percent); Austin, Texas (45 percent); Santa Barbara, Calif., (3 percent); Atlanta, Ga., (1 percent); Natanya, Israel (.5 percent); and Hamamatsu, Japan (.5 percent), and work is expected to be completed in Aug. 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $16,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $20,627,930 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0060) for the procurement of Power By The Hour® maintenance support, including program management, field engineering, and site specific logistical support at V-22 Osprey operating and production sites for the U.S. Navy $17,495,778; 84.8 percent) and the U.S. Air Force ($3,132,152; 15.2 percent). Work will be performed in New River, N.C., (74.9 percent); Kirtland AFB, N.M., (7.4 percent); Hulburt Field, Fla., (7.4 percent); Indianapolis, Ind., (5.2 percent); Patuxent River, Md., (3.6 percent) and Amarillo, Texas (1.5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $19,476,930 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
CACI Systems, Inc., Chantilly, Va., is being awarded a $19,279,281 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00421-06-C-0074) to exercise an option for technical and engineering services and supplies in support of the Special Communications Requirements Division of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. This modification provides support for various Navy, Army, and Air Force, Special Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Electronic Systems. The estimated level of effort for this contract is 286,000 man-hours. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., (80 percent) and St. Inigoes, (20 percent) and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.
Pearson Engineering Ltd, Wincomblee Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom is being awarded $16,910,573 for firm-fixed-price, delivery order #0032 under previously awarded contract (M67854-05-D-5000) for 20 lane marking system, 20 high-lift adapter systems, 21 full width mine plow, and six dozer blade subsystems. Work will be performed in Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, and work is expected to be complete Mar. 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source award to Pearson Engineering Ltd for the manufacturing the Assault Breecher Vehicle components. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $12,177,810 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to develop technology that supports the Globally Netted Maritime Headquarters with Maritime Operations Center Component Commander by an applied research program which calls for innovative technologies in support of war fighters. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at end of current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under Office of Naval Research BAA Number 07-021. The Naval Research Laboratory. Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00173-08-C-4008).
L-3 Services, Inc., Unidyne Division, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $11,223,059 cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering and program support services associated with Battle Force Tactical Training (BFTT) legacy shipboard training systems. The BFTT system is a highly flexible, interactive simulation/stimulation tactical combat training system. BFTT is used on all combatant and amphibious ships. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., (53 percent) and San Diego, Calif. (47 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Mar.2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-08-D-GR02).
The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded an $8,406,000 modification to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-05-C-0045) to provide persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) services supporting the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Operation Enduring Freedom surge detachment. Work will be performed in Afghanistan (90 percent) and St. Louis, Mo., (10 percent) and is expected to be completed in Oct. 2008. Contract funds in the amount of $8,406,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
C. E. Niehoff & AMP, Co., Evanston, Ill., is being awarded an $8,385,720 firm-fixed-price contract for 3,000 N1602-5 Alternators. Work will be performed in Evanston, Ill., and work is expected to be complete by Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source award as C. E. Niehoff & AMP, Co., is the sole manufacturer of the N1602-5 Alternators. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-C-5025).
Belonger/Blinderman Joint Venture LLC.*, West Bend, Wis., is being awarded a $7,742,000 firm-fixed-price contract for repairs and renovations to building three at Naval Station Great Lakes. The contract contains one option totaling $8,068,200, which may be exercised within 180 calendar days, bringing the total contract amount to $15,810,200. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction for repairing and renovating deficiencies in building three and bringing the facility within all code standards at Naval Station, Great Lakes. Building three is listed as a property of major significance located within the Historic District of the Naval Station. The project will include infrastructure improvements including new heating, ventilation and air conditioning, fire protection, fire alarm, plumbing and electrical systems, new space configuration and architectural finishes, handicap accessibility upgrades, new Anti-Terrorism Force Protection compliant exterior windows and replacement of the existing roof. Work will be performed in Great Lakes, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively negotiated via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online websitewith six proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill., is the contracting activity (N40083-08-C-0055).
