NAVY
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Inc., Pascagoula, Miss., is being awarded a letter contract with a not-to-exceed amount of $170,700,000 for long lead time material in support of the construction of DDG 113 under the DDG 51 Class destroyer program. This contract provides propulsion gas turbines, generators, controllable pitch propeller and other components to support construction of DDG 113. Work is anticipated to be performed in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Alabama, Indiana, Louisiana., Mississippi, New York, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Work is expected to be completed by January 2013. 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 (N00024-10-C-2308).
Deloitte Consulting LLP, Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $28,163,676 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contract (N00421-03-D-0014) to execute an award term for continued E-2/C-2 planning, program and financial services in support of the Navy and the government of Egypt under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Systems Engineering Associates Corp.*, Middletown, R.I., is being awarded a $24,394,707 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering services in support of the Undersea Warfare Combat Systems Department. Efforts will include applying the extensible markup language test data analysis tool technology to legacy C5I and weapon systems. The work under the contract will also include studies, research, development, analysis for system integration, customizing prototype to specific platform needs, test and evaluation, production buys, support, and training. Work will be performed in Middletown, R.I. (65 percent), and various government sites (35 percent). Work is expected to be completed by December 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Newport, R.I., is the contracting activity (N66604-10-D-0205).
Science Applications International Corporation, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a cost plus fixed-fee type contract with a Not-to-Exceed amount of $11,500,000 for non-personal professional engineering, technical and management support services in support of the Joint Technology Assessment Activity component of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane. Work will be performed in Crane, Ind. (50 precent); Sullivan, Ind. (10 precent); Butlerville, Ind. (10 precent); Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (10 precent); Yuma, Ariz. (10 precent); and Mercury, Nev. (10 precent), and is expected to be completed by November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-C-JR01).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $9,518,720 order against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-05-G-0026) for the necessary personnel, material and support to repair or replace damaged components of Kuwait F/A-18 aircraft tail number 421 for the government of Kuwait under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, Conn., is being awarded a $5,954,085 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0083) to exercise an option for maintenance, logistics and engineering supplies and services for F100-PW-220/220E augmented turbofan engines, modules and serviceable parts for F-16A and F-16B aircraft based at Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, Fallon, Nev. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $5,954,085 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
EG&G Technical Services, Inc., Dumfries, Va., is being awarded $5,743,621 for task order #0087 under previously awarded contract (M67854-02-A-9011) This task order is issued for Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle support services. Technical support under this effort includes the support services to advance the use of technology to improve system performance and operations, achieve design-to-unit production cost objectives, and to define mature production and manufacturing processes. Work will be performed in Woodbridge, Va., and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Challenge Academy pays tribute to fallen friend
December 2, 2009 A United States Marine killed in action in Iraq, who had served on the cadre staff at the Wisconsin Challenge Academy at Fort McCoy, was honored at a flagpole and marker dedication ceremony at the Academy Dec. 1. "Sgt. Andy Stevens was a Marine dedicated to his country," Academy Director M.G. MacLaren told guests and the platoon of cadets at the ceremony, "and a charitable citizen to his community as he assumed the role of teacher and mentor for many young adolescents throughout the state of Wisconsin."
Faithful, honorable and charitable is how MacLaren said colleagues at the academy remembered Stevens.
MacLaren led the dedication ceremony at the Academy. The 25-foot flagpole and marker were donated by Stevens' parents, Allen Stevens and Kaye Olson and step-father John Olson and stepmother Deb Schroeder.
A flag detail of three cadets raised a new U.S. flag to full-staff, and then lowered the flag to halfstaff as part of the dedication. The four parents, with MacLaren's assistance, then removed a shroud from a memorial marker at the foot of the flagpole. The steel plate marker is etched with a photo of Stevens and the words "SGT Andy Stevens, USMC, KIA Fallujah, Iraq, Dec. 1, 2005."
"It is quite fitting this ceremony is held today, Dec. 1," MacLaren said. "For it was exactly four years ago today that, while on foot patrol with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, near the city of Fallujah, in the province of al Anbar, Iraq, Sgt. Stevens' unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire."
"Sgt. Stevens and nine other Marines died of injuries as the result of that enemy attack," MacLaren said.
Following Stevens' graduation from Tomah High School in 1995, he enlisted in the Marines. His life shifted to the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Challenge program at Fort McCoy, then back to the Marines, MacLaren said.
During Stevens' year between Marine Corps hitches, he served as a team leader with the Badger Challenge program for two summers and the Challenge Academy in between.
MacLaren, quoting one of Stevens' academy colleagues, said "he worked with me at Badger [Challenge] in 1999, and I remember how very well he worked with the kids, and I remember how he did it. He was one of the few staff there who understood the science behind what we did and how we did it.
"He always had a teaching point behind everything he did and made sure the kids knew the teaching point," the colleague wrote. "He was one of those team leaders who was firm, hard and fair, but he always made sure to come full-circle with the kids, ensuring they learned from every experience."
Stevens was born Aug. 18, 1976, in Tomah. He was a decorated scout sniper and infantry squad leader. He is buried in Highland Cemetery, Menomonie, Wis.
Attending the ceremony at Fort McCoy were Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, deputy adjutant general for Army; Brig. Gen. (retired) Andy Schuster; Col. (retired) Larry Olson, executive assistant to the adjutant general; State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper; and Pastor Bill Rice of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tomah where Stevens was a member.
Schuster was the Badger Challenge director when Stevens was on the staff. Olson has agency oversight for the National Guard Challenge program.
Faithful, honorable and charitable is how MacLaren said colleagues at the academy remembered Stevens.
MacLaren led the dedication ceremony at the Academy. The 25-foot flagpole and marker were donated by Stevens' parents, Allen Stevens and Kaye Olson and step-father John Olson and stepmother Deb Schroeder.
A flag detail of three cadets raised a new U.S. flag to full-staff, and then lowered the flag to halfstaff as part of the dedication. The four parents, with MacLaren's assistance, then removed a shroud from a memorial marker at the foot of the flagpole. The steel plate marker is etched with a photo of Stevens and the words "SGT Andy Stevens, USMC, KIA Fallujah, Iraq, Dec. 1, 2005."
"It is quite fitting this ceremony is held today, Dec. 1," MacLaren said. "For it was exactly four years ago today that, while on foot patrol with the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, near the city of Fallujah, in the province of al Anbar, Iraq, Sgt. Stevens' unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire."
"Sgt. Stevens and nine other Marines died of injuries as the result of that enemy attack," MacLaren said.
Following Stevens' graduation from Tomah High School in 1995, he enlisted in the Marines. His life shifted to the Wisconsin Army National Guard's Challenge program at Fort McCoy, then back to the Marines, MacLaren said.
During Stevens' year between Marine Corps hitches, he served as a team leader with the Badger Challenge program for two summers and the Challenge Academy in between.
MacLaren, quoting one of Stevens' academy colleagues, said "he worked with me at Badger [Challenge] in 1999, and I remember how very well he worked with the kids, and I remember how he did it. He was one of the few staff there who understood the science behind what we did and how we did it.
"He always had a teaching point behind everything he did and made sure the kids knew the teaching point," the colleague wrote. "He was one of those team leaders who was firm, hard and fair, but he always made sure to come full-circle with the kids, ensuring they learned from every experience."
Stevens was born Aug. 18, 1976, in Tomah. He was a decorated scout sniper and infantry squad leader. He is buried in Highland Cemetery, Menomonie, Wis.
Attending the ceremony at Fort McCoy were Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, deputy adjutant general for Army; Brig. Gen. (retired) Andy Schuster; Col. (retired) Larry Olson, executive assistant to the adjutant general; State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper; and Pastor Bill Rice of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Tomah where Stevens was a member.
Schuster was the Badger Challenge director when Stevens was on the staff. Olson has agency oversight for the National Guard Challenge program.
Army Announces Force Structure Actions
The Army announced today the decision to relocate the Translator/Interpreter Military Occupation Specialty (09L) Advanced Individual Training (AIT) Course from Fort Jackson, S.C. to the proponent school at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Seven positions associated with the training will transfer from Fort Jackson to Fort Huachuca, and six civilian positions assigned to the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at Presidio of Monterey, Calif., will also relocate. Implementation of these changes is expected to be completed in January 2010.
The 09L course provides soldiers technical training required to function as military entry-level interpreters/translators. The course will expand the skills of a proficient linguist to assist in cross-cultural communications that may be necessary in tactical, operational, or strategic missions. Relocating the course to Fort Huachuca will achieve efficiencies and synergy in the generating force through training of similar occupational specialties while saving resources as the 09L specialty and force structure matures.
Point of contact for this notification is Lt. Col. Lee Packnett, (703) 614-2487, Office of the Chief of the Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.
The 09L course provides soldiers technical training required to function as military entry-level interpreters/translators. The course will expand the skills of a proficient linguist to assist in cross-cultural communications that may be necessary in tactical, operational, or strategic missions. Relocating the course to Fort Huachuca will achieve efficiencies and synergy in the generating force through training of similar occupational specialties while saving resources as the 09L specialty and force structure matures.
Point of contact for this notification is Lt. Col. Lee Packnett, (703) 614-2487, Office of the Chief of the Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Army.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Reservist Stays in Touch With Students
By Air Force Senior Airman David DobrydneySpecial to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Air Force Master Sgt. Linda Adams has been an elementary school teacher for the past four years. After just one day on the job in the current school year, however, she departed on a four-month deployment to Southwest Asia with her Air Force Reserve unit from Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
"I was able to say hi to my new class, and then I was off," said Adams, the 746th Aircraft Maintenance Unit support section noncommissioned officer in charge.
But this teacher has bridged the distance by keeping up with her students online. Adams' school, Kate Shepard Elementary in Mobile, Ala., maintains a blog site where students can write to and speak with local officials.
"They talk to different people like congressmen or school superintendents," Adams said. "It's a good way for them to learn writing skills and work on their communication skills."
When Adams left for deployment, school officials invited her to join the site. "We are so excited that Ms. Adams is sharing her experiences with our students," said Michelle Dumas, the school principal. "Communicating through the blog allows students to utilize technology and expand their global awareness."
Since her arrival in Southwest Asia, Adams said, students have been sending her e-mails, pictures and letters. "I try my best to answer all of them," she said.
Some students have told her about relatives who serve in the armed forces. For those who don't have military family members, Adams has taken the opportunity to not only help with academic questions, but also to educate her students about the Air Force and its mission.
"The boys will ask questions like, 'what kind of gun do you have?' or 'do you drive a tank?'" Adams said.
"They think of the Air Force and they think of planes, so I'm always asked if I'm a pilot," she said. "I tell the kids not everyone is a pilot and I talk to them about my job as an aircraft mechanic along with other careers in the Air Force."
Adams said her students also often ask about life in Southwest Asia. "They've asked about the country, what it looks like, and what they have here," she said. "I tell them there are malls, sports and music here just like at home. I sent a picture of me riding a camel and they were real excited about that."
Previously, Adams taught fifth-grade students. This year, she was assigned to a kindergarten class.
"Knowing I had to deploy, I didn't even tell them I was their teacher because I didn't want to worry them," she said. "They had more important things to think about than their teacher being gone for four months." However, she recently sent her new class a video of her reading a storybook to them.
"The school's principal asked me to interact with them while here because when I come home, they won't be new students anymore," she said. "I don't want them to wonder who I am when I walk in."
In the meantime, her former students and other students are enjoying the opportunity to communicate with her.
"We've learned a lot about Ms. Adams' job in the Air Force by talking to her on the blog," said Rueben, a fourth grade student. "I've learned that not everyone in the Air Force is a pilot and carries a gun."
"We love to keep in touch with Ms. Adams on the blog because we really miss her," said Ebony, another fourth grader. "Our entire school is proud of her defending our country, but we can't wait for her to come back home to teaching."
(Senior Airman David Dobrydney serves with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs.)
Catch up with the news from Baghdad
December 1st, 2009 History is being made every day in Baghdad's International Zone, where many of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Brigade is deployed. Wisconsin Army Guard journalists provide the inside scoop in the latest issue of In The Zone.
http://dma.wi.gov/dma/arng/zone/In_the_zone_November_2009.pdf
http://dma.wi.gov/dma/arng/zone/In_the_zone_November_2009.pdf
Belgians, Americans to Celebrate Anniversary of Landmark Victory
By Kevin Downey
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Sixty-five years after World War II's landmark Battle of the Bulge, U.S. and Belgian troops will again march side by side in Bastogne on Dec. 12 and 13. Veterans and servicemembers from both nations are scheduled to join thousands of well-wishers, including town officials, dignitaries and local residents, in commemorating the Allied forces' victory in the famous World War II battle.
"The traditional carnival-like atmosphere in Bastogne over the weekend celebrates the historic grit and determination of our two nations' veterans 65 years ago, and the solemn ceremony at the Mardasson Memorial overlooking the city honors the great sacrifices our countrymen have made," said U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Commander Col. James P. Drago. "The spirit of which our Benelux community shares with the citizens of Bastogne demonstrates the undying bond between our Allied nations."
The Battle of the Bulge, which lasted from Dec. 16, 1944, to Jan. 25, 1945, was the largest land battle involving American forces in World War II. More than a million Allied troops fought in the battle across the Ardennes, including about 500,000 Americans and 55,000 British. More than 19,000 U.S. troops were killed in action.
The schedule of events for Dec. 12 includes the 32nd Historical Walk, with marches of 8, 12, 16 or 23 kilometers starting in Bastogne, followed by a parade, commemorative ceremony and wreath laying at Gen. Patton's Monument and McAuliffe Square. Historical re-enactments will be held in the evening, along with a memorial ceremony honoring the more than 75,000 U.S. soldiers killed or wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.
On Dec. 13, there will be a paratrooper drop at the Mardasson Memorial at 11 a.m. local time.
(Kevin Downey works for U.S. Army Garrison Benelux public affairs.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Sixty-five years after World War II's landmark Battle of the Bulge, U.S. and Belgian troops will again march side by side in Bastogne on Dec. 12 and 13. Veterans and servicemembers from both nations are scheduled to join thousands of well-wishers, including town officials, dignitaries and local residents, in commemorating the Allied forces' victory in the famous World War II battle.
"The traditional carnival-like atmosphere in Bastogne over the weekend celebrates the historic grit and determination of our two nations' veterans 65 years ago, and the solemn ceremony at the Mardasson Memorial overlooking the city honors the great sacrifices our countrymen have made," said U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Commander Col. James P. Drago. "The spirit of which our Benelux community shares with the citizens of Bastogne demonstrates the undying bond between our Allied nations."
The Battle of the Bulge, which lasted from Dec. 16, 1944, to Jan. 25, 1945, was the largest land battle involving American forces in World War II. More than a million Allied troops fought in the battle across the Ardennes, including about 500,000 Americans and 55,000 British. More than 19,000 U.S. troops were killed in action.
