By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 26, 2009 - President Barack Obama continued his efforts to fill key Defense Department posts, announcing plans today to nominate two more people and to have three others continue to serve in their current posts. Obama announced his intent to name Jim Miller as principal deputy undersecretary for policy, and retired Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Wallace "Chip" Gregson Jr. as assistant secretary for Asian and Pacific security affairs.
The White House also announced that Michael B. Donley will continue serving as Air Force secretary, retired Air Force Lt. Gen. James R. Clapper will remain on board as undersecretary for intelligence, and Michael G. Vickers will remain as assistant secretary for special operations and low-intensity conflict and interdependent capabilities.
"I am confident that these distinguished individuals have the commitment and expertise to help guide the Department of Defense at this critical time for our nation," Obama said in a statement released by the White House.
"Under the leadership of Secretary Gates, this group will help us maintain a strong and effective military to accomplish the fundamental goals of keeping America safe, advancing our interests abroad and restoring American leadership in the world," the president said.
Miller works in national security policy, currently as senior vice president and director of studies at the Center for a New American Security, and from 2000 to 2007 as senior vice president at Hicks and Associates, Inc. He was the Defense Department's deputy assistant secretary for requirements, plans and counter-proliferation policy from 1997 to 2000.
A former assistant professor at Duke University and senior staff member for the House Armed Services Committee, Miller is a member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and the Combating WMD Panel of the Defense Department's Threat Reduction Advisory Committee.
Gregson has been a foreign policy and military affairs consultant for WCG & Associates International since 2006. He previously served as chief operating officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Gregson retired from the Marine Corps in 2005 after 37 years of service. He was commander of Marine Corps Forces Pacific and Marine Corps Forces Central Command, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Marine Corps Bases Japan, and 3rd Marine Division in Japan.
Before his assignments in Japan, Gregson was director of Asia-Pacific policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1998 to 2000. He has served in the Marine Corps since his graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College.
Donley has served as Air Force secretary since Oct. 17, 2008.
Clapper was confirmed by the Senate as undersecretary for intelligence April 11, 2007.
Vickers was confirmed as assistant secretary for special operations and low-intensity conflict and interdependent capabilities July 23, 2007.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
MILITARY CONTRACTS February 26, 2009
NAVY
Wyle Laboratories, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $34,371,379 cost plus fixed fee contract to provide program management support services for all domestic and international Integrated Product Teams within the F/A-18 and EA-18G program office. This work will support related Foreign Military Sales efforts, to include those of the nations of Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Finland, Malaysia, Spain, and Switzerland. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-09-C-0041).
John C. Grimberg Co., Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $34,273,000 firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of an Explosive Development Facility at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md. The work to be performed constructs facilities and renovates two buildings. The facilities will provide the following explosives capabilities and supporting functions: melt casting, pressing, machining, a change house, and storage. The renovated facilities will also provide office, work, and laboratory space. Work will be performed in Indian Head, Md., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity (N40080-09-C-0156).
Olin/Winchester (Cage 1MR34), East Alton, Ill., is being awarded a $30,000,000 firm fixed, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the acquisition of 9mm frangible ammunition to be used as training ammunition to support the Navy Special Warfare Ammunition Program. Work will be performed in East Alton, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year 2009. This contract was competitively procured. This contract was competitively procured with multipleproposals solicited and three offers received via the Federal Business Opportunities. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-09-D-JN29).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $16,456,956 firm fixed price modification against a previously issued delivery order under a Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-08-G-0010) for the procurement of MH-60S Armed Helicopter Mission Kits, which consist of the Integrated Self Defense (ISD) Mission Kit, (33); Weapons Kit, (30); and the B-Kit installation hardware. Work will be performed in Tallassee, Ala., (76.1 percent); Coxsackie, N.Y., (17.6 percent); Wichita, Kan., (4.3 percent); Valencia, Calif., (1 percent); and at various locations across the United States (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in Apr. 2012. 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.
Accord MACTEC JV*, comprised of According Engineering and MACTEC Engineering and Consulting Inc., Santa Ana, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $15,000,000 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity architect/engineering contract for storm water, incidental potable water, ground water, and waste water environmental compliance. The intent of this contract is to provide comprehensive services to various Navy and Marine Corps and other federal government facilities within the contract geographic area to meet statutory compliance requirements for all applicable DOD, Federal, State, local, and installation specific environment laws, regulations, and guidance pertaining to storm water and incidental potable water, groundwater, wastewater, and compliance with similar requirements as required to support other related RCRA, CERCLA, and Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC). Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations in Calif., (80 percent), Ariz., (10 percent), Nevada, (2 percent), N.M. (2 percent), Colo., (2 percent), Utah, (2 percent) and other federal and DOD installations (2 percent) nationwide, and work is expected to be completed Feb. 2014. This contract was competitively procured as a small business set-aside via the Federal Business Opportunities and Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with four offers received in response to the synopsis and four firms were slated for interview. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-D-2613).
Forrester Construction Co., Rockville, Md., is being awarded $13,748,000 for firm fixed price task order #0010 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0035) for renovation to Hubbard Hall RM 9-94, and restore and modernize Building 260 at the United States Naval Academy. The work to be performed is to completely renovate Hubbard Hall, Work will be performed in Annapolis, Md., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity. home of the three USNA rowing crews. This project includes repair of deteriorated foundation pilings, construction of a temporary tension fabric boat storage "shed", and repair and expansion of the existing wharf and floating docs. The scope of work includes hazardous material abatement, interior reorganization, repairs to the existing building and wharf structure, repairs to the building enclosure, expansion of the existing wharf and complete replacement of all heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems.
Three Phoenix Inc.*, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $13,450,671 cost plus fixed fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6274) for a Technology Insertion Photonics Mast Engineering Development Model (EDM). The Engineering Development Model is in support of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Topic No. 04-138 "Real Time Data Fusion and Visualization Interface for Environmental Research Data". This contract modification is to complete the engineering assessment and design and development of a non-developmental item Submarine Optronics System. Three Phoenix will procure a Technology Insertion Photonics Mast System, test and integrate this system onboard a U.S. Navy Virginia Class submarine as an EDM for evaluation purposes. Work will be performed in Wake Forest, N.C., (60 percent), Fairfax, Va., (30 percent), and Hanover, Md., (10 percent) and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds for FY08 in the amount of $4,498,002 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Contract funds for FY09 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Melwood Horticultural Training Center Inc., Upper Marlboro, Md., is being awarded an $8,565,880 modification under a previously awarded firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N40080-07-D-0381) to exercise Option two for janitorial and recycling services in the Washington, D.C., area. The work to be performed provides for all managerial, supervision, labor, tools, materials, and equipment necessary to provide janitorial and recycling services. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option is $22,585,842. Work is expected to be completed Feb. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $7,024,770 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-05-C-0050) to exercise an option for the FY 2009 production of the AN/ARC-210(V) Electronic Protection Radio Systems for the U.S. Air Force F-16 Block 30 aircraft. This modification provides for 90 MT-6567/ARC mounting bases; 90 ARC 210-C-12719 radio set controls; 90 RT-1851A(C)/ARC receiver-transmitters; and 90 ARC 210 RF filter diplexers. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2009. 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.
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of San Diego, Calif., for $168,372,886. This action will provide all program management, urgent repairs and services, logistics support, configuration management, technical manual and software maintenance, engineering technical services, contractor inventory control point and spares management, depot repair, flight operations support, reliability/maintenance enhancements, data collection/entry and numbered periodic depot maintenance for the Predator/Reaper Unmanned Aircraft System program. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 703d ASG, Wright-Patterson, Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028).
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Rockwell Collins, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for an estimated $73,808,391. This action will provide an additional 46 kits and Installs to support the KC-135 Global Air Traffic Management Program. At this time, no money has been obligated. OC-ALC/827 ACSG/PK, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (F33657-98-C-0036, P00106).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, for an estimated $32,357,157. This action is to conduct assessments, evaluations, and studies of the material system and make recommendations to ensure the most efficient and rapid modernization of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear equipment and execute the engineering, sustainment, and training recommendations. At this time, $95,846 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180).
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Textron Systems Corp., of Wilmington, Massachusetts, for $9,527,490. This action will provide 30 additional Sensor Fuzed Weapons, Full Rate Production Lot 12. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 683rd ARSS/SYKA, Eglin Air Force Base is the contracting activity (FA8677-07-C-0001).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Castrol Marine Americas, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $7,759,660 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for lubricating oils. Other locations of performance include Louisiana, N.J., Calif., and Pa. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were 135 proposal originally solicited with five responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0754).
Pepco Energy Services, Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a maximum $16,571,222 firm fixed price contract for electrical services. Other location of performance is Ill. Using services are Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 100 proposals solicited with 5 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-8012).
ARMY
General Dynamics C4 Systems Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz., was awarded on Feb. 25, 2009, a $70,828,176 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity with firm fixed price contract in which the award basic contract and first delivery order (DO) are for the procurement of thirty-seven (37) Prophet Enhanced (PE) B-Kits, and nineteen (19) PE A-Kits, and associated spares. DO also provide for PE Quality Management, Non-Recurring Engineering and First Article Testing and Refurbishment. Overall estimated "face" value is based upon aggregate value of Dos issued over six (6) year life of the contract. Prophet is the Army's principal ground-based tactical Communications Intelligence 9COMINT)/Electronic Warfare (EW) sensor, providing force protection and technically advanced intelligence. Work will be performed at Melbourne, Fla. (66 percent), Scottsdale, Ariz., (14 percent), San Diego, Calif., (12 percent), Huntsville, Ala., (.5 percent), and Fairfax, Va., (.5 percent), with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2015. Bids were solicited on the Worldwide Web with three bids received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-09-D-W401).
WATTERSON CONSTRUCTION CO, Anchorage, Ala., was awarded on Feb. 24, 2009, a $21,330,000 firm fixed price construction contract for a project that includes construction of barracks facility at Fort Wainwright, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2010. Bids were solicited on the Worldwide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Ala. is the contracting activity (W911KB-09-C-0005).
Wyle Laboratories, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded a $34,371,379 cost plus fixed fee contract to provide program management support services for all domestic and international Integrated Product Teams within the F/A-18 and EA-18G program office. This work will support related Foreign Military Sales efforts, to include those of the nations of Australia, Canada, Kuwait, Finland, Malaysia, Spain, and Switzerland. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00421-09-C-0041).
John C. Grimberg Co., Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $34,273,000 firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of an Explosive Development Facility at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md. The work to be performed constructs facilities and renovates two buildings. The facilities will provide the following explosives capabilities and supporting functions: melt casting, pressing, machining, a change house, and storage. The renovated facilities will also provide office, work, and laboratory space. Work will be performed in Indian Head, Md., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, Washington, DC, is the contracting activity (N40080-09-C-0156).
Olin/Winchester (Cage 1MR34), East Alton, Ill., is being awarded a $30,000,000 firm fixed, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the acquisition of 9mm frangible ammunition to be used as training ammunition to support the Navy Special Warfare Ammunition Program. Work will be performed in East Alton, Ill., and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year 2009. This contract was competitively procured. This contract was competitively procured with multipleproposals solicited and three offers received via the Federal Business Opportunities. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-09-D-JN29).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., is being awarded a $16,456,956 firm fixed price modification against a previously issued delivery order under a Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-08-G-0010) for the procurement of MH-60S Armed Helicopter Mission Kits, which consist of the Integrated Self Defense (ISD) Mission Kit, (33); Weapons Kit, (30); and the B-Kit installation hardware. Work will be performed in Tallassee, Ala., (76.1 percent); Coxsackie, N.Y., (17.6 percent); Wichita, Kan., (4.3 percent); Valencia, Calif., (1 percent); and at various locations across the United States (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in Apr. 2012. 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.
Accord MACTEC JV*, comprised of According Engineering and MACTEC Engineering and Consulting Inc., Santa Ana, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $15,000,000 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity architect/engineering contract for storm water, incidental potable water, ground water, and waste water environmental compliance. The intent of this contract is to provide comprehensive services to various Navy and Marine Corps and other federal government facilities within the contract geographic area to meet statutory compliance requirements for all applicable DOD, Federal, State, local, and installation specific environment laws, regulations, and guidance pertaining to storm water and incidental potable water, groundwater, wastewater, and compliance with similar requirements as required to support other related RCRA, CERCLA, and Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC). Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations in Calif., (80 percent), Ariz., (10 percent), Nevada, (2 percent), N.M. (2 percent), Colo., (2 percent), Utah, (2 percent) and other federal and DOD installations (2 percent) nationwide, and work is expected to be completed Feb. 2014. This contract was competitively procured as a small business set-aside via the Federal Business Opportunities and Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with four offers received in response to the synopsis and four firms were slated for interview. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-D-2613).
Forrester Construction Co., Rockville, Md., is being awarded $13,748,000 for firm fixed price task order #0010 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62477-04-D-0035) for renovation to Hubbard Hall RM 9-94, and restore and modernize Building 260 at the United States Naval Academy. The work to be performed is to completely renovate Hubbard Hall, Work will be performed in Annapolis, Md., and is expected to be completed by Jul. 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Wash., D.C., is the contracting activity. home of the three USNA rowing crews. This project includes repair of deteriorated foundation pilings, construction of a temporary tension fabric boat storage "shed", and repair and expansion of the existing wharf and floating docs. The scope of work includes hazardous material abatement, interior reorganization, repairs to the existing building and wharf structure, repairs to the building enclosure, expansion of the existing wharf and complete replacement of all heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems.
Three Phoenix Inc.*, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $13,450,671 cost plus fixed fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-6274) for a Technology Insertion Photonics Mast Engineering Development Model (EDM). The Engineering Development Model is in support of Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Topic No. 04-138 "Real Time Data Fusion and Visualization Interface for Environmental Research Data". This contract modification is to complete the engineering assessment and design and development of a non-developmental item Submarine Optronics System. Three Phoenix will procure a Technology Insertion Photonics Mast System, test and integrate this system onboard a U.S. Navy Virginia Class submarine as an EDM for evaluation purposes. Work will be performed in Wake Forest, N.C., (60 percent), Fairfax, Va., (30 percent), and Hanover, Md., (10 percent) and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds for FY08 in the amount of $4,498,002 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Contract funds for FY09 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Melwood Horticultural Training Center Inc., Upper Marlboro, Md., is being awarded an $8,565,880 modification under a previously awarded firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract (N40080-07-D-0381) to exercise Option two for janitorial and recycling services in the Washington, D.C., area. The work to be performed provides for all managerial, supervision, labor, tools, materials, and equipment necessary to provide janitorial and recycling services. The current total contract amount after exercise of this option is $22,585,842. Work is expected to be completed Feb. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $7,024,770 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-05-C-0050) to exercise an option for the FY 2009 production of the AN/ARC-210(V) Electronic Protection Radio Systems for the U.S. Air Force F-16 Block 30 aircraft. This modification provides for 90 MT-6567/ARC mounting bases; 90 ARC 210-C-12719 radio set controls; 90 RT-1851A(C)/ARC receiver-transmitters; and 90 ARC 210 RF filter diplexers. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2009. 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.
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a firm fixed price contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems of San Diego, Calif., for $168,372,886. This action will provide all program management, urgent repairs and services, logistics support, configuration management, technical manual and software maintenance, engineering technical services, contractor inventory control point and spares management, depot repair, flight operations support, reliability/maintenance enhancements, data collection/entry and numbered periodic depot maintenance for the Predator/Reaper Unmanned Aircraft System program. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 703d ASG, Wright-Patterson, Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028).
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Rockwell Collins, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for an estimated $73,808,391. This action will provide an additional 46 kits and Installs to support the KC-135 Global Air Traffic Management Program. At this time, no money has been obligated. OC-ALC/827 ACSG/PK, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (F33657-98-C-0036, P00106).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio, for an estimated $32,357,157. This action is to conduct assessments, evaluations, and studies of the material system and make recommendations to ensure the most efficient and rapid modernization of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear equipment and execute the engineering, sustainment, and training recommendations. At this time, $95,846 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180).
