Group Finds Foster Homes for Deployed Troops' Pets

By Army Sgt. Will Hill
Special to American Forces Press Service

Aug. 20, 2009 - Many programs help military members' families during a deployment, but what about their four-legged friends? Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet, a nonprofit organization made up of all volunteers, locates foster homes for the pets of servicemembers who are deployed, training or experiencing an emergency or financial hardship.

Linda Spurlin-Dominik, the group's chief executive officer, said the group was formed in January 2005 after the founders learned that troops across the country had pets that needed a loving and safe home while their owners were deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other designated combat areas.

"Soldiers had no options with their pets and had to turn over their pet's ownership to shelters and rescue groups across the country," Spurlin-Dominik said. The organization now has about 800 potential foster homes and 55 foster pets, she added.

Additionally, the group lends support for emergency services such as transportation, boarding and veterinarian care, Spurlin-Dominik said.

Jamie Shively, vice president of Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet and the Indiana state coordinator, said the group has every kind of pet.

"We have a majority of dogs and cats, but we have helped horses and birds," Shively said. "Servicemembers consider their pets as kids or best friends, so to be able to assist them by getting their pets into a foster home so they do not have to surrender them to a shelter or a rescue organization is just absolutely great."

Army Sgt. Donietta McPowell, a Frankfort, Ky., native training here with B Company, 2nd Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment, said she would have used the program if her parents had been unable to provide a home for her pet.

"I had no idea programs like that existed. I will inform all my [fellow soldiers] back home," McPowell said.

Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Travis Rogers, a maintenance test pilot, also with the 147th Aviation Regiment, said he also would use the services if he had no one to turn to. "If I was single, I would differently have used the program," he said.

Servicemembers, veterans or their families who need a safe home for their pets can request services either through the group's Web site, http://www.guardinangelsforsoldierspet.org, or by calling 501-325-1591 to begin the process.

Once the owner is registered and a foster home has been selected, Spurlin-Dominik said, a written agreement is prepared for the pet owner, the foster home and a representative approved by the group to help reach agreement on the cost and duration of the pet's stay with the foster home.

"The organization does not charge any fees, but the military pet owner will be responsible for any veterinarian bills and food cost for the pet, which would basically be the same if they were not deployed," she explained, adding that some foster homes do not charge for pet food.

Once an agreement has been made, the foster home will take custody of the pets until the servicemember returns home.

(Army Sgt. Will Hill serves in the Camp Atterbury public affairs office.)

MILITARY CONTRACTS August 20, 2009

NAVY
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $151,577,441 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-07-C-5431) to procure 186 Evolved SEASPARROW Missiles (ESSM), 77 shipping containers, and spares for the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium and the United Arab Emirates. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., (45 percent); Camden, Ark., (2 percent); Andover, Mass,. (10 percent), Australia, (11 percent), Canada, (7 percent), Denmark, (1 percent), Greece, (1 percent), Germany, (8 percent), The Netherlands, (6 percent); Norway, (5 percent); Spain, (3 percent); and Turkey, (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by August 2012. 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.

Innovative Technical Solutions Inc.*, Walnut Creek, Calif., (N62473-09-D-2625); CKY *, San Pedro, Calif., (N62473-09-D-2626); and CE2 Kleinfelder JV *, Pleasanton, Calif., (N62473-09-D-2627), are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity environmental multiple award contract for environmental remediation services on Navy and Marine Corps installations. The work to be performed provides for environmental remediation services under the 562910 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all three contracts combined is $100,000,000. The work will be performed at various locations in Alaska (2 percent), Ariz., (4 percent), Calif., (80 percent), Colo., (2 percent) Nev., (2 percent), N.M., (2 percent), Ore., (2 percent), Utah, (2 percent), Wash., (2 percent), and other DOD installations nationwide (2 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed five years, with an expected completion date of August 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a 100 percent Small Business set-aside via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 13 proposals received. These three firms may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems, Land & Armaments L.P., U.S. Combat Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $41,091,369 firm-fixed-price contract for the FY08 canister production requirements for MK-13 MOD 0 and MK-25 MOD 0 canisters to support integration of STANDARD Missile (SM-2) and EVOLVED SEASPARROW (ESSM) missiles into the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS). The MK 41 VLS provides a missile launching system for CG 47 and DDG 51 class surface combatants of the Navy as well as surface combatants of allied navies. The canisters provide rocket motor exhaust gas containment and a launch rail during missile firing. They also serve as missile shipping and storage containers. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, (21.0 percent), and the Governments of Korea, (38.4 percent), Germany, (16.6 percent), Australia, (8.7 percent), Turkey, (7.8 percent), Japan, (5.8 percent), and Spain, (1.7 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales and Memorandum of Understanding Programs. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, S.D., (77 percent); Odessa, Mo., (10 percent); Minneapolis, Minn., (8 percent); and Lewisburg, Tenn., (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-5307).

Fairbanks Morse Engine, Beloit, Wis., is being awarded a $7,835,262 firm-fixed, indefinite-delivery-indefinite-quantity contract to furnish of up to a quantity of 842 each ship's service diesel generator low load installation and spare parts kits to modify the LSD-41 and LSD-49 Class opposed piston engines, and associated technical data. The kits will increase exhaust temperature and lube oil temperature, optimize fuel delivery, promote complete combustion and reduce oil carryover into the combustion chambers and the exhaust belts, and improve the sealing capabilities of the cylinder liner and piston rings of the opposed piston engine. Work will be performed in Beloit, Wis., and is expected to be completed by August 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, Ship System Engineering Station, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-09-D-0028).

Sealift, Inc., Oyster Bay, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,634,264 firm-fixed-price contract for a one-year time charter of a vessel, which will be U.S.-flagged upon delivery to the government. The ship's primary mission will be to re-supply armed services personnel on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $31,401,710. Work will be performed primarily in the Indian Ocean, and is expected to be completed by November 2010. With options exercised, October 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with six offers received. The Military Sealift Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00033-09-C-5502).

Raytheon Network Centric Systems, Marlborough, Mass., is being awarded a $6,475,553 commercial, firm-fixed-price contract for production of two fixed base, precision approach radar systems as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations to move U.S. Marine Corps helicopters from Naval Air Station (NAS) Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, to McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, and from NAS Atlanta, Ga., to Robins AFB, Georgia. This seventeen-month contract contains no options. Work will be performed in Marlborough, Mass., (10 percent), at McGuire AFB, N.J., (45 percent), and at Robins AFB, Ga., (45 percent), and work is expected to be completed Mar. 1, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Commerce Business Daily's Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with two offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific is the contracting activity (N66001-09-C-0044).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Bohlke International Airways, Inc., dba BIA, Kingshill, Virgin Island *, is being awarded a maximum $35,869,534 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Virgin Island. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with four responses. 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-0123).

Honeywell International, Albuquerque, N.M. is being awarded a maximum $25,338,258 firm fixed price, sole source, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aircraft circuit card assemblies. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is August 16, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (Ogden), Hill Air Force Base, Utah (SPRHA4-09-D-0001).

AIR FORCE
Booz Allen Hamilton, Incorporated, Herndon, Va. was awarded a $19,323,392 cost plus fixed fee contract for the technical area task, to provide sound, unique IA solutions for transforming the Air Force's enterprise architecture capability for Office of Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Officer (SAF/XCT). At this time $2,927,536 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002,0378).

Wyle Information Systems, LLC, McLean, Va., was awarded a $13,870,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract to provide the technical services and space operations support contract that provides services to operate, maintain, and support the Space Innovation and Development Center located at Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. The contract is directed toward examining, assessing, and developing the means to integrate national system and DoD space systems support to enhance combat, and research and development capabilities within the Air Force. At this time no funds have been obligated. Space Innovation and Development Center, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA2550-01-D-0003, P00026).

Booz Allen Hamilton, Incorporated, Herndon, Va., was awarded a $9,661,837 cost plus fixed fee contract for the technical area task to provide information systems security improvements to the United States military ground communication systems and onboard United States military airborne systems and platforms. At this time $4,264,927 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002,0377).

