By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 23, 2009 - The U.S. military needs more people trained in specialties critical to the fight against global extremism, the chief of U.S. Central Command said here today. "The fact is, there are a number of, still, very-high-demand, low density skill areas" that need to be addressed by military personnel planners, Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, chief of U.S. Central Command, told attendees at a one-day, symposium held at the National Press Club.
After overseeing the successful 2007 surge-of-forces campaign in Iraq, Petraeus later became chief of Centcom, which has responsibility for operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other parts of the region.
Petraeus recently queried the Army and Air Force about training up more
joint tactical air controllers. JTACs maintain communications and provide close-air support to ground units.
There's a "big shortage" of JTACs that regularly serve with platoon-sized security teams and Special Forces' units, he said.
Electronic warfare is another critical specialty, Petraeus said. Electronic warfare specialists manage and protect military communications. For example, the enemy has used cell phone transmissions to detonate improvised explosive devices. The enemy may also attempt to jam friendly communications.
Information operations specialists also are in demand, the general said, noting that Internet communications "is a battleground that cannot be uncontested."
The enemy, Petraeus said, "cannot have free rein out in cyber space, anymore than they can have free rein or sanctuary in some kind of physical, geographic location."
Other required skill sets include languages and knowledge of the cultures in which they are spoken, he said.
Realizing the need for and developing military occupational specialties that support worldwide counterinsurgency operations reflects the changed landscape the military has operated in since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
However, Petraeus said, the military now possesses leaders who have "demonstrated the kind of flexibility and adaptability" required to succeed in irregular and counterinsurgency warfare.
The symposium, hosted by the Marine Corps University, based at Quantico
Marine Base, Va., was titled: "Counterinsurgency Leadership in Afghanistan, Iraq and Beyond," but Petraeus told his audience that he wouldn't address questions related to current senior-level discussions about the way forward in Afghanistan.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
National Security Archive Update, September 22, 2009
JOE-1:U.S. Intelligence and the Detection of the First Soviet Nuclear Test, September 1949
For more information contact:
William Burr [National Security Archive] - 202/994-7000
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nukevault/ebb286/
Washington D.C., September 22, 2009 – Sixty years ago tomorrow, on 23 September 1949, President Harry Truman made headlines when he announced that the Soviet Union had secretly tested a nuclear weapon several weeks earlier. Truman did not explain how the United States had detected the test, which had occurred on 29 August 1949 at Semipalatinsk, a site in northeastern Kazakhstan. Using declassified material, much of which has never been published, this briefing book documents how the U.S. Air Force, the Atomic Energy Commission, and U.S. scientific intelligence worked together to detect a nuclear test that intelligence analysts, still unaware of the extent to which the Soviets had penetrated the Manhattan Project, did not expect so soon.
Stalin and the Soviet Politburo were probably stunned by Truman's announcement; they did not know that Washington had a surveillance system for detecting the tell-tale signs of a nuclear test and they wanted secrecy to avoid giving the United States an incentive to accelerate its nuclear weapons activities. (Note 1) Joe-1 (as U.S. intelligence designated it) was also a jolt for U.S. intelligence analysis, which for several years had asserted that the Soviets were unlikely to have the bomb before mid-1953, although mid-1950 was also possible. A few weeks after the test, CIA director Roscoe Hillenkoetter argued that "I don't think we were taken by surprise" because of an error of only a "few months," but not all of his Congressional masters accepted that.
For more information contact:
William Burr [National Security Archive] - 202/994-7000
http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/nukevault/ebb286/
Washington D.C., September 22, 2009 – Sixty years ago tomorrow, on 23 September 1949, President Harry Truman made headlines when he announced that the Soviet Union had secretly tested a nuclear weapon several weeks earlier. Truman did not explain how the United States had detected the test, which had occurred on 29 August 1949 at Semipalatinsk, a site in northeastern Kazakhstan. Using declassified material, much of which has never been published, this briefing book documents how the U.S. Air Force, the Atomic Energy Commission, and U.S. scientific intelligence worked together to detect a nuclear test that intelligence analysts, still unaware of the extent to which the Soviets had penetrated the Manhattan Project, did not expect so soon.
Stalin and the Soviet Politburo were probably stunned by Truman's announcement; they did not know that Washington had a surveillance system for detecting the tell-tale signs of a nuclear test and they wanted secrecy to avoid giving the United States an incentive to accelerate its nuclear weapons activities. (Note 1) Joe-1 (as U.S. intelligence designated it) was also a jolt for U.S. intelligence analysis, which for several years had asserted that the Soviets were unlikely to have the bomb before mid-1953, although mid-1950 was also possible. A few weeks after the test, CIA director Roscoe Hillenkoetter argued that "I don't think we were taken by surprise" because of an error of only a "few months," but not all of his Congressional masters accepted that.
Jill Biden Visits New York Guardsmen
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 22, 2009 - Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, met here yesterday with New York National Guard personnel and their families following an appearance in the state with President Barack Obama. Biden met with Army Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, adjutant general of the New York National Guard; family members of deployed soldiers; and professionals who support the New York National Guard's Family Program.
The Bidens' son, Joseph "Beau" Biden III, is a captain in the Delaware Army National Guard and is currently deployed in Iraq. Biden has made support for the families of National Guard and Reserve members one of her priority issues as the nation's "second lady."
"I have talked to hundreds of servicemembers and families in my travels around the country, and I have listened to their concerns," Biden said. "As a military mom, this is personal to me too -- and I am doing as much as I can to raise awareness of the special challenges that Guard members and their families face.
"I hope to encourage more Americans to think about how they can show appreciation for our military families," she said.
Biden, an English professor who holds a doctorate in education, accompanied Obama to Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, N.Y., yesterday where the president called for a "new generation of innovation" and announced $100 billion in economic stimulus for the effort.
Biden took advantage of her visit to the capital region to find out more about the New York Guard's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program to help redeployed soldiers reintegrate to civilian life, and the Guard's family support programs.
"I enjoyed learning more today about the New York National Guard's reintegration programs and the critical ways the Guard is working to better support our soldiers and their families before, during and after deployments," she said.
Following a meeting with administrators of the Guard's Family Program, Biden met with family members of soldiers in the 206th Military Police Company, headquartered here, who are currently deployed in Basra, Iraq. She also met briefly with members of 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation, who recently returned from Iraq.
(From the New York National Guard public affairs office.)
Sept. 22, 2009 - Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, met here yesterday with New York National Guard personnel and their families following an appearance in the state with President Barack Obama. Biden met with Army Maj. Gen. Joseph J. Taluto, adjutant general of the New York National Guard; family members of deployed soldiers; and professionals who support the New York National Guard's Family Program.
The Bidens' son, Joseph "Beau" Biden III, is a captain in the Delaware Army National Guard and is currently deployed in Iraq. Biden has made support for the families of National Guard and Reserve members one of her priority issues as the nation's "second lady."
"I have talked to hundreds of servicemembers and families in my travels around the country, and I have listened to their concerns," Biden said. "As a military mom, this is personal to me too -- and I am doing as much as I can to raise awareness of the special challenges that Guard members and their families face.
"I hope to encourage more Americans to think about how they can show appreciation for our military families," she said.
Biden, an English professor who holds a doctorate in education, accompanied Obama to Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, N.Y., yesterday where the president called for a "new generation of innovation" and announced $100 billion in economic stimulus for the effort.
Biden took advantage of her visit to the capital region to find out more about the New York Guard's Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program to help redeployed soldiers reintegrate to civilian life, and the Guard's family support programs.
"I enjoyed learning more today about the New York National Guard's reintegration programs and the critical ways the Guard is working to better support our soldiers and their families before, during and after deployments," she said.
Following a meeting with administrators of the Guard's Family Program, Biden met with family members of soldiers in the 206th Military Police Company, headquartered here, who are currently deployed in Basra, Iraq. She also met briefly with members of 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation, who recently returned from Iraq.
(From the New York National Guard public affairs office.)
Pennsylvania Guard Called Up for G-20 Summit
By Air Force Capt. Jay Ostrich
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 22, 2009 - More than 2,500 Pennsylvania National Guardsmen have been called up to support the international G-20 Summit, a global economic summit, being held here Sept. 24 and 25. Operation Steel Kickoff started Sept. 20 with a joint reception, staging, onward movement and integration point process led by the Guard's 213th Area Support Group, which is working out of a hangar at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, Pa.
In short, the four-point process acts as the gateway for the soldiers and airmen assigned to the mission.
"We're the support role, helping the soldiers and airmen get out and do the things they need to do," said Army 1st Lt. Matthew Springer, the team leader for Operation Steel Kickoff's JRSOI process. "Our focus is on ensuring the war fighter is getting the things they need to be successful in their mission."
This is the first joint operation of this magnitude for the 213th ASG, and because it is taking place in their home state, the operation has instilled many with an extra sense of pride.
"It's always a great experience when you can help, especially when it's here on the home front, a mission right here in the state of Pennsylvania," Springer said.
The mission starts administratively, Springer said.
"We're checking for ID cards, orders, dog tags and critical personnel information" he said. "Once they're in-processed, soldiers and airmen move to medical where they receive their flu shots."
After being medically processed, the servicemembers are briefed by public affairs, legal, medical and intelligence. Once they've completed the briefings, they're ready for the mission, Springer said.
Following the check-in process, soldiers and airmen wasted no time in practicing techniques needed to help local, state and federal authorities keep Pittsburgh safe as demonstrators take to the streets in protest of the worldwide economic summit.
Several hundred joint task force members practiced throughout the day with movement techniques, formations and crowd and riot control at Crane Armory here.
"We're working hard right now because we have Army and Air Force members who haven't trained together before," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Bittner, a platoon leader from 1/110th, D Company. "We are working to mesh, because we all take a lot of pride in this mission."
Even the veterans are experiencing something new.
"This is definitely a different mission," said Air Force Master Sgt. Pauline Gonzalez, a 23-year veteran and personnel specialist with the 211th Engineering Installation Squadron. "It's very hard and very challenging, but it's been a rewarding experience."
As the sun set on the first day of training for the big event, the Guard continued to practice in case protests become a threat to people and property.
"We have a duty and responsibility to make sure the citizens are protected," Gonzalez said. "Demonstrators have their rights, but they have to exercise them peacefully and within the law."
(Air Force Capt. Jay Ostrich serves with the Pennsylvania National Guard public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 22, 2009 - More than 2,500 Pennsylvania National Guardsmen have been called up to support the international G-20 Summit, a global economic summit, being held here Sept. 24 and 25. Operation Steel Kickoff started Sept. 20 with a joint reception, staging, onward movement and integration point process led by the Guard's 213th Area Support Group, which is working out of a hangar at the 171st Air Refueling Wing in Coraopolis, Pa.
In short, the four-point process acts as the gateway for the soldiers and airmen assigned to the mission.
"We're the support role, helping the soldiers and airmen get out and do the things they need to do," said Army 1st Lt. Matthew Springer, the team leader for Operation Steel Kickoff's JRSOI process. "Our focus is on ensuring the war fighter is getting the things they need to be successful in their mission."
This is the first joint operation of this magnitude for the 213th ASG, and because it is taking place in their home state, the operation has instilled many with an extra sense of pride.
"It's always a great experience when you can help, especially when it's here on the home front, a mission right here in the state of Pennsylvania," Springer said.
The mission starts administratively, Springer said.
"We're checking for ID cards, orders, dog tags and critical personnel information" he said. "Once they're in-processed, soldiers and airmen move to medical where they receive their flu shots."
After being medically processed, the servicemembers are briefed by public affairs, legal, medical and intelligence. Once they've completed the briefings, they're ready for the mission, Springer said.
Following the check-in process, soldiers and airmen wasted no time in practicing techniques needed to help local, state and federal authorities keep Pittsburgh safe as demonstrators take to the streets in protest of the worldwide economic summit.
Several hundred joint task force members practiced throughout the day with movement techniques, formations and crowd and riot control at Crane Armory here.
"We're working hard right now because we have Army and Air Force members who haven't trained together before," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Bittner, a platoon leader from 1/110th, D Company. "We are working to mesh, because we all take a lot of pride in this mission."
Even the veterans are experiencing something new.
"This is definitely a different mission," said Air Force Master Sgt. Pauline Gonzalez, a 23-year veteran and personnel specialist with the 211th Engineering Installation Squadron. "It's very hard and very challenging, but it's been a rewarding experience."
As the sun set on the first day of training for the big event, the Guard continued to practice in case protests become a threat to people and property.
"We have a duty and responsibility to make sure the citizens are protected," Gonzalez said. "Demonstrators have their rights, but they have to exercise them peacefully and within the law."
(Air Force Capt. Jay Ostrich serves with the Pennsylvania National Guard public affairs office.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS September 22, 2009
NAVY
Harper Construction Co., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $124,372,557 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of four Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The BEQs will house a total of 1,798 Marines in the standard 2+0 configuration and will include a multipurpose community area and laundry facilities. The contract also contains four planned modifications, which if issued would increase the cumulative contract value to $137,200,519. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 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 21 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-C-1208).
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded an $81,100,001 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 23 FY09 full rate production Lot VII AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar helicopter dipping sonar systems for the MH-60R Program. Work will be performed in Brest, France, (72 percent); Portsmouth, R.I., (26 percent); and Gaithersburg, Md., (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0096).