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Textron Systems Corp., of Wilmington, Massachusetts, for $9,527,490. This action will provide 30 additional Sensor Fuzed Weapons, Full Rate Production Lot 12. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 683rd ARSS/SYKA, Eglin Air Force Base is the contracting activity (FA8677-07-C-0001).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Castrol Marine Americas, Houston, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $7,759,660 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for lubricating oils. Other locations of performance include Louisiana, N.J., Calif., and Pa. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were 135 proposal originally solicited with five responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0754).
Pepco Energy Services, Inc., Arlington, Va., is being awarded a maximum $16,571,222 firm fixed price contract for electrical services. Other location of performance is Ill. Using services are Federal Civilian Agencies. There were originally 100 proposals solicited with 5 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va. (SP0600-09-D-8012).
ARMY
General Dynamics C4 Systems Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz., was awarded on Feb. 25, 2009, a $70,828,176 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity with firm fixed price contract in which the award basic contract and first delivery order (DO) are for the procurement of thirty-seven (37) Prophet Enhanced (PE) B-Kits, and nineteen (19) PE A-Kits, and associated spares. DO also provide for PE Quality Management, Non-Recurring Engineering and First Article Testing and Refurbishment. Overall estimated "face" value is based upon aggregate value of Dos issued over six (6) year life of the contract. Prophet is the Army's principal ground-based tactical Communications Intelligence 9COMINT)/Electronic Warfare (EW) sensor, providing force protection and technically advanced intelligence. Work will be performed at Melbourne, Fla. (66 percent), Scottsdale, Ariz., (14 percent), San Diego, Calif., (12 percent), Huntsville, Ala., (.5 percent), and Fairfax, Va., (.5 percent), with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2015. Bids were solicited on the Worldwide Web with three bids received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-09-D-W401).
WATTERSON CONSTRUCTION CO, Anchorage, Ala., was awarded on Feb. 24, 2009, a $21,330,000 firm fixed price construction contract for a project that includes construction of barracks facility at Fort Wainwright, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2010. Bids were solicited on the Worldwide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Ala. is the contracting activity (W911KB-09-C-0005).
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tight-knit Trident Submariners Conduct Strategic Deterrence Missions
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 25, 2009 - Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean last week, sailors aboard the Trident strategic missile submarine USS Maryland prepared to start a series of underwater practice maneuvers known as "angles and dangles." The Maryland's captain, Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey M. Grimes, and his chief of the boat and senior enlisted leader, Master Chief Petty Officer Michael C. McLauchlan, intently observed the actions of the officers and enlisted crew in the control room as the vessel silently tilted downward.
Trident strategic deterrent submarines -- nicknamed "Boomers" -- carry as many as 24 Trident II D-5 nuclear ballistic missiles.
"We're there on the front line, ready to go," Grimes said. Important missions, he said, are "happening every day in the deep, blue ocean."
Tridents are nuclear-powered, Ohio-class submarines. At 560 feet long and 42 feet wide, they are the largest submarines in the U.S. Navy's inventory.
Meanwhile, in the control room, Petty Officer 3rd Class Lamar Johnson, 23, sits calmly at the helmsman's station as he adroitly manipulates the yoke control that adjusts the submarine's depth and direction. At about 400 feet under the waves, the Maryland leveled off, then began ascending.
After the exercise, Johnson, who hails from Chicago, said piloting the Maryland underwater is a matter of "paying attention, making sure you're tracking the gauges."
Sailors volunteer for submarine duty and are among the top performers across the Navy, McLauchlan, a 26-year veteran, said.
"There is a pretty rigid screening process to get a guy to come into the submarine force," McLauchlan said. New submariners are subject to stringent qualification criteria when they report to their first boat, he said, while submarine veterans experience continued certifications during their careers.
During their first year while assigned to their first submarine, enlisted members are required to earn the coveted silver "dolphins" pin that says they've learned how to function as a team member aboard their boat. Dolphins-pin recipients also must demonstrate knowledge of basic submarine operations, as well as the ability to work as a team member to put out fires and control flooding.
"They kill themselves to try to get those dolphins, because it's very important to them," McLauchlan said of enlisted sailors aboard their first submarine. "And we make it very special when we present them. Once they get those dolphins, it's just the start for more and more for these kids."
Commissioned-officer submariners also must qualify to wear golden dolphins.
About a week earlier, the Maryland's "Gold" crew under Grimes' command embarked on its 53rd patrol from its home port at Naval Submarine Base King's Bay, Ga. Trident submarines have two crews, called Blue and Gold, which rotate patrols. One crew is at sea for 60 to 90 days, while the other trains ashore. In this way, the vessels can be employed at sea 70 percent of the time, when not undergoing scheduled maintenance in port.
The USS Maryland is "a platform that is undetectable, that cannot be found, and yet, is in constant connection with the national command authorities," Grimes explained. The submarine, he added, possesses "the stealth and power needed to respond to a global crisis with devastating force."
The Maryland's crew routinely performs damage control exercises –- consisting of flooding and fire scenarios -- as well as mock battle and strategic-deterrence drills during its patrols, so that if the real event should ever occur, "we're ready to go," Grimes said.
As the Maryland's commander, it's important to impart to the crew "how they fit together on the ship as a team," Grimes said.
"They realize the mission is relevant and they feel the importance of their job," Grimes said. "They leave their families at home. They work long hours for me when we have the boat in for refit.
"It's all about the mission," Grimes said, adding that Trident submarine sailors stay in the Navy "because they like what they do, and they are true patriots."
The Navy's attack and strategic-deterrent submarine force "is safe, secure and reliable and ready to perform its mission, 24/7," said Navy Capt. Kevin R. Brenton, who was along for part of the Maryland's patrol and is preparing to take command of Submarine Squadron 20 at King's Bay.
"We couldn't do it without the extraordinary young men that man these submarines," Brenton said. "They're America's best and brightest."
Besides its 160-member crew, the Maryland also was carrying a group of journalists, who early on Feb. 15 had been conveyed by tugboat to the Maryland for a two-day orientation tour. During the journalists' visit, the submarine would be submerged for 24 hours.
A nuclear-powered Trident submarine like the Maryland produces its own drinking water and oxygen, and, therefore can remain submerged nearly indefinitely, Grimes said, needing to surface only to take on food.
The Maryland's lead culinary specialist, Chief Petty Officer Tony L. Thompson, 40, said he and his staff prepare food for about 120 crew members during the course of the day. Submariners, he said, enjoy the best food in the Navy.
"We do all we can to make them comfortable down here," Thompson said of his team's efforts to provide the best meals possible for the Maryland's crew.
Thompson, a 20-year Navy veteran, said he enjoys the "close-knitted" camaraderie that's part of duty aboard submarines such as the Maryland.
"I could walk around and talk to anybody around here," said Thompson, as he enjoyed a plate of prime rib. "Everything is 'one' crew ... because you've got to depend on everybody.
"I'm a cook," Thompson said, "but at the same time, I can go and put out a fire."
Near the end of the journalists' visit, the submarine surfaced to make its rendezvous with the tugboat that would return them to shore.
A cloudless, bright-blue sky stretched across the horizon as Lt. j.g. Eric S. Spurling, Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle G. Fulmer and Seaman DeAngelo Jackson Adams pulled watch duty on the bridge atop the Maryland's sail panel, or uppermost structure. The day's temperature was unseasonably mild.
Submariners belong to "a real tight community" of sailors who perform a vital, unique mission, said Fulmer, 23, from Dillon, S.C.
"You have to be able to trust everybody with your life. ... Any time, anything could go wrong, and if you're beside it, you have to be ready to act on it," Fulmer said.
Adams, a 21-year-old sailor from Detroit, cracked a sliver of a smile at his machine-gun station as the breeze batted at his orange windbreaker.
Adams said he loves the sailor's life aboard the Maryland.
"The mission of being out to sea, under water, is just cool, you know?" he said.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 25, 2009 - Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean last week, sailors aboard the Trident strategic missile submarine USS Maryland prepared to start a series of underwater practice maneuvers known as "angles and dangles." The Maryland's captain, Navy Cmdr. Jeffrey M. Grimes, and his chief of the boat and senior enlisted leader, Master Chief Petty Officer Michael C. McLauchlan, intently observed the actions of the officers and enlisted crew in the control room as the vessel silently tilted downward.
Trident strategic deterrent submarines -- nicknamed "Boomers" -- carry as many as 24 Trident II D-5 nuclear ballistic missiles.
"We're there on the front line, ready to go," Grimes said. Important missions, he said, are "happening every day in the deep, blue ocean."
Tridents are nuclear-powered, Ohio-class submarines. At 560 feet long and 42 feet wide, they are the largest submarines in the U.S. Navy's inventory.
Meanwhile, in the control room, Petty Officer 3rd Class Lamar Johnson, 23, sits calmly at the helmsman's station as he adroitly manipulates the yoke control that adjusts the submarine's depth and direction. At about 400 feet under the waves, the Maryland leveled off, then began ascending.
After the exercise, Johnson, who hails from Chicago, said piloting the Maryland underwater is a matter of "paying attention, making sure you're tracking the gauges."
Sailors volunteer for submarine duty and are among the top performers across the Navy, McLauchlan, a 26-year veteran, said.
"There is a pretty rigid screening process to get a guy to come into the submarine force," McLauchlan said. New submariners are subject to stringent qualification criteria when they report to their first boat, he said, while submarine veterans experience continued certifications during their careers.
During their first year while assigned to their first submarine, enlisted members are required to earn the coveted silver "dolphins" pin that says they've learned how to function as a team member aboard their boat. Dolphins-pin recipients also must demonstrate knowledge of basic submarine operations, as well as the ability to work as a team member to put out fires and control flooding.
"They kill themselves to try to get those dolphins, because it's very important to them," McLauchlan said of enlisted sailors aboard their first submarine. "And we make it very special when we present them. Once they get those dolphins, it's just the start for more and more for these kids."
Commissioned-officer submariners also must qualify to wear golden dolphins.
About a week earlier, the Maryland's "Gold" crew under Grimes' command embarked on its 53rd patrol from its home port at Naval Submarine Base King's Bay, Ga. Trident submarines have two crews, called Blue and Gold, which rotate patrols. One crew is at sea for 60 to 90 days, while the other trains ashore. In this way, the vessels can be employed at sea 70 percent of the time, when not undergoing scheduled maintenance in port.
The USS Maryland is "a platform that is undetectable, that cannot be found, and yet, is in constant connection with the national command authorities," Grimes explained. The submarine, he added, possesses "the stealth and power needed to respond to a global crisis with devastating force."
The Maryland's crew routinely performs damage control exercises –- consisting of flooding and fire scenarios -- as well as mock battle and strategic-deterrence drills during its patrols, so that if the real event should ever occur, "we're ready to go," Grimes said.
As the Maryland's commander, it's important to impart to the crew "how they fit together on the ship as a team," Grimes said.
"They realize the mission is relevant and they feel the importance of their job," Grimes said. "They leave their families at home. They work long hours for me when we have the boat in for refit.
"It's all about the mission," Grimes said, adding that Trident submarine sailors stay in the Navy "because they like what they do, and they are true patriots."
The Navy's attack and strategic-deterrent submarine force "is safe, secure and reliable and ready to perform its mission, 24/7," said Navy Capt. Kevin R. Brenton, who was along for part of the Maryland's patrol and is preparing to take command of Submarine Squadron 20 at King's Bay.
"We couldn't do it without the extraordinary young men that man these submarines," Brenton said. "They're America's best and brightest."
Besides its 160-member crew, the Maryland also was carrying a group of journalists, who early on Feb. 15 had been conveyed by tugboat to the Maryland for a two-day orientation tour. During the journalists' visit, the submarine would be submerged for 24 hours.
A nuclear-powered Trident submarine like the Maryland produces its own drinking water and oxygen, and, therefore can remain submerged nearly indefinitely, Grimes said, needing to surface only to take on food.
The Maryland's lead culinary specialist, Chief Petty Officer Tony L. Thompson, 40, said he and his staff prepare food for about 120 crew members during the course of the day. Submariners, he said, enjoy the best food in the Navy.
"We do all we can to make them comfortable down here," Thompson said of his team's efforts to provide the best meals possible for the Maryland's crew.
Thompson, a 20-year Navy veteran, said he enjoys the "close-knitted" camaraderie that's part of duty aboard submarines such as the Maryland.
"I could walk around and talk to anybody around here," said Thompson, as he enjoyed a plate of prime rib. "Everything is 'one' crew ... because you've got to depend on everybody.
"I'm a cook," Thompson said, "but at the same time, I can go and put out a fire."
Near the end of the journalists' visit, the submarine surfaced to make its rendezvous with the tugboat that would return them to shore.
A cloudless, bright-blue sky stretched across the horizon as Lt. j.g. Eric S. Spurling, Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle G. Fulmer and Seaman DeAngelo Jackson Adams pulled watch duty on the bridge atop the Maryland's sail panel, or uppermost structure. The day's temperature was unseasonably mild.
Submariners belong to "a real tight community" of sailors who perform a vital, unique mission, said Fulmer, 23, from Dillon, S.C.
"You have to be able to trust everybody with your life. ... Any time, anything could go wrong, and if you're beside it, you have to be ready to act on it," Fulmer said.
Adams, a 21-year-old sailor from Detroit, cracked a sliver of a smile at his machine-gun station as the breeze batted at his orange windbreaker.
Adams said he loves the sailor's life aboard the Maryland.
"The mission of being out to sea, under water, is just cool, you know?" he said.
President Says Budget Signifies New Way Forward for Defense
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Americans are not quitters, and the country can overcome the difficulties facing it, President Barack Obama said tonight in his first speech before a joint session of Congress. In a speech mainly dedicated to the economic crisis facing the world, the president also honored the nation's men and women in uniform, vowing to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps, raise military pay and provide the medical care veterans deserve.
While not formally a State of the Union Address, the speech had all the trappings. Servicemembers and veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were among the guests sitting with first lady Michelle Obama.
The troops received a standing ovation from both houses of Congress when the president said Americans are united in sending them one message: "We honor your service, we are inspired by your sacrifice and you have our unyielding support."
Obama vowed that the budget he will send to Congress in the next few days would include the full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. "For seven years, we have been a nation at war. No longer will we hide its price," he said.
"We are now carefully reviewing our policies in both wars, and I will soon announce a way forward in Iraq that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends this war," Obama said.
He also noted some of the choices that must be made in that budget. "We'll eliminate the no-bid contracts that have wasted billions in Iraq, and reform our defense budget so that we're not paying for Cold War-era weapons systems we don't use," he said.
Obama mentioned the strategic reviews of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said he will soon announce the results of the review of the Iraq conflict and will soon announce a way forward "that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends this war."
The president also said that his administration will consult with friends and allies to "forge a new and comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat al-Qaida and combat extremism. Because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the American people from safe havens half a world away."
The budget will also contain money to reduce the strain on the military – particularly the Army and Marine Corps. The budget calls for more soldiers and Marines. "And to keep our sacred trust with those who serve, we will raise their pay, and give our veterans the expanded health care and benefits that they have earned," he said.
American values are the country's best weapons, Obama said. "There is no force in the world more powerful than the example of America," he said. "That is why I have ordered the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, and will seek swift and certain justice for captured terrorists.
"Because living our values doesn't make us weaker, it makes us safer and it makes us stronger," he explained. "And that is why I can stand here tonight and say without exception or equivocation that the United States of America does not torture. We can make that commitment here tonight."
America will reach out to allies and friends in the weeks and months ahead, Obama said.
"We know that America cannot meet the threats of this century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America," he said. "We cannot shun the negotiating table, nor ignore the foes or forces that could do us harm. We are instead called to move forward with the sense of confidence and candor that serious times demand."
Obama promised progress in securing a peace between Israel and its neighbors and he promised to be vigilant against the new threats of this new century. He said the country must be prepared to take on terrorism and guard against pandemic disease and cyber threats. The United States must also address the crushing poverty that is often the root cause of extremism.
"To meet the challenges of the 21st century – from terrorism to nuclear proliferation; from pandemic disease to cyber threats to crushing poverty – we will strengthen old alliances, forge new ones, and use all elements of our national power. We will strengthen old alliances, forge new ones and use all elements of our national power," he said.