Obama Honors Wounded Warriors With NASCAR Greats

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 20, 2009 - President Barack Obama paid tribute yesterday to past and present NASCAR champions Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon – both of whom drive National Guard-sponsored cars -- but not before honoring the wounded warriors attending the ceremony. Obama hosted the NASCAR champs at the White House, acknowledging their accomplishments on the track, but also what they give back to the community and the men and women in uniform.

"NASCAR's about a lot more than just racing cars," the president told the drivers, who also included Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, Greg Biffle, Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton, Carl Edwards, Dale Jarrett, Rusty Wallace, Darrell Waltrip, Bobby and Terry Labonte, Juan Pablo Montoya, Denny Hamlin and Richard Petty. "It's about supporting our troops and veterans, from flyovers and red, white and blue paint jobs on Memorial Day, to your visits to Walter Reed [Army Medical Center] and Iraq and Afghanistan that show our appreciation for the brave men and women who are serving our country," Obama said.

The president opened his remarks by acknowledging the wounded warriors from Walter Reed and the National Naval Medical Center attending the ceremony. "I want everyone to give them a big round of applause," he told the group. "We are grateful to them."

Earnhardt, arguably NASCAR's most popular driver, began racing his No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for the National Guard last year. He also has driven for the Navy in the Nationwide Series. Gordon entered his partnership with the Guard this season, driving his No. 24 Dupont/National Guard Chevrolet in select events.

The drivers promote National Guard programs and meet with troops and potential recruits during their engagements.

"Both drivers are huge fans of the National Guard and truly appreciate what soldiers do," Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. John Gipe said of the NASCAR champs.

Acquisition Work Force Steps Toward Reform

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 20, 2009 - Big changes are ahead in the acquisitions community as the Defense Department increases and reshapes its acquisition work force so it's better postured to support the reforms Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and President Barack Obama are championing. The federal civilian defense acquisition work force is expected to grow by about 20,000 over the next five years, Shay Assad, acting deputy undersecretary of defense for acquisition and technology, told American Forces Press Service.

The Defense Department will increase the number of federal civilian employees conducting acquisitions-related jobs by 20,000, while reducing its contractor work force by about 10,000. This will expand the acquisition work force from its current 127,000 federal employees and 52,000 contractors to 147,000 feds and about 42,000 contractors by fiscal 2015, Assad said.

The first 4,100 of the new federal employees are expected to be hired through a competitive selection process during fiscal 2010.

Assad called the growth – the largest in some three decades for the acquisition community – a vital step toward improving the way the department does business.

It's an effort that's generated support from the president, defense leaders and Congress. All are "totally aligned on the need to increase the size and improve the capability of the work force," Assad said.

Obama underscored the importance of acquisition reforms earlier this week during a speech to the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Phoenix.

"We cannot build the 21st-century military we need and maintain the fiscal responsibility that America demands unless we fundamentally reform the way our defense establishment does business," he told the veterans.

"It's a simple fact," Obama continued. "Every dollar wasted in our defense budget is a dollar we can't spend to care for our troops or protect America or prepare for the future."

So in addition to making tough decisions about what equipment and weapons troops need and cutting unnecessary programs, officials are working to ensure they get the most out of every defense dollar spent.

The department has increased its contract obligations almost three-fold over the past eight years, from about $138 billion in 2001 to more than $390 billion in fiscal 2008. Yet the size of the work force that awards and oversees these contracts has remained relatively unchanged.

"The secretary is very concerned about proper oversight," Assad said. "This is not just about ensuring that we get a good deal. It's about ensuring that once we issue the contracts, how do we ensure we, in fact, got what we paid for? And how do we ferret out any waste or abuse and -- although it doesn't happen often, it does occur -- fraud from the process?"

The additional acquisition employees will focus on awarding more competitive contracts and providing more contract oversight. Others will be hired across the department to improve business management, logistics management, systems engineering and program management functions, jobs now conducted largely by contractors.

Beefing up the department's professional acquisition work force will improve its permanent capability, Assad said, while reducing reliance on contractors will bring more stability to the process. "This is taking a look at those functions we want to have inherent to our government, and to help us build the kind of inherent program management and systems engineering capability we want to have," he said.

The bottom line, he said, is ensuring the department delivers U.S. forces what they need, when they need it and in the most cost-effective way.

"You can have nifty processes, you can use clever contracting techniques, but at the end of the day, it is having a capable, competent work force who can execute on behalf of the warfighters and taxpayers," Assad said.

"You have to have enough people," he added, "but you have to have the right capabilities as well. That's the work force we are going to build."

Face of Defense: Sergeant Diagnoses, Treats Patients

By Air Force Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes
Special to American Forces Press Service

Aug. 19, 2009 - Military patients are used to having officers or civilians with doctorates of medicine as their primary care providers; however, patients sometimes take a second or third look when they see enlisted airmen performing diagnosis and providing treatment, functions normally performed by doctors. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Julianne Cacal sometimes gets those looks while performing her job as a 95th Aerospace Medicine Squadron independent duty medical technician, generally known as an "enlisted doctor."

As the only Edwards Air Force Base IDMT, Cacal diagnoses and treats servicemembers all under the license of a supervising doctor.

"Whatever I do, I always have to tell the doctor and make sure my diagnosis and treatment are correct," she said. "I see the patient from start to finish, form a conclusion for diagnosis and treatment, and present it to the doctor. The doctor will either agree with me or make some recommendations."

This is part of the student-teacher relationship between an IDMT and the primary care provider. The doctor trains the IDMT on how to be a "provider."

"Sergeant Cacal has done a great job," said Air Force Capt. (Dr.) Dillard DeHart, a flight surgeon and Cacal's mentor. "She is very enthusiastic about the IDMT program. She handles a lot of the cold- and flu-type illnesses that could occupy most of doctors' time. IDMTs are really very beneficial."

But being an enlisted provider is just one area of IDMT's multifacet of responsibilities. The sergeant also has to perform in other functions, including bioenvironmental, dental, public health, radiology, laboratory and immunizations as well as other medical career fields. With these responsibilities, there is a running joke among medics -- IDMTs are "15 career fields in one."

Cacal's work here is part of her training in preparation for her future deployment. IDMTs have rigorous annual training requirements to maintain their certification. Aside from performing public health and dental functions, these specialized medical technicians also serve as the health care providers when doctors are not available at deployed or remote locations.

"IDMTs are very important in deployed situations," DeHart said. "Some of the units might not have doctors with them. They just deploy with IDMTs. They handle basic problems you see every day on deployed locations. Sometimes, IDMTs are basically the doctor at the remote site. They handle most of the medical needs for that unit."

Cacal served as a regular medic before a retraining program sent her to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, for four months of IDMT training.

"I love my job, because I feel special," she said. "It is something I am proud of, because I have made it through the class and now performing my job."

(Air Force Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes serves in the 95th Air Base Wing public affairs office.)

MILITARY CONTRACTS August 19, 2009

NAVY
Lockheed Martin MS2, Manassas, Va., is being awarded a $25,104,813 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-6207) for Acoustic Rapid Commercial Off-the-Shelf Insertion (A-RCI) Hardware consisting of Virginia Class long lead material and economic order material. A-RCI is a sonar system upgrade that integrates and improves towed array, hull array, sphere array, and other ship sensor processing through rapid insertion of commercial off-the-shelf-based hardware and software. It has already been successfully integrated into the first ten ships of the Virginia Class which have now begun a modernization program and the procurement of new construction systems for the next four ships. Work will be performed in Manassas, Va., (62 percent) and Clearwater, Fla., (38 percent), and is expected to be completed by December 2011. 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.

Temeku Technologies, Inc.*, Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $7,948,728 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of the Flight Deck Lights (FDL) System. The system will provide a suite of lights around, on and near the flight deck and hangar face of the DDG-1000 ship for the U.S. Navy. The FDL System is a portion of the next generation suite of Visual Landing Aids which will be incorporated into the DDG-1000 ship. Work will be performed in Herndon, Va., (60 percent); Bologna, Italy (30 percent); and Point Mugu, Calif., (10 percent,) and is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal, with three offers received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-C-0425).

GYROCAM Systems LLC, Sarasota, Fla., is being awarded a $5,910,000 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (M67854-07-D-5075) to exercise an option period for the procurement of Spare 360 Camera Systemsfor the MRAP vehicle. The MRAP vehicles are armored vehicles with blast resistant underbodies designed to protect the crew from mine blasts, fragmentary, and direct fire weapons. Work will be performed in Sarasota, Fla., and work is expected to be completed Jul. 31, 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.