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Integrated Systems Division, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $49,380,947 contract for the procurement of AAR-47 Missile Warning System components. This contract provides for the procurement of 684 AAR-47 A(V)2 Optical Sensor Converters for U.S. Air Force, (324); U.S. Army (8); U.S. National Guard, (176); NATO, (12); and the Governments of India, (32); United Kingdom, (4); Canada (4); Germany, (36); Portugal, (8); Austria, (20); and Taiwan, (60). In addition, this contract provides for 1,677 AAR-47B(V)2 Optical Sensor Converters for the U.S. Navy, (1,672) and the Government of Canada, (5); 64 AAR-47 A(V)2 Control Indicators for the U.S. Navy, (2); U.S. Air Force, (25); U.S. Army, (2); NATO, (3); and the Governments of the United Kingdom, (1); Canada, (1); Germany, (10); Austria, (5); and Taiwan, (15); 222 AAR-47A(V)2 Computer Processors for the U.S. Air Force, (133); U.S. Army, (2); U.S. National Guard, (44); NATO, (3); and the Governments of India, (8); United Kingdom, (1); Canada, (1); Germany, (10); Austria, (5); and Taiwan, (15). This contract also provides for 118 AAR-47B(V)2 Computer Processors for the U.S. Navy and 301 Computer Processor Retrofits for the U.S. Navy (300) and the Government of Canada (1), including associated technical data and computer software. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($29,879,616; 60.5 percent); U.S. Air Force, ($9,621,564; 19.5 percent); National Guard, ($4,573,668; 9.3 percent); NATO, ($350,664; .7 percent); U.S. Army, ($233,776; .5 percent), and the governments of Germany, ($1,081,824; 10 percent); and Taiwan, ($1,753,320; 3.6 percent); India, ($831,576; 1.7 percent); Canada, ($179,499; .4 percent); Portugal, ($174,112; .3 percent); United Kingdom, ($116,888; .2 percent); and Austria, ($584,440; 1.1 percent); under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., (58.3 percent); Austin, Texas, (24.2 percent); various OCONUS locations (6.2 percent); Natanya, Israel, (3.6 percent); Hamamatsu, Japan, (3 percent); Sarasota, Fla., (2 percent); Northvale, N.J., (1.6 percent); and Loveland, Colo., (1.1 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $6,234,066 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0037).
Sundt William Scotsman, a Joint Venture, Tempe, Ariz., is being awarded a $25,356,405 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N62473-08-C-3511) to exercise option 0003 which provides for the design and installation of temporary facilities. The work to be performed under this option provides interim facilities for administration, billeting, armory, storage and maintenance buildings over ten areas at Marine Corps Base and Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $92,063,499. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Choate Construction Co., Mount Pleasant, S.C., is being awarded an $11,460,000 firm-fixed price contract for construction of a multi-story dormitory (144 rooms) at Shaw Air Force Base. The work will also include the demolition of two existing dormitories. Work will be performed in Sumter, S.C., and is expected to be completed by June 2011. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 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 14 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-1782).
BAE Systems Technologies, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded an $11,262,303 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-07-C-0019) to exercise an option for engineering and technical products and services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's air traffic control and landing systems. The estimated level of effort for this option is 134,000 man-hours. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., (80 percent), San Diego, Calif., (10 percent), and various shipboard locations (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $10,628,905 cost-plus fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008) to design and develop improvements to the interim defensive weapon system on the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft. This delivery order includes the design, qualification testing, airworthiness substantiation; aircraft fit check and ground testing and procurement of all necessary materials and parts. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., (50 percent) and Johnson City, N.Y., (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $10,628,905 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Bering Sea Eccotech, Inc., (DBA BSE Inc.) *, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded $7,785,464 for firm-fixed-price task order #0006 under the range sustainment remediation environmental multiple award contract (N62473-09-D-2617) for operational range clearance at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The work to be performed provides for operational range clearance, processing, recycling of ordnance scrap and target debris for multiple target areas. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Environmental Core Contracts, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $6,658,468 firm-fixed-price contract to retrofit 603 integrated multi-platform launch controllers (IMPLCs) on F/A-18 aircraft for the Navy (576) and the government of Australia (27). The IMPLC is the launch controller component of the AN/ALE-50 and AN/ALE-55 countermeasures decoy dispensing set and integrated defensive electronics countermeasure program. This contract combines purchases for the Navy, ($5,893,855; 89 percent) and the government of Australia, ($764,613; 11 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif., (99 percent) and Fullerton, Calif., (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to the FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0036).
AIR FORCE
Boeing Aerospace Operations of Oklahoma city, Okla., was awarded a $28,940,000 contract for contractor logistics support umbrella engineering services support which will provide sustaining and non-recurring engineering services to support research and development, aircraft modifications, aircraft maintenance and technical services for Boeing commercial derivative military use aircraft. At this time, no money has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKA, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-07-C-0001, P00057).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $18,999,957 contract which will provide strategic planning full spectrum intelligence analysis of U.S. Air Force Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency intelligence transformation. At this time, $5,957,149 has been obligated. 55 CONS, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO:0336).
Boeing Co., of Wichita, Kan., was awarded a $15,151,207 contract which will provide portion of the heavy maintenance and the cost reimbursable paint effort for VC-25A aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-09-C-0005,P00001).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $14,492,756 contract which will provide joint munitions lethality and survivability/vulnerability analysis. At this time $1,770,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO:0335).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $14,471,271 contract to provide survivability and vulnerability analysis for the United States Strategic Command missions. At this time, $1,050,828 has been obligated. 55 CONS, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380 DO 0338).
Davis Group, Inc. of Sanford, Fla., was awarded a $9,404,145 contract to provide intelligence facility B530 at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. At this time, $2,045,766 has been obligated. 17 CONS/LGCA, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity. (FA3030-09-C-0012).
General Electric Aviation Systems, LLC of Sterling, Va., was awarded a $8,701,464 contract to provide for the purchase of 26 total R-391 propellers for the C-130 aircraft. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 330 ACSG/GFKA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8504-098-C-0005).
Wyle Laboratories, Inc of Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $8,581,458 contract to research, test, develop, and deliver engineering change proposals/technical directives, engineering and technical design review recommendations, installation procedures and practical findings, process Improvement recommendations and practical findings and technical reports for the Navy's, E-2/C-2/MPT aircraft modifications and installations analysis project. At this time, $387,895 was obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005, DO:0109).
Rolls-Royce Corp., of Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded a $8,525,500 contract to provide 956 initial spare engine parts in support of the Rolls-Royce commercial engines used for propulsion of the C-130 aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 330 ACSG/GFKA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8504-07-D-0001, DO:0304).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $7,246,367 contract to provide for expeditionary warfare training group Pacific mission assurance through survivability/vulnerability analysis and assessment. At this time, $120,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380 DO:0327).
Harris Technical Services Corp., of Colorado Springs, Col., was awarded a $6,449,151 contract for mission communications operations and maintenance for the 50th Space Wing. At this time, no money has been obligated. 50 CONS, Schriever Air Force Base, Col., is the contracting activity (FA2550-02-C-0007).
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah was awarded a $10,625,000 contract which will replace 30 year old cables and junction boxes on the reentry system test set for the Minuteman weapon system. At this time, $5,206,250 has been obligated. 526 ICBMSG/PKE55 Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).
L3 Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., was awarded a $8,231,115 contract which will provide acquisition of helicopter maintenance services for UH-1N and HH-60G helicopters and functional check flight services for the CV-22 aircraft located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. At this time, $8,231,115 has been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3002-10-C-0001).
Northrop Grumman Information Technology of McLean, Va., was awarded a $6,166,724 contract which will provide support services for war gaming and doctrine education. At this time, $1,818,746 has been obligated. 42 CONS, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (F01600-01-C-0004, P00097).
BAE Systems Information and Electronics of Totowa, N.J., was awarded a $5,963,688 contract which will provide engineering services to resolve obsolete part and vanishing vendor issues with the LRU-3c of the AN/ALR-56C system, and significantly improve the system availability of the LRU-3C. At this time, $5,963,688 has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0001,0380).
Harper Construction Co., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $124,372,557 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of four Bachelor Enlisted Quarters at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The BEQs will house a total of 1,798 Marines in the standard 2+0 configuration and will include a multipurpose community area and laundry facilities. The contract also contains four planned modifications, which if issued would increase the cumulative contract value to $137,200,519. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by June 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 21 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-07-C-1208).
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., is being awarded an $81,100,001 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 23 FY09 full rate production Lot VII AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low Frequency Sonar helicopter dipping sonar systems for the MH-60R Program. Work will be performed in Brest, France, (72 percent); Portsmouth, R.I., (26 percent); and Gaithersburg, Md., (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0096).
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Integrated Systems Division, Clearwater, Fla., is being awarded a $49,380,947 contract for the procurement of AAR-47 Missile Warning System components. This contract provides for the procurement of 684 AAR-47 A(V)2 Optical Sensor Converters for U.S. Air Force, (324); U.S. Army (8); U.S. National Guard, (176); NATO, (12); and the Governments of India, (32); United Kingdom, (4); Canada (4); Germany, (36); Portugal, (8); Austria, (20); and Taiwan, (60). In addition, this contract provides for 1,677 AAR-47B(V)2 Optical Sensor Converters for the U.S. Navy, (1,672) and the Government of Canada, (5); 64 AAR-47 A(V)2 Control Indicators for the U.S. Navy, (2); U.S. Air Force, (25); U.S. Army, (2); NATO, (3); and the Governments of the United Kingdom, (1); Canada, (1); Germany, (10); Austria, (5); and Taiwan, (15); 222 AAR-47A(V)2 Computer Processors for the U.S. Air Force, (133); U.S. Army, (2); U.S. National Guard, (44); NATO, (3); and the Governments of India, (8); United Kingdom, (1); Canada, (1); Germany, (10); Austria, (5); and Taiwan, (15). This contract also provides for 118 AAR-47B(V)2 Computer Processors for the U.S. Navy and 301 Computer Processor Retrofits for the U.S. Navy (300) and the Government of Canada (1), including associated technical data and computer software. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($29,879,616; 60.5 percent); U.S. Air Force, ($9,621,564; 19.5 percent); National Guard, ($4,573,668; 9.3 percent); NATO, ($350,664; .7 percent); U.S. Army, ($233,776; .5 percent), and the governments of Germany, ($1,081,824; 10 percent); and Taiwan, ($1,753,320; 3.6 percent); India, ($831,576; 1.7 percent); Canada, ($179,499; .4 percent); Portugal, ($174,112; .3 percent); United Kingdom, ($116,888; .2 percent); and Austria, ($584,440; 1.1 percent); under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Clearwater, Fla., (58.3 percent); Austin, Texas, (24.2 percent); various OCONUS locations (6.2 percent); Natanya, Israel, (3.6 percent); Hamamatsu, Japan, (3 percent); Sarasota, Fla., (2 percent); Northvale, N.J., (1.6 percent); and Loveland, Colo., (1.1 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $6,234,066 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0037).
Sundt William Scotsman, a Joint Venture, Tempe, Ariz., is being awarded a $25,356,405 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N62473-08-C-3511) to exercise option 0003 which provides for the design and installation of temporary facilities. The work to be performed under this option provides interim facilities for administration, billeting, armory, storage and maintenance buildings over ten areas at Marine Corps Base and Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $92,063,499. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Choate Construction Co., Mount Pleasant, S.C., is being awarded an $11,460,000 firm-fixed price contract for construction of a multi-story dormitory (144 rooms) at Shaw Air Force Base. The work will also include the demolition of two existing dormitories. Work will be performed in Sumter, S.C., and is expected to be completed by June 2011. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 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 14 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-1782).
BAE Systems Technologies, Inc., Rockville, Md., is being awarded an $11,262,303 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00421-07-C-0019) to exercise an option for engineering and technical products and services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division's air traffic control and landing systems. The estimated level of effort for this option is 134,000 man-hours. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., (80 percent), San Diego, Calif., (10 percent), and various shipboard locations (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, St. Inigoes, Md., is the contracting activity.
Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, is being awarded a $10,628,905 cost-plus fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008) to design and develop improvements to the interim defensive weapon system on the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft. This delivery order includes the design, qualification testing, airworthiness substantiation; aircraft fit check and ground testing and procurement of all necessary materials and parts. Work will be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., (50 percent) and Johnson City, N.Y., (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $10,628,905 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Bering Sea Eccotech, Inc., (DBA BSE Inc.) *, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded $7,785,464 for firm-fixed-price task order #0006 under the range sustainment remediation environmental multiple award contract (N62473-09-D-2617) for operational range clearance at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The work to be performed provides for operational range clearance, processing, recycling of ordnance scrap and target debris for multiple target areas. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Environmental Core Contracts, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $6,658,468 firm-fixed-price contract to retrofit 603 integrated multi-platform launch controllers (IMPLCs) on F/A-18 aircraft for the Navy (576) and the government of Australia (27). The IMPLC is the launch controller component of the AN/ALE-50 and AN/ALE-55 countermeasures decoy dispensing set and integrated defensive electronics countermeasure program. This contract combines purchases for the Navy, ($5,893,855; 89 percent) and the government of Australia, ($764,613; 11 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Goleta, Calif., (99 percent) and Fullerton, Calif., (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to the FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0036).
AIR FORCE
Boeing Aerospace Operations of Oklahoma city, Okla., was awarded a $28,940,000 contract for contractor logistics support umbrella engineering services support which will provide sustaining and non-recurring engineering services to support research and development, aircraft modifications, aircraft maintenance and technical services for Boeing commercial derivative military use aircraft. At this time, no money has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKA, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-07-C-0001, P00057).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $18,999,957 contract which will provide strategic planning full spectrum intelligence analysis of U.S. Air Force Intelligence Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency intelligence transformation. At this time, $5,957,149 has been obligated. 55 CONS, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO:0336).
Boeing Co., of Wichita, Kan., was awarded a $15,151,207 contract which will provide portion of the heavy maintenance and the cost reimbursable paint effort for VC-25A aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8106-09-C-0005,P00001).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $14,492,756 contract which will provide joint munitions lethality and survivability/vulnerability analysis. At this time $1,770,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO:0335).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $14,471,271 contract to provide survivability and vulnerability analysis for the United States Strategic Command missions. At this time, $1,050,828 has been obligated. 55 CONS, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380 DO 0338).
Davis Group, Inc. of Sanford, Fla., was awarded a $9,404,145 contract to provide intelligence facility B530 at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. At this time, $2,045,766 has been obligated. 17 CONS/LGCA, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity. (FA3030-09-C-0012).