The budget he will submit is more than simply numbers on a page or laundry lists of programs. "I see this document differently. I see it as a vision for America – as a blueprint for our future," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Americans are not quitters, and the country can overcome the difficulties facing it, President Barack Obama said tonight in his first speech before a joint session of Congress. In a speech mainly dedicated to the economic crisis facing the world, the president also honored the nation's men and women in uniform, vowing to increase the size of the Army and Marine Corps, raise military pay and provide the medical care veterans deserve.
While not formally a State of the Union Address, the speech had all the trappings. Servicemembers and veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were among the guests sitting with first lady Michelle Obama.
The troops received a standing ovation from both houses of Congress when the president said Americans are united in sending them one message: "We honor your service, we are inspired by your sacrifice and you have our unyielding support."
Obama vowed that the budget he will send to Congress in the next few days would include the full cost of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. "For seven years, we have been a nation at war. No longer will we hide its price," he said.
"We are now carefully reviewing our policies in both wars, and I will soon announce a way forward in Iraq that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends this war," Obama said.
He also noted some of the choices that must be made in that budget. "We'll eliminate the no-bid contracts that have wasted billions in Iraq, and reform our defense budget so that we're not paying for Cold War-era weapons systems we don't use," he said.
Obama mentioned the strategic reviews of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He said he will soon announce the results of the review of the Iraq conflict and will soon announce a way forward "that leaves Iraq to its people and responsibly ends this war."
The president also said that his administration will consult with friends and allies to "forge a new and comprehensive strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat al-Qaida and combat extremism. Because I will not allow terrorists to plot against the American people from safe havens half a world away."
The budget will also contain money to reduce the strain on the military – particularly the Army and Marine Corps. The budget calls for more soldiers and Marines. "And to keep our sacred trust with those who serve, we will raise their pay, and give our veterans the expanded health care and benefits that they have earned," he said.
American values are the country's best weapons, Obama said. "There is no force in the world more powerful than the example of America," he said. "That is why I have ordered the closing of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, and will seek swift and certain justice for captured terrorists.
"Because living our values doesn't make us weaker, it makes us safer and it makes us stronger," he explained. "And that is why I can stand here tonight and say without exception or equivocation that the United States of America does not torture. We can make that commitment here tonight."
America will reach out to allies and friends in the weeks and months ahead, Obama said.
"We know that America cannot meet the threats of this century alone, but the world cannot meet them without America," he said. "We cannot shun the negotiating table, nor ignore the foes or forces that could do us harm. We are instead called to move forward with the sense of confidence and candor that serious times demand."
Obama promised progress in securing a peace between Israel and its neighbors and he promised to be vigilant against the new threats of this new century. He said the country must be prepared to take on terrorism and guard against pandemic disease and cyber threats. The United States must also address the crushing poverty that is often the root cause of extremism.
"To meet the challenges of the 21st century – from terrorism to nuclear proliferation; from pandemic disease to cyber threats to crushing poverty – we will strengthen old alliances, forge new ones, and use all elements of our national power. We will strengthen old alliances, forge new ones and use all elements of our national power," he said.
The budget he will submit is more than simply numbers on a page or laundry lists of programs. "I see this document differently. I see it as a vision for America – as a blueprint for our future," he said.
Defense Stimulus Money to Flow to Projects, Homeowner Assistance
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 25, 2009 - Projects resulting from the $7.4 billion Defense Department portion of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package will start to be visible soon, defense officials said today. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Obama signed Feb. 17, provides $787 billion to stimulate the economy and help the nation and world recover from the global economic crisis.
"The recovery plan we passed is the first step in getting our economy back on track," Obama said during his speech to a joint session of Congress last night.
While most of the money will go to civilian agencies, the $7.4 billion Defense Department portion is aimed at projects that could be accelerated or started at once. The department can obligate stimulus funds for military construction projects through the end of fiscal 2013, and the rest through the end of fiscal 2010.
A focal point of the bill is $555 million for a temporary expansion of the Homeowner's Assistance Program benefits for private home sale losses of both military and civilian Defense Department personnel. The program reimburses those who lose money on a home sale due to a forced relocation.
Under the legislation, $4.2 billion is available in operations and maintenance accounts to upgrade military facilities, including energy-related improvements, officials said.
The act calls for $1.3 billion in military construction for hospitals, and $240 million for child development centers.
The legislation also provides $100 million in military construction for warrior transition complexes, and about $600 million for military housing projects for the troops and their families.
The department will receive $300 million to develop energy-efficient technologies and $120 million for the Energy Conservation Investment Program. Another $15 million is marked for inspector general oversight and audit of Recovery Act spending.
Pentagon officials are working with service leaders to finalize details. The legislation calls on federal agencies to report on their use of the stimulus funds on March 3. Defense Department and service officials are working to determine which bases will receive construction projects.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 25, 2009 - Projects resulting from the $7.4 billion Defense Department portion of President Barack Obama's economic stimulus package will start to be visible soon, defense officials said today. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which Obama signed Feb. 17, provides $787 billion to stimulate the economy and help the nation and world recover from the global economic crisis.
"The recovery plan we passed is the first step in getting our economy back on track," Obama said during his speech to a joint session of Congress last night.
While most of the money will go to civilian agencies, the $7.4 billion Defense Department portion is aimed at projects that could be accelerated or started at once. The department can obligate stimulus funds for military construction projects through the end of fiscal 2013, and the rest through the end of fiscal 2010.
A focal point of the bill is $555 million for a temporary expansion of the Homeowner's Assistance Program benefits for private home sale losses of both military and civilian Defense Department personnel. The program reimburses those who lose money on a home sale due to a forced relocation.
Under the legislation, $4.2 billion is available in operations and maintenance accounts to upgrade military facilities, including energy-related improvements, officials said.
The act calls for $1.3 billion in military construction for hospitals, and $240 million for child development centers.
The legislation also provides $100 million in military construction for warrior transition complexes, and about $600 million for military housing projects for the troops and their families.
The department will receive $300 million to develop energy-efficient technologies and $120 million for the Energy Conservation Investment Program. Another $15 million is marked for inspector general oversight and audit of Recovery Act spending.
Pentagon officials are working with service leaders to finalize details. The legislation calls on federal agencies to report on their use of the stimulus funds on March 3. Defense Department and service officials are working to determine which bases will receive construction projects.
MILITARY CONTRACTS February 25, 2009
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Castrol Marine Americas, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $7,759,660 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for lubricating oils. Other locations of performance include La., N.J., Calif., and Pa. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were 135 proposal originally solicited with five responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0754).
McKesson Corp., San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $902,400,000 firm fixed price, national prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical supplies. Other location of performance is Arizona. Using service is Department of Defense. The original proposal was FedBizOps solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the sixth option year period. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-03-D-1666).
AmeriQual Group, LLC, Evansville, Ind.*, is being awarded a maximum $11,392,284 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for various polymeric traypack ration items. Other location of performance is Indiana. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM3S1-07-D-Z193).
Bangor International Airport, Bangor, Maine is being awarded a maximum $13,204,428 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is Bangor International Airport, Maine. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0053).
AvFlight Harrisonburg Corp., Middletown, Pa.*, is being awarded a maximum $5,858,213 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is Pa. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0078).
NAVY
The Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Strategic Missiles Programs, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $64,590,745 modification (P00025) under previously awarded contract (N00030-07-C-0100) for the Low Cost Test Missile Kit Production. Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., (55.98 percent); Lancaster, Pa., (19.19 percent); Cape Canaveral, Fla., (6.77 percent); St. Mary's, Ga., (5.87 percent); Camarillo, Calif., (3.08 percent) ; Hollister, Calif., (2.92 percent); Joplin, Mo., (1.72 percent); San Diego, Calif., (1.06 percent); Simi Valley, Calif., (0.66 percent); Fairfax, Va., (0.38 percent); Depew, N.Y., (0.30 percent); Los Angeles, Calif., (0.29 percent); Bristol, Pa., (0.29 percent); Walpole, Mass., (0.25 percent); Santa Ana, Calif., (0.21 percent); Other (1.03 percent), and work is expected to be completed Mar. 31, 2012. This contract was not competitively procured. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded an $11,367,693 delivery order against a previously issued basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) for 180 shipsets of AN/ALE-47 Dual Pods for the AH-1W. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in Sept. 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.
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is being awarded a $7,866,032 modification (P00154) to previously awarded contract (M67854-02-C-2052) to procure four Capability Set (CapSet) III, Combat Operations Centers Systems including four Common Modules and four CapSet III units. This modification is also to procure 8 DPAK (Duct Plenum Adapter Kit) Kits for the CapSet III systems and 90 DPAK Kits for the CapSet II systems that were previously negotiated under P00146. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2009, a $30,524,017 firm fixed price with time and materials CLINS contract to exercise Lot II option for a quantity of 3 Reconfigurable Vehicle Simulators (RVS) and 7 Reconfigurable Vehicle Tactical Trainers (RVTT's) and associated weapons training. Work is to be performed at Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. A sole source bid was solicited with one bid received. Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting agency (W900KK-07-D-0707).
FLIR Services, Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2009, a $6,429,954 firm fixed price General Services Administration (GSA) order for 13 each FLIR Star Safire II Systems; five each Imaging Systems Support Kits; three each Operator Training; and three each Maintenance Training. Work is to be performed at Wilsonville, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-F-0006).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Boeing Satellite Systems of El Segundo, Calif., for an amount not to exceed $8,000,000. This change order modification of the Wideband Global SATCOM Block I contract to purchase Thermal Cycling Testing on the solar panel arrays of WGS Satellites two and three. At this time, $6,000,000 has been obligated. HQ SMC/MCSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-00-C-0011/P00172).
Castrol Marine Americas, Houston, Texas is being awarded a maximum $7,759,660 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for lubricating oils. Other locations of performance include La., N.J., Calif., and Pa. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were 135 proposal originally solicited with five responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Apr. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0754).
McKesson Corp., San Francisco, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $902,400,000 firm fixed price, national prime vendor contract for pharmaceutical supplies. Other location of performance is Arizona. Using service is Department of Defense. The original proposal was FedBizOps solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the sixth option year period. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM200-03-D-1666).
AmeriQual Group, LLC, Evansville, Ind.*, is being awarded a maximum $11,392,284 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for various polymeric traypack ration items. Other location of performance is Indiana. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM3S1-07-D-Z193).
Bangor International Airport, Bangor, Maine is being awarded a maximum $13,204,428 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is Bangor International Airport, Maine. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0053).
AvFlight Harrisonburg Corp., Middletown, Pa.*, is being awarded a maximum $5,858,213 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is Pa. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0078).
NAVY
The Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Strategic Missiles Programs, Sunnyvale, Calif., is being awarded a $64,590,745 modification (P00025) under previously awarded contract (N00030-07-C-0100) for the Low Cost Test Missile Kit Production. Work will be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., (55.98 percent); Lancaster, Pa., (19.19 percent); Cape Canaveral, Fla., (6.77 percent); St. Mary's, Ga., (5.87 percent); Camarillo, Calif., (3.08 percent) ; Hollister, Calif., (2.92 percent); Joplin, Mo., (1.72 percent); San Diego, Calif., (1.06 percent); Simi Valley, Calif., (0.66 percent); Fairfax, Va., (0.38 percent); Depew, N.Y., (0.30 percent); Los Angeles, Calif., (0.29 percent); Bristol, Pa., (0.29 percent); Walpole, Mass., (0.25 percent); Santa Ana, Calif., (0.21 percent); Other (1.03 percent), and work is expected to be completed Mar. 31, 2012. This contract was not competitively procured. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Technical Services Co., LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded an $11,367,693 delivery order against a previously issued basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) for 180 shipsets of AN/ALE-47 Dual Pods for the AH-1W. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in Sept. 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.
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is being awarded a $7,866,032 modification (P00154) to previously awarded contract (M67854-02-C-2052) to procure four Capability Set (CapSet) III, Combat Operations Centers Systems including four Common Modules and four CapSet III units. This modification is also to procure 8 DPAK (Duct Plenum Adapter Kit) Kits for the CapSet III systems and 90 DPAK Kits for the CapSet II systems that were previously negotiated under P00146. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
ARMY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2009, a $30,524,017 firm fixed price with time and materials CLINS contract to exercise Lot II option for a quantity of 3 Reconfigurable Vehicle Simulators (RVS) and 7 Reconfigurable Vehicle Tactical Trainers (RVTT's) and associated weapons training. Work is to be performed at Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. A sole source bid was solicited with one bid received. Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting agency (W900KK-07-D-0707).
FLIR Services, Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2009, a $6,429,954 firm fixed price General Services Administration (GSA) order for 13 each FLIR Star Safire II Systems; five each Imaging Systems Support Kits; three each Operator Training; and three each Maintenance Training. Work is to be performed at Wilsonville, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-F-0006).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Boeing Satellite Systems of El Segundo, Calif., for an amount not to exceed $8,000,000. This change order modification of the Wideband Global SATCOM Block I contract to purchase Thermal Cycling Testing on the solar panel arrays of WGS Satellites two and three. At this time, $6,000,000 has been obligated. HQ SMC/MCSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-00-C-0011/P00172).
Guardsmen Earn Medals at World Bobsled Event
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 25, 2009 - Two Utah Army National Guard members won second- and third-place medals in the world championship bobsled competition at the Olympic Sports Complex here. Army Spc. Shauna Rohbock and her teammate, Elana Meyers, won silver medals Feb. 21 in the women's bobsled event.
"It's really hard to have four consistent heats," Rohbock said. "This track changes a lot, so you have to constantly change your driving. My goal was to be on the podium here, so I'm happy. This is my home track, and I wanted to be on the podium more than anything."
Team Rohbock was in the lead entering the final two heats, and nabbed the silver medal with a four-run combined time of 3 minutes, 48.60 seconds. Rohbock navigated her Bo-Dyn sled down the 20 curves of the winding course in 57.12 and 57.43 seconds for the third and fourth runs.
Meyers and Valerie Fleming have alternated as push athletes in Rohbock's sled throughout the season. Rohbock, a former professional soccer player, most recently won gold with Meyers on the 2010 Olympic track in Whistler, British Columbia. Rohbock and Fleming claimed the Olympic silver medal in 2006.
In the men's competition, former Utah Guardsman Steven Holcomb teamed with Curt Tomasevicz to claim the bronze in the two-man bobsled world championships.
"I just won my first world championship medal," Holcomb said. "I'm really excited, but of course I wish it was gold."
Holcomb entered the day's final two heats in fourth position, but immediately moved into medal position in his first heat with a run of 55.41 seconds. Holcomb and Tomasevicz dug their sled out of the start with a push time of 5.16 seconds in the final heat.
Holcomb was four hundredths of a second out of the medals exiting corner 14, but made up a tenth of a second before crossing the finish line in 55.79 seconds for his first world championship medal.
Vermont National Guard Pfc. John Napier teamed with T.J. Burns to finish 17th with a combined time of 3:45.17 after sliding runs of 56.25 and 56.37 seconds. Napier had been battling the flu throughout the week, but managed to muster push times of 5.37 and 5.33 with Burns. Napier and teammate Cory Butner won the two-man title for the national bobsled championships here Jan. 4.
"My legs aren't under me yet," Napier said of his Feb. 22 showing. "T.J. did as much as he could to help me, but I had nothing left."
The U.S. men and women combined forces to claim bronze in the world championship team event Feb. 22 here to conclude the first weekend of competitions.
The United States has won three medals in three events so far, including silver and two bronze.
(From a news release by Amanda Bird of the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.)
Feb. 25, 2009 - Two Utah Army National Guard members won second- and third-place medals in the world championship bobsled competition at the Olympic Sports Complex here. Army Spc. Shauna Rohbock and her teammate, Elana Meyers, won silver medals Feb. 21 in the women's bobsled event.
"It's really hard to have four consistent heats," Rohbock said. "This track changes a lot, so you have to constantly change your driving. My goal was to be on the podium here, so I'm happy. This is my home track, and I wanted to be on the podium more than anything."