Niking Corp.*, Wahiawa, Hawaii, is being awarded $6,422,074 for firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract (N62478-07-D-4005) for switchgear replacement at Building 112, Main Base Power Plant, at Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands. The work to be performed provides for removal of existing primary generator and distribution switchgears at the Building 112 power plant and providing new primary generator and distribution switchgears, modern integrated electronic generator and switchgear instrumentation and controls, monitoring, and protection equipment, building extension with general power, lighting, and grounding, adding a redundant primary power feed for the existing station service, fire alarm and suppression, and incidental related work. Work will be performed in Kauai, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Jun. 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H., is being awarded a $6,012,934 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-08-C-0003) to exercise an option for the procurement of five OE-120 Antenna Groups. The OE-120 antenna group is one of two major subsystems that provide a centralized identification system for Fleet tactical ships. Work will be performed in Nashua, N.H., and is expected to be completed in Aug. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $118,092,940 firm-fixed price contract for the design, development, fabrication, production, training, integration, testing and delivery of PATRIOT hardware to be issued to the Republic of Korea Air Force for the PATRIOT program. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Feb. 26, 2008. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-08-C-0288).
Raytheon Co., AMDS, Andover, Mass., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $38,710,000 firm-fixed price contract for procurement, installation and testing of three PATRIOT Radar Enhancement Phase 3 classification, discrimination and identification Phase three modification kits. Work will be performed in Andover, Mass., and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on Mar. 12, 2008. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151).
L-3 Communications, Linkabit Division, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $28,913,720 firm-fixed price contract for PROPHET electronic support. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. And Melbourne, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 1, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jun. 12, 2001, and three bids were received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (DAAB07-0-C-L539).
General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., was awarded on Mar. 27, 2008, a $28, 899,825 firm-fixed price contract for M865 kinetic energy training rounds and M1002 target practice multipurpose tracer cartridges. Work will be performed in Middletown, Iowa, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 31, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. There were two bids solicited on Jan. 11, 2008, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-08-C-0010).
ACC Construction, Augusta, Ga., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $23,755,932 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a battalion headquarters, a co. operations facility and a tactical maintenance facility. Work will be performed at Fort Benning, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 15, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on Nov. 26, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0042).
L-3 Communications, Corp., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $20,845,306 firm-fixed price contract for remanufactured Bradley Fighting Vehicle Systems transmissions. Work will be performed in Muskegon, Mich., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 4, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Oct. 17, 2007, and one bid was received. U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-C-0119). San Juan Construction, Inc., was awarded on Mar. 27, 2008, a $13,378,020 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a C-17 parking ramp. Work will be performed at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by Sep. 1, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 17, 2007, and five bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-08-C-0007).
Walbridge Aldinger Co., Inc., Detroit, Mich., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $13,354,750 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of a two-story company operations facility of approximately 40,000 square feet. The project includes all utilities, site improvements and demolition of existing buildings. Work will be performed at Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 28, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four bids were solicited on Oct. 19, 2007, and three bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-07-D-0054).
Emerson Construction Co., Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $10,865,800 firm-fixed price contract for construction of basic expeditionary airman skill training Phase II. Work will be performed at Lackland, Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Oct. 23, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Dec. 8 2007, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-C-0014).
F – E Contracting, In., Palmer, Alaska, was awarded on Mar. 27, 2008, a $8,880,000 firm-fixed price contract for the construction of the United States Air Force Reserve Group Headquarters facility. Work will be performed in Elmendorf, Alaska, and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jan. 15, 2008, and two bids were received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W911KB-08-C-0006).
BAE Systems, Ground Systems Division, York, Pa., was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $8,340,793.99 firm-fixed price and cost-plus fixed fee contract for procurement of M88 Counter Remote Electonic Warfare A-Kits and CONUS installation, Paladin CREW II A-Kits and CONUS installation, and Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle CREW II A-Kits and CONUS installation, and M1113 CREW II A-Kits and CONUS installation. Work will be performed primarily in York, Penn., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 30, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One bid was solicited on May 21, 2007. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-05-G-0005).
Conoco Inc., Louisville, Ky., was awarded on Mar. 27, 2008, a $8,180,972 firm-fixed price contract for PA161 and PA103A2 metal containers. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky., and is expected to be completed by Sep. 27, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Jun. 11, 2004, and three bids were received. Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Management Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-04-C-1139).
Record Steel & Construction Inc., Meridian, Idaho, was awarded on Mar. 28, 2008, a $6,578,019 firm-fixed price contract for a ground water treatment plant capable of treating arsenic and fluoride. Work will be performed at Hawthorne Army Depot, Nev., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Web bids were solicited on Nov. 6, 2007, and four bids were received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-08-C-0002).