General Electric Aviation Systems, LLC of Sterling, Va., was awarded a $8,701,464 contract to provide for the purchase of 26 total R-391 propellers for the C-130 aircraft. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 330 ACSG/GFKA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8504-098-C-0005).
Wyle Laboratories, Inc of Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $8,581,458 contract to research, test, develop, and deliver engineering change proposals/technical directives, engineering and technical design review recommendations, installation procedures and practical findings, process Improvement recommendations and practical findings and technical reports for the Navy's, E-2/C-2/MPT aircraft modifications and installations analysis project. At this time, $387,895 was obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005, DO:0109).
Rolls-Royce Corp., of Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded a $8,525,500 contract to provide 956 initial spare engine parts in support of the Rolls-Royce commercial engines used for propulsion of the C-130 aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 330 ACSG/GFKA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8504-07-D-0001, DO:0304).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $7,246,367 contract to provide for expeditionary warfare training group Pacific mission assurance through survivability/vulnerability analysis and assessment. At this time, $120,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380 DO:0327).
Harris Technical Services Corp., of Colorado Springs, Col., was awarded a $6,449,151 contract for mission communications operations and maintenance for the 50th Space Wing. At this time, no money has been obligated. 50 CONS, Schriever Air Force Base, Col., is the contracting activity (FA2550-02-C-0007).
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah was awarded a $10,625,000 contract which will replace 30 year old cables and junction boxes on the reentry system test set for the Minuteman weapon system. At this time, $5,206,250 has been obligated. 526 ICBMSG/PKE55 Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).
L3 Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., was awarded a $8,231,115 contract which will provide acquisition of helicopter maintenance services for UH-1N and HH-60G helicopters and functional check flight services for the CV-22 aircraft located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. At this time, $8,231,115 has been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3002-10-C-0001).
Northrop Grumman Information Technology of McLean, Va., was awarded a $6,166,724 contract which will provide support services for war gaming and doctrine education. At this time, $1,818,746 has been obligated. 42 CONS, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (F01600-01-C-0004, P00097).
BAE Systems Information and Electronics of Totowa, N.J., was awarded a $5,963,688 contract which will provide engineering services to resolve obsolete part and vanishing vendor issues with the LRU-3c of the AN/ALR-56C system, and significantly improve the system availability of the LRU-3C. At this time, $5,963,688 has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0001,0380).
Monday, September 21, 2009
MILITARY CONTRACTS September 21, 2009
NAVY
AT&T, Hanover, Md., (N00244-05-D-0010); Sprint-Nextel, Lone Tree, Col., (N00244-05-D-0011); and Verizon Wireless, Laurel, Md., (N00244-05-D-0012), are each being awarded a modification under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to provide a sole source contract extension to existing Navy wireless contracts. This contract provides nationwide cellular phone service to Navy end-users. The total extension for this requirement for all three companies combined is $60,000,000 with each receiving $20,000,000. Work is to be performed in various locations in the continental United States, and work is expected to be complete September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This requirement was synopsized through the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $49,600,000 fixed-price contract for the advanced procurement of long lead materials, non-recurring engineering and critical work center efforts in support of production of the DDG 113-related Aegis weapon system. The scope of the non-recurring engineering efforts shall include, but is not limited to, supplier/production line restart, critical work center efforts, and diminishing manufacturing support surveillance to allow for continuity of the Aegis supply base and original equipment manufacturer work centers. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., (85 percent) and Clearwater, Fla., (15 percent) and is expected to be completed by August 2010. 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-5110).
Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc.*, El Paso, Texas, is being awarded a $19,429,577 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide test and evaluation, as well as maintenance and operations services, in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Weapons Survivability Laboratory. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif., and is expected to be completed in September 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-09-C-0137).
Tetra Tech EC, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $13,070,672 for firm-fixed price task order #0003 under a previously awarded environmental multiple award contract (N62473-08-D-8823) for Crisp Road sanitary sewer systems/storm drain removal; radiological remediation and support at Hunters Point Shipyard. The work to be performed provides for the continuation of the base-wide sewer sanitary system and storm drain time critical removal action along Crisp Road. The end result is to achieve unrestricted free release of the sewer and storm line survey units along Crisp Road and the central areas of Parcel E. Additional work will include surveys, remediation, and reporting for certain radiological buildings and sites in Parcel E. The task order also contains five unexercised options, which if exercised would increase the cumulative task order value to $14,702,949. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Temeku Technologies, Inc.*, Herndon, Va., is being awarded an $11,768,797 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the design, fabrication, testing and delivery of a production representative model of a multi-function display (MFD). MFD, a large shipboard display that combines several existing visual landing aid functions into one consolidated presentation, provides a horizon reference display bar, deck status indication and pilot visual cues for the Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse System. Work will be performed in Herndon, Va., (60 percent); Bologna, Italy, (30 percent); and Pt. 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 under an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; two offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-C-0483).
R & M Welding and Fabrication Shop, Loogootee, Ind., (N00164-09-D-GQ16), Precision Laser Services, Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind., (N00164-09-D-GQ25), Advanta Industries, Petersburg, Mich., (N00164-09-D-GQ26) and Spec-Built Systems, San Diego, Calif., (N00164-09-D-GQ27), are each being awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for multi-storage weapons racks, GAU-16 racks, and 72" GAU-16 racks are being procured to properly store weapons in armories. The aforementioned contract awardees will compete for delivery orders for weapons racks. The maximum dollar value for all four contract combined is $9,990,000. Work will be performed at the sites identified above depending upon which contractor receives each competitive order. Work performed in Loogootee, Ind., Fort Wayne, Ind., Petersburg, Mich., and San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $431,850 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action was conducted on a full and open competition basis with the solicitation being publicized on the world-wide web, with 22 proposals being received. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity.
Maron Construction Co., Inc.*, Providence, R.I., is being awarded an $8,252,042 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of repairs and additions to Buildings 141 and 156 at Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, at the Naval Submarine Base New London. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., 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 10 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-7047).
BAE Systems, Inc., Nashua, N. H., is being awarded a $7,809,762 cost plus incentive fee contract for the production of up to three compact low frequency active transmit systems (CLTS). The contract will also include level of effort tasking for engineering, maintenance, and logistic services in support of the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active Transmit Subsystem and the CLTS and the legacy LFA systems. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $29,709,200. Work will be performed in Hudson, N.H., and is expected to be completed by December 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until December 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source acquisition. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-09-C-0129).
Curtis Contracting, Inc.*, West Point, Va., is being awarded $6,550,000 for firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of vehicle maintenance facility and for design, repairs, renovations and modernization - both mechanical and electrical systems - to the interior of the Reserve Training Center Facility, Wilmington. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $7,180,000. Work will be performed in Wilmington, Del., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2010. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 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 four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-7036).
AIR FORCE
Hawker Beechcraft Corp., of Wichita, Kans., was awarded a contract for 24 T6-C trainer aircraft, spares, program support, operational flight trainers, ground support, on-site support and technical publications. This effort supports foreign military sales to Morocco. At this time, $37,053,400 has been obligated. AESG/SYI, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8617-09-C-6170.
Cummins Power Generation of Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded a $52,081,007 contract which will provide for design, testing and production of basic expeditionary airfield resources power units. At this time, $29,719,007 has been obligated. 542 CSW/PKBB, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8533-09-D-0004).
Raytheon Co., of McKinney, Texas was awarded a $32,396,620 contract to provide I20 MTS-B production systems spares and containers. At this time, $5,228,814 has been obligated. 703 Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041, P00017).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., of Rolling Meadows, Ill., was awarded a $25,739,773 contract to provide electronic warfare engineering services applicable to the B52H Site. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8540-09-C-0009).
L3 Communications Corp., of Salt Lake City, Utah was awarded a $15.4 million contract to provide KU data link hardware and satellite communications spares, 26 interim modem assemblies, 26 KU satellite antennas, 13 enterdyne encoders, and fixed dish spares. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 703 ASG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-G-4060, 0004).
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah was awarded a $10,625,000 contract which will replace 30 year old cables and junction boxes on the reentry system test set for the Minuteman weapon system. At this time, $5,206,250 has been obligated. 526 ICBMSG/PKE55 Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).
L3 Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., was awarded a $8,231,115 contract which will provide acquisition of helicopter maintenance services for UH-1N and HH-60G helicopters and functional check flight services for the CV-22 aircraft located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. At this time, $8,231,115 has been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3002-10-C-0001).
Northrop Grumman Information Technology of McLean, Va., was awarded a $6,166,724 contract which will provide support services for war gaming and doctrine education. At this time, $1,818,746 has been obligated. 42 CONS, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (F01600-01-C-0004, P00097).
BAE Systems Information and Electronics of Totowa, New Jersey was awarded a $5,963,688 contract which will provide engineering services to resolve obsolete part and vanishing vendor issues with the LRU-3c of the AN/ALR-56C system, and significantly improve the system availability of the LRU-3C. At this time, $5,963,688 has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0001,0380)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Hologic LP, Marlborough, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $28,200,000 firm fixed price, sole source, indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for medical supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with one response. This contract consists of a one-year base period and four one-year unilateral option ordering periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DE-09-D-7228).
City Light & Power, Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $20,479,116 firm fixed price contract for ownership, operation and maintenance of an electric distribution system. Other location of performance is March Air Reserve Base, Calif. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with two responses. This contract is a prospective price redetermination for a 50-year contract period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 2060. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-C-8253).
Hutchinson Industries, Trenton, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $7,545,877 firm fixed price, sole source contract for wheel and tire assemblies. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal had one solicitation and one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency -Warren, Warren, Mich., (SPRDL1-09-C-0154).
ARMY
ECC International., Burlingham, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2009 a $14,999,001 firm-fixed-price contract. This service procured is for the design and construction of the National Police Command Center in Kabul, Afghanistan. Work is to be performed in Kabul, Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 30, 2010. Five bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Afghanistan, north is the contracting activity (W917PM-07-D-0015).
North Carolina Business Enterprise Program., Raleigh, N.C., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2009 a $13,867,893 cost-plus-award-fee contract for full food services for Fort Bragg. Work is to be performed at Fort Bragg, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. Mission & Installation Contracting Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., is the contracting activity (W91247-09-C-0035).
General Dynamics Inc., Bothwell, Wash., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2009 a $13,274,349 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of a non-lethal portable vehicle immobilization device. Work is to be performed in Moses Lake, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 10, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-09-D-0023).
C & D Technologies Inc., Blue Bell, Pa., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2009 $18,895,191 cost-reimbursement-no-fee contract for the research and development of large formats of lithium ion batteries. Work is to be performed in Blue Bell, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 17, 2013. Bids were solicited through a Broad Agency Announcement with one bid received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center, Adelphi, Md., is the contracting activity (W911QX-09-C-0107).
Kiewit Pacific Co., Kapolei, Hawaii, was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $32,155,000 firm-fixed price contract. This project consists of construction of two facilities at the Pohakuloa Army Training Area. Work will consist of construction of the Battle Area Complex and construction of a tactical vehicle wash facility. Work is to be performed at the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 15, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-09-C-0008).
IBM Corp., Fairfax, Va., was awarded in Sept. 17, 2009 a $20,634,771 firm-fixed-price contract. This project is for post deployment system support for the Army Learning Management System day-to-day labor for operations and systems enhancements for a one year period Sept. 21, 2009 through Sept. 20, 2010. This includes courseware migration of 1,500 existing courses. Work is to be performed in Fairfax, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 20, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. Mission Installation and Contracting Command Center, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (DAAB15-01-A-1013).
AT&T, Hanover, Md., (N00244-05-D-0010); Sprint-Nextel, Lone Tree, Col., (N00244-05-D-0011); and Verizon Wireless, Laurel, Md., (N00244-05-D-0012), are each being awarded a modification under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts to provide a sole source contract extension to existing Navy wireless contracts. This contract provides nationwide cellular phone service to Navy end-users. The total extension for this requirement for all three companies combined is $60,000,000 with each receiving $20,000,000. Work is to be performed in various locations in the continental United States, and work is expected to be complete September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This requirement was synopsized through the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $49,600,000 fixed-price contract for the advanced procurement of long lead materials, non-recurring engineering and critical work center efforts in support of production of the DDG 113-related Aegis weapon system. The scope of the non-recurring engineering efforts shall include, but is not limited to, supplier/production line restart, critical work center efforts, and diminishing manufacturing support surveillance to allow for continuity of the Aegis supply base and original equipment manufacturer work centers. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., (85 percent) and Clearwater, Fla., (15 percent) and is expected to be completed by August 2010. 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-5110).
Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc.*, El Paso, Texas, is being awarded a $19,429,577 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide test and evaluation, as well as maintenance and operations services, in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Weapons Survivability Laboratory. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif., and is expected to be completed in September 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured under an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-09-C-0137).
Tetra Tech EC, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $13,070,672 for firm-fixed price task order #0003 under a previously awarded environmental multiple award contract (N62473-08-D-8823) for Crisp Road sanitary sewer systems/storm drain removal; radiological remediation and support at Hunters Point Shipyard. The work to be performed provides for the continuation of the base-wide sewer sanitary system and storm drain time critical removal action along Crisp Road. The end result is to achieve unrestricted free release of the sewer and storm line survey units along Crisp Road and the central areas of Parcel E. Additional work will include surveys, remediation, and reporting for certain radiological buildings and sites in Parcel E. The task order also contains five unexercised options, which if exercised would increase the cumulative task order value to $14,702,949. Work will be performed in San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Temeku Technologies, Inc.*, Herndon, Va., is being awarded an $11,768,797 firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the design, fabrication, testing and delivery of a production representative model of a multi-function display (MFD). MFD, a large shipboard display that combines several existing visual landing aid functions into one consolidated presentation, provides a horizon reference display bar, deck status indication and pilot visual cues for the Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse System. Work will be performed in Herndon, Va., (60 percent); Bologna, Italy, (30 percent); and Pt. 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 under an electronic request for proposals as a 100 percent small business set-aside; two offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity (N68335-09-C-0483).