Team Rohbock was in the lead entering the final two heats, and nabbed the silver medal with a four-run combined time of 3 minutes, 48.60 seconds. Rohbock navigated her Bo-Dyn sled down the 20 curves of the winding course in 57.12 and 57.43 seconds for the third and fourth runs.
Meyers and Valerie Fleming have alternated as push athletes in Rohbock's sled throughout the season. Rohbock, a former professional soccer player, most recently won gold with Meyers on the 2010 Olympic track in Whistler, British Columbia. Rohbock and Fleming claimed the Olympic silver medal in 2006.
In the men's competition, former Utah Guardsman Steven Holcomb teamed with Curt Tomasevicz to claim the bronze in the two-man bobsled world championships.
"I just won my first world championship medal," Holcomb said. "I'm really excited, but of course I wish it was gold."
Holcomb entered the day's final two heats in fourth position, but immediately moved into medal position in his first heat with a run of 55.41 seconds. Holcomb and Tomasevicz dug their sled out of the start with a push time of 5.16 seconds in the final heat.
Holcomb was four hundredths of a second out of the medals exiting corner 14, but made up a tenth of a second before crossing the finish line in 55.79 seconds for his first world championship medal.
Vermont National Guard Pfc. John Napier teamed with T.J. Burns to finish 17th with a combined time of 3:45.17 after sliding runs of 56.25 and 56.37 seconds. Napier had been battling the flu throughout the week, but managed to muster push times of 5.37 and 5.33 with Burns. Napier and teammate Cory Butner won the two-man title for the national bobsled championships here Jan. 4.
"My legs aren't under me yet," Napier said of his Feb. 22 showing. "T.J. did as much as he could to help me, but I had nothing left."
The U.S. men and women combined forces to claim bronze in the world championship team event Feb. 22 here to conclude the first weekend of competitions.
The United States has won three medals in three events so far, including silver and two bronze.
(From a news release by Amanda Bird of the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.)
Gates Calls for Forthright, Collegial Budget Discussions
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 25, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has called for forthright, collegial discussions among Defense Department leaders to make tough choices about programs, projects and procurement as the defense portion of the fiscal 2010 federal budget takes shape. Gates asked those participating in the discussions to sign a nondisclosure agreement because leaks may discourage the free exchange of ideas, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.
"This is highly sensitive stuff, involving programs costing tens of billions of dollars, employing hundreds of thousands of people and go to the heart of our national security," Morrell said. "He wants this process to be as disciplined and as forthright as possible."
Gates wants the budget to be judged as a whole, rather than in parts via selective leaks, Morrell said. The secretary thinks the agreement "will create a climate in which you can ultimately produce a better product, as people can speak candidly with the confidence that it will not be leaked," he added.
The secretary wants the budget to be judged in its totality "because that's where you will see the strategic balance he is trying to build," Morrell said.
In testimony before Congress in January, Gates talked about making the hard choices on procurement. Projects that are significantly behind schedule or over budget are more likely to face the budget ax, he said.
Gates called for discipline in the acquisition process and said the department must freeze requirements at contract time.
Big-ticket items are going to go through a very thorough review as part of the fiscal 2010 budget process, Morrell said.
The White House's Office of Management and Budget is expected to announce top-line budget figures tomorrow, along with a fiscal 2010 war supplement.
Obama wants to stop the supplemental process and transfer the costs for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the base budget, but will not be able to do so this year, Morrell said.
"It's extremely difficult for us to predict what our level of commitment is going to be in either theater, let alone theaters that we haven't potentially thought of, God forbid, a year, two years, let alone 10 years from now," he said. "So we are trying to be as helpful as possible to this process, but some of this stuff is not known at this point."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 25, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has called for forthright, collegial discussions among Defense Department leaders to make tough choices about programs, projects and procurement as the defense portion of the fiscal 2010 federal budget takes shape. Gates asked those participating in the discussions to sign a nondisclosure agreement because leaks may discourage the free exchange of ideas, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today.
"This is highly sensitive stuff, involving programs costing tens of billions of dollars, employing hundreds of thousands of people and go to the heart of our national security," Morrell said. "He wants this process to be as disciplined and as forthright as possible."
Gates wants the budget to be judged as a whole, rather than in parts via selective leaks, Morrell said. The secretary thinks the agreement "will create a climate in which you can ultimately produce a better product, as people can speak candidly with the confidence that it will not be leaked," he added.
The secretary wants the budget to be judged in its totality "because that's where you will see the strategic balance he is trying to build," Morrell said.
In testimony before Congress in January, Gates talked about making the hard choices on procurement. Projects that are significantly behind schedule or over budget are more likely to face the budget ax, he said.
Gates called for discipline in the acquisition process and said the department must freeze requirements at contract time.
Big-ticket items are going to go through a very thorough review as part of the fiscal 2010 budget process, Morrell said.
The White House's Office of Management and Budget is expected to announce top-line budget figures tomorrow, along with a fiscal 2010 war supplement.
Obama wants to stop the supplemental process and transfer the costs for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the base budget, but will not be able to do so this year, Morrell said.
"It's extremely difficult for us to predict what our level of commitment is going to be in either theater, let alone theaters that we haven't potentially thought of, God forbid, a year, two years, let alone 10 years from now," he said. "So we are trying to be as helpful as possible to this process, but some of this stuff is not known at this point."
More Troops, Families Likely to Qualify for New GI Bill Benefits
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Troops nearing retirement eligibility may be able to tap into the transferability benefits provided in the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, even if they're unable to serve four more years of duty due to service policies, a senior defense official said. The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Bill that takes effect in August and will offer more benefits and the ability to transfer benefits to a spouse or child has proven to be a hit with the troops, Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.
Of servicemembers surveyed in August, 97 percent said they plan to take advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, particularly its transferability provision, Carr said.
"Enormous interest has been expressed in the transferability provision and how it would work, because so many in the force have families," Carr said. He noted that half of the military force is married. By the time troops have served six years of duty, about two-thirds have families.
To qualify for transferability under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, servicemembers must have served six years on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and must commit to another four years. But Carr said the rules could be tweaked soon to allow mid- or late-career troops to qualify, even if they can't sign on for another four years of duty due to service restrictions.
Rules expected to be published in the months ahead will clarify exactly who is or isn't eligible to transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Carr said he expects those rules to be "very flexible" to allow servicemembers with 15 or even 20 years of service to quality. What's definite now is that only those in the active or reserve components on Aug. 1 will be eligible for transferability under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
"The law doesn't allow it to be retroactive" to cover those who already have left the military, Carr said.
The new bill represents the most comprehensive education package since the original World War II-era GI Bill, he said. Unlike the current GI Bill, it covers 100 percent – rather than 80 percent – of the cost of tuition, fees and books. Servicemembers no longer will have to pay $1,200 out of pocket, at the rate of $100 a month for their first year of service, to qualify.
In addition, most troops will receive a "living stipend" while drawing GI Bill benefits. That benefit will equate to the basic allowance for housing that an E-5 with dependents serving on active duty receives, Carr said. And for the first time, servicemembers will be able to transfer any benefits they don't use themselves to their immediate family members.
Of those surveyed in August, 73 percent said they would transfer benefits to their spouse, while 94 percent said they would transfer them to their children.
This is a particularly attractive option for servicemembers who have earned degrees before entering the military or while on duty through the military's tuition assistance programs, Carr said. These programs will continue when the Post-9/11 GI Bill takes effect.
Troops automatically are eligible to transfer to the Post-9/11 GI Bill program when it takes effect, but must elect to do so, officials said.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, which administers the program, has more details about the basic program on its Web site. The Defense Department will oversee the transferability program and set up a Web-based application servicemembers can use to request transfer of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, Carr said.
Carr expressed hope that servicemembers will take advantage of the new benefits.
"The new GI Bill provides some wonderful opportunities for the military," he said. "These are benefits that we had hoped for for a number of years, and finally have received."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Troops nearing retirement eligibility may be able to tap into the transferability benefits provided in the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, even if they're unable to serve four more years of duty due to service policies, a senior defense official said. The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Bill that takes effect in August and will offer more benefits and the ability to transfer benefits to a spouse or child has proven to be a hit with the troops, Bill Carr, deputy undersecretary of defense for military personnel policy, told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service.
Of servicemembers surveyed in August, 97 percent said they plan to take advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, particularly its transferability provision, Carr said.
"Enormous interest has been expressed in the transferability provision and how it would work, because so many in the force have families," Carr said. He noted that half of the military force is married. By the time troops have served six years of duty, about two-thirds have families.
To qualify for transferability under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, servicemembers must have served six years on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and must commit to another four years. But Carr said the rules could be tweaked soon to allow mid- or late-career troops to qualify, even if they can't sign on for another four years of duty due to service restrictions.
Rules expected to be published in the months ahead will clarify exactly who is or isn't eligible to transfer their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Carr said he expects those rules to be "very flexible" to allow servicemembers with 15 or even 20 years of service to quality. What's definite now is that only those in the active or reserve components on Aug. 1 will be eligible for transferability under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
"The law doesn't allow it to be retroactive" to cover those who already have left the military, Carr said.
The new bill represents the most comprehensive education package since the original World War II-era GI Bill, he said. Unlike the current GI Bill, it covers 100 percent – rather than 80 percent – of the cost of tuition, fees and books. Servicemembers no longer will have to pay $1,200 out of pocket, at the rate of $100 a month for their first year of service, to qualify.
In addition, most troops will receive a "living stipend" while drawing GI Bill benefits. That benefit will equate to the basic allowance for housing that an E-5 with dependents serving on active duty receives, Carr said. And for the first time, servicemembers will be able to transfer any benefits they don't use themselves to their immediate family members.
Of those surveyed in August, 73 percent said they would transfer benefits to their spouse, while 94 percent said they would transfer them to their children.
This is a particularly attractive option for servicemembers who have earned degrees before entering the military or while on duty through the military's tuition assistance programs, Carr said. These programs will continue when the Post-9/11 GI Bill takes effect.
Troops automatically are eligible to transfer to the Post-9/11 GI Bill program when it takes effect, but must elect to do so, officials said.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, which administers the program, has more details about the basic program on its Web site. The Defense Department will oversee the transferability program and set up a Web-based application servicemembers can use to request transfer of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, Carr said.
Carr expressed hope that servicemembers will take advantage of the new benefits.
"The new GI Bill provides some wonderful opportunities for the military," he said. "These are benefits that we had hoped for for a number of years, and finally have received."
Obama Nominates Defense Acquisition Undersecretary
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - President Barack Obama announced yesterday that he will nominate Ashton Carter to be the next undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. Carter is the chairman of the International and Global Affairs faculty at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He served as assistant secretary of defense for International Security Policy from 1993 to 1996.
If confirmed to the post held by John Young since 2007, Carter would oversee a sweeping defense acquisition reform effort.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has called overhauling the way the department buys goods and services and manages taxpayer dollars one of the biggest challenges it faces.
"A risk-averse culture, a litigious process, parochial interests, excessive and changing requirements, budget churn and instability and sometimes adversarial relationships" within the department and other parts of government have made acquisition reform a priority, Gates said last month during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
If confirmed as undersecretary, Carter would be the point man in the difficult procurement decisions Gates told the senators would begin with Obama's fiscal 2010 defense budget request.
"One thing we have known for many months is that the spigot of defense spending that opened on 9/11 is closing," Gates said at the hearing. "Two major campaigns ongoing, the economic crisis and resulting budget pressures will force hard choices on this department."
Carter, who has a doctorate in physics, directed military planning during the 1994 crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons program, according to a statement released by the White House. He was instrumental in removing all nuclear weapons from Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus, and he directed the establishment of defense and intelligence relationships with former Soviet nations at the end of the Cold War.
He also participated in negotiations that led to the deployment of Russian troops as part of the Bosnia Peace Plan Implementation Force.
Carter managed the Cooperative Threat Reduction program aimed at eliminating nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of the former Soviet Union, and he directed the Nuclear Posture Review and oversaw the Defense Department's Counterproliferation Initiative. He also directed the reform of the department's national security export controls.
In 1997, Carter co-chaired the Catastrophic Terrorism Study Group with former CIA Director John M. Deutch, urging greater attention to the terrorist threat. From 1998 to 2000, he was deputy to former Defense Secretary William J. Perry in the North Korea Policy Review, and traveled with Perry to Pyongyang. From 2001 to 2002, he served on the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Science and Technology for Countering Terrorism and advised on the creation of the Homeland Security Department.
Carter is a two-time recipient of the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the department's highest award. In addition to his current position at the Kennedy School, Carter is co-director of the Preventive Defense Project, serving along with Perry. The project is a research collaboration between Harvard and Stanford universities.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - President Barack Obama announced yesterday that he will nominate Ashton Carter to be the next undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics. Carter is the chairman of the International and Global Affairs faculty at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He served as assistant secretary of defense for International Security Policy from 1993 to 1996.
If confirmed to the post held by John Young since 2007, Carter would oversee a sweeping defense acquisition reform effort.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has called overhauling the way the department buys goods and services and manages taxpayer dollars one of the biggest challenges it faces.
"A risk-averse culture, a litigious process, parochial interests, excessive and changing requirements, budget churn and instability and sometimes adversarial relationships" within the department and other parts of government have made acquisition reform a priority, Gates said last month during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
If confirmed as undersecretary, Carter would be the point man in the difficult procurement decisions Gates told the senators would begin with Obama's fiscal 2010 defense budget request.
"One thing we have known for many months is that the spigot of defense spending that opened on 9/11 is closing," Gates said at the hearing. "Two major campaigns ongoing, the economic crisis and resulting budget pressures will force hard choices on this department."
Carter, who has a doctorate in physics, directed military planning during the 1994 crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons program, according to a statement released by the White House. He was instrumental in removing all nuclear weapons from Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Belarus, and he directed the establishment of defense and intelligence relationships with former Soviet nations at the end of the Cold War.
He also participated in negotiations that led to the deployment of Russian troops as part of the Bosnia Peace Plan Implementation Force.
Carter managed the Cooperative Threat Reduction program aimed at eliminating nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of the former Soviet Union, and he directed the Nuclear Posture Review and oversaw the Defense Department's Counterproliferation Initiative. He also directed the reform of the department's national security export controls.
In 1997, Carter co-chaired the Catastrophic Terrorism Study Group with former CIA Director John M. Deutch, urging greater attention to the terrorist threat. From 1998 to 2000, he was deputy to former Defense Secretary William J. Perry in the North Korea Policy Review, and traveled with Perry to Pyongyang. From 2001 to 2002, he served on the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Science and Technology for Countering Terrorism and advised on the creation of the Homeland Security Department.
Carter is a two-time recipient of the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the department's highest award. In addition to his current position at the Kennedy School, Carter is co-director of the Preventive Defense Project, serving along with Perry. The project is a research collaboration between Harvard and Stanford universities.
Campaign Coincides with 'Taking Chance' Film Premiere
By Sharon Foster
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Coinciding with the HBO Film premiere of "Taking Chance," based on a Marine's tribute to a fallen comrade, more than 100 servicemembers joined the Run4Chance team at the 28th Annual Los Alamitos 5K "Race on the Base" in California to honor the fallen hero.
"Taking Chance," starring Kevin Bacon, premiered Feb. 21 on HBO and is based on the special care given to fallen Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps during his final journey home to Dubois, Wyo. He was accompanied by Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, who volunteered to escort Phelps' body from Dover Air Force Base and later wrote of his experience. Phelps was killed in Iraq in 2004 at the age of 19.
Shortly after Phelps death, his family and friends formed the Run4Chance team. In 2004, the team ran the Marine Corps Marathon here as a tribute to Phelps and to raise funds for the Chance Phelps Foundation, a nonprofit organization that benefits U.S. troops, especially those who have deployed to Iraq.
With the backing of HBO, the foundation and its Run4Chance team encourage distance runners and military groups to run under the team name in marathons across the country, with entry fees waived for servicemembers. At the Los Alamitos event, HBO presented the Chance Phelps Foundation with a $10,000 donation on behalf of servicemembers who participated in the race.