GYROCAM Systems LLC, Sarasota, Fla., is being awarded a $5,910,000 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (M67854-07-D-5075) to exercise an option period for the procurement of Spare 360 Camera Systemsfor the MRAP vehicle. The MRAP vehicles are armored vehicles with blast resistant underbodies designed to protect the crew from mine blasts, fragmentary, and direct fire weapons. Work will be performed in Sarasota, Fla., and is expected to be completed Jul. 31, 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
Scafar Construction Inc, Newark, N.J., was awarded on Aug.18, 2009 a $11,175,195 firm-fixed-price contract for the Green Brook food damage reduction project. Work is to be performed in Bound Brook, N.J., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 27, 2010. Bids were solicited on the FBO as unrestricted competition with five bids received. U.S.A. Engineer District, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-08-C-0025).

Okay Industries Inc., New Britain, Conn., was awarded on Aug. 18, 2009 a $9,714,900 firm-fixed-price contract for the Improved 20 round magazine for a quantity of 1,140,000 each with 100 percent option on support of the M16 Rifle and M4 Carbine. Work is to be performed in New Britain, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. TACOM-Rock Island, CCTA-AR-SB, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-09-C-0060).

L-3 Communications / L-3 Fuzing and Ordnance Systems, Camden, N.J, was awarded on Aug. 18, 2009 a $ 7,480,615 firm-fixed-price contract for the award of 2,379 each M935 PD Fuzes, NSN: 1390-01-268-9155, P/N: 9395584, purchased at a unit price of $ 51.99530 each, which is the proposed unit price without First Article. The proposed additional add-on quantity is for the award of 141,492 each M935 Fuzes, NSN: 1390-01-268-9155, P/N: 9395584, purchased at a unit price of $ 51.99530 each, which is the proposed unit price without First Article. First Article Test is waived since L-3 Fuzing and Ordnance Systems is the current producer if the M935 Fuze. Work is to be performed in Cincinnati, Ohio and Camden, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 18, 2011. Bids were solicited via FedBizOps with two bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-07-C-0005).

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Aug. 17, 2009 a $37,699,405 firm-fixed-price contract option for two UH-60M and one HH-60M Helicopters with recurring for ECPs 0613R1 and 0614R1 installed on aircraft and 3 Auxiliary Power Units (APU) Inlet Barrier Filter Kits. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-BH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-C-0003).

Diggs Construction, LLC, Wichita, Kan., was awarded on Aug, 17, 2009 a $8,274,600 construction firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of an Army Reserve Center. Work is to be performed in Dodge City, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 14, 2010. Bids were solicited using FedBizOps Electronic Synopsis with four bids received. USACE, Louisville District Office, CELRLCT-M, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0063).

RMA Land Construction, Inc, Anaheim, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 17, 2009 a $7,960,241 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of a single story 23,304 SF Child Development Center at Cannon AFB, Clovis, New Mexico. The facility shall be sized for occupancy by 158 children from infant to preschool ages and shall meet Air Force Child Development and DoD force protection standards as well as applicable codes and standards. Demolition of an existing obsolete 9,000 SF Child Development Center will be accomplished after beneficial occupancy of the new CDC. Work is to be performed in Clovis, N.M., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 22, 2011. Bids were solicited by advertisement at www.fbo.gov as well as open to all small businesses with 8 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District-CESPA-CT, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-09-C-0023).

Alliant Ammunition and Power Co., LLC Radford, Va., was awarded on Aug. 17, 2009 a $5,797,008 firm-fixed-price, delivery order contract for M1SP-M1MP Propellant, End Use: M67 Propelling charge. NSN: 1376-00-0009-0041 Quantity: 525,833 LBS. Work is to be performed in Radford, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, CCRC-AR, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-G-0002).\

Weeks Marine, Inc., Covington, La., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2009 a $14,877,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Atchafalaya River and Bayous Chene, Boeuf, and black, Atchafalaya Bar Channel, Maintenance Dredging C/L Sta. 475+00, Non-Continuous (09-2), St. Mary Parish, La. Work is to be performed in St. Mary Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 12, 2009. Bids were solicited using the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La. is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-C-0103).

BAE Systems National Security Solutions, Burlington, Mass., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2009 a $7,010,160 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The purpose of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Urban Reasoning and Geospatial Exploitation Technology URGENT) Phase II Program is to extend accuracy and productivity to human geospatial analysts by advancing the state-of-the-art in automated scene analysis. BAE's design concept proposes to achieve this by fusing Light Detection and Ranging and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data source (sources used to help detect and classify urban geospatial features) for reasoning over scene content, automatically characterizing object attributes and function, and capturing analyst expertise using advanced machine learning approached. As a result, the program aims to achieve a significant reduction on latency between collecting geospatial data and suing it for mission planning, navigation, targeting, etc. Work is to be performed in Burlington, Mass., (93 percent), and Los Angeles, Calif., (7 percent) with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0101).

Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Aug.14, 2009 a $6,138,668 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The primary objective of Science Applications International Corporation Retriever project is to advance technology development and demonstration programs for location and identification or radio frequency signals. Work is to be performed in Ypsilanti, Mich., (62 percent), Nashua, N.H., (20 percent), Piscataway, N.J., (13 percent), and Vienna, Va., (5percent) with an estimated completion date of May 14, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with thirteen bids received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0112).

American Ornamental Iron Corp., Saltsburg, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2009 a $5,629,560 firm-fixed-price contract. Major features of the required work consist of cleaning, sandblasting, and painting three movable-crest tainter gates, two nonoverflow tainter gates, and two emergency bulkhead units at Charleroi Locks and Dam and portions of four non-overflow tainiers gates at Braddock Locks and Dam. The work also includes repair of damaged closure plates on the bottom units of the movable-crest gate with 85-15 zinc-aluminum. The interior of the movable-crest gates have lead-containing primer in some areas. The paint systems to be used are moisture-cure urethane. Work is to be performed in Braddock, Pa., (38 percent) and Charleroi, Pa., (62 percent) with an estimated completion date of Aug. 23, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Pittsburg, Pa., is the contracting activity (W911WN-09-C-0005).

The Korte Co., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Aug. 13, 2009 a $24,176,000 firm-fixed-price construction contract for the construction of a two-story standard design company operations facility for the Ranger Support Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Company. Work is to be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 11, 2011. Bids were solicited using www.fbo.gov with nine bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-09-C-0020).

H & R of Belle Glade, Inc., Belle Glade, Fla. was awarded on Aug.13, 2009 a $6,150,220 firm-fixed-price contract for the Herbert Hoover Dike Reach 1, Abandoned Quarry Backfilling, Palm Beach County, Fla. Work is to be performed in Palm Beach County, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2010. One bid solicited with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville Fla. is the contracting activity (W912EP-09-C-0041).

AIR FORCE
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $9,661,654 cost plus fixed fee contract to provide national security strategic simulations, exercise analysis for the Center for Applied Strategic Leadership, Institute for National Studies, National Defense University. At this time, $275,000 has been obligated. 55TH Contracting Squadron, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380).

Company Values Military Experience in Employees

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 19, 2009 - At FMC Technologies in Stephenville, Texas, military experience not only is welcomed, but also is highly sought after, a spokesman for the company said. The strong work ethic and discipline gleaned from military service fit perfectly in the subsea oil company's work force, Michael King, the company's public relations manager, said.

FMC's enthusiasm for recruiting former and part-time military members has earned the company recognition as one of the country's most supportive employers of reserve-component troops. FMC is one of 15 recipients this year set to receive the 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the U.S. government's highest honor given to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Company officials frequently participate in job fairs and career conferences in military communities. They also actively recruit military service academy graduates, regularly attending career conferences at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colo., King said.

In 2005, FMC employed five service academy graduates. Today, it employs 33. Also, 170 of the company's 4,000 North American employees are former members of the military, while at least 20 are active reserve-component members. Three reservist employees are deployed to Afghanistan, he said.

Both the company and its employees with military experience benefit from the partnership and mutual commitment, King said. With military-experienced employees, FMC gains "dedicated and disciplined employees that are naturally driven," he said.