R & M Welding and Fabrication Shop, Loogootee, Ind., (N00164-09-D-GQ16), Precision Laser Services, Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind., (N00164-09-D-GQ25), Advanta Industries, Petersburg, Mich., (N00164-09-D-GQ26) and Spec-Built Systems, San Diego, Calif., (N00164-09-D-GQ27), are each being awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for multi-storage weapons racks, GAU-16 racks, and 72" GAU-16 racks are being procured to properly store weapons in armories. The aforementioned contract awardees will compete for delivery orders for weapons racks. The maximum dollar value for all four contract combined is $9,990,000. Work will be performed at the sites identified above depending upon which contractor receives each competitive order. Work performed in Loogootee, Ind., Fort Wayne, Ind., Petersburg, Mich., and San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $431,850 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action was conducted on a full and open competition basis with the solicitation being publicized on the world-wide web, with 22 proposals being received. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity.
Maron Construction Co., Inc.*, Providence, R.I., is being awarded an $8,252,042 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of repairs and additions to Buildings 141 and 156 at Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, at the Naval Submarine Base New London. Work will be performed in Groton, Conn., 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 10 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-7047).
BAE Systems, Inc., Nashua, N. H., is being awarded a $7,809,762 cost plus incentive fee contract for the production of up to three compact low frequency active transmit systems (CLTS). The contract will also include level of effort tasking for engineering, maintenance, and logistic services in support of the Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System Low Frequency Active Transmit Subsystem and the CLTS and the legacy LFA systems. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $29,709,200. Work will be performed in Hudson, N.H., and is expected to be completed by December 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until December 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a sole source acquisition. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-09-C-0129).
Curtis Contracting, Inc.*, West Point, Va., is being awarded $6,550,000 for firm-fixed price contract for the design and construction of vehicle maintenance facility and for design, repairs, renovations and modernization - both mechanical and electrical systems - to the interior of the Reserve Training Center Facility, Wilmington. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $7,180,000. Work will be performed in Wilmington, Del., and is expected to be completed by Nov. 2010. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 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 four proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-7036).
AIR FORCE
Hawker Beechcraft Corp., of Wichita, Kans., was awarded a contract for 24 T6-C trainer aircraft, spares, program support, operational flight trainers, ground support, on-site support and technical publications. This effort supports foreign military sales to Morocco. At this time, $37,053,400 has been obligated. AESG/SYI, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8617-09-C-6170.
Cummins Power Generation of Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded a $52,081,007 contract which will provide for design, testing and production of basic expeditionary airfield resources power units. At this time, $29,719,007 has been obligated. 542 CSW/PKBB, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8533-09-D-0004).
Raytheon Co., of McKinney, Texas was awarded a $32,396,620 contract to provide I20 MTS-B production systems spares and containers. At this time, $5,228,814 has been obligated. 703 Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-06-G-4041, P00017).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., of Rolling Meadows, Ill., was awarded a $25,739,773 contract to provide electronic warfare engineering services applicable to the B52H Site. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8540-09-C-0009).
L3 Communications Corp., of Salt Lake City, Utah was awarded a $15.4 million contract to provide KU data link hardware and satellite communications spares, 26 interim modem assemblies, 26 KU satellite antennas, 13 enterdyne encoders, and fixed dish spares. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 703 ASG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-G-4060, 0004).
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems of Clearfield, Utah was awarded a $10,625,000 contract which will replace 30 year old cables and junction boxes on the reentry system test set for the Minuteman weapon system. At this time, $5,206,250 has been obligated. 526 ICBMSG/PKE55 Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (F42610-98-C-0001).
L3 Vertex Aerospace of Madison, Miss., was awarded a $8,231,115 contract which will provide acquisition of helicopter maintenance services for UH-1N and HH-60G helicopters and functional check flight services for the CV-22 aircraft located at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. At this time, $8,231,115 has been obligated. AETC CONS/LGCK, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA3002-10-C-0001).
Northrop Grumman Information Technology of McLean, Va., was awarded a $6,166,724 contract which will provide support services for war gaming and doctrine education. At this time, $1,818,746 has been obligated. 42 CONS, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is the contracting activity (F01600-01-C-0004, P00097).
BAE Systems Information and Electronics of Totowa, New Jersey was awarded a $5,963,688 contract which will provide engineering services to resolve obsolete part and vanishing vendor issues with the LRU-3c of the AN/ALR-56C system, and significantly improve the system availability of the LRU-3C. At this time, $5,963,688 has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia is the contracting activity (F09603-03-D-0001,0380)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Hologic LP, Marlborough, Mass., is being awarded a maximum $28,200,000 firm fixed price, sole source, indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for medical supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. The original proposal was Web solicited with one response. This contract consists of a one-year base period and four one-year unilateral option ordering periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DE-09-D-7228).
City Light & Power, Long Beach, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $20,479,116 firm fixed price contract for ownership, operation and maintenance of an electric distribution system. Other location of performance is March Air Reserve Base, Calif. Using service is Air Force. The original proposal was Web solicited with two responses. This contract is a prospective price redetermination for a 50-year contract period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is December 2060. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-C-8253).
Hutchinson Industries, Trenton, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $7,545,877 firm fixed price, sole source contract for wheel and tire assemblies. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal had one solicitation and one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency -Warren, Warren, Mich., (SPRDL1-09-C-0154).
ARMY
ECC International., Burlingham, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2009 a $14,999,001 firm-fixed-price contract. This service procured is for the design and construction of the National Police Command Center in Kabul, Afghanistan. Work is to be performed in Kabul, Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 30, 2010. Five bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Afghanistan, north is the contracting activity (W917PM-07-D-0015).
North Carolina Business Enterprise Program., Raleigh, N.C., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2009 a $13,867,893 cost-plus-award-fee contract for full food services for Fort Bragg. Work is to be performed at Fort Bragg, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. Mission & Installation Contracting Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., is the contracting activity (W91247-09-C-0035).
General Dynamics Inc., Bothwell, Wash., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2009 a $13,274,349 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of a non-lethal portable vehicle immobilization device. Work is to be performed in Moses Lake, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 10, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-09-D-0023).
C & D Technologies Inc., Blue Bell, Pa., was awarded on Sept. 18, 2009 $18,895,191 cost-reimbursement-no-fee contract for the research and development of large formats of lithium ion batteries. Work is to be performed in Blue Bell, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 17, 2013. Bids were solicited through a Broad Agency Announcement with one bid received. U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Contracting Center, Adelphi, Md., is the contracting activity (W911QX-09-C-0107).
Kiewit Pacific Co., Kapolei, Hawaii, was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $32,155,000 firm-fixed price contract. This project consists of construction of two facilities at the Pohakuloa Army Training Area. Work will consist of construction of the Battle Area Complex and construction of a tactical vehicle wash facility. Work is to be performed at the Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 15, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Honolulu, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W9128A-09-C-0008).
IBM Corp., Fairfax, Va., was awarded in Sept. 17, 2009 a $20,634,771 firm-fixed-price contract. This project is for post deployment system support for the Army Learning Management System day-to-day labor for operations and systems enhancements for a one year period Sept. 21, 2009 through Sept. 20, 2010. This includes courseware migration of 1,500 existing courses. Work is to be performed in Fairfax, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 20, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. Mission Installation and Contracting Command Center, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (DAAB15-01-A-1013).
McHugh Assumes Duties as 21st Army Secretary
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 21, 2009 - John McHugh was sworn in as the 21st secretary of the Army today following his nomination by President Barack Obama and confirmation by the U.S. Senate. As secretary, McHugh has statutory responsibility for all matters relating to the Army: manpower, personnel, reserve affairs, installations, environmental issues, weapons systems and equipment acquisition, communications and financial management.
McHugh also is responsible for the Army's annual and supplemental budget, which this year was more than $200 billion. He leads a work force of more than 1.1 million active duty, National Guard and Reserve soldiers; 221,000 civilian employees; and 213,000 contracted workers. Also, he provides stewardship over 14 million acres of land.
Over the last eight years, McHugh made 10 official visits to Iraq and four visits to Afghanistan and other deployed locations to visit U.S. forces.
During his July 30 nomination hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, McHugh said that he was excited, humbled and honored at his new opportunity to serve, and that he understands the challenges facing the Army.
"They are strained by the frequency of constant deployments and stress by the pressures levied against their families," he said. "Too often -- far too often -- they return home to only to be disappointed by a network of support systems that, despite high intentions and constant effort, continue to fall short of the level of support they so richly deserve and each and every one of us so deeply desire."
As secretary, McHugh will draw on his years of experience as the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees the policies and programs for the department and each of the services.
In addition, at the time of his nomination, McHugh was co-chair of the House Army Caucus, a bipartisan group that works to educate fellow House members and their staffs about Army issues and programs, and a 14-year member of the U.S. Military Academy Board of Visitors.
In his concluding statement July 30, McHugh said he was inspired by the wounded warriors he'd met. "I have been so struck how these heroes, facing pain and loss and uncertainty, ask one question: 'What else can I do to serve?'"
He continued, "We can ask no less of ourselves."
Also at the Pentagon ceremony, Joseph Westphal assumed the duties of the 30th under secretary of the Army. Westphal has served in distinguished positions in academia, as well as private and public service, including a brief tour in 2001 as acting secretary of the Army. He served as the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works from 1998 to 2001.
McHugh has served more than 16 years as a member of Congress representing northern and central New York. During his service, he forged strong ties to Fort Drum and earned a reputation as a staunch advocate for soldiers and their families, working tirelessly to ensure they had proper facilities, training and the quality of life necessary to carry out wartime missions while caring for those at home.
Sept. 21, 2009 - John McHugh was sworn in as the 21st secretary of the Army today following his nomination by President Barack Obama and confirmation by the U.S. Senate. As secretary, McHugh has statutory responsibility for all matters relating to the Army: manpower, personnel, reserve affairs, installations, environmental issues, weapons systems and equipment acquisition, communications and financial management.
McHugh also is responsible for the Army's annual and supplemental budget, which this year was more than $200 billion. He leads a work force of more than 1.1 million active duty, National Guard and Reserve soldiers; 221,000 civilian employees; and 213,000 contracted workers. Also, he provides stewardship over 14 million acres of land.
Over the last eight years, McHugh made 10 official visits to Iraq and four visits to Afghanistan and other deployed locations to visit U.S. forces.
During his July 30 nomination hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, McHugh said that he was excited, humbled and honored at his new opportunity to serve, and that he understands the challenges facing the Army.
"They are strained by the frequency of constant deployments and stress by the pressures levied against their families," he said. "Too often -- far too often -- they return home to only to be disappointed by a network of support systems that, despite high intentions and constant effort, continue to fall short of the level of support they so richly deserve and each and every one of us so deeply desire."
As secretary, McHugh will draw on his years of experience as the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, which oversees the policies and programs for the department and each of the services.
In addition, at the time of his nomination, McHugh was co-chair of the House Army Caucus, a bipartisan group that works to educate fellow House members and their staffs about Army issues and programs, and a 14-year member of the U.S. Military Academy Board of Visitors.
In his concluding statement July 30, McHugh said he was inspired by the wounded warriors he'd met. "I have been so struck how these heroes, facing pain and loss and uncertainty, ask one question: 'What else can I do to serve?'"
He continued, "We can ask no less of ourselves."
Also at the Pentagon ceremony, Joseph Westphal assumed the duties of the 30th under secretary of the Army. Westphal has served in distinguished positions in academia, as well as private and public service, including a brief tour in 2001 as acting secretary of the Army. He served as the assistant secretary of the Army for civil works from 1998 to 2001.
McHugh has served more than 16 years as a member of Congress representing northern and central New York. During his service, he forged strong ties to Fort Drum and earned a reputation as a staunch advocate for soldiers and their families, working tirelessly to ensure they had proper facilities, training and the quality of life necessary to carry out wartime missions while caring for those at home.
Arkansas Guard Seeks Community Support in Preventing Suicides
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 21, 2009 - Senior leaders in the Arkansas National Guard, including the state governor, are asking for the public's help to stop suicides among its troops. "We constantly call on our men and women in uniform to help us," said Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, commander in chief of the Arkansas Guard. "We ask for it here in Arkansas all the time -- from ice storms to floods to tornados. This is now an example when the rest of us need to help them."
Beebe, accompanied by Army Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, the adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard, focused on the loss of nine Guardsmen since Jan. 1 at a Sept. 18 press conference.
Of the nine, two are confirmed suicides, while two others are pending confirmation of suicide. Five others are no longer under investigation and were not labeled suicide by Arkansas coroners. However, the circumstances behind the deaths were inconclusive, Guard officials said.
Wofford said the Guard would not release specifics on the deaths out of respect to the families.
The Arkansas Guard has initiated several internal programs to stem against suicides.
"We, as an organization, have been providing training to our soldiers, airmen and their families," Wofford said. "Over 95 percent just completed the second phase of our Suicide Stand-Down program.
"We have also this year implemented a philosophy for our unit leaders designed to destigmatize the idea of stepping forward and admitting that a soldier or airman has a problem."
The problem for the Guard, Wofford said, is that it only has visibility on its soldiers and airmen for a couple of days each month.
"We need the community's help in watching out for our soldiers and airmen during the remaining 28 days each month," he said, adding that Guard members identified with stress-related problems during the redeployment process and family reintegration programs have been provided treatment or counseling.
The challenge is identifying a Guard member who has a problem that needs to be dealt with, he said.(From an Arkansas National Guard news release.)
Sept. 21, 2009 - Senior leaders in the Arkansas National Guard, including the state governor, are asking for the public's help to stop suicides among its troops. "We constantly call on our men and women in uniform to help us," said Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, commander in chief of the Arkansas Guard. "We ask for it here in Arkansas all the time -- from ice storms to floods to tornados. This is now an example when the rest of us need to help them."
Beebe, accompanied by Army Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, the adjutant general of the Arkansas National Guard, focused on the loss of nine Guardsmen since Jan. 1 at a Sept. 18 press conference.