The schedule of events for Dec. 12 includes the 32nd Historical Walk, with marches of 8, 12, 16 or 23 kilometers starting in Bastogne, followed by a parade, commemorative ceremony and wreath laying at Gen. Patton's Monument and McAuliffe Square. Historical re-enactments will be held in the evening, along with a memorial ceremony honoring the more than 75,000 U.S. soldiers killed or wounded during the Battle of the Bulge.
On Dec. 13, there will be a paratrooper drop at the Mardasson Memorial at 11 a.m. local time.
(Kevin Downey works for U.S. Army Garrison Benelux public affairs.)
Global Strike Command Assumes Ballistic Missile Mission
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 1, 2009 - Air Force Global Strike Command assumes the U.S. Air Force's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile mission today. The transfer of the mission is part of a phased approach, which began in August with the activation of the Global Strike Command, to unify all Air Force nuclear-capable assets under one command, officials said.
"We are well on our way to consolidating all of our Air Force assets in this critical mission area under a single command -- one that will serve as a single major command voice to maintain the high standards necessary for stewardship of our nation's most powerful weapons," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, commander of the Global Strike Command.
The new command gains three missile wings, one each at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.; and Minot Air Force Base, N.D., with the assumption of the entire 20th Air Force mission, including that organization's responsibility for all of the United States' 450 ICBMs.
The 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., as well as the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., also now come under the Command's responsibility. Previously, all of those units were part of Air Force Space Command.
"The creation of this new command reflects the Air Force's firm and unshakable conviction that nuclear deterrence and global strike operations are a special trust and responsibility — one that we take very seriously," Klotz said.
On Feb. 1, Global Strike Command also will gain 8th Air Force, based at Barksdale, and along with it, 8th Air Force's nuclear-capable bombers. At that time, the command also will acquire the B-52 Stratofortress wings at Barksdale and Minot, and the B-2 Spirit wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
The Air Force Global Strike Command was established in an effort to boost security and reduce errors.
In a 2007 incident, nuclear weapons were loaded aboard a B-52 bomber at Minot Air Force Base and flown to Barksdale before the mistake was discovered. In another incident, nuclear nose cones mistakenly were shipped to Taiwan. As a result, then-Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and then-Air force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley resigned. Another 15 officers, including six generals, were disciplined.
The new command is part of a roadmap to improving the Air Force's Stewardship of its nuclear program, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said during an October 2008 Pentagon media roundtable to introduce the plan.
"This is a critical milestone for us. It's a new starting point for reinvigoration of this enterprise," he said then. "The changes we make today will help us focus on this enterprise regardless of other changes in Air Force missions along the way, and regardless of how big or small the nuclear enterprise is."
Dec. 1, 2009 - Air Force Global Strike Command assumes the U.S. Air Force's Intercontinental Ballistic Missile mission today. The transfer of the mission is part of a phased approach, which began in August with the activation of the Global Strike Command, to unify all Air Force nuclear-capable assets under one command, officials said.
"We are well on our way to consolidating all of our Air Force assets in this critical mission area under a single command -- one that will serve as a single major command voice to maintain the high standards necessary for stewardship of our nation's most powerful weapons," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, commander of the Global Strike Command.
The new command gains three missile wings, one each at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo.; Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont.; and Minot Air Force Base, N.D., with the assumption of the entire 20th Air Force mission, including that organization's responsibility for all of the United States' 450 ICBMs.
The 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., as well as the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., also now come under the Command's responsibility. Previously, all of those units were part of Air Force Space Command.
"The creation of this new command reflects the Air Force's firm and unshakable conviction that nuclear deterrence and global strike operations are a special trust and responsibility — one that we take very seriously," Klotz said.
On Feb. 1, Global Strike Command also will gain 8th Air Force, based at Barksdale, and along with it, 8th Air Force's nuclear-capable bombers. At that time, the command also will acquire the B-52 Stratofortress wings at Barksdale and Minot, and the B-2 Spirit wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.
The Air Force Global Strike Command was established in an effort to boost security and reduce errors.
In a 2007 incident, nuclear weapons were loaded aboard a B-52 bomber at Minot Air Force Base and flown to Barksdale before the mistake was discovered. In another incident, nuclear nose cones mistakenly were shipped to Taiwan. As a result, then-Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne and then-Air force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley resigned. Another 15 officers, including six generals, were disciplined.
The new command is part of a roadmap to improving the Air Force's Stewardship of its nuclear program, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley said during an October 2008 Pentagon media roundtable to introduce the plan.
"This is a critical milestone for us. It's a new starting point for reinvigoration of this enterprise," he said then. "The changes we make today will help us focus on this enterprise regardless of other changes in Air Force missions along the way, and regardless of how big or small the nuclear enterprise is."
Department Observes World AIDS Day, Notes Contributions
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service
The Defense Department is commemorating World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day today with a broad range of activities with partner militaries aimed at education and prevention, and with progress toward developing the first-ever vaccine.
“Working Together,” the theme of this year’s worldwide commemoration, describes the role the department plays in the overall U.S. government effort, as well as how U.S. military members work hand in hand with other militaries around the world to address the disease, said Rick Shaffer, director of the Defense Department’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program.
Shaffer called recently announced progress an Army-sponsored program is making toward developing an HIV/AIDS vaccine one of the most exciting results of that collaboration.
The research began in 1995 when the Thai national army approached the United States to establish a world program to monitor HIV.
The fruit of that partnership, which includes the Thai Ministry of Public Health, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, the National Institutes of Health, Sanofi Pasteur and Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases, is an experimental vaccine that dramatically reduces the risk of infection with the HIV/AIDS virus.
“There’s been a tremendous amount of progress for a vaccine, and it’s been shown for the first time that it may be possible to prevent HIV/AIDS,” Shaffer said.
With an HIV/AIDS vaccine “still a number of years down the road,” the U.S. military supports the overall U.S. government HIV/AIDS program largely by helping partner militaries with their own prevention, care and treatment programs.
The Defense Department’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, based at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, serves as the department’s executive agent for the technical assistance, management and administrative support of the global HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment for foreign militaries.
The U.S. military has provided partner militaries support, technical assistance and resources for their own programs since 2001, Shaffer said. That effort expanded in 2003 with the launch of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, which State Department officials describe as the largest commitment any country has ever made to combat a single disease.
The Defense Department currently has HIV/AIDS prevention programs in 80 countries around the world.
Shaffer called these partnerships a way to enhance medical security cooperation – just as military exercises and exchanges promote other aspects of security. That’s important for overall security and stability, because the prevalence of AIDS weakens governments, militaries and economies and can hinder peacekeeping efforts.
“It’s been a real benefit for both the U.S. military, as well as the partner militaries, to be part of PEPFAR and have this mission,” Shaffer said.
Today, in recognition of World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the U.S. military is supporting a variety of activities around the world to increase awareness and promote prevention.
U.S. Africa Command sponsored a forum of health specialists, doctors and staff yesterday at its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, to discuss positive trends in combating HIV/AIDS.
Maj. Wes Palmer, a health specialist in Africom’s health division, reported improvements since 2008, with the most dramatic decline yet in new infections in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the United Nations and World Health Organization, the region’s annual HIV-related mortality dropped 18 percent since 2004, and Sub-Saharan Africa experienced a 25-percent decrease in new infections between 1995 and 2008.
Meanwhile, U.S. and partner militaries are coming together today through a variety of special activities to provide camaraderie and fun – as well as HIV/AIDS education, counseling and testing, Shaffer said.
In Kenya, counseling and testing is being offered during local soccer matches, beauty contests and body-building contests. In Liberia, a kickball and volleyball match is bringing together the host country’s military, U.S. Navy Seabees and other partners. In Uganda, the military, U.S Embassy, Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Agency for International Development are sponsoring a game show based on the American TV show “Jeopardy” that’s designed to increase HIV awareness and prevention.
If there’s a single lesson from the U.S. and global HIV/AIDS efforts, it’s the importance of comprehensive programs with established policies and priorities and top-level emphasis, Shaffer said. While optimistic about the collective progress the programs are making, he emphasized that it’s far too soon to claim victory over HIV/AIDS.
"The Department of Defense is proud to be an implementing partner in what has been a bold call for action abroad and an equally bold call for a new way of doing business here at home," he said. "We look forward to continuing to answer the call to come together in the common cause of turning the tide against the HIV/AIDS pandemic."
The Defense Department is commemorating World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day today with a broad range of activities with partner militaries aimed at education and prevention, and with progress toward developing the first-ever vaccine.
“Working Together,” the theme of this year’s worldwide commemoration, describes the role the department plays in the overall U.S. government effort, as well as how U.S. military members work hand in hand with other militaries around the world to address the disease, said Rick Shaffer, director of the Defense Department’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program.
Shaffer called recently announced progress an Army-sponsored program is making toward developing an HIV/AIDS vaccine one of the most exciting results of that collaboration.
The research began in 1995 when the Thai national army approached the United States to establish a world program to monitor HIV.
The fruit of that partnership, which includes the Thai Ministry of Public Health, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, the National Institutes of Health, Sanofi Pasteur and Global Solutions for Infectious Diseases, is an experimental vaccine that dramatically reduces the risk of infection with the HIV/AIDS virus.
“There’s been a tremendous amount of progress for a vaccine, and it’s been shown for the first time that it may be possible to prevent HIV/AIDS,” Shaffer said.
With an HIV/AIDS vaccine “still a number of years down the road,” the U.S. military supports the overall U.S. government HIV/AIDS program largely by helping partner militaries with their own prevention, care and treatment programs.
The Defense Department’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, based at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, serves as the department’s executive agent for the technical assistance, management and administrative support of the global HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment for foreign militaries.
The U.S. military has provided partner militaries support, technical assistance and resources for their own programs since 2001, Shaffer said. That effort expanded in 2003 with the launch of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, which State Department officials describe as the largest commitment any country has ever made to combat a single disease.
The Defense Department currently has HIV/AIDS prevention programs in 80 countries around the world.
Shaffer called these partnerships a way to enhance medical security cooperation – just as military exercises and exchanges promote other aspects of security. That’s important for overall security and stability, because the prevalence of AIDS weakens governments, militaries and economies and can hinder peacekeeping efforts.
“It’s been a real benefit for both the U.S. military, as well as the partner militaries, to be part of PEPFAR and have this mission,” Shaffer said.
Today, in recognition of World HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, the U.S. military is supporting a variety of activities around the world to increase awareness and promote prevention.
U.S. Africa Command sponsored a forum of health specialists, doctors and staff yesterday at its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, to discuss positive trends in combating HIV/AIDS.
Maj. Wes Palmer, a health specialist in Africom’s health division, reported improvements since 2008, with the most dramatic decline yet in new infections in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the United Nations and World Health Organization, the region’s annual HIV-related mortality dropped 18 percent since 2004, and Sub-Saharan Africa experienced a 25-percent decrease in new infections between 1995 and 2008.
Meanwhile, U.S. and partner militaries are coming together today through a variety of special activities to provide camaraderie and fun – as well as HIV/AIDS education, counseling and testing, Shaffer said.
In Kenya, counseling and testing is being offered during local soccer matches, beauty contests and body-building contests. In Liberia, a kickball and volleyball match is bringing together the host country’s military, U.S. Navy Seabees and other partners. In Uganda, the military, U.S Embassy, Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Agency for International Development are sponsoring a game show based on the American TV show “Jeopardy” that’s designed to increase HIV awareness and prevention.
If there’s a single lesson from the U.S. and global HIV/AIDS efforts, it’s the importance of comprehensive programs with established policies and priorities and top-level emphasis, Shaffer said. While optimistic about the collective progress the programs are making, he emphasized that it’s far too soon to claim victory over HIV/AIDS.
"The Department of Defense is proud to be an implementing partner in what has been a bold call for action abroad and an equally bold call for a new way of doing business here at home," he said. "We look forward to continuing to answer the call to come together in the common cause of turning the tide against the HIV/AIDS pandemic."
MILITARY CONTRACTS December 1, 2009
AIR FORCE
United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., was awarded a $1,722,906,899 contract which provides F117-PW-100 installation of engines, spare engines and associated data for the C-17 aircraft. A total of up to 208 engines may be acquired under this contract. At this time, no money has been obligated. 577 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-07-D-2073).
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $57,300,000 contract which provides non-personal services to support the operations and sustainment of Milstar and the Defense Satellite Communications System for the next eight months. At this time, $28,650,000 has been obligated. HQ MCSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-10-C-0002).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $39,500,000 contract which provides contractor sustainment for the AEHF satellite ground segment from Dec. 1, 2009, to Sep. 30, 2010. At this time, $39,500,000 has been obligated. MCSW/PKA, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0002, P00399).
The Boeing Co., Seattle, was awarded a $28,000,000 contract which provides for one Boeing 737 C-40B aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. AESS/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-10-C-6599).
United Launch Services, LLC, Centennial, Colo., was awarded a $16,024,713 contract which provides the final close out of the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV) III Delta II contract and transfer of required MLV III assets to a NASA contract. At this time, $16,024,713 has been obligated. LRS/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-93-C-0004, P00386).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, was awarded a $10,640,071 contract which provides an earned award fee based on the contractor's performance for engineering, manufacturing and development activities in support of the Global Hawk Program. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-4600, P00338).
GCC/Thomco, LLC, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and CCI Group, LLC, Shalimar, Fla., were each awarded a $10,000,000 contract which provides acquisition of base engineering requirements, maintenance, repair and minor construction efforts. At this time, no money has been obligated. 96 CONS/PKAC, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA2823-10-D-0001, FA2823-10-D-0002).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $24,306,180 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5103) to exercise an option for fiscal 2010 Aegis Platform Systems Engineering Agent activities and Aegis Modernization Advanced Capability Build engineering. The Platform Systems Engineering Agent manages the in-service combat systems configurations, as well as the integration of new or upgraded capability into the CG57 class of ships and the DDG 51 class of ships. Aegis Modernization will provide upgrades to Aegis cruisers and Aegis destroyers and will be applicable to all Aegis ships with a computer program that is backfit compatible to Baseline 2 cruisers. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Fort Wayne, Ind., is being awarded a $12,738,186 delivery order against a previously issued basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) for the procurement of 30 electronic modules for the Royal Australian Air Force AF/A-18F aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Fort Wayne and is expected to be completed in August 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Capps Shoe Co.*, Lynchburg, Va, is being awarded a maximum $5,652,220 firm-fixed-price, partial set-aside contract for men's dress shoes. Other location of performance is Gretna, Va. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. The original proposal was web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the third of four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Dec. 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (SPM1C1-07-D-0023).
Wolverine World Wide, Rockford, Mich., is being awarded a maximum $5,329,730 firm-fixed-price, partial set-aside contract for men's dress shoes. Other locations of performance are Jonesboro, Ariz.; Big Rapids, Mich.; and Cedar Springs, Mich. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. The original proposal was web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the third of four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Dec. 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (SPM1C1-07-D-0022).