"For the military person, the structure- and process-driven environment is one that allows for both individual and team success," he added.

FMC also takes pride in knowing it helps to reduce stress servicemembers may otherwise incur transitioning into the civilian work force as well as in juggling part-time military responsibilities, King said.

"The working environment at FMC is one of safety, honesty and high ethics," he said. "These are the same characteristics that describe our military environment. Individuals with a military background, including those being discharged and returning to civilian life, routinely comment on the ease of transition, since FMC possesses many of the disciplines and work ethics that are taught in the military."

The core values of each organization are very similar and complement each other's high performance standards and commitment to responsibility, he said. The individual employee and mission always come first, which translates into steadfast support and encouragement by the company for its reserve-component employees, he said.

FMC puts a great deal of emphasis on the care part-time servicemembers and their families receive when the employee is called away for military duties, King said. FMC compensates the difference between civilian and military pay while employees are mobilized for more than 12 months. Also, family members of such employees receive continuations of their health, dental and life insurance benefits, he added.

"It is only natural that if a military member and his or her family are cared for, that the military member continues to feel a sense of family and belonging to FMC," he said. "When they are deployed, it also offers a level of comfort in knowing that their employer is taking steps to help their family during their departure. This sense of belonging cascades throughout the organization, and is an intrinsic value of FMC."

Defense Department officials established the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve program in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve-component members and their civilian employers, and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

Gates, Mullen Use New Media to Hear from Troops, Public

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 19, 2009 - Got questions you'd like to pose directly to the defense secretary or chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff? Now is your chance! Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen have launched interactive, virtual town hall sessions through the Internet.

The initiatives are part of a broad administration effort to connect more closely with the military, the American public and people overseas. The goal, officials explained, is to provide a forum for people to ask questions or offer suggestions or insights and get direct feedback.

The new Defense Department home page that went live this week features a prominently placed "Ask the Secretary" section. Anyone visiting http://www.defense.gov -- military members, American citizens, people overseas -- can submit a question to Gates.

Questions will be accepted for two weeks, then participants in the town hall will have another two weeks to vote on the questions submitted. The secretary will answer the five to 10 questions that top the list.

Meanwhile, Mullen launched an "Ask the Chairman" venue yesterday that enables anyone to pose a question to him via YouTube. The virtual town hall is open to everyone, whether they're in the military or a military family or simply care about military issues, officials said.

Viewers can ask questions about whatever is on their minds -- the wars in Afghanistan or Iraq, what the military is doing for wounded warriors and families, the new Post-9/11 GI Bill or another topic of interest -- by visiting http://www.youtube.com/dodvclips.

"The chairman really wants to have a conversation with the troops akin to the way he does all-hands calls at bases all over the world," Navy Capt. John Kirby, Mullen's public affairs officer, told American Forces Press Service. "He wanted that conversation to be as interactive as possible and reflective of what is on their minds."

Aug. 31 is the deadline to submit video questions. After the deadline, Mullen will watch questions submitted by YouTube viewers, then respond in a podcast, officials said.

Price Floyd, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, said taking advantage of new media tools will enable Pentagon leaders to engage in an important two-way conversation with the public.

"We do live in a democracy, and that feedback from people is important to know what they're thinking, what they believe is important," he said. "It's their national security policy, it's not ours. It's theirs. The president was elected, and he appointed people here at the Defense Department to lead, but it starts with the American people."

The White House is planning a similar interactive venue for President Barack Obama to take questions directly from U.S. troops deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of operations.

(If you have questions or comments about this story, contact the reporter at donna.miles@osd.mil.)

MILITARY CONTRACTS August 18, 2009

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Science Application International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $250,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, maintenance, repair and operations, prime vendor contract. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited with five 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 August 17, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-04-D-BP15).

Graybar Electric Co., Inc., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $250,000,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity, maintenance, repair and operations, prime vendor contract. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was web solicited with seven 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 August 17, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-04-D-BP14).

Ross Equipment Inc., Elizabeth, N.J.*, is being awarded a maximum $12,624,276 firm fixed price contract for vehicle fan axial. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was web solicited with four responses. The date of performance completion is August 29, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency, Warren, Mich., (SPRDL1-09-D-0053).

NAVY
Harper Construction Co., Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $56,151,954 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a physical conditioning recruit barracks, a recruit training barracks and a sports medicine and reconditioning therapy clinic at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. The two barracks will house a total of 1,729 Marines and will both include company offices and laundry facilities. The contract also contains three unexercised options, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $65,623,954. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by May 2011. 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 15 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-C-1205).

TT Corp., Electronic Systems Radar Systems - Gilfillan, Van Nuys, Calif., is being awarded a $29,191,730 firm-fixed-price contract for AN/SPS-48G(V) radar modification kits to support the recovery obsolescence availability radar used to enhance launch on search capability aboard Navy ships. AN/SPS-48's radars enhance capability of missile guidance. The modification kits are expected to increase operational availability and decrease operating and support costs. Work will be performed in Van Nuys, Calif., and is expected to be completed by August 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-5395).

Alutiiq-Melle, LLC *, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a $15,712,941 firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Base Operating Support Services at the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake. The contract includes a base period, four option periods and five award option periods for a total contract value if all options are exercised of $168,185,893. Work will be performed in Ridgecrest, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2019. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as an 8(a) set-aside via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with five proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-D-4003).

DRS Sensors and Targeting Systems, Cypress, Calif., is being awarded a $5,676,407 cost-plus-fixed-fee completion contract for research and development in the area of photon-trap structures for quantum advanced detectors. This effort will include: research to develop an infrared imaging system that operates over a bandwidth extending from 0.5 to 5.0 microns and a resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels. The focal plane array of this imaging system must exhibit a high detectivity and low noise equivalent temperature at 200 K. Work will be performed in Cypress, Calif., and is expected to be completed by January 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Broad Agency Announcement with 22 proposals received. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity (N66604-09-C-3652).

AIR FORCE
Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $20,975,816 cost plus fixed fee contract for the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) system improvement program. At this time $2,500,000 has been obligated. 696 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. is the contracting activity (FA8675-09-C-0201).

Business Technology and Solutions, Beavercreek, Ohio was awarded a $13,377,733.89 contract for the technical and acquisition management support program that provides a wide range of diverse non-engineering, technical and acquisition management support required in the acquisition, development, production, and support of various equipment and weapon systems within the Air Armament Center and other organizations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. At this time no funds have been obligated. AAC/PKES, Eglin AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-05-C-0002, P00026).

McDonnell Douglass Corp., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded a $12,500,000 cost plus fixed fee contract with performance incentives to provide for three Massive Ordnance Penetrator separation test vehicles, associated aircraft and handling equipment and technical support for one single and one dual release separation and de-conflict test on the B-52 aircraft. At this time $6,200,000 has been obligated. AAC/708 ARSG PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-09-C-0280, P00001).

Colsa Corp., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $10,838,796.97 contract for the technical and acquisition management support program that provides for a wide range of diverse non-engineering, technical and acquisition management support required in the acquisition, development, production, and support of various equipment and weapon systems within the Air Armament Center and other organizations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. At this time no funds have been obligated. AAC/PKES, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA9200-05-C-0003, P00026).

Face of Defense: Wounded Warrior Promotes His Hero

By Roger Teel
Special to American Forces Press Service

Aug. 18, 2009 - A wounded warrior came to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., on Aug. 6 to promote a soldier who saved his life. Army Lt. Col. Gregory Gadson, an Army War College Fellow at the Institute for World Politics, drove to the 22nd Chemical Battalion's organization day activities at Capa Field to pin sergeant stripes on his former battle buddy, Army Sgt. Eric Brown.

About 300 soldiers, family members and unit supporters applauded the emotional event.

"This is significant, because this is the year of the noncommissioned officer," Gadson said. "I couldn't think of any other noncommissioned officer I would be more proud to promote."

Gadson lost both legs below the knee when a homemade bomb detonated next to his up-armored Humvee in Baghdad on May 7, 2007. The explosion threw him some 200 feet from the vehicle. After the blast, Brown, the unit's chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear NCO, who did double duty as the unit medic, raced from his position in the fourth vehicle of the convoy. He provided first aid to another injured soldier before locating the colonel, then applied tourniquets to stem Gadson's loss of blood.