Of the nine, two are confirmed suicides, while two others are pending confirmation of suicide. Five others are no longer under investigation and were not labeled suicide by Arkansas coroners. However, the circumstances behind the deaths were inconclusive, Guard officials said.
Wofford said the Guard would not release specifics on the deaths out of respect to the families.
The Arkansas Guard has initiated several internal programs to stem against suicides.
"We, as an organization, have been providing training to our soldiers, airmen and their families," Wofford said. "Over 95 percent just completed the second phase of our Suicide Stand-Down program.
"We have also this year implemented a philosophy for our unit leaders designed to destigmatize the idea of stepping forward and admitting that a soldier or airman has a problem."
The problem for the Guard, Wofford said, is that it only has visibility on its soldiers and airmen for a couple of days each month.
"We need the community's help in watching out for our soldiers and airmen during the remaining 28 days each month," he said, adding that Guard members identified with stress-related problems during the redeployment process and family reintegration programs have been provided treatment or counseling.
The challenge is identifying a Guard member who has a problem that needs to be dealt with, he said.(From an Arkansas National Guard news release.)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
General George S. Patton, Jr. and The U.S. 2nd Calvary (Patton’s Ghosts of the Third Army)
By Albert De Amicis
This paper addresses two of my heroes, the Greatest Combat Commander of the Third Army in World War II, General George Smith Patton, Jr., and Private First Class Albert Frank De Amicis, my father, who served in the 2nd Cavalry, Troop A, Recon, 2nd Squadron, Mechanized, and was attached to the Third Army. The 2nd Cavalry was labeled by the Nazis as Patton’s Ghosts of the Third Army. These men wore this “crown” with pride and the distinction of fighting behind enemy lines, taking prisoners, disrupting communication and the enemy’s infrastructure, and killing as many Germans as they could. That was their mission.
READ ON
http://www.military-writers.com/george_patton_ghosts.html
This paper addresses two of my heroes, the Greatest Combat Commander of the Third Army in World War II, General George Smith Patton, Jr., and Private First Class Albert Frank De Amicis, my father, who served in the 2nd Cavalry, Troop A, Recon, 2nd Squadron, Mechanized, and was attached to the Third Army. The 2nd Cavalry was labeled by the Nazis as Patton’s Ghosts of the Third Army. These men wore this “crown” with pride and the distinction of fighting behind enemy lines, taking prisoners, disrupting communication and the enemy’s infrastructure, and killing as many Germans as they could. That was their mission.
READ ON
http://www.military-writers.com/george_patton_ghosts.html
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george s. patton,
third army,
world war II
Saturday, September 19, 2009
'Missing Man' Ceremony Honors Prisoners of War, Missing in Action
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 19, 2009 - Dozens of people, ranging in age from teenagers to senior citizens, gathered yesterday in Occoquan, Va., to hold a "Missing Man" table ceremony in honor of the nation's servicemembers who have been prisoners of war or are missing in action. President Barack Obama proclaimed Sept. 18, 2009, as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which was observed at the Pentagon and at military posts, government agencies and veterans' organizations nationwide. In Occoquan, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7916 held their table ceremony, as they do each year.
"The POW/MIA ceremony is significant to all of us because we want to account for all of our brothers and sisters," said Wayne Dearie, the VFW post's 60-year-old commander. Dearie is a retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer who served on-shore and ashore in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972.
The ceremony features a symbolic table setting that represents the sacrifice borne by those servicemembers who have been prisoners-of-war or still are listed as missing. About 88,000 U.S. servicemembers are recorded as missing or unaccounted for since World War II.
A group of Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets from C.D. Hylton High School in Woodbridge, Va., performed the ceremony in a small wooded park located across the street from Post 7916.
The cadets "did a wonderful job. I have never seen that particular ceremony done that well," Dearie said.
"I was very honored to be able to do this POW/MIA ceremony," said Air Force Junior ROTC Cadet Airman 1st Class Jannel Rapier, a 17-year-old member of C.D. Hylton's senior class.
"Every day I learn something new in Junior ROTC," said Rapier, who plans to become an Air Force officer when she graduates from college.
Retired Air Force Maj. Sheila Allen, the senior aerospace science instructor for C.D. Hylton's Air Force Junior ROTC program, accompanied her cadets to Occoquan to watch them perform the "Missing Man" ceremony.
Having her cadets participate in the POW/MIA ceremony "lets the young people know that we'll never forget" America's former prisoners-of-war and missing servicemembers, Allen said.
VFW Post 7916 makes many contributions to the local community, Allen said, noting the post sponsors annual Air Force Junior ROTC awards and scholarship programs.
Retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. B.J. Richardson, was also impressed by the cadets' performance of the "Missing Man" ceremony. Richardson had, in fact, "recruited" the cadets from C.D. Hylton to perform the POW/MIA ceremony. Richardson had preceded Dearie as commander of VFW Post 7916, having served thrice in that capacity.
The ceremony "brings tears to my eyes," said Richardson, 62, who'd served on river patrol duty in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969.
Vietnam veterans, Richardson said, had helped to bring about POW/MIA Day, starting during the waning days of the conflict.
"We still remember; they're not forgotten, he concluded.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, with its Ladies Auxiliaries organization, boasts more than 2 million members at more than 8,000 posts worldwide. Applicants for VFW membership are to be U.S. military veterans who have served overseas in a combat zone.
The VFW's origins can be traced back to 1899, when veterans of the Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service.
Today, the VFW continues to work on behalf of servicemembers, veterans and their families. The veterans' organization also lends a hand for myriad volunteer projects, it funds college scholarships, and it has helped to establish several national war memorials.
NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY REFORM: REBALANCING THE PRESIDENT’S AGENDA
The common wisdom about presidential success in achieving major goals is simple: Focus on only one or at most two major initiatives. Presidents who try to accomplish too much risk accomplishing nothing, and multiple agenda items distract the team from “staying on message” providing ample opportunity for opponents to undermine the efforts. While this may be true as a general rule, there is a risk that this strategy places an unnecessary and even dangerous limitation on presidential power, particularly in the area where that power may be greatest and most important—national security affairs. The current administration, while responding to an agenda that it largely inherited, appears to be charting a “low profile” course in its handling of national security affairs. Although understandable, this approach may have a very high price—failure to effect much-needed change.
Read On
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/PUB944.pdf
Read On
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/PUB944.pdf
Mind-Sets and Missiles: a First Hand Account of the Cuban Missile Crisis
This chronology provides details and analysis of the intelligence failures and successes of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and suggests the applicability of lessons learned to the collection, analysis, and use of intelligence in strategic decisionmaking. The author describes how the crisis unfolded using the author’s personal recollection, declassified documents, and many memoirs written by senior CIA officers and others who were participants. Lessons learned include the need to avoid having our political, analytical and intelligence collection mind-sets prevent us from acquiring and accurately analyzing intelligence about our adversaries true plans and intentions. When our national security is at stake, we should not hesitate to undertake risky intelligence collection operations including espionage, to penetrate our adversary’s deceptions. We must also understand that our adversaries may not believe the gravity of our policy warnings or allow their own agendas to be influenced by diplomatic pressure.
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Russian Elite Image of Iran: From the Late Soviet Era to the Present
Since the late Soviet era, the presence of Iran has loomed large in the minds of the Russian elite. Soon after the end of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)—and even before—increasing numbers of Russian intellectuals became disenchanted with the West, especially the United States, and looked for alternative geopolitical alliances. The Muslim world became one of the possible alternatives. Iran became especially important in the geopolitical construction of Eurasianists or neo-Eurasianists who believed that Russia’s alliance with Iran is essential for Russia’s rise to power. Yet, by the middle of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s tenure, increasing tension with the Muslim community and the rise of Russian nationalism had led to more complicated views of the Russian elite on Iran. At present, the Russian elite does not mind using Iran as a bargaining chip in its dealings with the West, especially the United States, and as a market for Russian weapons and other goods and services. However, the dream of a Russian-Iran axis is apparently abandoned for good.
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Alien: How Operational Art Devoured Strategy
The publication of the 1982 version of Army Field Manual (FM) 100-5, Operations, introduced to the English-speaking world the idea of an operational level of war encompassing the planning and conduct of campaigns and major operations. It was followed 3 years later by the introduction of the term “operational art” which was, in practice, the skillful management of the operational level of war. This conception of an identifiably separate level of war that defined the jurisdiction of the profession of arms was, for a number of historical and cultural reasons, attractive to U.S. practitioners and plausible to its English-speaking allies. As a result, it and its associated doctrine spread rapidly around the world. The authors argue that as warfare continues to diffuse across definitional and conceptual boundaries and as the close orchestration of all of the instruments of national power becomes even more important, the current conception of campaigns and operations becomes crippling. To cope with these demands by formulating and prosecuting “national campaigns,” the authors propose that the responsibility for campaign design should “actually” return to the political-strategic leadership of nations supported by the entirety of the state bureaucracy. This would mark the return of the campaign to its historical sources. If the United States and its allies fail to make this change, they risk continuing to have a “way of battle” rather than a “way of war.”
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Toward a Risk Management Defense Strategy
This monograph offers key considerations for DoD as it works through the on-going defense review. The author outlines eight principles for a risk management defense strategy. He argues that these principles provide “measures of merit” for evaluating the new administration’s defense choices. This monograph builds on two previous works—Known Unknowns: Unconventional “Strategic Shocks” in Defense Strategy Development and The New Balance: Limited Armed Stabilization and the Future of U.S. Landpower. Combined, these three works offer key insights on the most appropriate DoD responses to increasingly “unconventional” defense and national security conditions. This work in particular provides DoD leaders food for thought, as they balance mounting defense demands and declining defense resources.
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Escalation and Intrawar Deterrence During Limited Wars in the Middle East
A central purpose of this monograph is to reexamine two earlier conflicts for insights that may be relevant for ongoing dangers during limited wars involving nations possessing chemical or biological weapons or emerging nuclear arsenals. These conflicts are the 1973 Arab-Israeli War and the 1991 Gulf War. Both of these wars were fought at the conventional level, although the prospect of Israel using nuclear weapons (1973), Egypt using biological weapons (1973), or Iraq using chemical and biological weapons (1991) were of serious concern at various points during the fighting. This monograph will consider why efforts at escalation control and intrawar deterrence were successful in the two case studies and assess the points at which these efforts were under the most intensive stress that might have caused them to fail.
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Friday, September 18, 2009
Medal of Honor Recipient Memorialized in Hall of Heroes
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2009 - The father of Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor, remembered his son today as a person defined by selflessness. Monti, then a staff sergeant, was killed June 21, 2006, after making several attempts to rescue a fellow soldier wounded while battling Taliban insurgents in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, near the border with Pakistan.
"I think Jared received more in his life than anybody I can think of. But he never got anything for himself, because no matter what we sent him, he gave it away," Paul Monti said, referring to the care packages his son received in Afghanistan, the contents of which he routinely doled out to Afghan kids.
"In the end," the soldier's father continued, "he gave his life for someone else."
Monti risked his life on a rocky ridge in Afghanistan, where his 16-man patrol found itself under attack by 50 Taliban insurgents. He quickly called in artillery support when he noticed that one of his soldiers was wounded and in danger. He twice braved massive enemy rifle and rocket fire in attempts to reach his wounded comrade lying on the ground some 20 yards away.
Forced to turn back both times and taking shelter behind a rock, Monti contemplated his next move. He decided to give it another try, but he was killed in that final attempt.
Those fateful decisions earned him a posthumous promotion to sergeant first class and the Medal of Honor that President Barack Obama presented to the heroic soldier's family at a White House ceremony yesterday.
"Faced with overwhelming enemy fire, Jared could have stayed where he was behind that rock," Obama said during the ceremony. But, he said, "that was not the kind of soldier Jared Monti was."
Friends, family and fellow soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Drum, N.Y., were on hand today as Defense Department and military leaders once again honored Monti and added his name to the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.
Army Secretary Pete Geren recounted tales about Monti's childhood in Raynham, Mass., where the he is remembered for the selflessness and humility he displayed even as a young man.
"From his earliest days, Jared had a heart for the needy and less fortunate," Geren said. "At age 17, he learned of a family in Raynham who didn't have a Christmas tree. So he chopped one of the trees down in his own front yard and gave it to that family."
Later, as a soldier in Afghanistan, he distributed the gifts he received from back home to the Afghan children he met. This show of generosity earned him popularity among the Afghan youth. "The Afghan kids knew Jared by name," Geren said. "'Mr. Monti' they called him – and they would rush up to him whenever came by."
Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said that in losing Jared, the Monti family had endured a loss few will ever know.
"Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti: we salute him, we honor him, and we will always remember him," he said.
Monti's name will appear alongside the 3,447 other troops to receive the Medal of Honor of since Congress established the highest military decoration in 1862.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2009 - The father of Army Sgt. 1st Class Jared C. Monti, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor, remembered his son today as a person defined by selflessness. Monti, then a staff sergeant, was killed June 21, 2006, after making several attempts to rescue a fellow soldier wounded while battling Taliban insurgents in Gowardesh, Afghanistan, near the border with Pakistan.
"I think Jared received more in his life than anybody I can think of. But he never got anything for himself, because no matter what we sent him, he gave it away," Paul Monti said, referring to the care packages his son received in Afghanistan, the contents of which he routinely doled out to Afghan kids.
"In the end," the soldier's father continued, "he gave his life for someone else."
Monti risked his life on a rocky ridge in Afghanistan, where his 16-man patrol found itself under attack by 50 Taliban insurgents. He quickly called in artillery support when he noticed that one of his soldiers was wounded and in danger. He twice braved massive enemy rifle and rocket fire in attempts to reach his wounded comrade lying on the ground some 20 yards away.
Forced to turn back both times and taking shelter behind a rock, Monti contemplated his next move. He decided to give it another try, but he was killed in that final attempt.
Those fateful decisions earned him a posthumous promotion to sergeant first class and the Medal of Honor that President Barack Obama presented to the heroic soldier's family at a White House ceremony yesterday.