United Technologies Corp., East Hartford, Conn., was awarded a $1,722,906,899 contract which provides F117-PW-100 installation of engines, spare engines and associated data for the C-17 aircraft. A total of up to 208 engines may be acquired under this contract. At this time, no money has been obligated. 577 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8626-07-D-2073).
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $57,300,000 contract which provides non-personal services to support the operations and sustainment of Milstar and the Defense Satellite Communications System for the next eight months. At this time, $28,650,000 has been obligated. HQ MCSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA8808-10-C-0002).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $39,500,000 contract which provides contractor sustainment for the AEHF satellite ground segment from Dec. 1, 2009, to Sep. 30, 2010. At this time, $39,500,000 has been obligated. MCSW/PKA, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0002, P00399).
The Boeing Co., Seattle, was awarded a $28,000,000 contract which provides for one Boeing 737 C-40B aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. AESS/SYKA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8625-10-C-6599).
United Launch Services, LLC, Centennial, Colo., was awarded a $16,024,713 contract which provides the final close out of the Medium Launch Vehicle (MLV) III Delta II contract and transfer of required MLV III assets to a NASA contract. At this time, $16,024,713 has been obligated. LRS/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-93-C-0004, P00386).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, was awarded a $10,640,071 contract which provides an earned award fee based on the contractor's performance for engineering, manufacturing and development activities in support of the Global Hawk Program. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F33657-01-C-4600, P00338).
GCC/Thomco, LLC, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., and CCI Group, LLC, Shalimar, Fla., were each awarded a $10,000,000 contract which provides acquisition of base engineering requirements, maintenance, repair and minor construction efforts. At this time, no money has been obligated. 96 CONS/PKAC, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA2823-10-D-0001, FA2823-10-D-0002).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin, Maritime Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $24,306,180 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5103) to exercise an option for fiscal 2010 Aegis Platform Systems Engineering Agent activities and Aegis Modernization Advanced Capability Build engineering. The Platform Systems Engineering Agent manages the in-service combat systems configurations, as well as the integration of new or upgraded capability into the CG57 class of ships and the DDG 51 class of ships. Aegis Modernization will provide upgrades to Aegis cruisers and Aegis destroyers and will be applicable to all Aegis ships with a computer program that is backfit compatible to Baseline 2 cruisers. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Fort Wayne, Ind., is being awarded a $12,738,186 delivery order against a previously issued basic order agreement (N00019-05-G-0008) for the procurement of 30 electronic modules for the Royal Australian Air Force AF/A-18F aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Fort Wayne and is expected to be completed in August 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Capps Shoe Co.*, Lynchburg, Va, is being awarded a maximum $5,652,220 firm-fixed-price, partial set-aside contract for men's dress shoes. Other location of performance is Gretna, Va. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. The original proposal was web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the third of four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Dec. 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (SPM1C1-07-D-0023).
Wolverine World Wide, Rockford, Mich., is being awarded a maximum $5,329,730 firm-fixed-price, partial set-aside contract for men's dress shoes. Other locations of performance are Jonesboro, Ariz.; Big Rapids, Mich.; and Cedar Springs, Mich. Using services are Army and Marine Corps. The original proposal was web solicited with four responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the third of four one-year option periods. The date of performance completion is Dec. 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (SPM1C1-07-D-0022).
DoD Remains Strong Partners in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
On this international World AIDS Day, the Military Health System joins the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in honoring the millions of people around the world who have been impacted by the AIDS epidemic while recognizing the significant strides that have been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS over the last 25 years. Launched in 2003 to combat global HIV/AIDS, PEPFAR is the largest commitment by any nation to combat a single disease in history.
"The Department of Defense is proud to be an implementing partner in what has been a bold call for action abroad and an equally bold call for a new way of doing business here at home," said Richard Shaffer, Ph.D., director for the DoD HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP). "We look forward to continuing to answer the call to come together in the common cause of turning the tide against the HIV/AIDS pandemic."
DHAPP, based at the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) in San Diego, Calif., is the DoD Executive Agent for the technical assistance, management, and administrative support of the global HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment for foreign militaries. DHAPP administers funding, directly conducts training, and provides technical assistance for focus countries and other bilateral countries. DHAPP oversees the contributions to PEPFAR of a variety of DoD organizations, which fall under the various regional military commands, as well as specialized DoD institutions whose primary mission falls within the continental United States.
DoD currently has HIV/AIDS prevention programs in eighty countries, where World AIDS Day celebrations and activities will take place. In Kenya, counseling and testing will be offered during local soccer matches, beauty contests and body building contests. In Liberia, a Kickball and Volley ball match will be held between the country military, SEA BEES (US Navy) and Implementing Partners. In Uganda, in collaboration with the CDC, USAID, the Embassy and other local partners, a game show based on the American TV show Jeopardy will take place to increase HIV awareness and prevention
For more information on DHAPP, please visit www.health.mil/profiles.
For more information on PEPFAR, please visit www.pepfar.gov.
About the MHS
America's Military Health System is a unique partnership of medical educators, medical researchers, and health care providers and their support personnel worldwide. This DoD enterprise consists of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs; the medical departments of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Combatant Command surgeons; and TRICARE providers (including private sector health care providers, hospitals and pharmacies).
"The Department of Defense is proud to be an implementing partner in what has been a bold call for action abroad and an equally bold call for a new way of doing business here at home," said Richard Shaffer, Ph.D., director for the DoD HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP). "We look forward to continuing to answer the call to come together in the common cause of turning the tide against the HIV/AIDS pandemic."
DHAPP, based at the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) in San Diego, Calif., is the DoD Executive Agent for the technical assistance, management, and administrative support of the global HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment for foreign militaries. DHAPP administers funding, directly conducts training, and provides technical assistance for focus countries and other bilateral countries. DHAPP oversees the contributions to PEPFAR of a variety of DoD organizations, which fall under the various regional military commands, as well as specialized DoD institutions whose primary mission falls within the continental United States.
DoD currently has HIV/AIDS prevention programs in eighty countries, where World AIDS Day celebrations and activities will take place. In Kenya, counseling and testing will be offered during local soccer matches, beauty contests and body building contests. In Liberia, a Kickball and Volley ball match will be held between the country military, SEA BEES (US Navy) and Implementing Partners. In Uganda, in collaboration with the CDC, USAID, the Embassy and other local partners, a game show based on the American TV show Jeopardy will take place to increase HIV awareness and prevention
For more information on DHAPP, please visit www.health.mil/profiles.
For more information on PEPFAR, please visit www.pepfar.gov.
About the MHS
America's Military Health System is a unique partnership of medical educators, medical researchers, and health care providers and their support personnel worldwide. This DoD enterprise consists of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs; the medical departments of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Joint Chiefs of Staff; the Combatant Command surgeons; and TRICARE providers (including private sector health care providers, hospitals and pharmacies).
Bryan Anderson: Triumph Over Adversity
By Jessica Klem Health.mil
Former Army sergeant and triple amputee Bryan Anderson offered a message of perseverance and courage at a recent event held in McLean, Va.. Anderson, who received the Purple Heart for his injuries suffered during a deployment to Iraq, urged those in the audience to “experience life and have fun – you only live once.”
Enlisting in the Army in 2001, Anderson was first assigned as a prison guard at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. His first deployment to Iraq came in 2003. He says he landed in Iraq and found women and children in front of their mud huts, cheering the U.S. troops’ arrival.
“Once we saw that, we said ‘we need to help these people,’” Anderson said. “No one bitched about the sand and heat anymore.”
Upon arriving home after that first deployment, Anderson told family and friends about the excitement and camaraderie he enjoyed in Iraq. Four months later, the letter came in the mail: Anderson was to redeploy to Iraq in another four months.
“Then I started paying attention to the news, to how Iraq [had changed],” he said. “I didn’t think it could be any worse than the actual invasion.”
He deployed to Iraq for a second time in January 2005. On his way to the base after arrival, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in the road nearby his truck.
Anderson had seen a few IEDs in 2003, but he said those were made out of soda cans – these IEDs were bigger, harder to spot and were capable of doing much more damage. During his second deployment, Anderson says he saw about 60 IEDs explode daily in just the six-mile radius he patrolled as a sergeant in the Military Police.
“We joked about the IEDs just to stay sane,” he said.
On Oct. 23, 2005, Anderson set out with his unit at 11 a.m. to visit an Iraqi police station but they never made it there. While driving the last Humvee in the convoy, Anderson was lighting a cigarette when he saw a flash of light and black smoke engulf the vehicle.
Anderson knew what was happening, that an IED had exploded and that he needed to get out of the Humvee immediately. But he couldn’t move. He remembers his friends pulling him out of the truck and laying him on the sidewalk.
“I was just trying to get to my gun – we were being attacked,” he said.
It was then that he realized his friends acting strangely, so he started assessing himself – he was missing his left hand and a fingertip on his right hand was gone. His friends tried to stop him before he looked down. Both his legs were gone. “I asked my buddy if I would ever be with a woman again, and we all laughed – we sat there for 12 minutes joking around until the helicopter came.”
Seven days later, Anderson woke up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington with his whole family there to support him.
“The accident hurt [my twin brother] Bob more than it hurt me,” he said. “It hurt to see my family suffering.”
Anderson ultimately spent 13 months at WRAMC in surgeries and physical therapy, where he says he received excellent care.
But four months into rehabilitation, Anderson hit a dark place. “I realized I’m half a person,” he said. “I couldn’t sleep, I was having panic and anxiety attacks. I didn’t want to be alone, but I didn’t want to see anyone, either. But after a while, I just realized I couldn’t live like this.”
Realizing he needed a “real life” away from both the Army and rehab, Anderson went to Las Vegas. He tried to not think about his legs or what had happened – he just had fun. He quickly realized this was his new life goal – to just have fun. He began rock climbing, snowboarding, wake boarding and white water rafting. Nothing about his new body would stop him from fun activities. Anderson has prosthetic legs that enable him to walk but still spends most of his time in his wheelchair.
As Anderson is one of only a few triple amputees from Iraq and Afghanistan, he has learned a valuable lesson with his new life.
“You never know when or how an opportunity will come up,” he said. “People are scared of new things or changes, but that’s what I’m about. Life can take you in so many different ways. Get out there, experience life and have fun – you only live once.”
Bryan Anderson is the national spokesman for Quantum Rehab, the maker of Anderson’s powered wheelchairs and other assistive devices, and a spokesman for USA Cares, a nonprofit organization that provides military families with financial and advocacy support in their time of need. He appeared in the HBO documentary “Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq.”
For more information on Anderson, visit his Web site at www.andersonactive.com.
Former Army sergeant and triple amputee Bryan Anderson offered a message of perseverance and courage at a recent event held in McLean, Va.. Anderson, who received the Purple Heart for his injuries suffered during a deployment to Iraq, urged those in the audience to “experience life and have fun – you only live once.”
Enlisting in the Army in 2001, Anderson was first assigned as a prison guard at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. His first deployment to Iraq came in 2003. He says he landed in Iraq and found women and children in front of their mud huts, cheering the U.S. troops’ arrival.
“Once we saw that, we said ‘we need to help these people,’” Anderson said. “No one bitched about the sand and heat anymore.”
Upon arriving home after that first deployment, Anderson told family and friends about the excitement and camaraderie he enjoyed in Iraq. Four months later, the letter came in the mail: Anderson was to redeploy to Iraq in another four months.
“Then I started paying attention to the news, to how Iraq [had changed],” he said. “I didn’t think it could be any worse than the actual invasion.”
He deployed to Iraq for a second time in January 2005. On his way to the base after arrival, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in the road nearby his truck.
Anderson had seen a few IEDs in 2003, but he said those were made out of soda cans – these IEDs were bigger, harder to spot and were capable of doing much more damage. During his second deployment, Anderson says he saw about 60 IEDs explode daily in just the six-mile radius he patrolled as a sergeant in the Military Police.
“We joked about the IEDs just to stay sane,” he said.
On Oct. 23, 2005, Anderson set out with his unit at 11 a.m. to visit an Iraqi police station but they never made it there. While driving the last Humvee in the convoy, Anderson was lighting a cigarette when he saw a flash of light and black smoke engulf the vehicle.
Anderson knew what was happening, that an IED had exploded and that he needed to get out of the Humvee immediately. But he couldn’t move. He remembers his friends pulling him out of the truck and laying him on the sidewalk.
“I was just trying to get to my gun – we were being attacked,” he said.
It was then that he realized his friends acting strangely, so he started assessing himself – he was missing his left hand and a fingertip on his right hand was gone. His friends tried to stop him before he looked down. Both his legs were gone. “I asked my buddy if I would ever be with a woman again, and we all laughed – we sat there for 12 minutes joking around until the helicopter came.”
Seven days later, Anderson woke up at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington with his whole family there to support him.
“The accident hurt [my twin brother] Bob more than it hurt me,” he said. “It hurt to see my family suffering.”
Anderson ultimately spent 13 months at WRAMC in surgeries and physical therapy, where he says he received excellent care.
But four months into rehabilitation, Anderson hit a dark place. “I realized I’m half a person,” he said. “I couldn’t sleep, I was having panic and anxiety attacks. I didn’t want to be alone, but I didn’t want to see anyone, either. But after a while, I just realized I couldn’t live like this.”
Realizing he needed a “real life” away from both the Army and rehab, Anderson went to Las Vegas. He tried to not think about his legs or what had happened – he just had fun. He quickly realized this was his new life goal – to just have fun. He began rock climbing, snowboarding, wake boarding and white water rafting. Nothing about his new body would stop him from fun activities. Anderson has prosthetic legs that enable him to walk but still spends most of his time in his wheelchair.
As Anderson is one of only a few triple amputees from Iraq and Afghanistan, he has learned a valuable lesson with his new life.
“You never know when or how an opportunity will come up,” he said. “People are scared of new things or changes, but that’s what I’m about. Life can take you in so many different ways. Get out there, experience life and have fun – you only live once.”
Bryan Anderson is the national spokesman for Quantum Rehab, the maker of Anderson’s powered wheelchairs and other assistive devices, and a spokesman for USA Cares, a nonprofit organization that provides military families with financial and advocacy support in their time of need. He appeared in the HBO documentary “Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq.”
For more information on Anderson, visit his Web site at www.andersonactive.com.
Choices Let Guard, Reserve Members Transition with TRICARE
The activation and deactivation cycle of National Guard and Reserve members can be a challenging process for service members and their families. TRICARE now offers many options for recently deactivated guardsmen, reservists and their families to maintain their health during the transition from active duty back to civilian life.
After serving in contingency operations for more than 30 days, deactivated guardsmen, reservists and their family members are eligible to receive care through the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) for 180 days after deactivation. TAMP participants can choose TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Prime if it is locally available. Under TAMP, TRICARE Prime requires re-enrollment for sponsors and family members, but there are no fees associated with enrollment.