"If he didn't get those tourniquets on my legs when he did, and prayed with me when he did, I would not be standing here today," Gadson said. "When I got to the hospital, I had a blood pressure of 40. That night I went through 129 pints of blood. And I tell you that only to tell you how bad off I was," he added.

Thanking the 22nd Chemical Battalion leadership for the opportunity to promote his former soldier, Gadson deflected all attention to his hero.

"This day is truly about Sergeant Brown, who is a quiet professional. He's been that way since he came to 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, 1st Infantry Division, over two years ago," Gadson said, referring to the battalion he led into battle.

"When our battalion was asked to perform as an infantry battalion in Baghdad during the surge, we realized we did not have enough medics to cover the density of folks we needed to cover on the battlefield," Gadson explained. "Because of who he is, because we knew we could count on him, we were able to send Brown to an emergency medical technician course at Kansas State University just weeks before we deployed."

Brown was a private first class at the time, the colonel said.

"They say that in life everybody's got an angel," Gadson added. "Well, you're looking at my angel right here -- my battle buddy -- and there's not a day that I don't think about him and wonder how he's doing. And I know he's going to continue to do great things."

Brown will deploy to Afghanistan in September. "I want to thank God for getting me here," he said at his promotion ceremony, "and for getting Lieutenant Colonel Gadson here and for everything he's done."

(Roger Teel serves in the 20th Support Command public affairs office.)

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Pentagon Officials Say: 'We Want to Hear from You'

By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 17, 2009 - Defense officials at the Pentagon have redesigned the Defense Department Web site to use social networking tools to engage the American public -- particularly 18- to 24-year-olds. "We need to embrace these technologies. We need to use them because that's what the young people use these days. We need to communicate with them," said Price Floyd, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.

People between the ages of 18 and 24 are much more likely to communicate using Twitter and Facebook than they are traditional communication tools, Floyd told the American Forces Press Service, the Pentagon Channel and DoDLive Blog Talk Radio.

"If we just stick to the traditional ways of communicating, we leave out a huge portion of society," he said.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates recognizes both the need for engagement with the American people and the value of these new tools, Floyd noted.

"The secretary wanted to figure out ways to engage more with the public, and one of the ways you can do that is through your Web site," he said. So defense public affairs officials redesigned the Defense Department's home page, launching Defense.gov on Aug. 17.

The department's former home page DefenseLINK.mil focused on providing news and information, Floyd said. The new site, Defense.gov, will emphasize personal, two-way communication.

DefenseLINK was a name more suited for an internal Web site, an intranet, as opposed to an Internet site, he added. "Most people on the outside wouldn't have guessed that DefenseLink was the Web site for the Defense Department."

"Instead of trying to figure out one new name, we've taken several domain names which all lead you to the same place – DoD.gov, Defense.gov and Defense.mil, and Pentagon.gov and Pentagon.mil," he said. "This puts the site more in line with the other departments in the government -- State.gov, Whitehouse.gov. -- and it's a more intuitive name to search for."

Defense public affairs officials used the newly interactive White House Web site as a model. Just as Whitehouse.gov asks people to give their policy recommendations to the President, the new Defense site will seek people's input on defense policies and issues, thus giving the site more credibility, according to Floyd.

"We do live in a democracy and that feedback from people is important to know what they're thinking, what they believe is important," he said. "It's their national security policy, it's not ours. It's theirs. The president was elected and he appointed people here at the Defense Department to lead, but it starts with the American people."

"I think we might be surprised by the issues and policies that are important to the American people, versus what we think are important," he added.

A new feature on Defense.gov will enable people to pose questions for the defense secretary, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and other top defense and military officials.

"You can type in what you want to ask the secretary," Floyd explained. "We'll leave that open for several weeks. Once it's done, people can then go in and vote on questions they want to have asked. They can vote on more than one, and the software will enable us to determine the top five questions which the secretary has to answer.

"There will also be a place where you'll be able to type in policy initiatives that are important to you," Floyd continued. "After several weeks, people will be able to come back and vote on the policy initiatives that are most important to them."

The new site also will link to the Defense Department's Facebook and Twitter sites. People can post comments and these engagement tools also will help people in the Department see and hear what the public regards as important.

Floyd said the goal is to encourage commanders to launch their own social networking sites, "so there's not just one DoD Twitter site, or one Facebook site the military uses, there are hundreds, thousands."

U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, European Command and Southern Command, for example, have Facebook sites, and there are numerous sites within each of these commands.

"Here in the Pentagon, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has his own Twitter site. I have a Twitter site," he said.

He stressed, however, that operational security remains a concern, and cautioned people to be careful when posting information on these sites. The security of the social networking sites is a major concern to Strategic Command, he noted, and the Marine Corps has banned the use of social networking on official computers.

Recognizing that there are risks involved, Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn III has tasked the department's chief information officer to conduct a short-fused study. A report is due to the deputy on Aug. 31 and a policy is to be announced by the end of September.

Floyd said officials will look at both the threats and opportunities social networking sites hold for the department. The study will allow defense officials to make a decision on how to move forward and implement a uniform, department-wide policy for dealing with social network sites.

Floyd hopes the number of visits to Defense.gov will increase beyond DefenseLINK's two million visits a month.

"Unlike most Web sites, more people over 45 go to DefenseLINK than under 45," he said. "This was another reason why we needed to change the Web site and rebrand it was to reach that younger audience. But we also don't want to lose the audience we have now."

The American Forces Press Service news and feature articles, photographs and special reports currently on DefenseLINK will continue to be available as an internal page on Defense.gov.

Floyd's message to the American public: "I encourage everyone to go to the new Web site to check it out. If you see things we can improve, please let me know. Feel free to reach out to me on my Twitter site which is on there and give me your comments. Don't just let me know what you think needs to be improved, but let me know what you think is working really well and what you like."

Face of Defense: Chaplain Brings Unique Perspective

By Melissa Bower
Special to American Forces Press Service

Aug. 17, 2009 - Ten years ago, when he was a battalion commander at Fort Sill, Okla., then–Army Col. Jim Davis received a call that the Army had a new chaplain for his soldiers -- and he was Muslim. The 400 soldiers with 6th Battalion, 27th Field Artillery, although mostly Christian, trusted Chaplain Dawud Agbere right away, said Davis, now an assistant professor for the Center for Army Tactics.

"I got a chaplain that soldiers loved to go and talk to," Davis said. "He's just an outgoing individual, and his smile was just infectious."

Davis said Agbere helped him understand the importance of having an Army chaplain for his soldiers. While at Fort Sill, he and Agbere developed a religious program for the battalion from scratch.

"At the time, I was very unfamiliar with the Muslim religion, like most Americans, but I wanted someone to serve the spiritual wellness needs of my soldiers," Davis said.

Agbere, one of six active-duty Muslim chaplains in the Army, has an impressive resume. He has two bachelor's degrees, a master's degree in Islamic studies, and is a doctoral candidate for a ministry degree from Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio. He also speaks English, Arabic and four African languages.

Agbere was born and raised in a Muslim family in Ghana, West Africa. His father was a truck driver for the military there, and Agbere said, through his father's work, he grew to respect soldiers.

Agbere and his wife, Meimunatu, also from Ghana, have five children. He came to the United States to teach high school in 1995. "I showed up in New York City and took up a high school teaching job," he said. "Then I found myself in the middle of a cultural shock."

While growing up in Africa, Agbere said, he learned discipline and respect, but didn't find that among many of his students. One day, he came across an ad in a newspaper for government jobs. The jobs were with the U.S. Navy.

He enlisted to serve on a Navy ship, but grew interested in the Army when he discovered he could be commissioned as an officer there. He was granted a discharge from the Navy so he could join the Army.

Agbere was commissioned aboard a Navy ship May 23, 1997, an event covered by the local press.

Agbere's assignments include Fort Sill, Okla.; Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.; and a deployment to Iraq with the 31st Combat Support Hospital.

As a chaplain in a Baghdad hospital from 2004 to 2005, Agbere ministered not only to Muslim soldiers, but to Iraqis as well.

"It's a very interesting dynamic in America," he said. "We are doing really well to overcome hearts and minds. Iraqis and Afghans both have misperceptions [about U.S. soldiers]."

Agbere said he believes actions will help create more accurate opinions about Americans.