"Faced with overwhelming enemy fire, Jared could have stayed where he was behind that rock," Obama said during the ceremony. But, he said, "that was not the kind of soldier Jared Monti was."
Friends, family and fellow soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Drum, N.Y., were on hand today as Defense Department and military leaders once again honored Monti and added his name to the Pentagon's Hall of Heroes.
Army Secretary Pete Geren recounted tales about Monti's childhood in Raynham, Mass., where the he is remembered for the selflessness and humility he displayed even as a young man.
"From his earliest days, Jared had a heart for the needy and less fortunate," Geren said. "At age 17, he learned of a family in Raynham who didn't have a Christmas tree. So he chopped one of the trees down in his own front yard and gave it to that family."
Later, as a soldier in Afghanistan, he distributed the gifts he received from back home to the Afghan children he met. This show of generosity earned him popularity among the Afghan youth. "The Afghan kids knew Jared by name," Geren said. "'Mr. Monti' they called him – and they would rush up to him whenever came by."
Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said that in losing Jared, the Monti family had endured a loss few will ever know.
"Sergeant First Class Jared C. Monti: we salute him, we honor him, and we will always remember him," he said.
Monti's name will appear alongside the 3,447 other troops to receive the Medal of Honor of since Congress established the highest military decoration in 1862.
New Missile Plan Better Suited Against Iran, Gates Says
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2009 - The new U.S. missile defense plan will offer better protection than a previous proposal even if intelligence forecasts on Iran prove wrong, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. As opposed to earlier plans to build ground-based components in Poland and the Czech Republic, the new sea-based approach is better suited to intelligence on Iranian threats and would provide protection sooner, the secretary said.
Going a step further, Gates -- a former CIA director -- said the new arrangement is preferable even if U.S. intelligence assessments that indicate Iran is more focused on developing short-range missiles over long-range capabilities prove incorrect.
"I probably am more familiar with the risks of over-reliance on intelligence than anybody, because I've seen how often it's wrong," he said. "If the intelligence is wrong, and the Iranians develop a capability sooner than the intelligence is saying, this architecture gives us a better chance of being able to cope with it than the [previous program], just because of the new technologies that are available that give us more flexibility."
The defense secretary appeared before Pentagon reporters with his Czech counterpart, Martin Bartak, following a meeting that included discussion of the new missile defense system in Europe that President Barack Obama announced yesterday.
In December 2006, Gates recommended to then-President George W. Bush that the United States should put advanced radars in the Czech Republic and 10 ground-based interceptors in Poland. That was when intelligence officials gauged the development of Iran's intercontinental ballistic missile as the foremost threat to the United States and its allies.
Now, intelligence reports paint a different picture – that the country is moving faster to develop its shorter-range missiles.
"The original program that I recommended would have had no capability against short- and medium-range missiles until probably 2018," Gates said today. "What the new system provides is some capability beginning in 2011 that will grow steadily each year in terms of its sophistication and its coverage of Europe. The next phase would begin in 2015."
A drawback to the previous plan was that ground-based interceptors designed to deal with no more than five enemy missiles at once were prone to being overwhelmed by a larger salvo fired simultaneously, Gates said.
"What we have seen with the Iranians is that they're producing and deploying significant numbers of short and intermediate missiles, and so [a salvo like that] could overwhelm even when the 10 interceptors were in place," he said, though he added that research will continue on the ground-based system.
After much deliberation, Gates told reporters, his recommendation to Obama was to begin phasing in a missile defense system that puts radars and missiles in place sooner that are more suited to protect against the current threat. Plans are then to continue building on the system to increase its range of defense capabilities.
Deploying the Navy's ships equipped with the Aegis weapons system to the region by 2011 drives the new plan's initial phase. Their Standard Missile 3 interceptor has passed several tests in the past two years, and forward-position Army radar systems will support them.
This will give the military a smaller range of detection and protection, but is enough initially to protect U.S. troops and allies against Iran's shorter-range missiles, officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2009 - The new U.S. missile defense plan will offer better protection than a previous proposal even if intelligence forecasts on Iran prove wrong, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today. As opposed to earlier plans to build ground-based components in Poland and the Czech Republic, the new sea-based approach is better suited to intelligence on Iranian threats and would provide protection sooner, the secretary said.
Going a step further, Gates -- a former CIA director -- said the new arrangement is preferable even if U.S. intelligence assessments that indicate Iran is more focused on developing short-range missiles over long-range capabilities prove incorrect.
"I probably am more familiar with the risks of over-reliance on intelligence than anybody, because I've seen how often it's wrong," he said. "If the intelligence is wrong, and the Iranians develop a capability sooner than the intelligence is saying, this architecture gives us a better chance of being able to cope with it than the [previous program], just because of the new technologies that are available that give us more flexibility."
The defense secretary appeared before Pentagon reporters with his Czech counterpart, Martin Bartak, following a meeting that included discussion of the new missile defense system in Europe that President Barack Obama announced yesterday.
In December 2006, Gates recommended to then-President George W. Bush that the United States should put advanced radars in the Czech Republic and 10 ground-based interceptors in Poland. That was when intelligence officials gauged the development of Iran's intercontinental ballistic missile as the foremost threat to the United States and its allies.
Now, intelligence reports paint a different picture – that the country is moving faster to develop its shorter-range missiles.
"The original program that I recommended would have had no capability against short- and medium-range missiles until probably 2018," Gates said today. "What the new system provides is some capability beginning in 2011 that will grow steadily each year in terms of its sophistication and its coverage of Europe. The next phase would begin in 2015."
A drawback to the previous plan was that ground-based interceptors designed to deal with no more than five enemy missiles at once were prone to being overwhelmed by a larger salvo fired simultaneously, Gates said.
"What we have seen with the Iranians is that they're producing and deploying significant numbers of short and intermediate missiles, and so [a salvo like that] could overwhelm even when the 10 interceptors were in place," he said, though he added that research will continue on the ground-based system.
After much deliberation, Gates told reporters, his recommendation to Obama was to begin phasing in a missile defense system that puts radars and missiles in place sooner that are more suited to protect against the current threat. Plans are then to continue building on the system to increase its range of defense capabilities.
Deploying the Navy's ships equipped with the Aegis weapons system to the region by 2011 drives the new plan's initial phase. Their Standard Missile 3 interceptor has passed several tests in the past two years, and forward-position Army radar systems will support them.
This will give the military a smaller range of detection and protection, but is enough initially to protect U.S. troops and allies against Iran's shorter-range missiles, officials said.
Deputy Defense Secretary Calls Employer Support Critical
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2009 - The military is fortunate the nation offers its unbridled support and backing to its military employees, the deputy defense secretary said last night. Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn leads the honors for 15 winners of this year's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at the annual award ceremony in Washington, Sept. 17, 2009. DoD phot by Samantha L. Quigley
"The partnership between the civilian employers and our members of the Reserve and National Guard is critical to our nation's success in almost every endeavor the department undertakes," said William J. Lynn, during his address to those gathered here for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's annual award ceremony.
The ceremony honored 15 employers with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for offering their military employees support above and beyond what the law requires.
"There are three interrelated and mutually dependent elements to our success," Lynn said. "First, our talented and dedicated servicemembers. Second, their loving and supportive families. But third, their awesome civilian employers who we're here to honor tonight.
"It's the knitting together of all three that binds together the strength of our force," he added.
This year was a record-breaker for nominations of outstanding employers. More than 3,000 were received across the three categories: large businesses, small businesses, and public-sector employers.
"It sounds like nearly all of them nominated their employers for this award, which is just terrific," Lynn said.
A few of the servicemembers who submitted nominations this year expressed their appreciation for their employers at the ceremony.
Army Reserve Maj. Tom Castellano, a technology specialist with Microsoft, has served two tours in support of operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.
"I want to thank Microsoft publically for their outstanding support," he said. "I nominated [them] for their dedication and their commitment to military families on an individual [level].
"At my own personal level, Microsoft provided differential pay and benefits for the entire year I was supporting the war efforts," he added. "It was my first tour [since starting] with Microsoft ... in military terminology; they were pretty much protecting my ... 6 o'clock position.'
Microsoft also supports the USO, the Fisher House program and Hire America's Heroes. In 2007, the company donated $3.7 million to the National Guard Youth Foundation.
Louisiana Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Brent Barnett said he was proud to work for Jackson Parish Police Department's Sheriff Andy Brown who, even though he'd never worn the uniform, epitomizes the qualities of a military noncommissioned officer, he said.
"The opening statement of the creed of the noncommissioned officer says that, 'No one is more professional than I,'" Barnett said. "It's an honor to work for a person of his character."
Brown is a staunch supporter of the Louisiana National Guard, supports family unit activities with equipment and K-9 demonstrations, attends field training exercises and has toured Guard facilities and installations.
"He's gone as far as, during state emergencies, to lend out department equipment, mobile field units, to support our movements throughout the state of Louisiana," Barnett said.
Small employers may have it the hardest when it comes to temporarily losing a military employee to deployment, said Leon Harris, the master of ceremonies and a local ABC news anchor.
That didn't stop AeroDyn Wind Tunnel from going beyond above and beyond, according to the company's nominator, Army National Guard Sgt. Michael Scaglione.
"I've been at AeroDyn about six years and I don't think I have enough time tonight to tell all they've done for me," Scaglione said with a smile. "When they found out I was getting ready to deploy for Iraq, they had one question: What do I need? I asked for more life insurance."
Scaglione got the life insurance and a whole lot more, he said, including peace of mind that his two girls wouldn't be jolted out of their routine. During his going-away party, hosted by the company -- a 24/7 operation that shut down for the event -- his girls got a big gift.
"They gave my daughters over $2,000 in gift certificates so they could to the movies, they could go out to dinner, go shopping and do whatever they needed for the year I'm gone," Scaglione said. "That was remarkable to me."
Even more remarkable, someone from the company calls the girls each school morning to make sure they're up and ready for school, just like Dad did before he deployed, which he will be for at least another four months.
His command agreed to extend his two weeks of rest and recuperation leave so he could attend the ESGR event.
Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, addressed the crowd before dinner was served. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of 15 crystal eagle statues to the employers deemed the "best of the best" by this year's award selection committee.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2009 - The military is fortunate the nation offers its unbridled support and backing to its military employees, the deputy defense secretary said last night. Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn leads the honors for 15 winners of this year's Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at the annual award ceremony in Washington, Sept. 17, 2009. DoD phot by Samantha L. Quigley
"The partnership between the civilian employers and our members of the Reserve and National Guard is critical to our nation's success in almost every endeavor the department undertakes," said William J. Lynn, during his address to those gathered here for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's annual award ceremony.
The ceremony honored 15 employers with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for offering their military employees support above and beyond what the law requires.
"There are three interrelated and mutually dependent elements to our success," Lynn said. "First, our talented and dedicated servicemembers. Second, their loving and supportive families. But third, their awesome civilian employers who we're here to honor tonight.
"It's the knitting together of all three that binds together the strength of our force," he added.
This year was a record-breaker for nominations of outstanding employers. More than 3,000 were received across the three categories: large businesses, small businesses, and public-sector employers.
"It sounds like nearly all of them nominated their employers for this award, which is just terrific," Lynn said.
A few of the servicemembers who submitted nominations this year expressed their appreciation for their employers at the ceremony.
Army Reserve Maj. Tom Castellano, a technology specialist with Microsoft, has served two tours in support of operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom.
"I want to thank Microsoft publically for their outstanding support," he said. "I nominated [them] for their dedication and their commitment to military families on an individual [level].
"At my own personal level, Microsoft provided differential pay and benefits for the entire year I was supporting the war efforts," he added. "It was my first tour [since starting] with Microsoft ... in military terminology; they were pretty much protecting my ... 6 o'clock position.'
Microsoft also supports the USO, the Fisher House program and Hire America's Heroes. In 2007, the company donated $3.7 million to the National Guard Youth Foundation.
Louisiana Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Brent Barnett said he was proud to work for Jackson Parish Police Department's Sheriff Andy Brown who, even though he'd never worn the uniform, epitomizes the qualities of a military noncommissioned officer, he said.
"The opening statement of the creed of the noncommissioned officer says that, 'No one is more professional than I,'" Barnett said. "It's an honor to work for a person of his character."
Brown is a staunch supporter of the Louisiana National Guard, supports family unit activities with equipment and K-9 demonstrations, attends field training exercises and has toured Guard facilities and installations.
"He's gone as far as, during state emergencies, to lend out department equipment, mobile field units, to support our movements throughout the state of Louisiana," Barnett said.
Small employers may have it the hardest when it comes to temporarily losing a military employee to deployment, said Leon Harris, the master of ceremonies and a local ABC news anchor.
That didn't stop AeroDyn Wind Tunnel from going beyond above and beyond, according to the company's nominator, Army National Guard Sgt. Michael Scaglione.
"I've been at AeroDyn about six years and I don't think I have enough time tonight to tell all they've done for me," Scaglione said with a smile. "When they found out I was getting ready to deploy for Iraq, they had one question: What do I need? I asked for more life insurance."
Scaglione got the life insurance and a whole lot more, he said, including peace of mind that his two girls wouldn't be jolted out of their routine. During his going-away party, hosted by the company -- a 24/7 operation that shut down for the event -- his girls got a big gift.
"They gave my daughters over $2,000 in gift certificates so they could to the movies, they could go out to dinner, go shopping and do whatever they needed for the year I'm gone," Scaglione said. "That was remarkable to me."
Even more remarkable, someone from the company calls the girls each school morning to make sure they're up and ready for school, just like Dad did before he deployed, which he will be for at least another four months.
His command agreed to extend his two weeks of rest and recuperation leave so he could attend the ESGR event.
Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, addressed the crowd before dinner was served. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of 15 crystal eagle statues to the employers deemed the "best of the best" by this year's award selection committee.
MILITARY CONTRACTS September 18, 2009
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Supplycore, Inc., Rockford, Ill.* is being awarded a maximum $525,000,000 Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO), indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies and the Defense Logistics Agency. The original proposal was Web solicited with eleven responses. This contract is exercising the fifth option year period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 17, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-02-D-0122).