During TAMP, if a guardsman or reservist has a newly diagnosed medical condition that can be resolved within 180 days of diagnosis and the condition is service-related, he or she may apply for Transitional Care for Service-Related Conditions (TCSRC). To treat the condition TCSRC extends transitional coverage for up to 180 additional days from the date of diagnosis. For more information go to http://www.tricare.mil/tcsrc.
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) was created to support reservists and guardsmen and their families while they’re not on active duty. TRS is premium-based coverage qualified National guard and Reserve members may purchase at any time. For 2009 premiums are $47.51 per month for individual coverage and $180.17 per month for member-and-family coverage, and rates are adjusted annually. Participants can get care from any TRICARE-authorized provider and in military treatment facilities on a space-available basis. TRS participants must meet a deductible based on the sponsor’s pay grade before cost-sharing of services begins.
To qualify for TRS, a guardsman or reservist must be a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and not eligible for, or covered by, the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. Coverage cannot overlap with other TRICARE programs such as TAMP.
TRS coverage automatically ends when a Guardsman or Reservist is activated. Once deactivated, sponsors can purchase TRS again if they still qualify. For more information on TRS, go to http://www.tricare.mil/trs. Reservists and guardsmen can qualify for and purchase TRS coverage online at the Guard and Reserve Web Portal at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/trs/index.jsp.
The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) is another health care option for qualified National Guard and Reserve members. Guardsmen and reservists not eligible for TRICARE can get more information about CHCBP at http://www.tricare.mil/chcbp.
While covered under TRS, TAMP or CHCBP, Reserve and National Guard members and their families have TRICARE prescription drug coverage. They may also purchase dental care coverage through the TRICARE Dental Program at any time.
Learn more about TRICARE options through the activation and deactivation cycle online at the TRICARE beneficiary portal at http://tricare.mil/mybenefit.
About TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System
TRICARE Management Activity, the Defense Department activity that administers the health care plan for the uniformed services, retirees and their families, serves more than 9.5 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide in the Military Health System (MHS). The mission of the MHS is to enhance Department of Defense and national security by providing health support for the full range of military operations. The MHS provides quality medical care through a network of providers, military treatment facilities, medical clinics and dental clinics worldwide. For more about the MHS go to www.health.mil.
After serving in contingency operations for more than 30 days, deactivated guardsmen, reservists and their family members are eligible to receive care through the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) for 180 days after deactivation. TAMP participants can choose TRICARE Standard or TRICARE Prime if it is locally available. Under TAMP, TRICARE Prime requires re-enrollment for sponsors and family members, but there are no fees associated with enrollment.
During TAMP, if a guardsman or reservist has a newly diagnosed medical condition that can be resolved within 180 days of diagnosis and the condition is service-related, he or she may apply for Transitional Care for Service-Related Conditions (TCSRC). To treat the condition TCSRC extends transitional coverage for up to 180 additional days from the date of diagnosis. For more information go to http://www.tricare.mil/tcsrc.
TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) was created to support reservists and guardsmen and their families while they’re not on active duty. TRS is premium-based coverage qualified National guard and Reserve members may purchase at any time. For 2009 premiums are $47.51 per month for individual coverage and $180.17 per month for member-and-family coverage, and rates are adjusted annually. Participants can get care from any TRICARE-authorized provider and in military treatment facilities on a space-available basis. TRS participants must meet a deductible based on the sponsor’s pay grade before cost-sharing of services begins.
To qualify for TRS, a guardsman or reservist must be a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve and not eligible for, or covered by, the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. Coverage cannot overlap with other TRICARE programs such as TAMP.
TRS coverage automatically ends when a Guardsman or Reservist is activated. Once deactivated, sponsors can purchase TRS again if they still qualify. For more information on TRS, go to http://www.tricare.mil/trs. Reservists and guardsmen can qualify for and purchase TRS coverage online at the Guard and Reserve Web Portal at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/trs/index.jsp.
The Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) is another health care option for qualified National Guard and Reserve members. Guardsmen and reservists not eligible for TRICARE can get more information about CHCBP at http://www.tricare.mil/chcbp.
While covered under TRS, TAMP or CHCBP, Reserve and National Guard members and their families have TRICARE prescription drug coverage. They may also purchase dental care coverage through the TRICARE Dental Program at any time.
Learn more about TRICARE options through the activation and deactivation cycle online at the TRICARE beneficiary portal at http://tricare.mil/mybenefit.
About TRICARE Management Activity and the Military Health System
TRICARE Management Activity, the Defense Department activity that administers the health care plan for the uniformed services, retirees and their families, serves more than 9.5 million eligible beneficiaries worldwide in the Military Health System (MHS). The mission of the MHS is to enhance Department of Defense and national security by providing health support for the full range of military operations. The MHS provides quality medical care through a network of providers, military treatment facilities, medical clinics and dental clinics worldwide. For more about the MHS go to www.health.mil.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Executives Honor Soldier Working for Wounded Care
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - A young Army captain wounded in Iraq and now working to improve conditions for other wounded servicemembers will be honored by the Business Executives for National Service tonight in New York. Capt. D.J. Skelton will receive a special recognition from the group during their annual black-tie Eisenhower Award dinner. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is the recipient of this year's Eisenhower Award.
Skelton, from Elk Point, S.D., was grievously wounded when he was hit in the chest by a rocket-propelled grenade in Fallujah in November 2004. Today, he works in the Office of Warrior and Family Support for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The young captain was a Chinese language specialist as an enlisted soldier, then attended West Point where he graduated in 2003. He was an infantry officer in the 5th Infantry's 1st Battalion, based at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Skelton lost his left eye and is still undergoing operations, but he works a full day and then some to ensure wounded servicemembers get the care they need.
His own experiences inform his work. "I was in Walter Reed for five months and went through a number of operations," he said during an interview. "Then, I left to go back to Fort Lewis for my review board."
His unit was still deployed and he went back to Lewis to help the rear detachment cope. Skelton had grown up rock climbing and doing all sorts of outdoor activities. He reconnected with outdoor organizations at Lewis and rehabilitated his arms and legs.
"Between May and August [2005] I had learned how to walk, learned how to jog, ran a marathon, rock-climbed, climbed Mount Rainier with one arm and did all this fun stuff, and didn't really want to hear the Army say, Thanks, but now you're broken and we don't need you anymore," he said.
Skelton stayed in the service and was assigned to Fort Greeley, Alaska, as part of the Ballistic Missile Defense project. "I was the operations officer and those people really helped me," he said. "I also did a lot of thinking about the gaps in the system that really bothered me."
The process for those wounded is incredibly complicated and has many moving parts, Skelton said. DoD, VA, Congress, local organizations all have roles to play. "I was trying to take all these real-life experiences and apply them," he said.
He started firing e-mails to department leaders. "To make a long story short, [Defense] Secretary [Donald H.] Rumsfeld contacted my boss at Fort Greeley and said tell Lieutenant Skelton to stop -- he's coming to the Pentagon," the captain said.
Skelton reported to Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England and advised his office on how to address the challenges posed by those severely wounded. "It put pressure on the services to provide for the needs of these people," he said. "There were a lot of growing pains."
The captain served for two years before reporting to the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, Calif., as a company commander.
Then Skelton got the call to report to the chairman's office at his current job. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen has made warrior and family care his highest priority after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Admiral Mullen says our most valued weapon system isn't even a weapon system, but our people," he said.
The captain is working on the continuum of care from the battlefields to military hospitals to the Veterans Administration, and communities. "There has to be a better way to do this," he said. He believes Americans have a sea of goodwill toward servicemembers and there has to be a way to tap into it.
Skelton also is working to connect with the families of those killed.
The Business Executives for National Security chose to honor Skelton, but he is accepting the recognition for all those striving to make the system work. "This is new for us," he said. "We're inventing better and more humane ways of doing this and we need to. We owe these men and women."
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - A young Army captain wounded in Iraq and now working to improve conditions for other wounded servicemembers will be honored by the Business Executives for National Service tonight in New York. Capt. D.J. Skelton will receive a special recognition from the group during their annual black-tie Eisenhower Award dinner. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is the recipient of this year's Eisenhower Award.
Skelton, from Elk Point, S.D., was grievously wounded when he was hit in the chest by a rocket-propelled grenade in Fallujah in November 2004. Today, he works in the Office of Warrior and Family Support for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The young captain was a Chinese language specialist as an enlisted soldier, then attended West Point where he graduated in 2003. He was an infantry officer in the 5th Infantry's 1st Battalion, based at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Skelton lost his left eye and is still undergoing operations, but he works a full day and then some to ensure wounded servicemembers get the care they need.
His own experiences inform his work. "I was in Walter Reed for five months and went through a number of operations," he said during an interview. "Then, I left to go back to Fort Lewis for my review board."
His unit was still deployed and he went back to Lewis to help the rear detachment cope. Skelton had grown up rock climbing and doing all sorts of outdoor activities. He reconnected with outdoor organizations at Lewis and rehabilitated his arms and legs.
"Between May and August [2005] I had learned how to walk, learned how to jog, ran a marathon, rock-climbed, climbed Mount Rainier with one arm and did all this fun stuff, and didn't really want to hear the Army say, Thanks, but now you're broken and we don't need you anymore," he said.
Skelton stayed in the service and was assigned to Fort Greeley, Alaska, as part of the Ballistic Missile Defense project. "I was the operations officer and those people really helped me," he said. "I also did a lot of thinking about the gaps in the system that really bothered me."
The process for those wounded is incredibly complicated and has many moving parts, Skelton said. DoD, VA, Congress, local organizations all have roles to play. "I was trying to take all these real-life experiences and apply them," he said.
He started firing e-mails to department leaders. "To make a long story short, [Defense] Secretary [Donald H.] Rumsfeld contacted my boss at Fort Greeley and said tell Lieutenant Skelton to stop -- he's coming to the Pentagon," the captain said.
Skelton reported to Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England and advised his office on how to address the challenges posed by those severely wounded. "It put pressure on the services to provide for the needs of these people," he said. "There were a lot of growing pains."
The captain served for two years before reporting to the Defense Language Institute in Monterrey, Calif., as a company commander.
Then Skelton got the call to report to the chairman's office at his current job. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen has made warrior and family care his highest priority after the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "Admiral Mullen says our most valued weapon system isn't even a weapon system, but our people," he said.
The captain is working on the continuum of care from the battlefields to military hospitals to the Veterans Administration, and communities. "There has to be a better way to do this," he said. He believes Americans have a sea of goodwill toward servicemembers and there has to be a way to tap into it.
Skelton also is working to connect with the families of those killed.
The Business Executives for National Security chose to honor Skelton, but he is accepting the recognition for all those striving to make the system work. "This is new for us," he said. "We're inventing better and more humane ways of doing this and we need to. We owe these men and women."
MILITARY CONTRACTS November 30, 2009
NAVY
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $386,046,463 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0086) for the procurement of 22 EA-18G Lot 33 Full Rate Production (FRP) airborne electronic attack (AEA) kits, 22 EA-18G Lot 34 FRP AEA kits, and the associated non-recurring engineering. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (46.5 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (22.7 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (13.5 percent); Melbourne, Fla. (5.5 percent); Fort Wayne, Ind. (3.7 percent); Thousand Oaks, Calif. (3.7 percent); Wallingford, Conn. (2.6 percent); Nashua, N.H. (1.1 percent); and Westminster, Colo. (.7 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Advanced Technology Construction Corporation*, Renton, Wash. (N44255-10-D-5003); LCC-CJW Joint Venture*, Homedale, Idaho (N44255-10-D-5004); San Juan Construction, Inc.*, Montrose, Colo. (N44255-10-D-5005); Vet Industrial, Inc.*, Bremerton, Wash. (N44255-10-D-5006); Veterans Northwest Construction LLC*, Seattle, Wash. (N44255-10-D-5007); and Washington Patriot Construction LLC*, Gig Harbor, Wash. (N44255-10-D-5008), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award design-build construction contract for construction projects located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest area of responsibility. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all six contracts combined is $200,000,000. The work to be performed provides for, but is not limited to, new construction, renovation, alteration, demolition and repair work by design-build or by design-bid-build of commercial and institutional facilities, administrative and industrial facilities, housing facilities, child care centers, lodges, recreational/fitness centers, retail complexes, warehouses, offices, community centers, medical facilities, operational airfield facilities, hangars, armories, fire stations, auditoriums, religious facilities and manufacturing facilities. Veterans Northwest Construction is being awarded task order 0001 at $9,175,000 for the design and construction of a new child development center at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by June 2011. All work on this contract will be performed primarily within the NAVFAC Northwest AOR which includes Wash. (92 percent), Ore. (2 percent), Alaska (2 percent), Idaho (1 percent), Mont. (1 percent), and Wyo. (1 percent). Work may also be performed in the remainder of the U.S. (1 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of Nov. 2014. Contract funds for task order 0001 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 15 proposals received. These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity.
Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $61,038,188 fixed-price delivery order #0059 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-D-5028). This delivery order is issued against exercised priced options for the purchase of 155 logistic vehicle system replacement production cargo vehicles. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is being awarded a $54,206,356 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-C-2052) to purchase 24 Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan (10 Capability Set (CapSet) III's, 10 CapSet IV's and 4 CapSet II's) Combat Operations Center replacement systems, additional generators, trainers, and engineers. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $52,282,576 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0100) to exercise an option for aircraft depot repairs and aircraft engine depot repairs, consumables and line replaceable unit supply support for the Navy C-9 aircraft. Work will be performed in Everett, Wash. (35 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (25 percent); Oceana, Va., (10 percent); Willow Grove, Pa. (10 percent); Whidbey Island, Wash. (10 percent); and Cherry Point, N.C. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 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.
American Securities Programs, Inc.*, Dulles, Va., is being awarded a $25,298,393 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N69450-07-D-1261) to exercise option 3 for regional security services at Commander Naval Region Southeast, Jacksonville; Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The work to be performed provides for, but is not limited to, entry control point (ECP) services such as identification checks, fixed vehicle inspections, commercial vehicle inspections, and emergency ECP closures; and roving guard services. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $85,337,789. Work will be performed in the Southeast region at the following installations: Naval Support Activity Orlando, Orlando, Fla.; Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Gulfport, Miss.; Naval Air Station Meridian, Meridian, Miss.; Naval Weapons Station Charleston, Charleston, S.C.; Naval Support Activity Athens, Athens, Ga.; Naval Support Activity Panama City, Panama City, Fla.; Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla.; Naval Air Station Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas; and Naval Hospital Charleston, Charleston, S.C. The work is expected to be completed by Nov. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $22,620,960 firm-fixed-price contract to provide maintenance services in support of the MV-22 and CV-22 AE1107C engines. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $21,330,144 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($12,384,221; 54.7 percent) and the U.S. Air Force ($10,236,739; 45.3 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0020).
Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $19,078,537 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0008) for AIM-9X Sidewinder (Block II) missile obsolescence and engineering technical support for the Navy and Air Force. Efforts to be provided include missile obsolescence tasks, engineering technical support and software development. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (90 percent); Eglin, Fla. (5 percent); and China Lake, Calif.(5 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Air Force ($11,404,293; 59.8 percent) and the U.S. Navy ($7,674,244; 40.2 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
BREMCOR (a joint venture), Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $16,562,810 modification under a firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62470-06-D-4611) to exercise Option 3 for base operation support services at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The work to be performed under the option provides for, but is not limited to, scheduled maintenance of base facilities, environmental, transportation and fire alarm systems. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $62,205,141. Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and this option period is expected to be completed by Nov. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $15,751,790 fixed-price delivery order #0058 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-D-5028). This delivery order is issued against exercised priced options for the purchase of 40 logistic vehicle system replacement production cargo vehicles. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Virtexco Corporation, Norfolk, Va. 23502, is being awarded $13,864,000 for firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-09-D-5033) for modernization of a central heating, ventilation and air conditioning plant at Naval Support Activity Norfolk. The work to be performed provides for renovations and upgrades to the existing building systems in Building SC-1 and provides new distribution piping from the chilled water plant and hot water plant to Buildings SC-4 and SC-400. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2012. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Eight proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Corporate Electronics Systems, Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded an $11,987,051 ceiling priced definite-delivery contract for procurement of component parts for support of repair of Department of Navy large aircraft cnfrared counter measure systems, AN/AAQ-24 (V) 25 supporting H-46 and H-53 helicopters. Work will be in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and work is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPAPA-09-G-004Z-GB01).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $9,370,636 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014) to incorporate engineering change proposals 6251 and 6251R1 to convert 22 Lot 33 F/A-18F aircraft to E/A-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (62 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (36 percent); and Mesa, Ariz. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2011. 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.
Mohr & Associates, Richland, Wash., is being awarded a $7,422,650 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the manufacture of time domain reflectometer cable testers to support the general purpose electronic test equipment weapons system. Work will be performed in Richland, Wash., and work is expected to be completed by November 2014. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded procured, with 12 proposals solicited and two offers received. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-10-D-D001).
Raytheon Network Centric Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $6,764,358 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5203) for the fabrication, assembly, and testing of AN/USG-3B Airborne Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Systems. CEC is a sensor netting system that significantly improves battle force anti-air warfare capability by extracting and distributing sensor-derived information such that the superset of this data is available to all participating CEC units. CEC improves battle force effectiveness by improving overall situational awareness and by enabling longer range, cooperative, multiple, or layered engagement strategies. The AN/USG-3B Airborne systems will be deployed on E2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (80 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (19 percent), and Dallas, Texas (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamic Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded $5,979,191 for task order #0041 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9014) to provide on-going programmatic, technical, managerial, and logistics support for PG-11, Marine Air Ground Task Force Command and Control (MAGTF C2) Weapons and Sensors Development and Integration (MC2I) Program Manager Radar Systems principal programs and emerging requirements. Efforts associated with the currently fielded systems. AN/TPS-59, AN/TPQ-46 Firefinder, AN/TPQ-48 Light-weight Counter Mortar Radar, Radar Environmental Simulator (RES) I and II and the AN/UPX-37, will focus on product improvement, sustainment and assessments of solutions mitigating obsolescence issues. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and work is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Allied Tube and Conduit, Harvey, Ill. is being awarded a maximum $11,100,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for barbed tape, concertina wire. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8E6-10-D-0001).
Hutchinson Industries, Inc., Trenton, N.J. is being awarded a maximum $10,788,655 firm fixed price, sole source contract for pneumatic tire, wheels. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is November 15, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich. (SPRDL1-10-C-0027).
Golden Manufacturing Company, Inc., Golden, Miss.* is being awarded a maximum $8,133,585 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, total set aside contract for navy task force working/utility uniforms. Other locations of performance include Marietta and Taylorsville, Mississippi. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was Web solicited with 17 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is December 3, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1030).
Armorworks Enterprises, LLC., Chandler, Ariz.,* is being awarded a maximum $21,636,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, partial set aside contract for enhanced small arms protective inserts. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There are no other locations of performance. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising second option year period. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1023).
BAE Systems Aerospace & Defense Group Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., is being awarded a maximum $20,340,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery partial set aside contract for enhanced small arms protective inserts. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There are no other locations of performance. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising second option year period. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1024).
Cobra Systems, Inc., Bloomington, N.Y.,* is being awarded a maximum $12,172,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for concertina wire. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There are no other locations of performance. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8E6-10-D-0002)
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $386,046,463 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0086) for the procurement of 22 EA-18G Lot 33 Full Rate Production (FRP) airborne electronic attack (AEA) kits, 22 EA-18G Lot 34 FRP AEA kits, and the associated non-recurring engineering. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Md. (46.5 percent); Bethpage, N.Y. (22.7 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (13.5 percent); Melbourne, Fla. (5.5 percent); Fort Wayne, Ind. (3.7 percent); Thousand Oaks, Calif. (3.7 percent); Wallingford, Conn. (2.6 percent); Nashua, N.H. (1.1 percent); and Westminster, Colo. (.7 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
Advanced Technology Construction Corporation*, Renton, Wash. (N44255-10-D-5003); LCC-CJW Joint Venture*, Homedale, Idaho (N44255-10-D-5004); San Juan Construction, Inc.*, Montrose, Colo. (N44255-10-D-5005); Vet Industrial, Inc.*, Bremerton, Wash. (N44255-10-D-5006); Veterans Northwest Construction LLC*, Seattle, Wash. (N44255-10-D-5007); and Washington Patriot Construction LLC*, Gig Harbor, Wash. (N44255-10-D-5008), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award design-build construction contract for construction projects located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest area of responsibility. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, for all six contracts combined is $200,000,000. The work to be performed provides for, but is not limited to, new construction, renovation, alteration, demolition and repair work by design-build or by design-bid-build of commercial and institutional facilities, administrative and industrial facilities, housing facilities, child care centers, lodges, recreational/fitness centers, retail complexes, warehouses, offices, community centers, medical facilities, operational airfield facilities, hangars, armories, fire stations, auditoriums, religious facilities and manufacturing facilities. Veterans Northwest Construction is being awarded task order 0001 at $9,175,000 for the design and construction of a new child development center at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Wash. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by June 2011. All work on this contract will be performed primarily within the NAVFAC Northwest AOR which includes Wash. (92 percent), Ore. (2 percent), Alaska (2 percent), Idaho (1 percent), Mont. (1 percent), and Wyo. (1 percent). Work may also be performed in the remainder of the U.S. (1 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of Nov. 2014. Contract funds for task order 0001 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 15 proposals received. These six contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity.
Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $61,038,188 fixed-price delivery order #0059 under previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-D-5028). This delivery order is issued against exercised priced options for the purchase of 155 logistic vehicle system replacement production cargo vehicles. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is being awarded a $54,206,356 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-C-2052) to purchase 24 Marine Expeditionary Brigade - Afghanistan (10 Capability Set (CapSet) III's, 10 CapSet IV's and 4 CapSet II's) Combat Operations Center replacement systems, additional generators, trainers, and engineers. Work will be performed in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
L-3 Communications Corp., Arlington, Texas, is being awarded a $52,282,576 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0100) to exercise an option for aircraft depot repairs and aircraft engine depot repairs, consumables and line replaceable unit supply support for the Navy C-9 aircraft. Work will be performed in Everett, Wash. (35 percent); Oklahoma City, Okla. (25 percent); Oceana, Va., (10 percent); Willow Grove, Pa. (10 percent); Whidbey Island, Wash. (10 percent); and Cherry Point, N.C. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 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.
American Securities Programs, Inc.*, Dulles, Va., is being awarded a $25,298,393 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N69450-07-D-1261) to exercise option 3 for regional security services at Commander Naval Region Southeast, Jacksonville; Naval Air Station Jacksonville. The work to be performed provides for, but is not limited to, entry control point (ECP) services such as identification checks, fixed vehicle inspections, commercial vehicle inspections, and emergency ECP closures; and roving guard services. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $85,337,789. Work will be performed in the Southeast region at the following installations: Naval Support Activity Orlando, Orlando, Fla.; Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Gulfport, Miss.; Naval Air Station Meridian, Meridian, Miss.; Naval Weapons Station Charleston, Charleston, S.C.; Naval Support Activity Athens, Athens, Ga.; Naval Support Activity Panama City, Panama City, Fla.; Naval Air Station Whiting Field, Milton, Fla.; Naval Air Station Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas; and Naval Hospital Charleston, Charleston, S.C. The work is expected to be completed by Nov. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $22,620,960 firm-fixed-price contract to provide maintenance services in support of the MV-22 and CV-22 AE1107C engines. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $21,330,144 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($12,384,221; 54.7 percent) and the U.S. Air Force ($10,236,739; 45.3 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0020).
Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $19,078,537 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-07-C-0008) for AIM-9X Sidewinder (Block II) missile obsolescence and engineering technical support for the Navy and Air Force. Efforts to be provided include missile obsolescence tasks, engineering technical support and software development. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz. (90 percent); Eglin, Fla. (5 percent); and China Lake, Calif.(5 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Air Force ($11,404,293; 59.8 percent) and the U.S. Navy ($7,674,244; 40.2 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity.
BREMCOR (a joint venture), Arlington, Va., is being awarded a $16,562,810 modification under a firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62470-06-D-4611) to exercise Option 3 for base operation support services at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. The work to be performed under the option provides for, but is not limited to, scheduled maintenance of base facilities, environmental, transportation and fire alarm systems. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $62,205,141. Work will be performed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and this option period is expected to be completed by Nov. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a $15,751,790 fixed-price delivery order #0058 under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-06-D-5028). This delivery order is issued against exercised priced options for the purchase of 40 logistic vehicle system replacement production cargo vehicles. Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., and work for this delivery order is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Virtexco Corporation, Norfolk, Va. 23502, is being awarded $13,864,000 for firm-fixed price task order #0004 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-09-D-5033) for modernization of a central heating, ventilation and air conditioning plant at Naval Support Activity Norfolk. The work to be performed provides for renovations and upgrades to the existing building systems in Building SC-1 and provides new distribution piping from the chilled water plant and hot water plant to Buildings SC-4 and SC-400. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2012. Funds for this project are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Eight proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity.
Northrop Grumman Corporate Electronics Systems, Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded an $11,987,051 ceiling priced definite-delivery contract for procurement of component parts for support of repair of Department of Navy large aircraft cnfrared counter measure systems, AN/AAQ-24 (V) 25 supporting H-46 and H-53 helicopters. Work will be in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and work is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPAPA-09-G-004Z-GB01).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $9,370,636 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-04-C-0014) to incorporate engineering change proposals 6251 and 6251R1 to convert 22 Lot 33 F/A-18F aircraft to E/A-18G aircraft. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo. (62 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (36 percent); and Mesa, Ariz. (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2011. 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.
Mohr & Associates, Richland, Wash., is being awarded a $7,422,650 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for the manufacture of time domain reflectometer cable testers to support the general purpose electronic test equipment weapons system. Work will be performed in Richland, Wash., and work is expected to be completed by November 2014. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded procured, with 12 proposals solicited and two offers received. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity (N00104-10-D-D001).
Raytheon Network Centric Systems, St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a $6,764,358 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-5203) for the fabrication, assembly, and testing of AN/USG-3B Airborne Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) Systems. CEC is a sensor netting system that significantly improves battle force anti-air warfare capability by extracting and distributing sensor-derived information such that the superset of this data is available to all participating CEC units. CEC improves battle force effectiveness by improving overall situational awareness and by enabling longer range, cooperative, multiple, or layered engagement strategies. The AN/USG-3B Airborne systems will be deployed on E2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Largo, Fla. (80 percent); St. Petersburg, Fla. (19 percent), and Dallas, Texas (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamic Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., is being awarded $5,979,191 for task order #0041 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (M67854-02-A-9014) to provide on-going programmatic, technical, managerial, and logistics support for PG-11, Marine Air Ground Task Force Command and Control (MAGTF C2) Weapons and Sensors Development and Integration (MC2I) Program Manager Radar Systems principal programs and emerging requirements. Efforts associated with the currently fielded systems. AN/TPS-59, AN/TPQ-46 Firefinder, AN/TPQ-48 Light-weight Counter Mortar Radar, Radar Environmental Simulator (RES) I and II and the AN/UPX-37, will focus on product improvement, sustainment and assessments of solutions mitigating obsolescence issues. Work will be performed in Quantico, Va., and work is expected to be completed in December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps System Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Allied Tube and Conduit, Harvey, Ill. is being awarded a maximum $11,100,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for barbed tape, concertina wire. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8E6-10-D-0001).
Hutchinson Industries, Inc., Trenton, N.J. is being awarded a maximum $10,788,655 firm fixed price, sole source contract for pneumatic tire, wheels. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is November 15, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich. (SPRDL1-10-C-0027).
Golden Manufacturing Company, Inc., Golden, Miss.* is being awarded a maximum $8,133,585 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, total set aside contract for navy task force working/utility uniforms. Other locations of performance include Marietta and Taylorsville, Mississippi. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was Web solicited with 17 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the second option year period. The date of performance completion is December 3, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1030).
Armorworks Enterprises, LLC., Chandler, Ariz.,* is being awarded a maximum $21,636,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery, partial set aside contract for enhanced small arms protective inserts. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There are no other locations of performance. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising second option year period. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1023).
BAE Systems Aerospace & Defense Group Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., is being awarded a maximum $20,340,000 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, indefinite delivery partial set aside contract for enhanced small arms protective inserts. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There are no other locations of performance. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising second option year period. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM1C1-08-D-1024).
Cobra Systems, Inc., Bloomington, N.Y.,* is being awarded a maximum $12,172,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for concertina wire. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. There are no other locations of performance. There were originally two proposals solicited with two responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is November 30, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM8E6-10-D-0002)
Employee Aids Leukemia Patient
By Karl WeiselSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2009 - For 102nd Signal Battalion telephone technician Alexander Weber-Fetscher, June 22, 2007, will be remembered as the day he welcomed a new life into the world and helped to save another. That's the day his son was born and also the day he learned he was an ideal match as a stem cell blood donor for a young leukemia patient.
"The same day as my son was born there was a letter at my house," Weber-Fetscher recalled, explaining he had registered with the German Bone Marrow Donor bank in Koblenz in 1994 after seeing a German television program seeking a donor for a 4-year-old boy.
While he wasn't a match for the 4-year-old, he did come up as a match for another patient five years ago. "But they didn't take me," Weber-Fetscher said, explaining that the series of blood tests matches an initial four blood markers, and if successful, doctors take more blood and try to match an additional six markers of the donor with the patient in need of a transfusion.