"If I'm an Iraqi citizen and all I see is shooting, we can't convince them," he said. "But the moment they come in contact with us, they see a different thing."

While working in the Baghdad hospital, Agbere recalls a U.S. Army nurse who helped save the life of an Iraqi civilian. "What he did not know was that this patient was a former Iraqi officer, and this officer was so impressed with this nurse," Agbere said.

Agbere said the Iraqi officer told him, "I want you to thank this nurse for me. I was really grateful for what he did, because if he had been in my position, I would have killed him."

Davis said he read about Agbere's work in Iraq in a news story shortly before he was slated to deploy to Iraq.

"Chaplain Agbere brought a perspective to his unit like no other," Davis said. "As we send units into Iraq and Afghanistan, we do cultural awareness training, but he understands it far better than anybody."

Maj. Agbere is beginning his intermediate level education at the Command and General Staff College here this month, and Davis predicted success for him.

"He's got multiple deployments under his belt, and because he is a chaplain, it helps the other 15 members of his group have a good understanding of what they can use a chaplain for," Davis said.

When Agbere served at Fort Sill, Davis said, he was impressed with how the chaplain helped people solve problems.

"We all have bad days, but every time I had a bad day, he would come in with that smile and you just felt better," he said.

(Melissa Bower serves in the Fort Leavenworth, Kan., public affairs office.)

Brazil Conspired with U.S. to Overthrow Allende (Updated)

Declassified U.S. Documents Show Richard Nixon and Brazilian President Emilio Medici Discussed Coordinated Intervention in Chile, Cuba, and other Latin American nations "to prevent new Allendes and Castros"

Secret Back Channel established between Presidents

Brazilian General Accused U.S. of Asking Brazil to "do its dirty work"

For more information contact: Peter Kornbluh - 202/994-7000

http://www.nsarchive.org

Washington, DC, August 16, 2009 - In December 1971, President Richard Nixon and Brazilian President Emilio Garrastazu Medici discussed Brazil's role in efforts to overthrow the elected government of Salvador Allende in Chile, formerly Top Secret records posted by the National Security Archive today reveal. According to a declassified memorandum of conversation, Nixon asked Medici whether the Chilean military was capable of overthrowing Allende. "He felt that they were," Medici replied, "and made clear that Brazil was working toward this end."

The document was the subject of a story in today's New York Times ["Memos Show Nixon's Bid to Enlist Brazil in a Coup" - http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/17/world/americas/17chile.html?_r=1&ref=world ]

According to the Top Secret "memcon" of the December 9, 1971, Oval Office meeting, Nixon offered his approval and support for Brazil's intervention in Chile. "The President said that it was very important that Brazil and the United States work closely in this field. We could not take direction but if the Brazilians felt that there was something we could do to be helpful in this area, he would like President Medici to let him know. If money were required or other discreet aid, we might be able to make it available," Nixon stated. "This should be held in the greatest confidence."

The U.S. and Brazil, Nixon told Medici, "must try and prevent new Allendes and Castros and try where possible to reverse these trends."

During the same meeting, President Medici asked Nixon if "we" should be supporting Cuban exiles who "had forces and could overthrow Castro's regime." Nixon responded that "we should, as long as we did not push them into doing something that we could not support, and as long as our hand did not appear."

The documents were declassified in July as part of the State Department's Foreign Relations of the United States (FRUS) series.

The memcon records Nixon telling Medici that he "hoped we could cooperate closely, as there were many things that Brazil as a South American country could do that the U.S. could not." Indeed, the documentation reveals that Nixon believed that a special relationship with Brazil was so important that he proposed a secret back-channel between the two presidents "as a means of communicating directly outside of normal diplomatic channels." Médici named his private advisor and foreign minister Gibson Barbosa as his back-channel representative, but told Nixon that for "extremely private and delicate matters" Brazil would use Col. Manso Netto. Nixon named Kissinger as his representative for the special back channel.

Communications between Nixon and Medici using the special back-channel remain secret.

Peter Kornbluh, who directs the National Security Archive's Chile and Brazil projects, noted that "a hidden chapter of collaborative intervention to overthrow the government of Chile" was now emerging from the declassified documentation. "Brazil's archives are the missing link," he said, calling on President Ignacio Lula da Silva to open Brazil's military records on the past. "The full history of intervention in South America in the 1970s cannot be told without access to Brazilian documents."

Please visit the National Security Archive Web site for more information.

http://www.nsarchive.org

Guardsmen Provide Health, Vet Care in Alaska

American Forces Press Service

Aug. 17, 2009 - Medical personnel from the Army and Air National Guard and Coast Guard traveled 6,600 miles in three days to visit three Alaska communities as part of Operation Arctic Crossroads. The three services, along with active-duty Air Force personnel, will provide medical, dental and optometry services to residents of nine remote villages in the state through Aug. 24.

Air Force Lt. Col. (Dr.) Dixon Christian treated more than 40 patients during outreach efforts in the communities of Kivalina, Koyuk and Wales. Air Force Lt. Col. Huey Frye, an optometrist from the Tennessee Air National Guard's 118th Medical Group, saw more than 45 patients; Air Force Maj. Mike Lewis of the Georgia Air National Guard's 116th Medical Group and Air Force Capt. Rhonda Ellison of the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Medical Group – both veterinarians -- gave rabies shots and other vaccinations to more than 115 animals.

"You could tell that the people really loved their pets," Ellison said. "The people were very receptive to our efforts and would love for us to return in the future."

On the North Slope, veterinarians have treated more than 20 animals in Barrow and Wainwright.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary also has reached out within the communities, helping to promote water safety with an emphasis on the "Kids Don't Float" campaign, which loans life jackets for children to use while at sea.

A forward operating location has been established here. Four MH/HH-60 helicopters and crews from the Army and Air National Guard and the Coast Guard are providing air transportation and logistics throughout the state.

Operation Arctic Crossroads is an effort to integrate local knowledge with military expertise to meet the many challenges of Arctic operations.

(From a Coast Guard Atlantic Area news release.)

Commentary: Remembering Pentagon Spokesman Ken Bacon

By Linda D. Kozaryn
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 17, 2009 - American Forces Press Service has lost a dear friend, a staunch supporter who believed the nation's troops had the same "need to know" about their defense secretary as the commercial press. Ken Bacon, 64, who served as assistant secretary of defense for public affairs during the Clinton administration, died of skin cancer Aug. 15, at his summer home on Block Island, R.I.

Bacon changed the face of military journalism in 1994, when he invited American Forces Press Service to become part of the Pentagon press corps that traveled the world with then-Defense Secretary William J. Perry. Bacon's invitation opened the door to the department's in-house news team, giving AFPS unprecedented access to the secretary and other senior defense leaders.

Until then, only a handful of commercial media accompanied Bacon and the defense secretary on their travels to meet with foreign defense officials and deployed U.S. forces. Bacon's support enabled AFPS to become a true news service, providing current coverage of international events to nearly 1,000 military newspapers.

I was the first AFPS reporter to travel as part of the secretary's press corps. After my first few trips, Bacon arranged for me to show clippings of the AFPS stories I'd written to the secretary during a long flight to Europe. As Perry flipped through the pages of news clips, he commented, "I always wondered how people in the military knew so much about me and my policies."

AFPS gave the secretary a direct link to the troops and, as a result, he became far more than the top photo in the military chain of command. As he traveled to 67 countries, logging more than 700,000 miles over the next three years, people throughout the military community learned of the secretary's troop visits, decisions and priorities.

"Every [private first class] knows my name because of American Forces Press Service," Perry said following his farewell ceremony on Fort Myer, Va., in 1997.

Traveling with the defense secretary has enabled AFPS to cover U.S. troop deployments in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. The press service has broadened its perspective from the internal aspects of military life to an expanded view of combat operations, military ties with partners and allies, and the humanitarian efforts of U.S. forces around the globe.

An AFPS reporter was on board in 1996 when Perry traveled to Pervomaysk, Ukraine, to join Russian Defense Minister Gen. Pavel Grachev and Ukrainian Defense Minister Valeriy Shmarov in destroying a Soviet missile silo to mark the beginning of a nuclear-free age in the former Soviet state.