The initiative also aims to raise awareness for the Fisher House Foundation and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
"By shining a national spotlight on Run4Chance, we hope to honor the memory of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps and pay tribute to all fallen Marines and soldiers," Zach Enterlin, vice president of advertising and promotions at HBO, said. "By raising awareness of the foundation's great work, more servicemembers and their families will benefit from the financial and medical support it provides."
HBO will sponsor several Run4Chance teams in races around the country this year. The initial schedule of races includes the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, San Diego, May 31; New York City Half-Marathon, Aug. 30; Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon, Virginia Beach, Va., Sept. 6; Marine Corps Marathon, Arlington, Va., Oct. 25; and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon, San Antonio, Nov. 15.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Coinciding with the HBO Film premiere of "Taking Chance," based on a Marine's tribute to a fallen comrade, more than 100 servicemembers joined the Run4Chance team at the 28th Annual Los Alamitos 5K "Race on the Base" in California to honor the fallen hero.
"Taking Chance," starring Kevin Bacon, premiered Feb. 21 on HBO and is based on the special care given to fallen Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chance Phelps during his final journey home to Dubois, Wyo. He was accompanied by Marine Corps Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, who volunteered to escort Phelps' body from Dover Air Force Base and later wrote of his experience. Phelps was killed in Iraq in 2004 at the age of 19.
Shortly after Phelps death, his family and friends formed the Run4Chance team. In 2004, the team ran the Marine Corps Marathon here as a tribute to Phelps and to raise funds for the Chance Phelps Foundation, a nonprofit organization that benefits U.S. troops, especially those who have deployed to Iraq.
With the backing of HBO, the foundation and its Run4Chance team encourage distance runners and military groups to run under the team name in marathons across the country, with entry fees waived for servicemembers. At the Los Alamitos event, HBO presented the Chance Phelps Foundation with a $10,000 donation on behalf of servicemembers who participated in the race.
The initiative also aims to raise awareness for the Fisher House Foundation and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
"By shining a national spotlight on Run4Chance, we hope to honor the memory of Lance Corporal Chance Phelps and pay tribute to all fallen Marines and soldiers," Zach Enterlin, vice president of advertising and promotions at HBO, said. "By raising awareness of the foundation's great work, more servicemembers and their families will benefit from the financial and medical support it provides."
HBO will sponsor several Run4Chance teams in races around the country this year. The initial schedule of races includes the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, San Diego, May 31; New York City Half-Marathon, Aug. 30; Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon, Virginia Beach, Va., Sept. 6; Marine Corps Marathon, Arlington, Va., Oct. 25; and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon, San Antonio, Nov. 15.
Servicemembers More Realistic About Retirement than Civilians, Survey Shows
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Servicemembers are more practical about their retirement needs than their civilian counterparts, according to a survey conducted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, Investor Education Foundation, in cooperation with the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The findings bode well for servicemembers' readiness to transition out of work and into retirement, FINRA's foundation president says.
"Unless you are aware of the amount of money you're going to need in retirement, it's going to be hard to start saving the amount you need," John Gannon, president of the FINRA Foundation, said. "The good thing is the military is much further along in understanding their savings needs than the general public."
While 26 percent of civilian workers think they can retire on less than $250,000, only 10 percent of servicemembers believe that to be true. On the other hand, nearly a third of servicemembers think they'll need more than $1 million, which is a lot closer to the truth, Gannon said.
For most people, $1 million probably will be enough, given that most people will spend 20 to 30 years in retirement, he added.
Servicemembers may be in better stead thanks to the military's efforts to provide financial education. While there's always more that can be done, the services understand the importance of financial readiness, especially in conjunction with military readiness, Gannon said.
"You really don't want somebody being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan who's worried about back home not being able to pay bills, having credit problems and having their spouse get calls from collection agencies," he said. "That can all cause problems."
In fact, personal finance issues can jeopardize a security clearance.
Though servicemembers, generally, are ahead of civilians when it comes to having a realistic investment plan, they're not doing all they can to make that plan happen, Gannon said.
Only one in five servicemembers are aware of the government's Thrift Savings Plan and fewer than half of those participate in the TSP. More than 87 percent of federal civilian employees participate in the TSP.
"I think it's very important that they understand that the Thrift Savings Plan exists because, for many servicemembers who don't stay in the military for 20 years and get access to the pension, it's really their only retirement savings vehicle in the military," Gannon said. "It's one of the best-designed, employer-sponsored contribution plans that exists in the United States, as far as I'm concerned.
"It's extremely low cost, has great investment options and appears to be a very well-run program."
A section of the FINRA Web site is dedicated to helping military members develop a retirement savings plan. It offers tools such as a retirement calculator and a link to the American Saving and Education Council's "Ballpark Estimate," which allows users to estimate how much they'll need for retirement.
"They're really straightforward simple things to really put themselves in a position to understand their retirement savings needs," Gannon said.
In addition, nearly every military base around the world has a personal financial manager to provide financial counseling to servicemembers and their families.
Another thing most servicemembers have going for them is youth, Gannon said.
"That's the great thing about the military" that 65 percent of servicemembers are under 30, Gannon said. "Time is on their side."
Though saving for retirement is important at any age, the earlier one can start, the better. If retirement is ominously looming, it's still not too late, Gannon said.
"Once you hit 50, you can contribute an extra $5,000 to the TSP," he said. "It's set up so that for people who start late, they can contribute more and catch up."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Servicemembers are more practical about their retirement needs than their civilian counterparts, according to a survey conducted by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, Investor Education Foundation, in cooperation with the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The findings bode well for servicemembers' readiness to transition out of work and into retirement, FINRA's foundation president says.
"Unless you are aware of the amount of money you're going to need in retirement, it's going to be hard to start saving the amount you need," John Gannon, president of the FINRA Foundation, said. "The good thing is the military is much further along in understanding their savings needs than the general public."
While 26 percent of civilian workers think they can retire on less than $250,000, only 10 percent of servicemembers believe that to be true. On the other hand, nearly a third of servicemembers think they'll need more than $1 million, which is a lot closer to the truth, Gannon said.
For most people, $1 million probably will be enough, given that most people will spend 20 to 30 years in retirement, he added.
Servicemembers may be in better stead thanks to the military's efforts to provide financial education. While there's always more that can be done, the services understand the importance of financial readiness, especially in conjunction with military readiness, Gannon said.
"You really don't want somebody being deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan who's worried about back home not being able to pay bills, having credit problems and having their spouse get calls from collection agencies," he said. "That can all cause problems."
In fact, personal finance issues can jeopardize a security clearance.
Though servicemembers, generally, are ahead of civilians when it comes to having a realistic investment plan, they're not doing all they can to make that plan happen, Gannon said.
Only one in five servicemembers are aware of the government's Thrift Savings Plan and fewer than half of those participate in the TSP. More than 87 percent of federal civilian employees participate in the TSP.
"I think it's very important that they understand that the Thrift Savings Plan exists because, for many servicemembers who don't stay in the military for 20 years and get access to the pension, it's really their only retirement savings vehicle in the military," Gannon said. "It's one of the best-designed, employer-sponsored contribution plans that exists in the United States, as far as I'm concerned.
"It's extremely low cost, has great investment options and appears to be a very well-run program."
A section of the FINRA Web site is dedicated to helping military members develop a retirement savings plan. It offers tools such as a retirement calculator and a link to the American Saving and Education Council's "Ballpark Estimate," which allows users to estimate how much they'll need for retirement.
"They're really straightforward simple things to really put themselves in a position to understand their retirement savings needs," Gannon said.
In addition, nearly every military base around the world has a personal financial manager to provide financial counseling to servicemembers and their families.
Another thing most servicemembers have going for them is youth, Gannon said.
"That's the great thing about the military" that 65 percent of servicemembers are under 30, Gannon said. "Time is on their side."
Though saving for retirement is important at any age, the earlier one can start, the better. If retirement is ominously looming, it's still not too late, Gannon said.
"Once you hit 50, you can contribute an extra $5,000 to the TSP," he said. "It's set up so that for people who start late, they can contribute more and catch up."
Combat Vet Gives Voice to Military Musicians
By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Music is considered by many to be a universal language, and for some military veterans, it is the only language that allows them to describe their experiences in combat and their struggles afterward. Military musicians normally would struggle to have their voices heard in the cutthroat music industry, but a fellow veteran has given them a chance to get their music released and in the hands of fans worldwide.
Army Capt. Sean Gilfillan, a reservist who served four years on active duty and a tour in Iraq, started To the Fallen Records in 2006. The record label, which takes its name from a tattoo Gilfillan bears to commemorate fellow servicemembers who died in combat, signs only musicians who are military members or veterans.
Gilfillan said he was inspired to start To the Fallen by the many musicians he met during his time on active duty, and the powerful message their songs had. After he left active duty, he met his wife, and seeing how interested she was in the music made him realize it might appeal to a larger audience, he said.
"It's so emotional," he said. "It's so personal, and we don't see this stuff on TV or on the radio. Unfortunately, we only hear about the attacks and how many people are killed and when bad things happen."
The couple started the record label to bring music from servicemembers to the civilian world and to bridge the gap of understanding about military life and combat.
"If civilians hear military music, they might understand. They're never going to be in those shoes, but they can at least empathize and understand what three tours really does to someone, to someone's family," Gilfillan said. "Not only that, but war ... what happens during war, during patrols, and what it takes to actually psyche yourself up to go out to war, and the struggles when you come home with [post-traumatic stress disorder], with relationships, and how every normal everyday struggle is made more difficult by you being away for so long."
Since its inception, the record label has grown into a platform to showcase all military musicians, even those not talking about combat. But the bottom line, Gilfillan said, has always been quality music.
"If the music isn't good, if the quality isn't there, then we won't feature you," he said. "It has to be radio quality."
In its first year, the record label saw almost instant success, being featured in Rolling Stone magazine and the New York Times and releasing its first three CDs, which were compilations of hip hop, country and rock music. Today, the label has a database of about 2,000 artists and 200 producers it works with, Gilfillan said. It also maintains a database of recording studios that offer discounts to military members.
Establishing a credible record label is very important to Gilfillan, he said, because he wants to give the military musicians a chance to establish a fan base, which is key to any musician's success. He said he follows the military's philosophy that no one person is more important than the organization.
"To the Fallen will always exist," he said. "The artists might change, I might change, but the label will always exist. So, hopefully the name builds enough prestige where any artist being linked to the name will get a leg up."
To the Fallen sells its music online at its Web site and that of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, and physically, at Green Beans Coffee, which has stores in Iraq and Afghanistan. The label is working on several new projects, including a reality TV show based on military musicians.
Another new project Gilfillan and his wife are working on is in creating a nonprofit group that will use musical therapy to help rehabilitate wounded veterans. The group is in early development, but the vision is a place where wounded veterans can learn about the entire musical process, including recording and production, and use it as therapy, Gilfillan said.
"We would kind of just recruit and train our own military musicians and give them a trade and, in return, we would do musical therapy for anyone who needs it," he said. "I really believe in musical therapy as a viable way to recuperate."
To the Fallen already donates part of its profits to charities that benefit wounded troops, and once the nonprofit organization is established, money would go into that also, Gilfillan said. But more important than the money, he said, is giving military musicians an opportunity to get their music out there and letting the world hear the quality of music servicemembers create.
"These are not hokey artists," he said. "This is real music."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - Music is considered by many to be a universal language, and for some military veterans, it is the only language that allows them to describe their experiences in combat and their struggles afterward. Military musicians normally would struggle to have their voices heard in the cutthroat music industry, but a fellow veteran has given them a chance to get their music released and in the hands of fans worldwide.
Army Capt. Sean Gilfillan, a reservist who served four years on active duty and a tour in Iraq, started To the Fallen Records in 2006. The record label, which takes its name from a tattoo Gilfillan bears to commemorate fellow servicemembers who died in combat, signs only musicians who are military members or veterans.
Gilfillan said he was inspired to start To the Fallen by the many musicians he met during his time on active duty, and the powerful message their songs had. After he left active duty, he met his wife, and seeing how interested she was in the music made him realize it might appeal to a larger audience, he said.
"It's so emotional," he said. "It's so personal, and we don't see this stuff on TV or on the radio. Unfortunately, we only hear about the attacks and how many people are killed and when bad things happen."
The couple started the record label to bring music from servicemembers to the civilian world and to bridge the gap of understanding about military life and combat.
"If civilians hear military music, they might understand. They're never going to be in those shoes, but they can at least empathize and understand what three tours really does to someone, to someone's family," Gilfillan said. "Not only that, but war ... what happens during war, during patrols, and what it takes to actually psyche yourself up to go out to war, and the struggles when you come home with [post-traumatic stress disorder], with relationships, and how every normal everyday struggle is made more difficult by you being away for so long."
Since its inception, the record label has grown into a platform to showcase all military musicians, even those not talking about combat. But the bottom line, Gilfillan said, has always been quality music.
"If the music isn't good, if the quality isn't there, then we won't feature you," he said. "It has to be radio quality."
In its first year, the record label saw almost instant success, being featured in Rolling Stone magazine and the New York Times and releasing its first three CDs, which were compilations of hip hop, country and rock music. Today, the label has a database of about 2,000 artists and 200 producers it works with, Gilfillan said. It also maintains a database of recording studios that offer discounts to military members.
Establishing a credible record label is very important to Gilfillan, he said, because he wants to give the military musicians a chance to establish a fan base, which is key to any musician's success. He said he follows the military's philosophy that no one person is more important than the organization.
"To the Fallen will always exist," he said. "The artists might change, I might change, but the label will always exist. So, hopefully the name builds enough prestige where any artist being linked to the name will get a leg up."
To the Fallen sells its music online at its Web site and that of the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, and physically, at Green Beans Coffee, which has stores in Iraq and Afghanistan. The label is working on several new projects, including a reality TV show based on military musicians.
Another new project Gilfillan and his wife are working on is in creating a nonprofit group that will use musical therapy to help rehabilitate wounded veterans. The group is in early development, but the vision is a place where wounded veterans can learn about the entire musical process, including recording and production, and use it as therapy, Gilfillan said.
"We would kind of just recruit and train our own military musicians and give them a trade and, in return, we would do musical therapy for anyone who needs it," he said. "I really believe in musical therapy as a viable way to recuperate."
To the Fallen already donates part of its profits to charities that benefit wounded troops, and once the nonprofit organization is established, money would go into that also, Gilfillan said. But more important than the money, he said, is giving military musicians an opportunity to get their music out there and letting the world hear the quality of music servicemembers create.
"These are not hokey artists," he said. "This is real music."
New Presidential Helicopter Faces Scrutiny
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - The VH-71 helicopter being developed as the next-generation presidential helicopter could get the ax before it ever takes flight. President Barack Obama announced yesterday that he has directed Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to conduct "a thorough review" of the program, which has experienced big cost overruns.
Speaking at the closing of a White House summit on fiscal responsibility, the president called the helicopter program an example of "the procurement process gone amok."
"We're going to have to fix it," he said, calling it "one of our highest priorities" and urging congressional support.
Obama noted that Gates is a big advocate of the effort and "recognizes that simply adding more and more does not necessarily mean better and better, or safer and more secure."
The president offered a lighthearted take on the helicopter Lockheed-Martin is developing to replace the Sikorsky Marine One helicopters the White House has used for a quarter-century. "The helicopter I have now seems perfectly adequate to me," he quipped. "Of course, I've never had a helicopter before. ... Maybe I've been deprived, and I didn't know it."
The VH-71 contract calls for 28 helicopters for $6 billion, but the cost has almost doubled to about $11 billion.
Cost overruns of this magnitude in major defense acquisition programs require congressional notification. This requirement was established under the so-called Nunn-McCurdy provision of the 1982 Defense Authorization Act. The provision was named for its sponsors, U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn and U.S. Rep Dave McCurdy.
The VH-71 program "certainly fits the category of requiring a Nunn-McCurdy breach notification, and that is not a good position to have a program in," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters today.
The program will be among many to get a thorough review during the acquisition overhaul, he said. "We are committed to looking at expensive programs, particularly those programs that are underperforming," Whitman said.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 24, 2009 - The VH-71 helicopter being developed as the next-generation presidential helicopter could get the ax before it ever takes flight. President Barack Obama announced yesterday that he has directed Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to conduct "a thorough review" of the program, which has experienced big cost overruns.