Parker-Hannifin Corp., Irvine, Calif. is being awarded a maximum $16,570,224 firm fixed price, sole source, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for augmentor spray bars. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 18, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR-ZBAB), Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, Okla. (SPRTA1-09-D-0059).
Bijan's Protective Equipment, Santa Rosa, Calif.* is being awarded a maximum $5,617,400 firm fixed price, total set aside, fixed quantity contract for knee and elbow pads. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally four proposals solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is October 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-09-C-0031).
NAVY
Hensel Phelps Soltek Joint Venture, Greeley, Colo., is being awarded an $116,920,072 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of four Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The BEQ's will house a total of 1,600 Marines in the standard 2+0 configuration and will include a multipurpose community area and laundry facilities. The contract also contains four planned options, which if issued, would increase cumulative contract value to $125,916,472. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 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 16 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-C-1601).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $76,000,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-06-D-0038) to exercise an option for engineering, analytical and manufacturing services to support various aging aircraft. Work will be performed in various locations throughout the United States (80 percent) and Rockville, Md. (20percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $44,289,514 firm-fixed-price job order for 62 each U.S. Navy H-60 helicopter configuration multi-spectral targeting units (MTSs). The MTSs will be installed on U.S. Navy UH-60R and UH-60S models to enhance their sensor capabilities. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The job order was awarded on a sole source basis. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Ind. is the contracting activity (N00164-06-G-8555).
DRS Systems, Inc., Parsippany, N.J., is being awarded a $13,818,940 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, performance-based contractfor a modernized integrated voice communications system for AEGIS cruisers and destroyers. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $59,161,146. Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pa., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until September 2014. Contractfunds willnot expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract wascompetitively procured by full and open competition via the Federal Business Opportunities website, and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, and threeoffers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-09-D-5190).
Greenhut Construction Co., Inc., Pensacola, Fla., is being awarded a $10,598,586 firm-fixed-price contract for the design, repair and modernization of Administrative Building 1500 at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2011. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 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 10 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-6339).
HDR Architecture, Inc., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded $6,500,000 for firm-fixed price task order FNZ0 under a previously awarded multiple award architect-engineering contract (N62470-09-D-9044) for preparation of a design build Request For Proposal document for a Naval Hospital, parking structure, surface parking and associated development of access roads at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2010. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $72,486,194 contract which will incorporate a flying hour engine cycle adjustment based on terms set forth in the basic C-17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership contract. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 730 ACSG/GFKAA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00516)
DTS Aviation Services, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas was awarded a $41,111,000 contract for contractor logistics support for the C-21 aircraft, consisting of maintenance, repair and support functions. At this time, no money has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKA, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity. (FA8106-05-C-0001/P00153)
EDO Corp., of North Amityville, N.Y., was awarded a $39,267,458 contract which will provide BRU-57 bomb release units and related spares applicable to F-16 aircraft. At this time, $10,713,728 has been obligated. 782 CONS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (FA8520-09-D-0004)
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $38, 646,488 contract for the Commander U.S. Forces Command asymmetric warfare and improvised explosive device defeat readiness through survivabilityvVulnerability analysis, assessment, training and education. At this time, $6,450,554 has been obligated. 55 CONS, LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity. (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO:0314)
DynCorp International, LLC of Fort Worth, Texas was awarded a $31,276,841 contract which will provide for acquisition of aircraft maintenance services for the 80th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. AETC/CONS/LGCK, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity. (FA3002-09-C-0024)
Wyle Laboratories, Inc. of Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $28,349,190 contract for the Reliability Information Analysis Center to research, test develop, and deliver engineering/analysis reports, test plans and or procedures, investigation reports, technical management work plans, safety assessment reports and technical reports for the F-15 avionic reliability, sustainability and Refreshment Program requirement. At this time $13,155,399 has been obligated. 55 CONS, LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity. (HC1047-05-D-4005, DO 0110)
McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $20,000,000 contract which provides for the development of integrated software and hardware upgrades to the C-17 aircraft via multiple projects. At this time, no money has been obligated. 516 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (F33657-01-D2000, P00022)
Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio, was awarded a $13,665,951 contract which will conduct data collection, assessment, evaluations, and studies associated with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material systems. At this time, $205,797 has been obligated. 55 CONS, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity. (SP0700-00-D-3180, DO:0615)
L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, of Madison Miss., was awarded an $8,561,632 contract which will provide contractor logistics support for the C-12 aircraft for Pacific Air Force, Air Force Material Command, Defense Intelligence Agency and Defense Security Cooperation Agency; consisting of maintenance, repair and support functions for the first six months of the 2010 fiscal year. 727 ACSG/PKC, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity. (F34601-00-C-0111, P00542)
ARMY
Balfour / S&P Joint Venture, Dallas, TX, was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $46,437,194 firm-fixed-price contract. This work is for the construction of the Lackland Airman Training Center Dormitory # 1 (first of eight). Work is to be performed at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Fort Worth, TX, is the contracting activity (W9126G-09-C-0054).
John J. Kirlin Special Projects LLC., Rockville, Md., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $9,255,853 firm-fixed-price contract. This project consists of the renewal of the Nutritional Care Directorate at Evans Army Community Hospital. Work is to be performed at Fort Carson, Colo., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Four bids solicited with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville District, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912DY-08-D-0023).
General Dynamics lands Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $ 7,218,657 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for logistic support for the Saudi Arabia M1A2S Abrams Tank conversion. Work is to be performed in Warren, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0095).
Black Horse Group LLC., Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $6,628,600 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a fire station. Work is to be performed at Fort Drum, Leray, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 8, 2011. Approximately 169 bids were solicited with 10 bids received. U.S. Corp of Engineers, CENAN-CT, New York City, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-09-D-0004).
Sun Star LLC., San Diego, Calif. was awarded on Sept. 16, 2009 a $24,973,773 firm-fixed-price construction contract. This project is for the design and construction effort to correct structural walls and floor slabs in 179 military family housing units. Work includes replacing partition walls, window wells, caulking floor slab perimeter, installing drain systems with sump pump under floor slab, topsoil and sod replacement for surface and drainage. Additionally, construction will correct surrounding pavements and utilities that have been damages and require repair. Work is to be performed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-09-C-0028).
Hanco Corp., Hattiesburg, Miss., was awarded on Sept. 16, 2009 a $8,174,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This project is for the construction of a 3 story 89 room barracks, warehouse, and 3-each three bedroom houses. Work is to be performed at Camp Shelby, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 24, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 12 bids received. U.S. National Guard Bureau, United States Property & Fiscal Office, Jackson, Miss., is the contracting activity (W90FYQ-09-C-0009).
Camelbak Products LLC., Petaluma, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 16, 2009 a $5,966,953 firm-fixed-price research and development contract. This project consists of 77,979 pairs of United States Marine Corp flame resistant organizational gear flyer's gloves. Work is to be performed in Seattle, Wash., (50 percent), and Camerio, Puerto Rico., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 01, 2010. Twenty bids were solicited via GSA EBUY with three bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (GS-07F-0127K).
Supplycore, Inc., Rockford, Ill.* is being awarded a maximum $525,000,000 Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO), indefinite quantity and indefinite delivery contract for supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies and the Defense Logistics Agency. The original proposal was Web solicited with eleven responses. This contract is exercising the fifth option year period. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 17, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-02-D-0122).
Parker-Hannifin Corp., Irvine, Calif. is being awarded a maximum $16,570,224 firm fixed price, sole source, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for augmentor spray bars. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is September 18, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR-ZBAB), Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City, Okla. (SPRTA1-09-D-0059).
Bijan's Protective Equipment, Santa Rosa, Calif.* is being awarded a maximum $5,617,400 firm fixed price, total set aside, fixed quantity contract for knee and elbow pads. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally four proposals solicited with four responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is October 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-09-C-0031).
NAVY
Hensel Phelps Soltek Joint Venture, Greeley, Colo., is being awarded an $116,920,072 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of four Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The BEQ's will house a total of 1,600 Marines in the standard 2+0 configuration and will include a multipurpose community area and laundry facilities. The contract also contains four planned options, which if issued, would increase cumulative contract value to $125,916,472. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 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 16 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-C-1601).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Rockville, Md., is being awarded a $76,000,000 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00421-06-D-0038) to exercise an option for engineering, analytical and manufacturing services to support various aging aircraft. Work will be performed in various locations throughout the United States (80 percent) and Rockville, Md. (20percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, is being awarded a $44,289,514 firm-fixed-price job order for 62 each U.S. Navy H-60 helicopter configuration multi-spectral targeting units (MTSs). The MTSs will be installed on U.S. Navy UH-60R and UH-60S models to enhance their sensor capabilities. Work will be performed in McKinney, Texas, and is expected to be completed by November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The job order was awarded on a sole source basis. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Ind. is the contracting activity (N00164-06-G-8555).
DRS Systems, Inc., Parsippany, N.J., is being awarded a $13,818,940 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, performance-based contractfor a modernized integrated voice communications system for AEGIS cruisers and destroyers. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $59,161,146. Work will be performed in Johnstown, Pa., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. If all options are exercised, work could continue until September 2014. Contractfunds willnot expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract wascompetitively procured by full and open competition via the Federal Business Opportunities website, and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, and threeoffers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic is the contracting activity (N65236-09-D-5190).
Greenhut Construction Co., Inc., Pensacola, Fla., is being awarded a $10,598,586 firm-fixed-price contract for the design, repair and modernization of Administrative Building 1500 at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2011. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 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 10 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-6339).
HDR Architecture, Inc., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded $6,500,000 for firm-fixed price task order FNZ0 under a previously awarded multiple award architect-engineering contract (N62470-09-D-9044) for preparation of a design build Request For Proposal document for a Naval Hospital, parking structure, surface parking and associated development of access roads at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Work will be performed in Oceanside, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Apr. 2010. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Boeing Co., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $72,486,194 contract which will incorporate a flying hour engine cycle adjustment based on terms set forth in the basic C-17 Globemaster III sustainment partnership contract. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 730 ACSG/GFKAA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (FA8614-04-C-2004, P00516)
DTS Aviation Services, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas was awarded a $41,111,000 contract for contractor logistics support for the C-21 aircraft, consisting of maintenance, repair and support functions. At this time, no money has been obligated. 727 ACSG/PKA, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity. (FA8106-05-C-0001/P00153)
EDO Corp., of North Amityville, N.Y., was awarded a $39,267,458 contract which will provide BRU-57 bomb release units and related spares applicable to F-16 aircraft. At this time, $10,713,728 has been obligated. 782 CONS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (FA8520-09-D-0004)
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc. of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $38, 646,488 contract for the Commander U.S. Forces Command asymmetric warfare and improvised explosive device defeat readiness through survivabilityvVulnerability analysis, assessment, training and education. At this time, $6,450,554 has been obligated. 55 CONS, LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity. (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO:0314)
DynCorp International, LLC of Fort Worth, Texas was awarded a $31,276,841 contract which will provide for acquisition of aircraft maintenance services for the 80th Flying Training Wing at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. AETC/CONS/LGCK, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas is the contracting activity. (FA3002-09-C-0024)
Wyle Laboratories, Inc. of Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $28,349,190 contract for the Reliability Information Analysis Center to research, test develop, and deliver engineering/analysis reports, test plans and or procedures, investigation reports, technical management work plans, safety assessment reports and technical reports for the F-15 avionic reliability, sustainability and Refreshment Program requirement. At this time $13,155,399 has been obligated. 55 CONS, LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity. (HC1047-05-D-4005, DO 0110)
McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, Calif., was awarded a $20,000,000 contract which provides for the development of integrated software and hardware upgrades to the C-17 aircraft via multiple projects. At this time, no money has been obligated. 516 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. (F33657-01-D2000, P00022)
Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio, was awarded a $13,665,951 contract which will conduct data collection, assessment, evaluations, and studies associated with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear material systems. At this time, $205,797 has been obligated. 55 CONS, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity. (SP0700-00-D-3180, DO:0615)
L3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, of Madison Miss., was awarded an $8,561,632 contract which will provide contractor logistics support for the C-12 aircraft for Pacific Air Force, Air Force Material Command, Defense Intelligence Agency and Defense Security Cooperation Agency; consisting of maintenance, repair and support functions for the first six months of the 2010 fiscal year. 727 ACSG/PKC, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity. (F34601-00-C-0111, P00542)
ARMY
Balfour / S&P Joint Venture, Dallas, TX, was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $46,437,194 firm-fixed-price contract. This work is for the construction of the Lackland Airman Training Center Dormitory # 1 (first of eight). Work is to be performed at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District, Fort Worth, TX, is the contracting activity (W9126G-09-C-0054).
John J. Kirlin Special Projects LLC., Rockville, Md., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $9,255,853 firm-fixed-price contract. This project consists of the renewal of the Nutritional Care Directorate at Evans Army Community Hospital. Work is to be performed at Fort Carson, Colo., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Four bids solicited with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville District, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912DY-08-D-0023).
General Dynamics lands Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $ 7,218,657 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for logistic support for the Saudi Arabia M1A2S Abrams Tank conversion. Work is to be performed in Warren, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0095).
Black Horse Group LLC., Watertown, N.Y., was awarded on Sept. 17, 2009 a $6,628,600 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of a fire station. Work is to be performed at Fort Drum, Leray, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 8, 2011. Approximately 169 bids were solicited with 10 bids received. U.S. Corp of Engineers, CENAN-CT, New York City, N.Y., is the contracting activity (W912DS-09-D-0004).
Sun Star LLC., San Diego, Calif. was awarded on Sept. 16, 2009 a $24,973,773 firm-fixed-price construction contract. This project is for the design and construction effort to correct structural walls and floor slabs in 179 military family housing units. Work includes replacing partition walls, window wells, caulking floor slab perimeter, installing drain systems with sump pump under floor slab, topsoil and sod replacement for surface and drainage. Additionally, construction will correct surrounding pavements and utilities that have been damages and require repair. Work is to be performed at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-09-C-0028).