AFPS also was there in 2000 when William S. Cohen became the first defense secretary to visit Vietnam since Melvin Laird in 1971. And AFPS was there in 2003 when Donald Rumsfeld flew into Iraq on an MC-130 from the Air Force's 919th Special Operations Wing less than a month after the fall of Baghdad.

I'm now the director of AFPS and I no longer travel to far-off lands. Instead, AFPS writers Jim Garamone, Donna Miles, Gerry Gilmore, Fred Baker, Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Carden and Samantha Quigley pack their bags and head to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to catch their flights with the defense secretary and other defense leaders.

Jim Garamone was the first AFPS reporter to become a permanent member of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff traveling crew when Air Force Gen. Richard Myer and later Marine Gen. Peter Pace invited AFPS along. AFPS currently travels throughout the United States and overseas with Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, and is seeking an invitation to travel with Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn III.

Bacon served as our guide and mentor. He opened the door and set a precedent that lives on, and today, hundreds of thousands of people in and outside of the military read AFPS articles each week. He saw the value of having AFPS accurately chronicle the secretary's activities and remarks, as well as the many-faceted operations conducted by the U.S. military.

Thanks to Bacon's vision and high regard for the nation's men and women in uniform, the military community has been kept well-informed. The Internet has further expanded the AFPS audience. On behalf of all of us who tell the military's story from the inside, and on behalf of all who read AFPS, we are eternally grateful for his leadership and his commitment to the precepts of journalism.

Perpetual Technologies Tapped for Employer-Support Award

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 17, 2009 - Defense officials have chosen Perpetual Technologies Inc. to receive the department's employer-support award for providing exceptional financial and emotional support to its employees who deploy as National Guard or Reserve members. PTI will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony here next month. The Freedom Award, instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, recognizes exceptional support from the employer community.

"PTI has been very supportive of my military career over the years, and has fully supported my annual training as well as other National Guard conferences," said Chris Zeis, a PTI employee who is now serving in Afghanistan's Khost province as a sergeant first class in the Army National Guard.

Zeis, who nominated the Indianapolis-based PTI for the Freedom Award, said when he learned of his upcoming deployment, PTI leadership simply said: "We will take care of you."

"Without their support and financial commitment, I might not have taken this deployment and would have retired from the National Guard altogether," he said.

Ten percent of the veteran-owned company's payroll consists of current or former Guard and Reserve members. For these employees, PTI, which provides management and consulting services, offers differential pay between employees' military pay and PTI's salary during deployments.

In the past, PTI has paid a differential of up to $40,000, said Ted Utley, PTI's human resources manager. The differential pay is available for each of the dozen or so National Guard or Reserve members on staff if they are called up to active duty.

"We've got to take care of the person and make their life as minimally interrupted as possible. We can't stop the fact that he's in Afghanistan, or Iraq or Kosovo for a year," Utley said. "But we can make it so the long-term financial impact is minimized.

"Plus, it's better than free coffee!" Utley said of the salary accommodation. "Some things are bigger than just profits -- like defending our nation."

Additionally, the company regularly ships care packages to deployed employees and invites their family members to company functions throughout the year. The company sends birthday cards to family members of deployed employees that include a $5 bill for children and a $25 gift certificate for spouses.

"When someone's deployed, we include the families in our newsletters [and send them] to their home address, invite them to company cookouts we have once or twice a month," Utley said. "We encourage the families to show up, bring the kids, and hang out with us."

Utley said PTI modeled its family outreach efforts on similar programs already within the military. "We kind of just borrowed from their handbook, which says, 'Don't forget the people back home.'"

But the support of their military-civilian staff members does not stop with the mission. Upon returning from mobilization, PTI recognizes military members at public events and prominently displays yellow ribbons throughout the company's facilities.

The company contributes to the military in other ways too, including annual support of the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund and sponsorship of a military charitable golf outing in Indianapolis.

The Freedom Award recognizes U.S. employers that rise above the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. PTI previously received the ESGR Pro Patria Award for its support of National Guard and Reserve employees.

Zeis said he was excited when he learned that his nomination had culminated in PTI receiving the Freedom Award.

"This award and the caliber of support it requires clearly illustrates the character and the identity of a company," he said. "I do look very forward to rejoining the PTI team when I get home."

Yellow Ribbon Program Provides Support Services

By Army Lt. Col. Matt Leonard
Special to American Forces Press Service

Aug. 17, 2009 - The Yellow Ribbon Program is "off and running," said the program's deputy executive director, James "Scotty" Scott. The program's goal is to prepare servicemembers and their families for mobilization, sustain families during mobilization, and reintegrate soldiers with their families, communities and employers upon redeployment.

During the first nine months of fiscal 2009, reserve components have hosted more than 1,367 Yellow Ribbon events across the 54 U.S. states and territories. Through these events, more than 133,000 reservists and their family members have received valuable training and information about support services available to them before, during and after mobilization.

In addition to helping families understand their benefits and entitlements as they transition in and out of active-duty status, the program also links people to services such as referrals and counseling through Military OneSource, Veterans Affairs Vet Centers, Tricare, and other state and local programs.

Ultimately, deployment support and military family programs are the responsibility of each unit commander. However, the program assists commanders by actively surveying the best practices from the military services, and combining those to form a joint program that servicemembers and their families can rely on for assistance and support regardless of service, component or location.

"The Yellow Ribbon Program represents an increasingly valuable resource that commanders are able to integrate into their overall deployment support, readiness and support program," said Dennis M. McCarthy, the assistant secretary of defense for Reserve Affairs.

Meanwhile, the newly formed Yellow Ribbon Advisory Board has conducted its second meeting in the Pentagon. In addition to Defense Department representatives, leaders from the reserve components and the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs were in attendance.

The advisory board's mission is to provide independent advice regarding the program to the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Along with recommending improvements for delivery of services, the board is required to submit a report to the Senate and House Armed Services committees at least once a year.

The board is completing its initial report to Congress, which is due in early September. It also is in the process of finalizing a department instruction, which will provide Yellow Ribbon guidance to the individual reserve components.

(Army Lt. Col. Matt Leonard serves in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.)

Afghan War 'Fundamental' to U.S. Defense, Obama Tells VFW

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 17, 2009 - Terrorists who attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, are plotting to do so again, so defeating them is "fundamental to the defense of our people," President Barack Obama told veterans at the annual Veterans of Foreign Wars convention in Phoenix today. Obama said the U.S. military will be better able to refocus on the war against al-Qaida and its extremist allies in Afghanistan and Pakistan as it moves toward completing the mission in Iraq.

The president cited signs of the new Afghanistan-Pakistan strategy introduced in March in action. U.S. troops have gone into new areas to take the fight to the Taliban. They've adopted new tactics that include protecting the Afghan people and improving their lives.

Today, he noted, they're helping secure polling places for the Aug. 20 elections.

These efforts have come at a high cost, he told the veterans, with fierce fighting and heavier U.S. casualties.

"As I said when I announced this strategy, there will be more difficult days ahead," he said. "The insurgency in Afghanistan didn't just happen overnight. And we won't defeat it overnight. This will not be quick. This will not be easy.

"But we must never forget: This is not a war of choice," the president continued. "This is a war of necessity. Those who attacked America on 9/11 are plotting to do so again."

If left unchecked, extremists will secure an even larger safe haven for al-Qaida to plot to kill more Americans, Obama said. "So this is not only a war worth fighting. This is fundamental to the defense of our people."

Meanwhile, Obama cited progress made in Iraq. He called the transfer of security control in the cities and town to Iraq's own security services June 30 a critical step toward completing the U.S. mission there.

"As they take control of their destiny, Iraqis will be tested and targeted," he said. "Those who seek to sow sectarian division will attempt more senseless bombings, more killings of innocents. This we know."

But the president reiterated that the United States will live up to its commitment to Iraq, removing all combat brigades by August 2010, and all U.S. troops by December 2011.

"For America, the Iraq war will end," he told the veterans.

Obama pledged to ensure troops who wage the wars have everything they need to succeed in these operations, and that policies reward them and their families for their sacrifices.

"To all those who have served America -- our forces, your families, our veterans -- you have done your duty," Obama told the veterans. "You have fulfilled your responsibilities, and now a grateful nation must fulfill ours."