Speaking at the closing of a White House summit on fiscal responsibility, the president called the helicopter program an example of "the procurement process gone amok."
"We're going to have to fix it," he said, calling it "one of our highest priorities" and urging congressional support.
Obama noted that Gates is a big advocate of the effort and "recognizes that simply adding more and more does not necessarily mean better and better, or safer and more secure."
The president offered a lighthearted take on the helicopter Lockheed-Martin is developing to replace the Sikorsky Marine One helicopters the White House has used for a quarter-century. "The helicopter I have now seems perfectly adequate to me," he quipped. "Of course, I've never had a helicopter before. ... Maybe I've been deprived, and I didn't know it."
The VH-71 contract calls for 28 helicopters for $6 billion, but the cost has almost doubled to about $11 billion.
Cost overruns of this magnitude in major defense acquisition programs require congressional notification. This requirement was established under the so-called Nunn-McCurdy provision of the 1982 Defense Authorization Act. The provision was named for its sponsors, U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn and U.S. Rep Dave McCurdy.
The VH-71 program "certainly fits the category of requiring a Nunn-McCurdy breach notification, and that is not a good position to have a program in," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters today.
The program will be among many to get a thorough review during the acquisition overhaul, he said. "We are committed to looking at expensive programs, particularly those programs that are underperforming," Whitman said.
MILITARY CONTRACTS February 24, 2009
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Lockheed Martin Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas for $797,132,785. This contract action will provide 14 F-16C and 16 F-16D Block 50 aircraft for the Government of Turkey. At this time, $682,158,785 of Foreign Military Sales funds has been obligated. 312 AESG/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8615-07-C-6034, PZ0005).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with the Boeing Co., of Seal Beach, Calif., for $43,315,519. This modification will be issued to procure 282,002 hours for CY09 Exercised Options for Sustainment Support. At this time $25,185,415 has been obligated. GPSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-96-C-0025).
ARMY
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2009, a $32,042,890 firm fixed price contract change order issued to procure national level reset of 129 each 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) Abrams System Enhancement Package (SEPv2) tanks. Work is to be performed at Lima, Ohio, (75 percent), Tallahassee, Fla., (10 percent), Anniston, Ala., (9 percent), Scranton, Pa., (3 percent), and Sterling Heights, Mich., (3 percent), with an estimated completion date of Sep 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. The Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) Contracting Activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).
Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2009, a $9,244,000 firm fixed price contract for PATRIOT Pure Fleet 12 Lot Add on Items. Work is to be performed at Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151).
Shanska USA Building, Inc., Rockville, Md., was awarded on Feb. 20, 2009, a $31,856,596 firm fixed price construction contract for which the requirement for the project consists of constructing a 151,590 gross square foot, 3 story administrative facility for 767 personnel to support co-location of military department adjudication activities on Fort George G. Meade, Md., in compliance with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act. The estimated completion date is Feb. 20, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-09-C-0018).
Bristol Design Build Services, LLC, Anchorage, Ala., was awarded on Feb. 20, 2009, a $13,483,962 firm fixed price contract for PN0666956, design/build FTR262 child development center (Ages 6-10), at Fort Richardson, Ala. Estimated completion date is Oct 1, 2009. Seven bids were solicited with two bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer District Ala., Elmendorf Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (W911KB-08-D-0008).
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, Columbus, Ohio, was awarded on Feb 19, 2009, an increase of $78,500,000 cost-reimbursable type contract for the Scientific Services Program which is designed to provide scientific, technical and advisory services for problems related to research and development projects within the Government. This program is composed of Short-Term Analysis Services (STAS). STAS is designed for the resolution of problems for the sponsoring agency or command if the objectives are achievable in a short period of time (usually within a two-year period) through the efforts of the selected scientist(s) or engineer(s). OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS MODIFICATION: A Justification & Approval was signed in accordance with the appropriate signature authority. Performance locations are to be determined with each task order and have an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. The U.S. Army Research Development Engineering Command, Acquisition Center-Research Triangle Park, Durham, N.C., is the contracting activity (W911NF-07-D-0001).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments Limited Partnership, Armament Systems Division, Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on Feb. 19, 2009, a $22,461,120 firm fixed price contract to procure the Improved Vehicle Emergency Escape (IVEE) Windshield Kit for the M1151 Up-Armored High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMW) for a quantity of 5,685 kits. Work is to be performed at Minneapolis, Minn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. The U.S. Army Tank & Automotive Command (TACOM) Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0322).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Caterpillar Inc., Mossville, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $15,288,972 firm fixed price, long term contract for motor graders. Other location of performance is in Illinois. Using service is Navy. There were originally 4 proposals solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-01-D-0059-0260).
Propper International, Inc., Mayaquez, Puerto Rico is being awarded a maximum $28,600,250 firm fixed price contract for Air Force parkas and trousers. Other location of performance is in Puerto Rico. Using service is Air Force. The proposal was originally Web solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the fourth option year period. The date of performance completion is Feb. 22, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-09-D-0035).
Y. Hata & Co., Limited, Honolulu, Hawaii *, is being awarded a maximum $7,989,041 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source, C-1 Bridge contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is in Hawaii. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jan. 12, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-09-D-3295).
NAVY
Cityon Systems, Inc.*, Plano, Texas, is being awarded a $6,302,691 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, firm fixed price contract for firewall server load balancing appliances. Work will be performed in Plano, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2013. Contractfunds in the amount of$37,854willexpire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command E-commerce web site, with four proposals solicited and four offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-6045).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Melville, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,019,124 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-4307) for Design Agent/Technical Engineering Services (DA/TE) in support of the AN/SPQ-9B Radar System Program. The AN/SPQ-9B ASMD radar program is a radar improvement program to the AN/SPQ-9A radar providing the Navy the capability to detect and track low-flying, high-speed, small Radar Cross Section (RCS) anti-ship missile targets in heavy clutter environments. The contract provides for design and on-site support to AN/SPQ-9B Radars during installation, integration, testing and refurbishment. The modification provides for continuing support under the DA/TE contract during Fiscal Year 2009. This contract supports special studies, failure analysis, engineering change proposal investigation and other on-going developmental efforts associated with the AN/SPQ-9B Program. Work will be performed in Melville, N.Y., (78 percent), Baltimore, Md., (16 percent), and Norwalk, Conn., (6 percent), and is expected to be completed in Feb. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
The Air Force is modifying a firm fixed price contract with Lockheed Martin Corp., of Fort Worth, Texas for $797,132,785. This contract action will provide 14 F-16C and 16 F-16D Block 50 aircraft for the Government of Turkey. At this time, $682,158,785 of Foreign Military Sales funds has been obligated. 312 AESG/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8615-07-C-6034, PZ0005).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee contract with the Boeing Co., of Seal Beach, Calif., for $43,315,519. This modification will be issued to procure 282,002 hours for CY09 Exercised Options for Sustainment Support. At this time $25,185,415 has been obligated. GPSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-96-C-0025).
ARMY
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2009, a $32,042,890 firm fixed price contract change order issued to procure national level reset of 129 each 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) Abrams System Enhancement Package (SEPv2) tanks. Work is to be performed at Lima, Ohio, (75 percent), Tallahassee, Fla., (10 percent), Anniston, Ala., (9 percent), Scranton, Pa., (3 percent), and Sterling Heights, Mich., (3 percent), with an estimated completion date of Sep 30, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. The Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) Contracting Activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).
Raytheon Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Feb. 23, 2009, a $9,244,000 firm fixed price contract for PATRIOT Pure Fleet 12 Lot Add on Items. Work is to be performed at Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-07-C-0151).
Shanska USA Building, Inc., Rockville, Md., was awarded on Feb. 20, 2009, a $31,856,596 firm fixed price construction contract for which the requirement for the project consists of constructing a 151,590 gross square foot, 3 story administrative facility for 767 personnel to support co-location of military department adjudication activities on Fort George G. Meade, Md., in compliance with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act. The estimated completion date is Feb. 20, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-09-C-0018).
Bristol Design Build Services, LLC, Anchorage, Ala., was awarded on Feb. 20, 2009, a $13,483,962 firm fixed price contract for PN0666956, design/build FTR262 child development center (Ages 6-10), at Fort Richardson, Ala. Estimated completion date is Oct 1, 2009. Seven bids were solicited with two bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer District Ala., Elmendorf Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (W911KB-08-D-0008).
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, Columbus, Ohio, was awarded on Feb 19, 2009, an increase of $78,500,000 cost-reimbursable type contract for the Scientific Services Program which is designed to provide scientific, technical and advisory services for problems related to research and development projects within the Government. This program is composed of Short-Term Analysis Services (STAS). STAS is designed for the resolution of problems for the sponsoring agency or command if the objectives are achievable in a short period of time (usually within a two-year period) through the efforts of the selected scientist(s) or engineer(s). OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS MODIFICATION: A Justification & Approval was signed in accordance with the appropriate signature authority. Performance locations are to be determined with each task order and have an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. The U.S. Army Research Development Engineering Command, Acquisition Center-Research Triangle Park, Durham, N.C., is the contracting activity (W911NF-07-D-0001).
BAE Systems Land & Armaments Limited Partnership, Armament Systems Division, Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on Feb. 19, 2009, a $22,461,120 firm fixed price contract to procure the Improved Vehicle Emergency Escape (IVEE) Windshield Kit for the M1151 Up-Armored High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMW) for a quantity of 5,685 kits. Work is to be performed at Minneapolis, Minn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2009. One bid was solicited and one bid received. The U.S. Army Tank & Automotive Command (TACOM) Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0322).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Caterpillar Inc., Mossville, Ind., is being awarded a maximum $15,288,972 firm fixed price, long term contract for motor graders. Other location of performance is in Illinois. Using service is Navy. There were originally 4 proposals solicited with 1 response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Feb. 28, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-01-D-0059-0260).
Propper International, Inc., Mayaquez, Puerto Rico is being awarded a maximum $28,600,250 firm fixed price contract for Air Force parkas and trousers. Other location of performance is in Puerto Rico. Using service is Air Force. The proposal was originally Web solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the fourth option year period. The date of performance completion is Feb. 22, 2010. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-09-D-0035).
Y. Hata & Co., Limited, Honolulu, Hawaii *, is being awarded a maximum $7,989,041 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source, C-1 Bridge contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is in Hawaii. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jan. 12, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-09-D-3295).
NAVY
Cityon Systems, Inc.*, Plano, Texas, is being awarded a $6,302,691 indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity, firm fixed price contract for firewall server load balancing appliances. Work will be performed in Plano, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 2013. Contractfunds in the amount of$37,854willexpire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command E-commerce web site, with four proposals solicited and four offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, is the contracting activity (N65236-08-D-6045).
Northrop Grumman Corp., Melville, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,019,124 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-4307) for Design Agent/Technical Engineering Services (DA/TE) in support of the AN/SPQ-9B Radar System Program. The AN/SPQ-9B ASMD radar program is a radar improvement program to the AN/SPQ-9A radar providing the Navy the capability to detect and track low-flying, high-speed, small Radar Cross Section (RCS) anti-ship missile targets in heavy clutter environments. The contract provides for design and on-site support to AN/SPQ-9B Radars during installation, integration, testing and refurbishment. The modification provides for continuing support under the DA/TE contract during Fiscal Year 2009. This contract supports special studies, failure analysis, engineering change proposal investigation and other on-going developmental efforts associated with the AN/SPQ-9B Program. Work will be performed in Melville, N.Y., (78 percent), Baltimore, Md., (16 percent), and Norwalk, Conn., (6 percent), and is expected to be completed in Feb. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Face of Defense: Navy Officer Scales Africa's Tallest Mountain
By Dan Bender
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2009 - As a member of the Navy Supply Corps who works for the Defense Logistics Agency, Navy Capt. Jim Patton is especially attuned to the importance of logistical support for missions. So when he and his wife, Laurie, recently trekked up the side of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, one thing that impressed him, besides the spectacular views, was the logistical prowess of the guides who accompanied their tour group up the mountain.
"The guides were masters at logistics and moving a large crowd up and down the mountain and feeding all of us," he said. "They prepared three-course meals for about 15 of us in the group on a gas tank with a single flame, and they had to carry everything on their backs.
"It was phenomenal what those guys could do," added Patton, who is director of maritime customer operations at the Defense Supply Center here. "I was very impressed with the logistical support on the trip."
The Pattons and a friend from San Diego traveled to Tanzania on Jan. 10 and joined a tour group for two weeks in climbing to the 19,340-foot summit of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The group traveled the Marangu trail, one of several routes up the mountain that require no technical skills in the art of mountain climbing.
Patton, whose only other visits to Africa have been a few brief port calls, described hiking up Kilimanjaro as "a once-in-a-lifetime experience" that left him with "all kinds of memories."
The final push to the summit was the most taxing part of the hike; the group left at midnight to be at the summit for sunrise, he said.
"The night sky from that altitude is a phenomenal view," he said. "Watching the clouds dart about the mountain peaks in the moonlight was unbelievably beautiful."
The biggest challenge was getting accustomed to the altitude, since the air pressure at the top of Kilimanjaro is roughly half that at sea level.
"The guides were trained to watch for altitude sickness, and they had our group take its time, which enabled us to not only get used to working in the thinner air but also enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way," Patton said.
The trek up and down the mountain took six days, Patton said, and the group's route took them along well-maintained pathways through rain forest, moorland, alpine desert and, ultimately, the summit at Uhuru Peak.
"It's just gorgeous up there," Patton said. "There are pockets of the glacier all around, and the ice was blue-green in color when the sunlight came through it. "Plus, at night, you could see how deep and beautiful the Milky Way galaxy is when you're away from everything. I could see many of the constellations very clearly."
(Dan Bender works in the public affairs office for the Defense Logistics Agency's supply center in Columbus, Ohio.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2009 - As a member of the Navy Supply Corps who works for the Defense Logistics Agency, Navy Capt. Jim Patton is especially attuned to the importance of logistical support for missions. So when he and his wife, Laurie, recently trekked up the side of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, one thing that impressed him, besides the spectacular views, was the logistical prowess of the guides who accompanied their tour group up the mountain.
"The guides were masters at logistics and moving a large crowd up and down the mountain and feeding all of us," he said. "They prepared three-course meals for about 15 of us in the group on a gas tank with a single flame, and they had to carry everything on their backs.
"It was phenomenal what those guys could do," added Patton, who is director of maritime customer operations at the Defense Supply Center here. "I was very impressed with the logistical support on the trip."
The Pattons and a friend from San Diego traveled to Tanzania on Jan. 10 and joined a tour group for two weeks in climbing to the 19,340-foot summit of Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. The group traveled the Marangu trail, one of several routes up the mountain that require no technical skills in the art of mountain climbing.
Patton, whose only other visits to Africa have been a few brief port calls, described hiking up Kilimanjaro as "a once-in-a-lifetime experience" that left him with "all kinds of memories."
The final push to the summit was the most taxing part of the hike; the group left at midnight to be at the summit for sunrise, he said.
"The night sky from that altitude is a phenomenal view," he said. "Watching the clouds dart about the mountain peaks in the moonlight was unbelievably beautiful."
The biggest challenge was getting accustomed to the altitude, since the air pressure at the top of Kilimanjaro is roughly half that at sea level.
"The guides were trained to watch for altitude sickness, and they had our group take its time, which enabled us to not only get used to working in the thinner air but also enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way," Patton said.
The trek up and down the mountain took six days, Patton said, and the group's route took them along well-maintained pathways through rain forest, moorland, alpine desert and, ultimately, the summit at Uhuru Peak.
"It's just gorgeous up there," Patton said. "There are pockets of the glacier all around, and the ice was blue-green in color when the sunlight came through it. "Plus, at night, you could see how deep and beautiful the Milky Way galaxy is when you're away from everything. I could see many of the constellations very clearly."
(Dan Bender works in the public affairs office for the Defense Logistics Agency's supply center in Columbus, Ohio.)