America Supports You: Indiana YMCA Offers Guard Families Free Membership
By Spc. William E. Henry, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - The Greater Indianapolis YMCA is offering family members of state National Guardsmen an affordable way to stay active and healthy while their loved ones are deployed. The organization has created "Operation Indiana Partners," which allows the families of deployed Indiana National Guardsmen to enjoy free memberships.
"We want to make sure their families have lots of positive activities during these difficult times," said Eric Ellsworth, president and chief executive officer of Greater Indianapolis YMCA during a recent news conference at the YMCA's Fishers, Ind., branch.
Operation Indiana Partners and the Greater Indianapolis YMCA got favorable reviews from Indiana's adjutant general, Army Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger.
"This is really a special day for us in the Indiana National Guard," he said. "The YMCA has stepped up and offered free memberships to National Guard families. We hope all our families take the opportunity and take advantage of the YMCA's generosity."
Participating facilities also are offered up to two hours of free child care during specified time periods. That's time for mothers like Colleen Curtis to get away for at least a little while.
"I think mostly it helps with him," she said, referring to her son, Jaxon. "It gives me a break to have 'me' time. I just want to say how awesome this is. The overwhelming support is amazing."
New YMCA members taking advantage of the program know that little things can make a difference.
"As a military wife, it's very hard with a loved one being gone, and this definitely helps," said Guard spouse Ashley Witt. "It made my day. Things like this can really change your mood. It's the little things like this that can make the families happy."
About 43 facilities throughout Indiana participate in Operation Indiana Partners, according to YMCA's Web site. Though the years, the YMCA has tended to the needs of servicemembers, prisoners of war and civilians through some of the country's most turbulent times of war and poverty.
The organization established an armed services department in September 1898, and in 1902, YMCA facilities were built on military bases. In 1903, special training was made available for the Army and Navy. By 1914, there were 31 military YMCAs and 180 traveling libraries, allowing almost a quarter of a million men to stay in dormitories.
During World War II, the YMCA gave aid to about 6 million prisoners of war from 36 different countries.
Today, the YMCA still offers its support by lending servicemembers and families an opportunity to participate in structured and positive activities, ensuring emotional and financial preservation.
"This is just one way to help our brave men and women who serve in the National Guard," Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said.
(Army Spc. William E. Henry serves with the Indiana National Guard.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 31, 2008 - The Greater Indianapolis YMCA is offering family members of state National Guardsmen an affordable way to stay active and healthy while their loved ones are deployed. The organization has created "Operation Indiana Partners," which allows the families of deployed Indiana National Guardsmen to enjoy free memberships.
"We want to make sure their families have lots of positive activities during these difficult times," said Eric Ellsworth, president and chief executive officer of Greater Indianapolis YMCA during a recent news conference at the YMCA's Fishers, Ind., branch.
Operation Indiana Partners and the Greater Indianapolis YMCA got favorable reviews from Indiana's adjutant general, Army Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger.
"This is really a special day for us in the Indiana National Guard," he said. "The YMCA has stepped up and offered free memberships to National Guard families. We hope all our families take the opportunity and take advantage of the YMCA's generosity."
Participating facilities also are offered up to two hours of free child care during specified time periods. That's time for mothers like Colleen Curtis to get away for at least a little while.
"I think mostly it helps with him," she said, referring to her son, Jaxon. "It gives me a break to have 'me' time. I just want to say how awesome this is. The overwhelming support is amazing."
New YMCA members taking advantage of the program know that little things can make a difference.
"As a military wife, it's very hard with a loved one being gone, and this definitely helps," said Guard spouse Ashley Witt. "It made my day. Things like this can really change your mood. It's the little things like this that can make the families happy."
About 43 facilities throughout Indiana participate in Operation Indiana Partners, according to YMCA's Web site. Though the years, the YMCA has tended to the needs of servicemembers, prisoners of war and civilians through some of the country's most turbulent times of war and poverty.
The organization established an armed services department in September 1898, and in 1902, YMCA facilities were built on military bases. In 1903, special training was made available for the Army and Navy. By 1914, there were 31 military YMCAs and 180 traveling libraries, allowing almost a quarter of a million men to stay in dormitories.
During World War II, the YMCA gave aid to about 6 million prisoners of war from 36 different countries.
Today, the YMCA still offers its support by lending servicemembers and families an opportunity to participate in structured and positive activities, ensuring emotional and financial preservation.
"This is just one way to help our brave men and women who serve in the National Guard," Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman said.
(Army Spc. William E. Henry serves with the Indiana National Guard.)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