Weber-Fetscher, who lives in the town of Spall near Bad Kreuznach, has worked for the U.S. Army since 1999. Initially he worked with the 410th Base Support Battalion before joining the 102nd Signal Battalion. He shifted to Baumholder when the Bad Kreuznach military community closed.
When notified he was a match for a young German girl in 2007, Weber-Fetscher was sent a package that he took to his doctor for another blood test. He then was invited to visit the Red Cross office in Frankfurt, where he was examined to ensure he was healthy enough for the donation.
In preparation, Weber-Fetscher had to administer four injections a day for five days to stimulate the growth of more stem cells in his blood. The cells were then filtered out of his blood during the donation process.
The story could have ended there, because donors are not allowed to have information about or contact with the recipient for two years. But after two years of recovery, Kristina, the grateful mother of Maike Siemer, now a 16-year-old still living in the northern German town of Lähnden, wrote to the organization where Weber-Fetscher was registered. After email correspondence between Weber-Fetscher and Kristina, it was arranged that he and his family would travel to Niedersachsen in Lower Saxony to surprise the girl.
"It was emotional, indescribable, beautiful," Weber-Fetscher said, in describing the wave of emotions felt by both him and the Siemer family during the get-together. After years of struggling with the disease, Maike made rapid strides following the stem cell donation.
"She said, 'Oh my God.' She was overwhelmed," Weber-Fetscher said in recalling Maike's reaction to meeting him.
In gratitude, Kristina later contacted a German TV show that features lifesaving stories. Weber-Fetscher agreed to participate in a re-enactment sequence for the program.
Weber-Fetscher's colleague, Aizaz Husain, saw the program, "Visite," on North German television.
"It was great, what he did," Hussain said of Weber-Fetscher's unselfish efforts in helping to save a young girl's life.
While bone marrow donations have the reputation of being a sometimes painful process, Weber-Fetscher said modern techniques have improved the process and, in his case, it was relatively painless because he donated stem-cell enriched blood, rather than marrow from his spinal column.
(Karl Weisel works in the U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden public affairs office.)
Liquid Wound Dressing to Improve Battlefield Care
By Barb Ruppert TATRC Science and Technology Writer
Researchers are developing a new, spray-able liquid wound dressing technology that an injured warrior could apply one handed in a combat setting. The spray forms a tough hydrogel in seconds that conforms directly to the wound without sticking to it when removed. The GelSpray Liquid Bandage was approved by the U.S. FDA for minor cuts and irritations in 2008, and its developers are preparing for a human clinical study required to extend the technology to battlefield care. The team is also working on variations that include medications to treat infection, speed healing and relieve pain.
“Because GelSpray conforms to the wound bed while in direct contact with the wound margins, it offers significant clinical advantages,” said investigator Dr. Joachim Kohn of Rutgers University. “The thick, protective film limits bleeding, absorbs wound fluids and directly transports medication to the entire wound bed. It does not significantly adhere to the wound bed -- unlike most other dressings, where there is re-bleeding or delayed healing due to removal of granulation tissue whenever the wound dressing is removed.”
The GelSpray product for the far-forward soldier is designed for lacerations, small burns and gunshot and shrapnel wounds that are often on irregular surfaces such as the hand, face, neck and outer ear. It is meant to provide flexible protection that enables the soldier to complete his or her mission.
Col. Dallas Hack, director of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Combat Casualty Care Research Program said, “This technology shows promise for quicker wound healing with less care needed. The dressing is breathable, and if it can include an antimicrobial to prevent infection, then we may not need to damage tissue further through debridement [removing dead or contaminated tissue].”
Kohn is the principal investigator of the Center for Military Biomaterials Research, a network of academic, industry and military organizations whose mission is to support wounded warriors on and off the battlefield with practical, leading edge innovations. He said, “CeMBR partnered with BioCure, Inc., to develop the GelSpray technology. Under the leadership of BioCure co-investigator Sameer Shums, we have made significant progress.”
CeMBR research programs are supported and guided by USAMRMC’s Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC). “Feedback provided by TATRC’s national expert review panels has guided our product design efforts,” said Kohn. “TATRC and our program manager there, Wilbur Malloy, have provided us unwavering support.”
“Our goal is to address the most critical needs of injured warriors for improved wound dressings. There is no other product that provides all these benefits and is specifically designed to meet military requirements.”
Researchers are developing a new, spray-able liquid wound dressing technology that an injured warrior could apply one handed in a combat setting. The spray forms a tough hydrogel in seconds that conforms directly to the wound without sticking to it when removed. The GelSpray Liquid Bandage was approved by the U.S. FDA for minor cuts and irritations in 2008, and its developers are preparing for a human clinical study required to extend the technology to battlefield care. The team is also working on variations that include medications to treat infection, speed healing and relieve pain.
“Because GelSpray conforms to the wound bed while in direct contact with the wound margins, it offers significant clinical advantages,” said investigator Dr. Joachim Kohn of Rutgers University. “The thick, protective film limits bleeding, absorbs wound fluids and directly transports medication to the entire wound bed. It does not significantly adhere to the wound bed -- unlike most other dressings, where there is re-bleeding or delayed healing due to removal of granulation tissue whenever the wound dressing is removed.”
The GelSpray product for the far-forward soldier is designed for lacerations, small burns and gunshot and shrapnel wounds that are often on irregular surfaces such as the hand, face, neck and outer ear. It is meant to provide flexible protection that enables the soldier to complete his or her mission.
Col. Dallas Hack, director of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command’s Combat Casualty Care Research Program said, “This technology shows promise for quicker wound healing with less care needed. The dressing is breathable, and if it can include an antimicrobial to prevent infection, then we may not need to damage tissue further through debridement [removing dead or contaminated tissue].”
Kohn is the principal investigator of the Center for Military Biomaterials Research, a network of academic, industry and military organizations whose mission is to support wounded warriors on and off the battlefield with practical, leading edge innovations. He said, “CeMBR partnered with BioCure, Inc., to develop the GelSpray technology. Under the leadership of BioCure co-investigator Sameer Shums, we have made significant progress.”
CeMBR research programs are supported and guided by USAMRMC’s Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC). “Feedback provided by TATRC’s national expert review panels has guided our product design efforts,” said Kohn. “TATRC and our program manager there, Wilbur Malloy, have provided us unwavering support.”
“Our goal is to address the most critical needs of injured warriors for improved wound dressings. There is no other product that provides all these benefits and is specifically designed to meet military requirements.”
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
MILITARY CONTRACTS November 25, 2009
ARMY
General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., was awarded on Nov. 23, 2009 a $322,111,129 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide initial outfitting and transition services to support one new military medical facility, and the new additions and newly renovated spaces at one military facility in the National Capitol Region. Work is to be performed in Washington D.C. (10 percent); Bethesda, Md. (50 percent); and Fort Belvoir, Va. (40 percent); with an estimated completion date of Nov. 29, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Fort Detrick, Md., is the contracting activity (W81XWH-10-C-0025).
GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Nov. 20, 2009 a $42,555,068 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to fund Stryker modernization program which will bring the program to Milestone B/preliminary design review. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (81 percent); and London, Ontario, and Canada (19 percent); with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. TACOM LCMC Stryker, Warren, Mich., was the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).
BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H., was awarded on Nov. 23, 2009 a $41,982,576 firm-fixed-price contract for the purchase of 1,203 each of laser target locator modules. Work is to be performed in Nashua, N.H., with an estimated completion date of May 14, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command, Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-D-0029).
Alliant Tech Systems, Plymouth, Minn., Textron Defense Systems, Wilmington, Mass., were awarded on Nov. 20, 2009 a $41,074,271 cost plus incentive fee contract for the procurement of the 70 Spider XM-7 networked munitions. Work is to be completed in Pymouth, Minn. (30 percent); Wilmington, Mass. (53 percent); and Rocket Center, W.V., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command JM&L Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0154).
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., Inc., Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on Nov. 23, 2009 a $20,143,303 firm-fixed-price contract for the beach re-nourishment for Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Ocean Isle Beach and maintenance dredging of Masonboro Intel and Sand Bypassing, Brunswick County, N. C. Work is to be performed in Brunswick County, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Wilmington, N.C., is the contracting activity (W912HN-10-C-0005).
Kongsberg Defense, Konsberg, Norway, was awarded on Nov. 20, 2009 a $15,094,837 firm-fixed-price contract for a minimum 1,000 common remotely operated weapon station systems with a maximum of 6,500, also to include the acquisition of spare parts, dept operations as well as field service representatives, Work is to be performed in Johnstown, Pa., completion date of Aug. 1, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide with three bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-D-0018).
AECOM Government Services Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 24, 2009 a $20,126,971 sole source, cost plus fixed fee contract for the Iraqi asset management program services providing automated maintenance and logistics support for maintenance, training, supply automation, and management reporting tools to the Iraq Security Forces in the Iraq theater of operations. This is a six month bridge contract while a new long term contract is being competed. Work is to be performed in Iraq, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-10-C-0007).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadow, Ill., was awarded on Nov. 20, 2009 a $12,556,000 firm-fixed-price contract to purchase the next generation automatic test system. Work is to be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 28, 2011. One sole source bid was solicited with one bid received. Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., was the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-C-0040).
Phylway Construction, LLC., Thibodaux, La., was awarded on Nov. 24, 2009 a $12,191,374 firm-fixed-price-construction contract for Lake Ponchatrain and Vicinity, La., project, North of airline highway, St. Charles Parish, Levee - Reach 2B from Good Hope to Cross Bayou-Phase 2. Work is to be performed in St. Charles Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 17, 2011. Bids were solicited and restricted to multiple award task order contract pool with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-D-0046).
Urban Associates, Inc., El Paso, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 23, 2009 a $11,012,029 firm-fixed-price contract. This construction project is entitled, F-22A Low Observance/ Composite Repair Facility, Building 898 at Holloman Air Force Base, Otero County, N.M. This project will place paint booths on an existing F-22 hanger at Holloman Air Force Base. Work is to be performed at Holloman Air Force Base, Otero County, N.M., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Thirty five bids solicited with 16 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District-CESPA-CT, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-10-C-0004).
AIR FORCE
Raytheon Technical Services Co., of Reston, Va., was awarded $93,186,713 contract which will provide for program management, operations, organizational and depot-level maintenance, logistics, sustainment engineering of all radar and support instrumentation, and the software maintenance management facility, to ensure successful mission accomplishment of the mobile radar sensors. At this time no money has been obligated. AF ISR Agency/A7KA of San Antonio, Texas is the contracting activity (FA7037-10-D-0001).
Kilgore Flares Co., of Toone, Tenn., was awarded a $54,996,692 contract which provides for procurement of infrared flare countermeasures. At this time, $24,075,876 has been obligated. 784 CBSG/PK, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activit (FA8213-10-D-0012).
General Electric Aviation of Cincinnati, Ohio was awarded a $44,238,381 contract which provides for newly redesigned high pressure compressor and high pressure turbine assemblies, newly redesigned aging engine upgrade components, initial provisioning spares, and new technical data to support the service life extension plan and aging engine upgrade initiatives applicable to the engines used on the F-16 aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBC, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-05-C-0053, P00017).
Composite Engineering Incorporated was awarded a $37,551,848 contract which procures additional subscale aerial targets. At this time, $37,551,848 has been obligated. 691 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8678-10-C0051).
Lockheed Martin Corp., of Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $30,410, 132 contract which will provide for the C-5 avionics modernization program Lot VIII procurement of components for one lot of readiness spares package, one lot of peacetime operating spares, one lot of C-5 aircrew training device kit components and one lot of C-5 avionics modernization program kit components. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 716 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-98-C-0006, P00226).
L-3 Communications Corp., of Arlington, Texas was awarded a $21,578,453 contract which will provide the Royal Moroccan Air Force two F-16 block 52 aircrew training devices and associated support. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 677 AESG/SYK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8621-10-C-6251).
L-3 Communications of Arlington, Texas was awarded a $20,967,607 contract which will provide a fully immersive block 40/50 F-16 Mission Training Center. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 677 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8621-09-C-6292, P00015).
Accenture National Security Services of King of Prussia, Pa., was awarded a $19,294,440 contract which will provide for the Air Force modeling and simulation training tool kit used to train the Joint Forces Commander, Joint Force Air component commander and their battle staff in multiple federation environments. At this time, $536,372 has been obligated. 653 ESW/CONS, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts is the contracting activity. (FA8731-06-C-001, P00031)
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., of Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $11,500,000 contract which will provide for a reaction wheel shop set that uses new hybrid wheel bearings. At this time, $10,278,943 has been obligated. SMC/MCSW/PKA of El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0002, P00400).
NAVY
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded an $84,400,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) to exercise an option for FY10 class services engineering efforts to facilitize for testing mission systems equipment, produce test documentation, conduct component and design level verification tests and maintain related design and test class documentation for the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer program. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. (38.5 percent); Moorestown, N.J. (19.3 percent); Marlborough, Mass. (16.6 percent); Sudbury, Mass. (12.6 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (5.5 percent); Minneapolis, Minn. (3.5 percent); San Diego, Calif. (2.2 percent); and Towson, Md. (1.8 percent); and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a $46,627,723 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) to exercise an option for class services engineering to support design assurance, develop verification plans and conduct verifications for the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer program. Work will be performed in Tewksbury, Mass. (28.3 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (27.1 percent); Falls Church, Va. (12.8 percent); Sudbury, Mass. (11.9 percent); Minneapolis, Minn. (7.4 percent); Washington, D.C. (6.9 percent); Moorestown, N.J. (3.7 percent); San Diego, Calif. (1.1 percent); and Marlborough, Mass. (0.8 percent); and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Valley Apparel, LLC, Knoxville, Tenn.*, is being awarded a maximum $15,395,000 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for universal camouflage pattern parkas. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was Web solicited with five responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 24, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-10-D-1013).
Bethel Industries, Inc., Jersey City, N.J.*, is being awarded a maximum $13,740,816 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, total set aside contract for navy task force working/utility uniforms. Other locations of performance include New Jersey and Mississippi. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was Web solicited with 15 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising second option year period. The date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-08-D-1028).
Altec Industries, Inc., Birmingham, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $5,658,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for 30 ton telescopic truck cranes. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Foreign Military Sales. There were originally seven proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-04-D-0090-0099).
General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., was awarded on Nov. 23, 2009 a $322,111,129 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide initial outfitting and transition services to support one new military medical facility, and the new additions and newly renovated spaces at one military facility in the National Capitol Region. Work is to be performed in Washington D.C. (10 percent); Bethesda, Md. (50 percent); and Fort Belvoir, Va. (40 percent); with an estimated completion date of Nov. 29, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Fort Detrick, Md., is the contracting activity (W81XWH-10-C-0025).