Gates to Take Comprehensive Approach to End 'Stop-Loss'
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2009 - Ending the military's so-called "stop-loss" program is a priority for Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, a senior official said here today. The stop-loss program is the involuntary extension of active duty beyond a servicemember's expiration of term of service, or ETS.
The program is in place to make sure units deploy with all positions filled. Servicemembers with an ETS or retirement date that would occur while a unit is deployed can be "stop-lossed" – or extended – until the end of the deployment.
This is an issue that the services have had to deal with since the beginning of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today. Currently, only the Army is using the provision, with about 13,200 soldiers involuntarily extended.
"The goal here ... is to move as rapidly as possible to end stop-loss altogether," Whitman said. "It is the secretary's desire to take a comprehensive approach to ending this, which includes using the additional authorization Congress has given the department to be able to grant a special pay to those soldiers that are affected by stop-loss."
The congressional initiative funds a special pay of $500 per month to stop-lossed servicemembers. "The department appreciates the authority as well as the flexibility to compensate servicemembers that are affected by stop-loss," Whitman said. "But the goal here is to end stop-loss altogether as rapidly as possible."
Army officials will brief Gates on the program later this week, he said.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2009 - Ending the military's so-called "stop-loss" program is a priority for Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, a senior official said here today. The stop-loss program is the involuntary extension of active duty beyond a servicemember's expiration of term of service, or ETS.
The program is in place to make sure units deploy with all positions filled. Servicemembers with an ETS or retirement date that would occur while a unit is deployed can be "stop-lossed" – or extended – until the end of the deployment.
This is an issue that the services have had to deal with since the beginning of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said today. Currently, only the Army is using the provision, with about 13,200 soldiers involuntarily extended.
"The goal here ... is to move as rapidly as possible to end stop-loss altogether," Whitman said. "It is the secretary's desire to take a comprehensive approach to ending this, which includes using the additional authorization Congress has given the department to be able to grant a special pay to those soldiers that are affected by stop-loss."
The congressional initiative funds a special pay of $500 per month to stop-lossed servicemembers. "The department appreciates the authority as well as the flexibility to compensate servicemembers that are affected by stop-loss," Whitman said. "But the goal here is to end stop-loss altogether as rapidly as possible."
Army officials will brief Gates on the program later this week, he said.
Defense, VA Reform Evaluation System for Seriously Injured Vets
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2009 - Two years is much too long to determine service disabilities, especially when the injuries obviously qualify a servicemember for full benefits and compensation, a senior Defense Department official said here today. Until recently, that's how long it took all military members to reach 100-percent-disabled status in terms of their disability compensation and medical benefits through the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Regardless of the severity of the injuries, all went through multiple medical evaluations and screenings first with the military, only to go through the same process again with VA, Air Force Maj. Gen. Keith W. Meurlin, acting director of the Defense Department's transition policy and care coordination office, explained.
Often, it can take up to two years to complete the evaluations and another nine months to start receiving benefits, Meurlin added.
"Why put [seriously injured combat veterans] through a two-year process when you basically know the outcome -- that they're going to be 100-percent disabled?" Meurlin said. "And why wait two years to get their VA benefits to them?"
Now, veterans seriously wounded in combat and identified as "catastrophically wounded" go through an expedited disability evaluation process that lasts about 100 days to begin receiving benefits. If veterans are recognized as fitting into that category, they will forego the redundancy of separate Defense and VA medical evaluations and go through the VA process only, the general said.
"We've taken a two-year process and reduced it to three months," he said. "We think it's a lot better for the individual and their family to make it shorter when you understand what the conclusion to the process is anyway."
The expedited process applies to servicemembers whose conditions are designated catastrophic and whose injuries were incurred in the line of duty as a direct result of armed conflict, Meurlin explained. A catastrophic injury or illness is a permanent, severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease to such a degree that a servicemember or veteran requires personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or requires constant supervision to avoid physical harm to themselves or others.
"We are talking about somebody who has been so badly injured that they cannot take care of [themselves] in daily life operations," he said. "The injury has to be combat-related, and it is a condition that makes the activities of daily life almost impossible for him."
Eventually, all servicemembers transitioning to veteran status may benefit from the changes the expedited disability evaluation system offers. The current system may be completely reformed to a one-year process by cutting out the military evaluation altogether, much like the expedient version. The pilot program for such a process is under way, but no decisions have been made yet, Meurlin said.
"The whole disability system is going through a number of reviews right now," he said. "Within our ability, we're taking the disability system, shrinking it down and making it more efficient."
Today's disability system is really a product of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, and is well overdue for an update, Meurlin said. The current system doesn't fit well with the injuries military members suffer and the high survival rate they've endured during today's wars, he added.
"I think we're recognizing in this war, with the body armor and the improved vehicles, that we're having a whole different kind of injury," Meurlin said, noting the significance post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries are having on troops. "We're getting a new type of injury and survival rate. We're bringing a lot of people home today that before we would've lost on the battlefield [in earlier wars].
"It's important to get them the right set of benefits as early as we can and deliver them expeditiously and as fairly as we can," he added.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2009 - Two years is much too long to determine service disabilities, especially when the injuries obviously qualify a servicemember for full benefits and compensation, a senior Defense Department official said here today. Until recently, that's how long it took all military members to reach 100-percent-disabled status in terms of their disability compensation and medical benefits through the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Regardless of the severity of the injuries, all went through multiple medical evaluations and screenings first with the military, only to go through the same process again with VA, Air Force Maj. Gen. Keith W. Meurlin, acting director of the Defense Department's transition policy and care coordination office, explained.
Often, it can take up to two years to complete the evaluations and another nine months to start receiving benefits, Meurlin added.
"Why put [seriously injured combat veterans] through a two-year process when you basically know the outcome -- that they're going to be 100-percent disabled?" Meurlin said. "And why wait two years to get their VA benefits to them?"
Now, veterans seriously wounded in combat and identified as "catastrophically wounded" go through an expedited disability evaluation process that lasts about 100 days to begin receiving benefits. If veterans are recognized as fitting into that category, they will forego the redundancy of separate Defense and VA medical evaluations and go through the VA process only, the general said.
"We've taken a two-year process and reduced it to three months," he said. "We think it's a lot better for the individual and their family to make it shorter when you understand what the conclusion to the process is anyway."
The expedited process applies to servicemembers whose conditions are designated catastrophic and whose injuries were incurred in the line of duty as a direct result of armed conflict, Meurlin explained. A catastrophic injury or illness is a permanent, severely disabling injury, disorder, or disease to such a degree that a servicemember or veteran requires personal or mechanical assistance to leave home or bed, or requires constant supervision to avoid physical harm to themselves or others.
"We are talking about somebody who has been so badly injured that they cannot take care of [themselves] in daily life operations," he said. "The injury has to be combat-related, and it is a condition that makes the activities of daily life almost impossible for him."
Eventually, all servicemembers transitioning to veteran status may benefit from the changes the expedited disability evaluation system offers. The current system may be completely reformed to a one-year process by cutting out the military evaluation altogether, much like the expedient version. The pilot program for such a process is under way, but no decisions have been made yet, Meurlin said.
"The whole disability system is going through a number of reviews right now," he said. "Within our ability, we're taking the disability system, shrinking it down and making it more efficient."
Today's disability system is really a product of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War, and is well overdue for an update, Meurlin said. The current system doesn't fit well with the injuries military members suffer and the high survival rate they've endured during today's wars, he added.
"I think we're recognizing in this war, with the body armor and the improved vehicles, that we're having a whole different kind of injury," Meurlin said, noting the significance post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries are having on troops. "We're getting a new type of injury and survival rate. We're bringing a lot of people home today that before we would've lost on the battlefield [in earlier wars].
"It's important to get them the right set of benefits as early as we can and deliver them expeditiously and as fairly as we can," he added.
MILITARY CONTRACTS February 23, 2009
NAVY
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $30,660,390 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5443) to increase the ceiling amount for FY 09 Design Agent Engineering Service Line Items for the MK-31 Rolling Airframe Missile Guided Missile Weapon System. The MK-31 Rolling Airframe Missile Guided Missile Weapon System is a cooperative development and production program conducted jointly by the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany under Memoranda of Understanding. The support procured under this contract is required to maintain current weapon system capability, as well as resolve issues through design, systems, software maintenance, reliability, maintainability, quality assurance and logistics engineering services. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $3,632,897 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc., through Digital System Resources, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded an $18,054,166 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6244) for 118,072 additional engineering services hours in support of the development, field maintenance and modification of the Photonics Mast Workstations (PMWs), which will be integrated into the Photonics Mast System. The contractor to address analysis, testing, design and modifications required on the PMWs that are used to control and display imaging sensor data from the AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast on Va., Class submarines. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va., (90 percent); Pittsfield, Mass., (6 percent); and Mystic, Conn., (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $15,028,132 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5437) to provide an increase in option exercise for engineering and technical services in support of the MK15 Phalanx Close-In-Weapon System (CIWS). The Phalanx CIWS is a fast reaction terminal defense against low and high flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other ships' defenses. The CIWS is an integral element of the Fleet Defense In-Depth concept and the Ship Self-Defense Program. Operating either autonomously or integrated with a combat system, it is an automatic terminal defense weapon system designed to detect, track, engage, and destroy anti-ship missile threats penetrating other defense envelopes. Phalanx CIWS is currently installed on approximately 187 USN ships and is in use in 20 foreign navies. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $1,500,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $12,340,064 modification to a previously awarded firm fixed priced contract (N00019-05-C-0050) to exercise an option for the FY 2009 production of AN/ARC-210(V) Electronic Protection Radio System for the U.S. Air Force F-15 E aircraft. This modification provides for 121 RT-1851A(C) Receiver-Transmitter (RT) radios; 121 RT Warranties; 121 AM-7526 High Power Amplifiers; and 121 MX-11641 LNA Diplexers. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. 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.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $9,002,462 cost plus fix fee contract for Interim Contractor Logistics and maintenance services in support of the Reconfigurable Transportable Consolidated Automated Support Systems and Self-Maintenance Automated Test and Calibration test sets for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Marine Corps. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in Feb. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-C-0100).
ITT Industries, Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems, Clifton, N. J., is being awarded an $8,630,774 firm fixed price order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0017) for supplies and services required for risk reduction efforts in support of an AN/ALQ-214 Engineering Change Proposal (ECP). This ECP is intended to allow the ALQ-214 to meet the requirements for the On-Board Jammer System on the F/A-18 E/F Aircraft. Work will be performed at Clifton, N.J., (99.3 percent); Hillsboro, Ore., (.5 percent); and Chandler, Ariz., (.2 percent), and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $2,127,123 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Sealift, Inc., Oyster Bay, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,708,925 firm fixed price contract for a 108-calendar day time charter of U.S. Air Force container ship MV TSGT John A. Chapman. The ship's primary mission will be to preposition U.S. Air Force ammunition at sea, is expected to operate in and around Saipan in the Western Pacific Ocean. The contract includes options, which if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $46,197,020. Work on the contract is expected to commence by Jun. 2009 and is expected to be completed within 115-calendar days. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with two offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00033-09-C-3317).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to the following contactors Capital City Technologies Inc. of Suwanee, Ga., Kearney and Co., of Alexandria, Va., and Pricewaterhouse Coopers of McLean, Va., with a program ceiling of $95,000,000. This action will provide advisory and assistance services to provide a full range of integrated business services to support the Secretary of Air Force Financial Management Program mission. At this time, no money has been obligated. AFDW/A7KS, Anacostia Annex, District of Columbia is the contracting activity (FA7014-09-D-0004, FA7014-09-D-0005, FA7014-09-D-0006).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio for an estimated $5,512,542. This action is to develop a program that will include the evaluation and testing of available chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protective technology towards the effective distribution, execution, and accountability of escape masks for the Pentagon Facilities. At this time, $1,469,632 has been obligated. 55CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $8,508,683 firm fixed price contract for delivery of trucks and snow blowers. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 21, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-01-D-0066-0026).
Y. Hata & Co., Limited, Honolulu, Hawaii *, is being awarded a maximum $7,989,041 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source, C-1 Bridge contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is in Hawaii. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jan. 12, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-09-D-3295).
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
American Auto Logistics, LP of Park Ridge, N.J., 07656-1878, is being awarded a $10,000,000.00 firm fixed price modification to add additional funds to a previously awarded contract (DAMT01-03-D-0184) to provide continuing services for the transportation and storage of privately owned vehicles. Work will be performed at worldwide locations and is expected to be completed Oct 31, 09. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Ill., 62225.
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $30,660,390 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5443) to increase the ceiling amount for FY 09 Design Agent Engineering Service Line Items for the MK-31 Rolling Airframe Missile Guided Missile Weapon System. The MK-31 Rolling Airframe Missile Guided Missile Weapon System is a cooperative development and production program conducted jointly by the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany under Memoranda of Understanding. The support procured under this contract is required to maintain current weapon system capability, as well as resolve issues through design, systems, software maintenance, reliability, maintainability, quality assurance and logistics engineering services. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $3,632,897 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc., through Digital System Resources, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded an $18,054,166 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-6244) for 118,072 additional engineering services hours in support of the development, field maintenance and modification of the Photonics Mast Workstations (PMWs), which will be integrated into the Photonics Mast System. The contractor to address analysis, testing, design and modifications required on the PMWs that are used to control and display imaging sensor data from the AN/BVS-1 Photonics Mast on Va., Class submarines. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va., (90 percent); Pittsfield, Mass., (6 percent); and Mystic, Conn., (4 percent), and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $15,028,132 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5437) to provide an increase in option exercise for engineering and technical services in support of the MK15 Phalanx Close-In-Weapon System (CIWS). The Phalanx CIWS is a fast reaction terminal defense against low and high flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other ships' defenses. The CIWS is an integral element of the Fleet Defense In-Depth concept and the Ship Self-Defense Program. Operating either autonomously or integrated with a combat system, it is an automatic terminal defense weapon system designed to detect, track, engage, and destroy anti-ship missile threats penetrating other defense envelopes. Phalanx CIWS is currently installed on approximately 187 USN ships and is in use in 20 foreign navies. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $1,500,000, will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Rockwell Collins Government Systems, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $12,340,064 modification to a previously awarded firm fixed priced contract (N00019-05-C-0050) to exercise an option for the FY 2009 production of AN/ARC-210(V) Electronic Protection Radio System for the U.S. Air Force F-15 E aircraft. This modification provides for 121 RT-1851A(C) Receiver-Transmitter (RT) radios; 121 RT Warranties; 121 AM-7526 High Power Amplifiers; and 121 MX-11641 LNA Diplexers. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. 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.
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $9,002,462 cost plus fix fee contract for Interim Contractor Logistics and maintenance services in support of the Reconfigurable Transportable Consolidated Automated Support Systems and Self-Maintenance Automated Test and Calibration test sets for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and the U.S. Marine Corps. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in Feb. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-C-0100).
ITT Industries, Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems, Clifton, N. J., is being awarded an $8,630,774 firm fixed price order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0017) for supplies and services required for risk reduction efforts in support of an AN/ALQ-214 Engineering Change Proposal (ECP). This ECP is intended to allow the ALQ-214 to meet the requirements for the On-Board Jammer System on the F/A-18 E/F Aircraft. Work will be performed at Clifton, N.J., (99.3 percent); Hillsboro, Ore., (.5 percent); and Chandler, Ariz., (.2 percent), and is expected to be completed in Dec. 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $2,127,123 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Sealift, Inc., Oyster Bay, N.Y., is being awarded a $6,708,925 firm fixed price contract for a 108-calendar day time charter of U.S. Air Force container ship MV TSGT John A. Chapman. The ship's primary mission will be to preposition U.S. Air Force ammunition at sea, is expected to operate in and around Saipan in the Western Pacific Ocean. The contract includes options, which if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $46,197,020. Work on the contract is expected to commence by Jun. 2009 and is expected to be completed within 115-calendar days. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with two offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00033-09-C-3317).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to the following contactors Capital City Technologies Inc. of Suwanee, Ga., Kearney and Co., of Alexandria, Va., and Pricewaterhouse Coopers of McLean, Va., with a program ceiling of $95,000,000. This action will provide advisory and assistance services to provide a full range of integrated business services to support the Secretary of Air Force Financial Management Program mission. At this time, no money has been obligated. AFDW/A7KS, Anacostia Annex, District of Columbia is the contracting activity (FA7014-09-D-0004, FA7014-09-D-0005, FA7014-09-D-0006).