Obama Pledges Support for Troops, Veterans

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

Aug. 17, 2009 - America's men and women in uniform have done their duty and fulfilled every responsibility that's been asked of them, President Barack Obama said today. "And now," he said, "a grateful nation must fulfill ours."

Obama offered high praise for the troops, calling them the heart and soul of the world's best military during a speech at the Veterans of Foreign Wars' annual convention in Phoenix.

"It's not the powerful weapons that make our military the strongest in the world. It's not the sophisticated systems that make us the most advanced," he told the veterans. "No, the true strength of our military lies in the spirit and skill of our men and women in uniform."

Obama said he recognizes his responsibility to "America's most precious resource" and vowed to be deliberate in how he commits them.

"I will only send you into harm's way when it is absolutely necessary," he said. "When I do, it will be based on good intelligence and guided by a sound strategy. And I will give you a clear mission, defined goals, and the equipment and support you need to get the job done."

Obama promised to ensure troops have the resources, equipment and strategies they need to succeed in the current conflicts as well as future ones. "We need to keep our military the best-trained, best-led, best-equipped fighting force in the world," he said.

The president outlined some of the initiatives under way to support this goal:

-- Growing the Army and Marine Corps, and halting reductions in the Navy and Air Force to increase time between deployments, reduce stress on the force and bring an end to the Army's stop-loss, an involuntary extension program;

-- Providing more assets to support current operations: helicopters and crews; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities; special operations forces; and armored vehicles and protective gear;

-- Conducting a top-to-bottom review of military priorities and posture to develop a new blueprint for the 21st century military the United States will need;

-- Balancing military capabilities to face unconventional as well as conventional threats;

-- Modernizing the force by investing in new skills and specialties as well as new technologies; and

-- Reforming the way the Pentagon does business to reduce waste and get the most capability out of every defense dollar.

Obama also recognized the country's responsibility to take care of its men and women in uniform, as well as veterans.

He noted that his fiscal 2010 budget funds "increasing military pay, building better family housing and funding more childcare and counseling to help families cope with the stresses of war."

In addition, big increases will be devoted to providing wounded warriors treatment centers, case managers and better medical care, he said. These resources, he told the veterans, will ensure wounded warriors get the care they need so they "can recover and return to where they want to be: with their units."

Obama also noted the billions of dollars in the new budget that will go toward treating post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries that have become the defining wounds of today's wars.

Increased funding will provide more treatment and mental-health screening to reach troops on the front lines, and more mobile and rural clinics to reach veterans who have returned home, he said.

"We are not going to abandon these American heroes," Obama said. "We will do right by them."

America's commitment to its troops will continue when they become veterans, he said, noting significant funding increases for Department of Veterans Affairs programs.

"Whether you left the service in 2009 or 1949, we will fulfill our responsibility to deliver the benefits and care that you earned," the president promised the veterans.

Even during tough economic times, Obama said the country can't shirk from its responsibilities to servicemembers and veterans.

"Let me be clear," he said. "America's commitments to its veterans are not just lines in a budget.

"They are bonds that are sacred – a sacred trust that we are honor-bound to uphold."

MILITARY CONTRACTS August 17, 2009

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Tesoro Hawaii Corp., Kapolei, Hawaii is being awarded a maximum $186,733,154 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aviation fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. The original proposal was Web solicited with 19 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0505).

Honeywell International, Albuquerque, N.M., is being awarded a maximum $25,338,258 firm-fixed price, sole-source, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for aircraft circuit card assemblies. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is Aug. 16, 2014. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (Ogden), Hill Air Force Base, Utah (SPRHA4-09-D-0001).

Paramount Petroleum Corp., Paramount, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $21,167,158 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Carson, Calif.. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. There were originally 72 proposals solicited with 19 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0504).

Timken Aerospace Transmissions, LLC., Manchester, Conn., is being awarded a maximum $10,299,904 firm fixed price contract for tail rotor gearboxes. Other location of performance is Connecticut. Using service is Army. 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 December 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., (W58RGZ-04-D-0298/ZB01).

Montana Refining Co., Inc., Great Falls, Cascade County, Mont.*, is being awarded a maximum $9,434,379 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Defense Energy Support Center. The original proposal was Web solicited with 19 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Oct. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0506).

Sysco Food Services of Seattle, Kent, Wash., is being awarded a maximum $7,250,000 firm-fixed price, indefinite quantity full line food distribution contract. Other location of performance is Anchorage, AK. Using services are Army, Air Force and Job Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with 3 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the fourth option year of a five-year contract which includes four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Aug. 26, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM300-08-D-3160).

AIR FORCE
McDonnell Douglas Corp., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded a $98,000,000 cost plus fixed fee contract to provide integration and production of the laser joint direct attack munitions system on various Foreign Military Sales aircraft platforms throughout the life of the contract. At this time no funds have been obligated. 680 ARSSG/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8681-09-D-0065).

Hawker Beechcraft Corp., Wichita, Kan., was awarded a $86,575,795.09 firm fixed price contract to provide for 8 T-6A Texan II training aircraft produced by Hawker Beechcraft Corp., including ground-based training systems, aircraft spare parts, technical publications, and two years of contractor logistics support for the Iraqi Air Force. At this time, $69,420,044 has been obligated. 877 AESG/SYI, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8617-09-C-6175).


Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., was awarded a $32,469,127 cost plus fixed fee contract to provide a complete range of analytical research, studies, and assessment for the testing and evaluation of command and control architectures. At this time, $1,931,949 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, Delivery Order: 0229).


NAVY
Nan, Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a $39,784,330 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of two Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Marine Corps Base, Hawaii. The work to be performed provides for buildings of reinforced concrete or masonry construction providing 88 rooms (P-749) and 62 rooms (P-750) with semi-private in the standard 2 + 0 room configuration. Building(s) will be interconnected through walkways and shall not exceed five stories in height with community and service core areas consisting of laundry facilities, lounges, duty officer and bunk room, housekeeping, vending area, and public restroom. Work will be performed in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by February 2012. 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 nine proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-09-C-1303).

W. M. Jordan Company, Inc., Newport News, Va., was awarded a $14,579,588 modification under a firm-fixed price contract (N40085-08-C-9684) on Aug. 14, 2009, to exercise option 0002 which provides for all work in connection with the installation of collateral equipment for the Special Operations Forces Facility (SOF) and SOF Operational Training Facility at Naval Air Station Oceana, Dam Neck Annex. The work to be performed under this option provides for the installation of all furniture and furnishings in accordance with the drawings and specifications as specified in the furniture, fixtures and equipment package. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $96,365,379. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.

Vietnam War Story

On August 27, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will discuss the Vietnam War with former USMC Major Richard Botkin.

Program Date: August 27, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Vietnam War Story
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/28/Vietnam-War-Story

About the Guest
Former United States Marine Corps Major Richard Botkin “graduated from the University of Michigan's School of Business. He served from 1980 to 1995 on active and reserve duty as a Marine Corps infantry officer with units to include 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, and 4th Force Reconnaissance Company. His understanding for Southeast Asia has been enhanced by the nine medical/dental mission trips he helped to organize and lead to Cambodia between 1998 and 2007, and four trips to Vietnam, including one with his main Vietnamese character Le Ba Binh, to specifically do research for Ride the Thunder. Richard Botkin currently lives with his family in northern California, where he is an investment advisor for a major brokerage firm.” Richard Botkin is the author of Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph.

According to the book description of Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph, “Richard Botkin breaks new ground in telling the heroic story of a few American and Vietnamese Marines who fought brilliantly and turned the tide of the Vietnam War, only to have policymakers surrender the battlefield. Botkin recounts the exploits of the American Marines and their Vietnamese allies who were largely responsible for thwarting the North Vietnamese invasion of the northern portions of South Vietnam - known as the 'Easter Offensive of 1972' in the West that was intended to bring the nation to its knees. These are the men who 'rode the thunder' and almost saved a nation. Botkin tells the story of Captain John Ripley's daring raid to destroy the Dong Ha Bridge; Major Le Ba Binh and his seven hundred Marines bravely holding off more than 20 thousand North Vietnamese troops; Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Turley's leadership and bravery that helped thwart the Easter Offensive - and much more.”

About American Heroes Radio
The Watering Hole is slang for a location American Heroes go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/28/Vietnam-War-Story

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530