GM GDLS Defense Group, LLC., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Nov. 20, 2009 a $42,555,068 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to fund Stryker modernization program which will bring the program to Milestone B/preliminary design review. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich. (81 percent); and London, Ontario, and Canada (19 percent); with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. TACOM LCMC Stryker, Warren, Mich., was the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112).
BAE Systems, Nashua, N.H., was awarded on Nov. 23, 2009 a $41,982,576 firm-fixed-price contract for the purchase of 1,203 each of laser target locator modules. Work is to be performed in Nashua, N.H., with an estimated completion date of May 14, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command, Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-09-D-0029).
Alliant Tech Systems, Plymouth, Minn., Textron Defense Systems, Wilmington, Mass., were awarded on Nov. 20, 2009 a $41,074,271 cost plus incentive fee contract for the procurement of the 70 Spider XM-7 networked munitions. Work is to be completed in Pymouth, Minn. (30 percent); Wilmington, Mass. (53 percent); and Rocket Center, W.V., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command JM&L Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0154).
Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co., Inc., Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on Nov. 23, 2009 a $20,143,303 firm-fixed-price contract for the beach re-nourishment for Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Ocean Isle Beach and maintenance dredging of Masonboro Intel and Sand Bypassing, Brunswick County, N. C. Work is to be performed in Brunswick County, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Wilmington, N.C., is the contracting activity (W912HN-10-C-0005).
Kongsberg Defense, Konsberg, Norway, was awarded on Nov. 20, 2009 a $15,094,837 firm-fixed-price contract for a minimum 1,000 common remotely operated weapon station systems with a maximum of 6,500, also to include the acquisition of spare parts, dept operations as well as field service representatives, Work is to be performed in Johnstown, Pa., completion date of Aug. 1, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide with three bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-07-D-0018).
AECOM Government Services Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 24, 2009 a $20,126,971 sole source, cost plus fixed fee contract for the Iraqi asset management program services providing automated maintenance and logistics support for maintenance, training, supply automation, and management reporting tools to the Iraq Security Forces in the Iraq theater of operations. This is a six month bridge contract while a new long term contract is being competed. Work is to be performed in Iraq, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-10-C-0007).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadow, Ill., was awarded on Nov. 20, 2009 a $12,556,000 firm-fixed-price contract to purchase the next generation automatic test system. Work is to be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 28, 2011. One sole source bid was solicited with one bid received. Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., was the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-C-0040).
Phylway Construction, LLC., Thibodaux, La., was awarded on Nov. 24, 2009 a $12,191,374 firm-fixed-price-construction contract for Lake Ponchatrain and Vicinity, La., project, North of airline highway, St. Charles Parish, Levee - Reach 2B from Good Hope to Cross Bayou-Phase 2. Work is to be performed in St. Charles Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 17, 2011. Bids were solicited and restricted to multiple award task order contract pool with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-D-0046).
Urban Associates, Inc., El Paso, Texas, was awarded on Nov. 23, 2009 a $11,012,029 firm-fixed-price contract. This construction project is entitled, F-22A Low Observance/ Composite Repair Facility, Building 898 at Holloman Air Force Base, Otero County, N.M. This project will place paint booths on an existing F-22 hanger at Holloman Air Force Base. Work is to be performed at Holloman Air Force Base, Otero County, N.M., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Thirty five bids solicited with 16 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District-CESPA-CT, Albuquerque, N.M., is the contracting activity (W912PP-10-C-0004).
AIR FORCE
Raytheon Technical Services Co., of Reston, Va., was awarded $93,186,713 contract which will provide for program management, operations, organizational and depot-level maintenance, logistics, sustainment engineering of all radar and support instrumentation, and the software maintenance management facility, to ensure successful mission accomplishment of the mobile radar sensors. At this time no money has been obligated. AF ISR Agency/A7KA of San Antonio, Texas is the contracting activity (FA7037-10-D-0001).
Kilgore Flares Co., of Toone, Tenn., was awarded a $54,996,692 contract which provides for procurement of infrared flare countermeasures. At this time, $24,075,876 has been obligated. 784 CBSG/PK, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activit (FA8213-10-D-0012).
General Electric Aviation of Cincinnati, Ohio was awarded a $44,238,381 contract which provides for newly redesigned high pressure compressor and high pressure turbine assemblies, newly redesigned aging engine upgrade components, initial provisioning spares, and new technical data to support the service life extension plan and aging engine upgrade initiatives applicable to the engines used on the F-16 aircraft. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKBC, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-05-C-0053, P00017).
Composite Engineering Incorporated was awarded a $37,551,848 contract which procures additional subscale aerial targets. At this time, $37,551,848 has been obligated. 691 ARSS/PK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8678-10-C0051).
Lockheed Martin Corp., of Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $30,410, 132 contract which will provide for the C-5 avionics modernization program Lot VIII procurement of components for one lot of readiness spares package, one lot of peacetime operating spares, one lot of C-5 aircrew training device kit components and one lot of C-5 avionics modernization program kit components. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 716 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-98-C-0006, P00226).
L-3 Communications Corp., of Arlington, Texas was awarded a $21,578,453 contract which will provide the Royal Moroccan Air Force two F-16 block 52 aircrew training devices and associated support. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 677 AESG/SYK, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8621-10-C-6251).
L-3 Communications of Arlington, Texas was awarded a $20,967,607 contract which will provide a fully immersive block 40/50 F-16 Mission Training Center. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 677 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8621-09-C-6292, P00015).
Accenture National Security Services of King of Prussia, Pa., was awarded a $19,294,440 contract which will provide for the Air Force modeling and simulation training tool kit used to train the Joint Forces Commander, Joint Force Air component commander and their battle staff in multiple federation environments. At this time, $536,372 has been obligated. 653 ESW/CONS, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts is the contracting activity. (FA8731-06-C-001, P00031)
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., of Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $11,500,000 contract which will provide for a reaction wheel shop set that uses new hybrid wheel bearings. At this time, $10,278,943 has been obligated. SMC/MCSW/PKA of El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C-0002, P00400).
NAVY
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded an $84,400,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) to exercise an option for FY10 class services engineering efforts to facilitize for testing mission systems equipment, produce test documentation, conduct component and design level verification tests and maintain related design and test class documentation for the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer program. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I. (38.5 percent); Moorestown, N.J. (19.3 percent); Marlborough, Mass. (16.6 percent); Sudbury, Mass. (12.6 percent); Tewksbury, Mass. (5.5 percent); Minneapolis, Minn. (3.5 percent); San Diego, Calif. (2.2 percent); and Towson, Md. (1.8 percent); and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a $46,627,723 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) to exercise an option for class services engineering to support design assurance, develop verification plans and conduct verifications for the DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class destroyer program. Work will be performed in Tewksbury, Mass. (28.3 percent); Portsmouth, R.I. (27.1 percent); Falls Church, Va. (12.8 percent); Sudbury, Mass. (11.9 percent); Minneapolis, Minn. (7.4 percent); Washington, D.C. (6.9 percent); Moorestown, N.J. (3.7 percent); San Diego, Calif. (1.1 percent); and Marlborough, Mass. (0.8 percent); and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Valley Apparel, LLC, Knoxville, Tenn.*, is being awarded a maximum $15,395,000 firm fixed price, total set aside contract for universal camouflage pattern parkas. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was Web solicited with five responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 24, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-10-D-1013).
Bethel Industries, Inc., Jersey City, N.J.*, is being awarded a maximum $13,740,816 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity, total set aside contract for navy task force working/utility uniforms. Other locations of performance include New Jersey and Mississippi. Using service is Navy. The original proposal was Web solicited with 15 responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising second option year period. The date of performance completion is Nov. 29, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-08-D-1028).
Altec Industries, Inc., Birmingham, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $5,658,000 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for 30 ton telescopic truck cranes. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Foreign Military Sales. There were originally seven proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 3, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-04-D-0090-0099).
'First-strike Ration' Aims for Better Nutrition
By Christen N. McCluney
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - Several military organizations are working together to provide soldiers with healthy, good-tasting, sustainable and nutritionally sound combat rations. "We're charged with a fairly awesome task, and that is to fuel the Defense Department's most flexible and adaptable weapons platform, and that of course is the individual warfighter," said Gerry Darsch, director of the Defense Department's Combat Feeding Program at the Massachusetts-based Natick Soldier Systems Center during a Nov. 23 interview on the Pentagon Channel podcast "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military.
Darsch was joined by Andy Young, chief of the Military Nutrition Division at the U.S. Army Institute of Environmental Medicine.
Because many military personnel have jobs similar to those in the civilian sector, their nutritional requirements aren't going to be very much different from those of their civilian counterparts, Young said, but some servicemembers in operational specialties do require more fuel and energy then most civilians. Achieving their nutritional requirements while working in the field can be especially difficult, he added.
The MRE -- shorthand for its designation in the supply system as Meal, Ready-to-Eat -- is the standard military ration. Each meal provides one-third of the military-recommended dietary allowance and must meet a variety of requirements, including long shelf life, tolerance of changes in temperature and stability in varying conditions, Darsch said.
"We do have a business philosophy here, and that is, 'Warfighter recommended, warfighter tested, and warfighter approved,'" he said. "And that is driving our continuous product-improvement program."
One of the latest developments that has come out of this program is known as the first-strike ration, or FSR. Before its introduction, servicemembers who were outside of a forward operating base for two to seven days were given MREs to travel with. Because of space limitations, soldiers would field-strip the meal and throw away more than half of the food, including a large portion of nutrients.
"The first-strike ration, in essence, is issued at one per warfighter per day, instead of two or three MREs," Young said. It reduces the weight and volume of the MRE by 50 percent, and also is more cost-efficient.
"The first-strike ration provides all the components that can be easily eaten on the move," Young said. "And we now can regain control, if you will, of nutrition and make sure that those warfighters are getting the nutrients that they so desperately need to maintain [or] enhance both cognitive and physical performance."
Working with the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, the group convened a panel of nutrition experts from all over the world, many of whom had served in the military, and challenged them to get the best nutrition possible into a limited amount of space.
"After that, it was simply a matter of testing the actual performance improvements and capabilities of the ration in human subjects in the field conditions that would be used," Young said.
Focus groups and surveys revealed what products were being left behind, and from there, a list was put together of items that servicemembers wanted.
Packaging was one of the main issues, Darsch said. When the design of an electrolyte drink was changed into an hourglass-shaped package with a feature that allowed water to be added directly from a canteen or CamelBak, the consumption rate went from 33 percent to more than 70 percent.
The addition of a shelf-stable, pocket-style sandwich was another request from soldiers. Because microwave ovens and frozen food items aren't available in the field, the combat feeding team's technologists used "hurdle technology," a packaging process that balances water, atmosphere and acidity in the package, creating hurdles to bacterial growth and keeping the products shelf-stable.
The groups did field tests with the U.S. Forest Service, testing the rations on forest firefighters who have similar metabolic and work demands as infantry soldiers on the ground, Young said. They later tested the rations at Fort Benning, Ga., on the 75th Ranger Regiment's Pre-Ranger Course and with the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va.
The next goal, Darsch said, is to expand the first-strike rations menu from three to nine meals and to go into the field and allow warfighters an opportunity to rate the new menus.
"The most important thing about the first-strike in particular, and nutrition in general, for the warrior in the field is, it's not nutrition unless it's eaten," he said. "So it doesn't do you any good to take the package; you've got to actually eat it. And that's why the first-strike is such an important step forward for the particular audience it was targeted at -- that it actually improves consumption, and that, in turn, improves the nutrition."
(Christen N. McCluney works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - Several military organizations are working together to provide soldiers with healthy, good-tasting, sustainable and nutritionally sound combat rations. "We're charged with a fairly awesome task, and that is to fuel the Defense Department's most flexible and adaptable weapons platform, and that of course is the individual warfighter," said Gerry Darsch, director of the Defense Department's Combat Feeding Program at the Massachusetts-based Natick Soldier Systems Center during a Nov. 23 interview on the Pentagon Channel podcast "Armed with Science: Research and Applications for the Modern Military.
Darsch was joined by Andy Young, chief of the Military Nutrition Division at the U.S. Army Institute of Environmental Medicine.
Because many military personnel have jobs similar to those in the civilian sector, their nutritional requirements aren't going to be very much different from those of their civilian counterparts, Young said, but some servicemembers in operational specialties do require more fuel and energy then most civilians. Achieving their nutritional requirements while working in the field can be especially difficult, he added.
The MRE -- shorthand for its designation in the supply system as Meal, Ready-to-Eat -- is the standard military ration. Each meal provides one-third of the military-recommended dietary allowance and must meet a variety of requirements, including long shelf life, tolerance of changes in temperature and stability in varying conditions, Darsch said.
"We do have a business philosophy here, and that is, 'Warfighter recommended, warfighter tested, and warfighter approved,'" he said. "And that is driving our continuous product-improvement program."
One of the latest developments that has come out of this program is known as the first-strike ration, or FSR. Before its introduction, servicemembers who were outside of a forward operating base for two to seven days were given MREs to travel with. Because of space limitations, soldiers would field-strip the meal and throw away more than half of the food, including a large portion of nutrients.
"The first-strike ration, in essence, is issued at one per warfighter per day, instead of two or three MREs," Young said. It reduces the weight and volume of the MRE by 50 percent, and also is more cost-efficient.
"The first-strike ration provides all the components that can be easily eaten on the move," Young said. "And we now can regain control, if you will, of nutrition and make sure that those warfighters are getting the nutrients that they so desperately need to maintain [or] enhance both cognitive and physical performance."
Working with the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, the group convened a panel of nutrition experts from all over the world, many of whom had served in the military, and challenged them to get the best nutrition possible into a limited amount of space.
"After that, it was simply a matter of testing the actual performance improvements and capabilities of the ration in human subjects in the field conditions that would be used," Young said.
Focus groups and surveys revealed what products were being left behind, and from there, a list was put together of items that servicemembers wanted.
Packaging was one of the main issues, Darsch said. When the design of an electrolyte drink was changed into an hourglass-shaped package with a feature that allowed water to be added directly from a canteen or CamelBak, the consumption rate went from 33 percent to more than 70 percent.
The addition of a shelf-stable, pocket-style sandwich was another request from soldiers. Because microwave ovens and frozen food items aren't available in the field, the combat feeding team's technologists used "hurdle technology," a packaging process that balances water, atmosphere and acidity in the package, creating hurdles to bacterial growth and keeping the products shelf-stable.
The groups did field tests with the U.S. Forest Service, testing the rations on forest firefighters who have similar metabolic and work demands as infantry soldiers on the ground, Young said. They later tested the rations at Fort Benning, Ga., on the 75th Ranger Regiment's Pre-Ranger Course and with the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va.
The next goal, Darsch said, is to expand the first-strike rations menu from three to nine meals and to go into the field and allow warfighters an opportunity to rate the new menus.