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to Battelle Memorial Institute of Columbus, Ohio for an estimated $5,512,542. This action is to develop a program that will include the evaluation and testing of available chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear protective technology towards the effective distribution, execution, and accountability of escape masks for the Pentagon Facilities. At this time, $1,469,632 has been obligated. 55CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-00-D-3180).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $8,508,683 firm fixed price contract for delivery of trucks and snow blowers. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 21, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-01-D-0066-0026).
Y. Hata & Co., Limited, Honolulu, Hawaii *, is being awarded a maximum $7,989,041 fixed price with economic price adjustment, sole source, C-1 Bridge contract for full line food distribution. Other location of performance is in Hawaii. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Jan. 12, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-09-D-3295).
UNITED STATES TRANSPORTATION COMMAND
American Auto Logistics, LP of Park Ridge, N.J., 07656-1878, is being awarded a $10,000,000.00 firm fixed price modification to add additional funds to a previously awarded contract (DAMT01-03-D-0184) to provide continuing services for the transportation and storage of privately owned vehicles. Work will be performed at worldwide locations and is expected to be completed Oct 31, 09. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contracting activity is United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), Directorate of Acquisition, Scott AFB, Ill., 62225.
Turkey, Singapore Join Efforts to Combat Piracy in Gulf of Aden
By Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Monique K. Hilley
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2009 - Turkey and Singapore recently committed forces to join Combined Task Force 151, a naval coalition dedicated to conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Turkey and Singapore will join other nations -- including the United States, the United Kingdom and Denmark -- that have conducted operations as part of the task force.
"Coalition ships are a critical part of our mission," U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Terry McKnight, commander of CTF 151, said. "The very nature of some of our operations, as well as the success of those operations, is often predicated on our ability to work effectively with our partners and allies."
International law obligates all nations to cooperate to the fullest extent in the repression of piracy. Coalition forces have taken action necessary to repress piracy in the region in accordance with international law to ensure free and secure use of the world's oceans by legitimate mariners, task force officials said.
"The presence of international navy vessels in the region demonstrates our commitment to regional security and stability," McKnight said. "To continue to counter and deter destabilizing activities successfully, coalition efforts must be complemented by proactive measures by commercial shippers, regional governments and the international community."
The task force has worked with and emphasized the important role merchants can play by taking proactive measures to prevent boardings, such as traveling at speeds greater than 15 knots, reporting suspicious activity and pulling their ladders up to prevent access to the ships.
Even with increased naval forces in the region, coalition vessels have not always been close enough to a help a ship that was being attacked.
"The bottom line is that piracy is an international problem that requires an international solution," McKnight said. "We are committed to continuing operations that counter and deter piracy and other destabilizing activities in the maritime arena to create a lawful maritime order."
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Monique K. Hilley serves in the 5th Fleet public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 23, 2009 - Turkey and Singapore recently committed forces to join Combined Task Force 151, a naval coalition dedicated to conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Turkey and Singapore will join other nations -- including the United States, the United Kingdom and Denmark -- that have conducted operations as part of the task force.
"Coalition ships are a critical part of our mission," U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Terry McKnight, commander of CTF 151, said. "The very nature of some of our operations, as well as the success of those operations, is often predicated on our ability to work effectively with our partners and allies."
International law obligates all nations to cooperate to the fullest extent in the repression of piracy. Coalition forces have taken action necessary to repress piracy in the region in accordance with international law to ensure free and secure use of the world's oceans by legitimate mariners, task force officials said.
"The presence of international navy vessels in the region demonstrates our commitment to regional security and stability," McKnight said. "To continue to counter and deter destabilizing activities successfully, coalition efforts must be complemented by proactive measures by commercial shippers, regional governments and the international community."
The task force has worked with and emphasized the important role merchants can play by taking proactive measures to prevent boardings, such as traveling at speeds greater than 15 knots, reporting suspicious activity and pulling their ladders up to prevent access to the ships.
Even with increased naval forces in the region, coalition vessels have not always been close enough to a help a ship that was being attacked.
"The bottom line is that piracy is an international problem that requires an international solution," McKnight said. "We are committed to continuing operations that counter and deter piracy and other destabilizing activities in the maritime arena to create a lawful maritime order."
(Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Monique K. Hilley serves in the 5th Fleet public affairs office.)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Soldier, Family Center Underscores Nation's Commitment, Chairman Says
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2009 - The construction of a new Soldier and Family Assistance Center here underscores the nation's commitment to those who sacrifice so much, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday. "The entire capability of the SFAC -- but the broader commitment to men and women who've been wounded and the support of their families -- is one we have spoken to [and] have invested in," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said. "Today is certainly a critical day in terms of meeting that commitment."
The 15,000 square-foot center will be the focal point of the future Warriors in Transition Complex, an overall 18-month, $43 million endeavor.
To boost the mood even higher, officials announced that President Barack Obama had included the Warriors in Transition Complex in his stimulus package for Fort Campbell.
"Being part of the stimulus bill will stand it up a year earlier," Mullen said. "I'm really delighted to know that that's going to happen."
Army Col. Richard Thomas, commander of Fort Campbell's Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, described the new Soldier and Family Assistance Center as world-class.
"This groundbreaking of this world-class facility, which we'll soon be able to inhabit, goes a long way to ensuring that we can provide that outstanding health care to our soldiers and their families for years to come," he said.
For Thomas, however, the second half of the ceremony was just as important.
"Today is especially significant as we sign the Army Warrior Healthcare Covenant ... because this is a rededication, a recommitment to the very principles on which military medicine was founded," he said. "There is no more sacred mission, there is no more honorable calling, than taking care of our soldiers and their families."
The covenant states, in part: "Our Greatest Asset: You. If you are wounded, ill, or injured, we will get through it together."
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2009 - The construction of a new Soldier and Family Assistance Center here underscores the nation's commitment to those who sacrifice so much, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said during a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday. "The entire capability of the SFAC -- but the broader commitment to men and women who've been wounded and the support of their families -- is one we have spoken to [and] have invested in," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said. "Today is certainly a critical day in terms of meeting that commitment."
The 15,000 square-foot center will be the focal point of the future Warriors in Transition Complex, an overall 18-month, $43 million endeavor.
To boost the mood even higher, officials announced that President Barack Obama had included the Warriors in Transition Complex in his stimulus package for Fort Campbell.
"Being part of the stimulus bill will stand it up a year earlier," Mullen said. "I'm really delighted to know that that's going to happen."
Army Col. Richard Thomas, commander of Fort Campbell's Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, described the new Soldier and Family Assistance Center as world-class.
"This groundbreaking of this world-class facility, which we'll soon be able to inhabit, goes a long way to ensuring that we can provide that outstanding health care to our soldiers and their families for years to come," he said.
For Thomas, however, the second half of the ceremony was just as important.
"Today is especially significant as we sign the Army Warrior Healthcare Covenant ... because this is a rededication, a recommitment to the very principles on which military medicine was founded," he said. "There is no more sacred mission, there is no more honorable calling, than taking care of our soldiers and their families."
The covenant states, in part: "Our Greatest Asset: You. If you are wounded, ill, or injured, we will get through it together."
Fort Campbell Center Represents Benchmark in Treatment
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2009 - A tour of the Traumatic Brain Injury Warrior Resiliency and Recovery Center here yesterday made a favorable impression on the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In fact, the program is something he said should be spread across the force.
"What I saw ... at Fort Campbell was terrific, and a marked improvement from what I've seen in the past -- an understanding of the care, a much better understanding of [post-traumatic stress] than we've had in the past," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said. "So I don't want to spend a lot of time developing 10 more of those, or 20 more of those or 30 more of those. We ought to rapidly disseminate [this model] and get to that level as fast as we can."
Army Col. Richard Thomas, commander of Fort Campbell's Blanchfield Army Community Army Hospital, agreed.
"This is the Campbell model, but we have certainly incorporated all of the Army's and the [Defense Department's] guidance," he told Mullen. "What we have uniquely applied here is very early diagnosis, very early treatment, initiating that in a multidisciplinary approach, which is very progressive.
"We're a little bit ahead of the headlights, but that's OK," he added. "Once we get everyone else on the same page with us, this is the same ... model you could have at other institutions."
Of 134 servicemembers who have completed the treatment program, 77 percent have returned to active duty.
"The key point is early identification," Dr. David Twillie, director of the Traumatic Brain Injury Warrior Resiliency and Recovery Center, said. "If you get these guys earlier and treat them earlier, they're going to do better."
He said the program begins with an assessment to determine the challenges a servicemember is facing because of post-concussive syndrome resulting from a traumatic brain injury, or TBI.
"TBI is an event. You can be fine from a TBI, or you can have lots of issues from a TBI," Twillie explained. "If you have lots of issues, that's a syndrome we call post-concussive syndrome."
Twillie said some affected servicemembers get the feeling they're "just not right." Twillie described this feeling as a loss of sense of self, and said that because it can affect the entire family, the treatment program involves family members.
Once patients' issues are clearly defined, they begin a 12-week program that, in essence, is rehab for the brain. Twillie compared it to knee surgery. Even though flexing and extending the knee is painful after surgery, it provides the best chance of regaining full mobility, he explained.
"If you stress the brain at the place it's having problems, it will rewire in order to make up for that stress and we can help these guys get better," he said. "Having people like speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists ... in a multidisciplinary approach is ... very, very helpful."
Machines that help the brain relearn to balance the body, reacquire visual and spatial memory or regain verbal expression are part of the treatment program. Another piece that occurs about seven weeks into the program involves exposing patients to stresses they might encounter while serving in combat.
"If the patient is going to have some sort of psychological freeze or challenge like that, I'd like to know today, not in Iraq," Twillie said. "Another thing it does for our patients is it gives them a sense of confidence."
It can also show those who think they're ready to return that they need some more time to heal, he said.
While the program is set up to take 12 weeks, that is just the minimum. "Once you get to 12 weeks, it's not, 'Ah, sorry. You're done,'" Twillie said. "But we plan to get you better in 12 weeks."
Some, like Army Sgt. Jesse Sage, take longer to heal.
In August, Sage was serving in Iraq when he was hit by a 250-pound homemade bomb. The blast left him with a "pretty bad" closed-head injury, and a diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury, he said.
"I ... was suffering from headaches [and] memory issues," he said. "I was really dizzy. I was passing out."
Doctors had put him on what he described as hard-core painkillers to relieve the headaches. "I was definitely just kind of out of it, just was not myself, from my head injury and, I think probably to some degree, from all the meds," Sage said.
Twillie helped wean him off the medication and started him in the TBI treatment program that has helped get him back to feeling himself after five months of treatment.
He's about a month out from returning to active duty.
"It's been very helpful," he said. "Outstanding program, and I can't say enough about it and how well it's helped me to get back to 100 percent."
His wife, Amber, agreed.
"I would definitely say ... the TBI clinic has provided so much ... not only for my husband as a soldier, but for me as a family member," she said. "[They allow] me to attend his appointments and be a part of his recovery process."
This helped her understand what he was going through and provided her tools to help him at home outside of the therapy process at the center, she added.
"We really do get the families to be involved in the care process. We think it's a really important part of it," Twillie said. "He'll only be here with me for so long. He'll be with her for a lot longer."
While at Fort Campbell, the chairman also talked with Special Operations Forces, about 20 wounded warriors, and a large group of military spouses before participating in a groundbreaking ceremony for the post's new Soldier and Family Assistance Center. The center will be the focal point of the new Warriors in Transition Complex, construction on which will begin in the future.
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2009 - A tour of the Traumatic Brain Injury Warrior Resiliency and Recovery Center here yesterday made a favorable impression on the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In fact, the program is something he said should be spread across the force.
"What I saw ... at Fort Campbell was terrific, and a marked improvement from what I've seen in the past -- an understanding of the care, a much better understanding of [post-traumatic stress] than we've had in the past," Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said. "So I don't want to spend a lot of time developing 10 more of those, or 20 more of those or 30 more of those. We ought to rapidly disseminate [this model] and get to that level as fast as we can."
Army Col. Richard Thomas, commander of Fort Campbell's Blanchfield Army Community Army Hospital, agreed.
"This is the Campbell model, but we have certainly incorporated all of the Army's and the [Defense Department's] guidance," he told Mullen. "What we have uniquely applied here is very early diagnosis, very early treatment, initiating that in a multidisciplinary approach, which is very progressive.
"We're a little bit ahead of the headlights, but that's OK," he added. "Once we get everyone else on the same page with us, this is the same ... model you could have at other institutions."
Of 134 servicemembers who have completed the treatment program, 77 percent have returned to active duty.
"The key point is early identification," Dr. David Twillie, director of the Traumatic Brain Injury Warrior Resiliency and Recovery Center, said. "If you get these guys earlier and treat them earlier, they're going to do better."
He said the program begins with an assessment to determine the challenges a servicemember is facing because of post-concussive syndrome resulting from a traumatic brain injury, or TBI.
"TBI is an event. You can be fine from a TBI, or you can have lots of issues from a TBI," Twillie explained. "If you have lots of issues, that's a syndrome we call post-concussive syndrome."
Twillie said some affected servicemembers get the feeling they're "just not right." Twillie described this feeling as a loss of sense of self, and said that because it can affect the entire family, the treatment program involves family members.
Once patients' issues are clearly defined, they begin a 12-week program that, in essence, is rehab for the brain. Twillie compared it to knee surgery. Even though flexing and extending the knee is painful after surgery, it provides the best chance of regaining full mobility, he explained.
"If you stress the brain at the place it's having problems, it will rewire in order to make up for that stress and we can help these guys get better," he said. "Having people like speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists ... in a multidisciplinary approach is ... very, very helpful."
Machines that help the brain relearn to balance the body, reacquire visual and spatial memory or regain verbal expression are part of the treatment program. Another piece that occurs about seven weeks into the program involves exposing patients to stresses they might encounter while serving in combat.
"If the patient is going to have some sort of psychological freeze or challenge like that, I'd like to know today, not in Iraq," Twillie said. "Another thing it does for our patients is it gives them a sense of confidence."
It can also show those who think they're ready to return that they need some more time to heal, he said.
While the program is set up to take 12 weeks, that is just the minimum. "Once you get to 12 weeks, it's not, 'Ah, sorry. You're done,'" Twillie said. "But we plan to get you better in 12 weeks."
Some, like Army Sgt. Jesse Sage, take longer to heal.
In August, Sage was serving in Iraq when he was hit by a 250-pound homemade bomb. The blast left him with a "pretty bad" closed-head injury, and a diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury, he said.
"I ... was suffering from headaches [and] memory issues," he said. "I was really dizzy. I was passing out."
Doctors had put him on what he described as hard-core painkillers to relieve the headaches. "I was definitely just kind of out of it, just was not myself, from my head injury and, I think probably to some degree, from all the meds," Sage said.
Twillie helped wean him off the medication and started him in the TBI treatment program that has helped get him back to feeling himself after five months of treatment.
He's about a month out from returning to active duty.
"It's been very helpful," he said. "Outstanding program, and I can't say enough about it and how well it's helped me to get back to 100 percent."
His wife, Amber, agreed.
"I would definitely say ... the TBI clinic has provided so much ... not only for my husband as a soldier, but for me as a family member," she said. "[They allow] me to attend his appointments and be a part of his recovery process."
This helped her understand what he was going through and provided her tools to help him at home outside of the therapy process at the center, she added.
"We really do get the families to be involved in the care process. We think it's a really important part of it," Twillie said. "He'll only be here with me for so long. He'll be with her for a lot longer."
While at Fort Campbell, the chairman also talked with Special Operations Forces, about 20 wounded warriors, and a large group of military spouses before participating in a groundbreaking ceremony for the post's new Soldier and Family Assistance Center. The center will be the focal point of the new Warriors in Transition Complex, construction on which will begin in the future.
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