Hanco Corp., Hattiesburg, Miss., was awarded on Sept. 16, 2009 a $8,174,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This project is for the construction of a 3 story 89 room barracks, warehouse, and 3-each three bedroom houses. Work is to be performed at Camp Shelby, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 24, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 12 bids received. U.S. National Guard Bureau, United States Property & Fiscal Office, Jackson, Miss., is the contracting activity (W90FYQ-09-C-0009).
Camelbak Products LLC., Petaluma, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 16, 2009 a $5,966,953 firm-fixed-price research and development contract. This project consists of 77,979 pairs of United States Marine Corp flame resistant organizational gear flyer's gloves. Work is to be performed in Seattle, Wash., (50 percent), and Camerio, Puerto Rico., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 01, 2010. Twenty bids were solicited via GSA EBUY with three bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (GS-07F-0127K).
Pentagon Ceremony Salutes Former POWs, Missing in Action
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2009 - A group of senior U.S. officials today paid homage to servicemembers who have been prisoners of war or are listed as missing in action during an observance ceremony on the Pentagon's River Terrace parade field. Proclaiming today as National POW/MIA Recognition Day, President Barack Obama issued a statement urging Americans "to observe this day of honor and remembrance with appropriate ceremonies and activities."
The Pentagon ceremony, which featured a passing-in-review by troops of all services and aerial flyovers, is part of nationwide activities observing National POW-MIA Recognition Day, typically held annually on the third Friday of September. About 88,000 U.S. servicemembers are recorded as missing or unaccounted for since World War II.
"We pause today to remember, honor, and show solidarity with our troops who have been captured or gone missing in America's wars," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said, "and to affirm that we will never forget our duty to bring them home."
Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and retired Navy Rear Adm. Jeremiah A. Denton Jr., a former U.S. senator from Alabama and a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, joined Gates at the reviewing stand.
"No nation in history has gone to such care, expense or effort to locate its fallen," Gates said. U.S. government dive-and-salvage teams, forensic scientists and investigators travel worldwide seeking a full accounting of missing servicemembers, he said.
For example, Gates said, the remains of three previously missing servicemen -- Air Force Lt. Col. Earl Hopper, who died in 1968; Army Pvt. David Woodruff, captured in Korea in 1951; and Army Air Force Staff Sgt. Jimmy Doyle, who died in 1944 -- were returned to their families this year and buried with full military honors.
And, Gates said, the remains of missing Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher were discovered last month in Iraq and returned to his family for burial. Speicher was an aviator who was shot down over Iraq in 1991 during the Persian Gulf War.
The work continues to find missing servicemembers and return them to their families, Gates said.
"We do it mindful of what we owe POW/MIAs and their loved ones," he said. "And, we do it in affirmation of our strongest belief as a people: that every life is precious."
Cartwright, too, pledged that the nation will do all that's possible to find its missing servicemembers.
"Our lessons learned from past conflicts provide opportunities to improve accounting efforts for the future," Cartwright said. And, he said, advances in forensics technology and technique will be passed along to future generations of searchers.
Gates and Cartwright both saluted Denton's service to the nation and his sacrifice. A naval aviator, Denton was shot down over North Vietnam on July 18, 1965. His captors frequently tortured him during his nearly eight years as a prisoner. They released him Feb. 12, 1973.
During his imprisonment in North Vietnam, Denton gained fame and enduring respect from his fellow Americans during a television interview arranged by the North Vietnamese, who thought the captured Navy pilot would support their cause.
Denton instead refused to denounce U.S. efforts in the war and repeatedly blinked his eyes in Morse Code, spelling the word, "T-O-R-T-U-R-E." The interview was broadcast on American TV on May 17, 1966, and was the first confirmation that the enemy was torturing U.S. POWs in Vietnam.
Gates praised Denton's "courageous resistance" to his captors' aims. Denton received the Navy Cross upon his release from captivity.
Denton spoke of his pride for the men and women in the military; and he touched upon the death of his wife of 61 years, Jane Maury Denton, who passed away on Thanksgiving Day 2007.
Denton praised his wife's steadfastness and loyalty to the nation during his years of captivity, noting that she, like him, didn't "want to swap any means that was advantageous to the enemy to get us home."
America's servicemembers, Denton said, belong to a unique class.
"Our men and women in uniform have answered the call and have shown and continue to show that they're willing to defend our country at the risk of their lives," Denton said. "All of us here today salute POWs, MIAs, their families and all veterans."
Without such service, Denton said, the United States "could not remain the land of the free and the home of the brave."
The black-and-white POW-MIA banner, according to a White House news release, will be flown today over the White House, the Capitol, the departments of State, Defense and Veterans Affairs and at a number of other U.S. government-managed agencies and institutions.
"Our nation maintains a solemn commitment to leave no servicemember behind," Obama said in the release. "Our men and women in uniform uphold this pledge every day, and our country further upholds it as we honor every man and woman who serves, particularly those taken as prisoners of war or missing in action.
"We will never cease in our mission to bring America's missing servicemembers home; we will never forget the sacrifices they made to keep this nation free; and we will forever honor their memory," Obama said.
Commercial Airline Hijack Procedures
Editor's Note: The author is a former servicemember.
On October 8, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a former Naval servicemember and retired Commercial Airline Pilot Steve A. Reeves on commercial airline hijack procedures.
Program Date: October 8, 2009
Program Time: 1700 hours, Pacific
Topic: Commercial Airline Hijack Procedures
Listen Live: www.americanheroesradio.com/commercial_airline_hijack_procedures.html
About the Guest
Steve A. Reeves started flying airplanes from a dirt strip located adjacent to a cotton field in northeast Arkansas. He took great pride in his ability to chase rabbits down the plowed rows of the fields - and live to tell about it. However, it didn't take long for him to realize that chasing rabbits didn't pay very well. He packed his bags and headed to the University of Kentucky. Upon graduating from college, he accepted a commission in the United States Navy. After one tour of duty, he thought that he'd had enough of flying and returned to the civilian world to pursue a career in construction management. One day while standing in the middle of a job site, Steve looked up in the sky to watch a commercial airliner fly over. The attraction was too powerful - he knew that he had to return to the sky. Twenty-one years later, Steve A. Reeves has logged over 12,500 hours in civilian, military, and commercial aircraft. He is a captain for a major airline and resides in Texas with his wife, Stacy, and their two daughters, Keegan and Kayleigh. Steve A. Reeves is the author of Squawk 7500 Terrorist Hijacks Pacifica Flight 762.
According to the book description of Squawk 7500 Terrorist Hijacks Pacifica Flight 762, “This fiction thriller is based on the real life experiences of a commercial pilot and gives you an exciting insider view of what it takes to fly a jet while managing crew, passengers—and a terrorist! Captain Mike Rendell started out his workday like all the workdays before – just another normal day of flying. After spending a raucous night partying with his crew, he and his first officer were looking forward to a nice relaxing flight to the West Coast.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops 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:
www.americanheroesradio.com/commercial_airline_hijack_procedures.html
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
On October 8, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a former Naval servicemember and retired Commercial Airline Pilot Steve A. Reeves on commercial airline hijack procedures.
Program Date: October 8, 2009
Program Time: 1700 hours, Pacific
Topic: Commercial Airline Hijack Procedures
Listen Live: www.americanheroesradio.com/commercial_airline_hijack_procedures.html
About the Guest
Steve A. Reeves started flying airplanes from a dirt strip located adjacent to a cotton field in northeast Arkansas. He took great pride in his ability to chase rabbits down the plowed rows of the fields - and live to tell about it. However, it didn't take long for him to realize that chasing rabbits didn't pay very well. He packed his bags and headed to the University of Kentucky. Upon graduating from college, he accepted a commission in the United States Navy. After one tour of duty, he thought that he'd had enough of flying and returned to the civilian world to pursue a career in construction management. One day while standing in the middle of a job site, Steve looked up in the sky to watch a commercial airliner fly over. The attraction was too powerful - he knew that he had to return to the sky. Twenty-one years later, Steve A. Reeves has logged over 12,500 hours in civilian, military, and commercial aircraft. He is a captain for a major airline and resides in Texas with his wife, Stacy, and their two daughters, Keegan and Kayleigh. Steve A. Reeves is the author of Squawk 7500 Terrorist Hijacks Pacifica Flight 762.
According to the book description of Squawk 7500 Terrorist Hijacks Pacifica Flight 762, “This fiction thriller is based on the real life experiences of a commercial pilot and gives you an exciting insider view of what it takes to fly a jet while managing crew, passengers—and a terrorist! Captain Mike Rendell started out his workday like all the workdays before – just another normal day of flying. After spending a raucous night partying with his crew, he and his first officer were looking forward to a nice relaxing flight to the West Coast.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops 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:
www.americanheroesradio.com/commercial_airline_hijack_procedures.html
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
'Second Lady' Lauds Employers for Support of Military Employees
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2009 - The self-proclaimed "second lady" of the United States commended 15 employers yesterday who, despite tough economic times, went above and beyond what the law requires to support their military employees. "Tonight we celebrate your good works and we thank you for the powerful example you set for all Americans," Jill Biden said during the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award dinner here. "You have taken the extra steps by extending full pay to deployed personnel, by continuing health and education benefits to servicemembers and their families."
The ESGR's Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest award given by the government to employers for their exceptional support of employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve. Each year the organization presents the award to 15 employers in the large and small employer categories, and public-sector employers.
Biden noted that each of the employers has supported its employees throughout every stage of their mobilization. Employers -- like three of this year's recipients: AstraZeneca, Consolidated Electrical Distributors and Louisiana's Jackson Parish Sheriff's Department -- organized, among other things, deployment and welcome-home events, sent care packages to employees, and initiated clothing and toy drives for children in Iraq.
Biden said she's seen firsthand the power of this type of support and the effect it has on servicemembers and their families. She pointed out the example of Delaware Boots on the Ground, an organization that started as a group of military moms and spouses to support Delaware National Guard members and their families.
"Those of you receiving awards tonight have made a difference. You have shown appreciation and support for our troops and their families, and you have raised awareness in your own communities of their sacrifices and duty," she said. "I want all of you to know that we are grateful for your special service and commitment to our nation. You embody the ESGR's slogan, 'We all serve.'"
Last night's ceremony was personal for Biden, who spoke on behalf of the president and first lady, and her husband, who's visiting troops in Iraq. The Bidens' son is a National Guardsman currently serving in Iraq.
"I look across the room and ... I feel as though we are family," Biden told the crowd gathered for the ceremony. "We share the same concerns, the anxieties, the sense of duty and the pride that comes along with being a military family.
"Like all of you gathered here tonight, my family worries about our son and looks forward to the day he comes back to us," she said. "Our family also knows what a difference it makes when people reach out to show support, whether in school, in the neighborhood or in the workplace."
The following companies also received the Defense of Freedom Award:
-- AeroDyn Wind Tunnel;
-- The City of Cambridge Fire Department;
-- First Data;
-- FMC Technologies, Inc.;
-- Law Offices of Marks, O'Neill, O'Brien and Courtney, PC;
-- Microsoft Corporation;
-- The Mid America Kidney Stone Association, LLC;
-- NetJets;
-- The Ohio Department of Public Safety;
-- Perpetual Technologies, Inc.;
-- The Santa Ana [Calif.] Police Department; and
-- TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 18, 2009 - The self-proclaimed "second lady" of the United States commended 15 employers yesterday who, despite tough economic times, went above and beyond what the law requires to support their military employees. "Tonight we celebrate your good works and we thank you for the powerful example you set for all Americans," Jill Biden said during the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Freedom Award dinner here. "You have taken the extra steps by extending full pay to deployed personnel, by continuing health and education benefits to servicemembers and their families."
The ESGR's Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is the highest award given by the government to employers for their exceptional support of employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve. Each year the organization presents the award to 15 employers in the large and small employer categories, and public-sector employers.
Biden noted that each of the employers has supported its employees throughout every stage of their mobilization. Employers -- like three of this year's recipients: AstraZeneca, Consolidated Electrical Distributors and Louisiana's Jackson Parish Sheriff's Department -- organized, among other things, deployment and welcome-home events, sent care packages to employees, and initiated clothing and toy drives for children in Iraq.
Biden said she's seen firsthand the power of this type of support and the effect it has on servicemembers and their families. She pointed out the example of Delaware Boots on the Ground, an organization that started as a group of military moms and spouses to support Delaware National Guard members and their families.
"Those of you receiving awards tonight have made a difference. You have shown appreciation and support for our troops and their families, and you have raised awareness in your own communities of their sacrifices and duty," she said. "I want all of you to know that we are grateful for your special service and commitment to our nation. You embody the ESGR's slogan, 'We all serve.'"
Last night's ceremony was personal for Biden, who spoke on behalf of the president and first lady, and her husband, who's visiting troops in Iraq. The Bidens' son is a National Guardsman currently serving in Iraq.
"I look across the room and ... I feel as though we are family," Biden told the crowd gathered for the ceremony. "We share the same concerns, the anxieties, the sense of duty and the pride that comes along with being a military family.
"Like all of you gathered here tonight, my family worries about our son and looks forward to the day he comes back to us," she said. "Our family also knows what a difference it makes when people reach out to show support, whether in school, in the neighborhood or in the workplace."
The following companies also received the Defense of Freedom Award:
-- AeroDyn Wind Tunnel;
-- The City of Cambridge Fire Department;
-- First Data;
-- FMC Technologies, Inc.;
-- Law Offices of Marks, O'Neill, O'Brien and Courtney, PC;
-- Microsoft Corporation;
-- The Mid America Kidney Stone Association, LLC;
-- NetJets;
-- The Ohio Department of Public Safety;
-- Perpetual Technologies, Inc.;
-- The Santa Ana [Calif.] Police Department; and
-- TriWest Healthcare Alliance.
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