"The most important thing about the first-strike in particular, and nutrition in general, for the warrior in the field is, it's not nutrition unless it's eaten," he said. "So it doesn't do you any good to take the package; you've got to actually eat it. And that's why the first-strike is such an important step forward for the particular audience it was targeted at -- that it actually improves consumption, and that, in turn, improves the nutrition."
(Christen N. McCluney works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Guard Wife Spreads Thanksgiving Spirit
By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - Amanda Bailey has a lot to thankful for this Thanksgiving, with her husband, Army Spc. Christopher Bailey home from Iraq for rest and relaxation leave. And as head of his National Guard unit's family readiness group, she's helped to galvanize a communitywide show of appreciation for families of its deployed troops. Bailey, a military policeman with the Alabama Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 203rd Military Police Battalion, returned home to Ardmore, Ala., earlier this week for 15 days of R&R.
"It's fantastic," Amanda said of the timing, five months into her husband's first deployment since joining the Guard six years ago. The Baileys and their three children will enjoy two Thanksgiving feasts this year: one today with Specialist Bailey's family, and another on Thanksgiving Day with Amanda's family.
Meanwhile, the detachment's family readiness group has been hard at work, ensuring every unit family whose loved one is deployed has a memorable Thanksgiving, as well.
With its families spread throughout Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, getting together to celebrate as a group wasn't a viable option, Amanda said. So the family readiness group initiated the next best thing, sponsoring fundraising events and gathering donations from the local community and corporations.
As a result, 53 Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment families received gift certificates for a Thanksgiving turkey or ham. Already looking ahead to Christmas, Amanda said she expects an even bigger outpouring of support for the families of all 85 deployed soldiers.
"The response from the community has been really amazing," she said. "People out there all want to help and show their support." One donor made a $500 contribution and wants to begin offering monthly assistance to some of the needier families, she said.
Bailey, still fighting jet lag from his flight home from Iraq, said he's passed word of the family readiness group's activities to his unit members. "It's a great feeling to know that people are doing these little extra things," he said. "It means a lot."
In addition to gift certificates, Amanda signed each of the 85 families up to receive free copies of a children's Thanksgiving activity book through Operation Thanksgiving Eagle.
The program, sponsored by the Association of the U.S. Army and underwritten by BAE Systems and Raytheon, provided 500 copies of "It's a Family Thanksgiving! A Celebration of an American Tradition for Children and Their Families" to military children stateside and overseas.
The book, written by Deborah Fink, introduces young readers and their families to the history, foods and traditions associated with Thanksgiving, while recognizing families separated during the holiday because of deployments.
"We at AUSA believe that projects such as this are important ways to draw Army families together and celebrate our history," said John Grady, AUSA's public affairs director.
VA Initiative Aims to Improve Veteran Health Care
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - Officials with the nation's two largest electronic medical records systems announced a pilot program today designed to further enhance health-care services for military veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente plan to exchange their records information using the Nationwide Health Information Network, which was developed by the Health and Human Services Department last year. The initiative is scheduled to begin next month, VA officials said.
The network allows government and several private health care providers to share integrated delivery networks, pharmacies, labs and patient information.
"The ability to share critical health information is essential to interoperability," VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said in a written statement issued today. "Utilizing the NHIN's standards and network will allow organizations like VA and the Department of Defense to partner with private-sector health care providers to promote better, faster and safer care for veterans."
VA and Kaiser Permanente plan to invite veterans in San Diego this week who receive health care from both organizations to participate in the pilot program, VA officials said, noting that patients must formally consent to their information being shared among different organizations.
"Veterans who respond and ask to participate will enable their public- and private-sector health care providers and doctors to share specific health information electronically, safely, securely and privately," the VA statement said.
The NHIN network also works to cut health care costs for patients and providers through reducing redundancy in medical services.
"Securely digitizing American's health-care information is only the first step in realizing the cost savings and improved quality benefits possible with health-care technology," said Dr. Andrew M. Wiesenthal, associate executive director of The Permanente Federation, in the VA statement.
"The reality is that most people receive care from multiple providers," Wiesenthal said. "Without the ability for caregivers and patients to have access to their data, all of the time, there is the possibility for wasted time and resources duplicating tests and procedures."
The Defense Department will be included in the second phase of the pilot program early next year, officials said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - Officials with the nation's two largest electronic medical records systems announced a pilot program today designed to further enhance health-care services for military veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Kaiser Permanente plan to exchange their records information using the Nationwide Health Information Network, which was developed by the Health and Human Services Department last year. The initiative is scheduled to begin next month, VA officials said.
The network allows government and several private health care providers to share integrated delivery networks, pharmacies, labs and patient information.
"The ability to share critical health information is essential to interoperability," VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said in a written statement issued today. "Utilizing the NHIN's standards and network will allow organizations like VA and the Department of Defense to partner with private-sector health care providers to promote better, faster and safer care for veterans."
VA and Kaiser Permanente plan to invite veterans in San Diego this week who receive health care from both organizations to participate in the pilot program, VA officials said, noting that patients must formally consent to their information being shared among different organizations.
"Veterans who respond and ask to participate will enable their public- and private-sector health care providers and doctors to share specific health information electronically, safely, securely and privately," the VA statement said.
The NHIN network also works to cut health care costs for patients and providers through reducing redundancy in medical services.
"Securely digitizing American's health-care information is only the first step in realizing the cost savings and improved quality benefits possible with health-care technology," said Dr. Andrew M. Wiesenthal, associate executive director of The Permanente Federation, in the VA statement.
"The reality is that most people receive care from multiple providers," Wiesenthal said. "Without the ability for caregivers and patients to have access to their data, all of the time, there is the possibility for wasted time and resources duplicating tests and procedures."
The Defense Department will be included in the second phase of the pilot program early next year, officials said.
Joint Program Aims to Reduce Firefighter Injuries
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - Firefighting may be near the top of the Defense Department's list of high-risk occupations, but there's a move afoot to make it safer. Defense Department firefighter injury reports -- more than 1,000 new incidents each year -- have cost the department nearly $30 million a year.
When the Defense Safety Oversight Council realized more than a year ago that Firefighter injury-related lost time rates were higher than any other civilian occupation within the department, it sought help in turning the situation around.
Enter the Department of Defense Fire and Emergency Service Working Group.
"[The Defense Safety Oversight ] wanted us to look into what was causing the injuries to see if we could come up with suggestions on reducing the injury rates and the lost work days," said Carl Glover, the director of the Navy Fire and Emergency Service for Navy Installations Command. "[The working group] thought that the awareness training would be an opportunity to ... spread the work on the problem and create some awareness and potentially reduce the [accident rates]."
Glover served as chairman of the working group. He no longer holds that position, but continues to be engaged in the project.
The Firefighter Injury Prevention Training project started with a 26-month analysis of firefighter injuries within the Navy, he said. Of all the injuries reported, 41 percent were classified as "falls, slip, trip, or bodily exertion." Of those cases, 40 percent, or 75 incidents, were directly related to the firefighter entering or exiting the fire apparatus and lifting patients.
Comparing Navy incidents with those of other department components showed similar types of injures. "We operate under the same instruction and same methodology," Glover explained.
The resulting effort to lower the rate of injury is an eight-lesson, Web-based training program. The multimedia program uses text, audio, video, photographs and graphics to demonstrate proper techniques for the actions determined to lead to falls, slips, trips, and exertion injuries.
Video for the course which was shot at Bolling Air Force Base in the nation's capital, and features participants from Defense Logistics Agency, the Air Force, Army and Marines. The Navy has been using it for about a year, Glover said. Funded by the Defense Safety Oversight , the course also has been provided to the other services.
Though it's being used and is creating awareness of the issues in question, it's too soon to tell if it's actually been effective in lowering incident rates, Glover said.
"We've had some internal Navy feedback that it's well-received," he said. "We just don't know if it's achieving its desired result yet. I don't have any statistical numbers to [prove] that our number of injuries have reduced."
The plan is to evaluate the program's success once it's yielded enough data to study.
"If it's successful, maybe we approach DSOC for a Part Two, but tackle a different specific type of injury," Glover said. "Or, if it's not successful, then we'll go back to DSOC and say, 'Is there some other option we can look [at] ... to see if there's some other program we could implement to reduce the injuries.'"
The Navy intends to make the course mandatory for all new firefighters and an annual requirement for all firefighters.
And though it was created for Defense Department civilian, military and contracted firefighters, the program could easily be of value to any firefighter, Glover said.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - Firefighting may be near the top of the Defense Department's list of high-risk occupations, but there's a move afoot to make it safer. Defense Department firefighter injury reports -- more than 1,000 new incidents each year -- have cost the department nearly $30 million a year.
When the Defense Safety Oversight Council realized more than a year ago that Firefighter injury-related lost time rates were higher than any other civilian occupation within the department, it sought help in turning the situation around.
Enter the Department of Defense Fire and Emergency Service Working Group.
"[The Defense Safety Oversight ] wanted us to look into what was causing the injuries to see if we could come up with suggestions on reducing the injury rates and the lost work days," said Carl Glover, the director of the Navy Fire and Emergency Service for Navy Installations Command. "[The working group] thought that the awareness training would be an opportunity to ... spread the work on the problem and create some awareness and potentially reduce the [accident rates]."
Glover served as chairman of the working group. He no longer holds that position, but continues to be engaged in the project.
The Firefighter Injury Prevention Training project started with a 26-month analysis of firefighter injuries within the Navy, he said. Of all the injuries reported, 41 percent were classified as "falls, slip, trip, or bodily exertion." Of those cases, 40 percent, or 75 incidents, were directly related to the firefighter entering or exiting the fire apparatus and lifting patients.
Comparing Navy incidents with those of other department components showed similar types of injures. "We operate under the same instruction and same methodology," Glover explained.
The resulting effort to lower the rate of injury is an eight-lesson, Web-based training program. The multimedia program uses text, audio, video, photographs and graphics to demonstrate proper techniques for the actions determined to lead to falls, slips, trips, and exertion injuries.
Video for the course which was shot at Bolling Air Force Base in the nation's capital, and features participants from Defense Logistics Agency, the Air Force, Army and Marines. The Navy has been using it for about a year, Glover said. Funded by the Defense Safety Oversight , the course also has been provided to the other services.
Though it's being used and is creating awareness of the issues in question, it's too soon to tell if it's actually been effective in lowering incident rates, Glover said.
"We've had some internal Navy feedback that it's well-received," he said. "We just don't know if it's achieving its desired result yet. I don't have any statistical numbers to [prove] that our number of injuries have reduced."
The plan is to evaluate the program's success once it's yielded enough data to study.
"If it's successful, maybe we approach DSOC for a Part Two, but tackle a different specific type of injury," Glover said. "Or, if it's not successful, then we'll go back to DSOC and say, 'Is there some other option we can look [at] ... to see if there's some other program we could implement to reduce the injuries.'"
The Navy intends to make the course mandatory for all new firefighters and an annual requirement for all firefighters.
And though it was created for Defense Department civilian, military and contracted firefighters, the program could easily be of value to any firefighter, Glover said.
Respite Child Care Expands to All 50 States
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - It's a few hours a month, but the break the Armed Services YMCA Respite Child Care program provides parents with a deployed spouse always is welcome. And since the program's Oct. 1 nationwide expansion, many more parents will benefit. The Armed Services YMCA, as part of a Defense Department contract, provides health and wellness opportunities, including the Respite Child Care program, for reserve-component servicemembers and their families across the country through their local YMCAs.
This means deploying Guardsmen and reservists and their families are eligible for a full YMCA membership for three months before deployment, the 12 months of deployment, and three months after, said Mike Landers, deputy national director of the Armed Services YMCA.
"This entire health and wellness contract was designed for them because they don't have the infrastructure that the active-duty families that live near major military installations have," Landers said. "So the YMCAs, the Pentagon thought, would be a great place for them to be able to connect with other Guard and reserve families who have their same circumstance."
The Respite Child Care program, part of that contract, provides up to 16 hours of child care for families of deployed Guard and reserve personnel. It's meant to be a "short break" for the parent or guardian responsible the child's care, Landers said, and not a substitute for full-time or daily care.
"The respite care was designed to be an opportunity for the mom, whose husband is deployed, or the [dad] whose wife is deployed, to be able to drop their kids off to just have a little peace and quiet, to go to the commissary, to go shopping, to do whatever they need to do," Landers said.
During the first year, however, only the families in 10 pilot states were able to take advantage of the program, which must be offered through state licensed and certified programs and is free to parents. More than 220 children were served. Since Oct. 1, when the program expanded to all 50 states, another 200 children have taken advantage of the program.
"We saw a pretty significant uptick in the demand during the month of October," he said. "There are hundreds and hundreds of YMCAs that are now signed up to do this. I think we'll see a big uptick for the remainder of the year."
Armed Services YMCA officials said they would like to see those using the program establish a monthly routine. This, they explained, makes it easier for the participating YMCAs, since most don't have much excess capacity in their child care programs.
American Forces Press Service
Nov. 25, 2009 - It's a few hours a month, but the break the Armed Services YMCA Respite Child Care program provides parents with a deployed spouse always is welcome. And since the program's Oct. 1 nationwide expansion, many more parents will benefit. The Armed Services YMCA, as part of a Defense Department contract, provides health and wellness opportunities, including the Respite Child Care program, for reserve-component servicemembers and their families across the country through their local YMCAs.
This means deploying Guardsmen and reservists and their families are eligible for a full YMCA membership for three months before deployment, the 12 months of deployment, and three months after, said Mike Landers, deputy national director of the Armed Services YMCA.
"This entire health and wellness contract was designed for them because they don't have the infrastructure that the active-duty families that live near major military installations have," Landers said. "So the YMCAs, the Pentagon thought, would be a great place for them to be able to connect with other Guard and reserve families who have their same circumstance."
The Respite Child Care program, part of that contract, provides up to 16 hours of child care for families of deployed Guard and reserve personnel. It's meant to be a "short break" for the parent or guardian responsible the child's care, Landers said, and not a substitute for full-time or daily care.
"The respite care was designed to be an opportunity for the mom, whose husband is deployed, or the [dad] whose wife is deployed, to be able to drop their kids off to just have a little peace and quiet, to go to the commissary, to go shopping, to do whatever they need to do," Landers said.
During the first year, however, only the families in 10 pilot states were able to take advantage of the program, which must be offered through state licensed and certified programs and is free to parents. More than 220 children were served. Since Oct. 1, when the program expanded to all 50 states, another 200 children have taken advantage of the program.
"We saw a pretty significant uptick in the demand during the month of October," he said. "There are hundreds and hundreds of YMCAs that are now signed up to do this. I think we'll see a big uptick for the remainder of the year."
Armed Services YMCA officials said they would like to see those using the program establish a monthly routine. This, they explained, makes it easier for the participating YMCAs, since most don't have much excess capacity in their child care programs.
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