ARMY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas was awarded on Sept. 11, 2009, a $111,514,752 firm-fixed-price contract for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Full Rate Production IV- Supplemental Award Quantity 1,152 Rockets. Work is to be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas (20.8 precent), East Camden, Ark., (76.8 precent), and Orlando, Fla., (2.4 precent) with an estimated completion date of Dec. 21, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. USA Aviation & Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-C-0001).
Royal Bridge Inc, Tarpon Springs, Fla., was awarded on Sept. 11, 2009, a $11,117,500 firm-fixed-price contract for the Recovery Act-rehabilitate and paint tainter Gates, toad suck lock and Man No. 8. Arkansas River. The work consists of rehabilitation and painting of 16 gates and incidental related work. Work is to be performed in Faulkner County, Ark., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with one bid received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-09-C-0049).
Atlantic Diving Supply Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on Sept. 11, 2009, a $7,612,982 firm-fixed-price contract for 46,278 pair of United Stated Marine Corp Extreme Cold Mitten Systems (Mitten and Liner) and 46,405 pair of Extreme Cold Weather Mitten Liners. Work is to be performed in Seattle, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 1, 2010. Eight bids solicited with two bids received. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Contracting Division Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (GS-07F-5965P).
James Fisher Jr., Excavating, Willows Calif., was awarded on Sept. 11, 2009, a $5,540,854 firm fixed-price contract. The work includes placing quarry stone on the mower slopes, and soil filled quarry stone on the upper slopes of several erosion sites along the banks of the Sacramento and Feather Rivers. In stream wood, fascines, and erosion control seeding will also be installed. For two of these sites, the base work must be installed from the waterside. The options include installation of plantings, plugs, beaver fencing and cages, pole cutting, irrigation and plant maintenance. Work is to be performed Along the Sacramento and Feather River passing through the following counties; Sacramento, Yolo, and Sutter with an estimated completion date of Jan. 1, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-09-C-0019).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wisc., was awarded on Sept. 11, 2009, a $189,059,738 firm-fixed-price IDIQ contract for the procurement of additional MRAP All Terrain Vehicle (352 ea) including Basic Issue items (35LLO) Authorized Stockage List (14 LO), Prescribed Load List (14 LO) and Battled Damage and Repairs (14 LO). Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wisc., with an estimated completion of May 31, 2012. Five bids solicited with five bids received. TACOM, AMSCC-TAC-ADCA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111).
The Whiting-Turner Construction, Baltimore, Md., was awarded on Sept. 11, 2009, a $14,339,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct an Administrative Building, Fort Lee, Va. Work is to be performed in Fort Lee, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2011. Eighty bids solicited with 17 bids received. Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-09-C-0077).
Schutt Industries Inc., Clintonville, Wisc., was awarded on Sept. 11, 2009, a $5,540,068 firm-fixed-price contract to procure a quantity of 732, M1101 Cargo Trailers, for the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle 9HMMWV. The M1101 is the primary companion trailer for the High Mobility Multipurpose wheeled vehicle and is required to operate with the HMMWV worldwide, on primary and secondary roads as well as cross country. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 15 bids received. U.S. Army, TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-D-0107).
Lobar, Inc, Dillsburg, Pa., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2009, a $23,870,000 firm-fixed-price contract to design and construction of Armed Forces Reserve Center, Scranton, Penn. Work is to be performed in Scranton, Penn., with an estimated completion date of March 30, 2011. Forty-six bids were solicited with 13 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0030).
Flir Systems Inc., Wilsonville, Ore., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2009, a $15,389,821 delivery order (GSA). This requirement is for the procurement of the Star Safire II System Support Kits in support of the UH-60 family of aircraft. Work is to be performed in Wilsonville, Ore., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-F-0010).
Heery International, Raleigh, N.C., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2009, a $11,777,057 firm-fixed-price contract for the site preparation and construction of a two-story 55,000 square foot administrative classroom and ready building (Special Operations Forces Expand Training Compound, Fort Bragg, N.C.). The building will include administrative areas, multiple classrooms, work area, latrines, storage areas, and ready state module. Supporting facilities includes access roads, parking, sidewalks, sewer lines, expansions of existing septic, electrical, mechanical, fire protection system, drainage, erosion control measures, security fence, retaining walls, landscaping, and construction of two 75,000 gallon ground tanks. Work is to be performed in Fort Bragg, N.C., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 11, 2011. Twenty bids solicited with four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-C-0050).
Midwest Foundation Corp., Tremont, Ill., was awarded on Sept. 10, 2009, a $8,489,501 firm-fixed-price contract for the Lock Chamber Bulkhead Recesses, Locks 11-13, 20-22 & Peoria Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway. Work is to be performed in Fulton, Ill., (11.0 precent), Canton, Mo., (18.2 precent), Quincy, Ill., (19.1 precent), New London, Mo., (20.2 precent), Peoria, Ill., (6.7 precent), Dubuque, Iowa, (13.7 precent), and Bellevue, Iowa, (11.1 precent) with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited on www.fbo.gov with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W912EK-09-C-0098).
CH2M Hill, Inc., Englewood, Col., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $95,000,000 multiple award indefinite delivery/IDIQ with a resulting fixed firm price contract for the architect-engineering services for National Guard (Army and Air) nationwide (52 states and territories). Work is to be performed in the 2nd Congressional District with an estimated completion date of Sept. 8, 2014. Forty six bids solicited with 59 bids received. NGB-PARC-S is the contracting activity (W90FYQ-09-D-0003).
Walsh Construction Co., Chicago, Ill., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $64,474,095 firm fixed price contract for the Lockport Lock, Major Rehabilitation Stage 3, Cana Walls. Work is to be performed in Lockport, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2010. Bids solicited from the World Wide Web with five bids received. Corps of Engineers, District, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W912EK-09-C-0097).
Trillacorpe Construction, Bingham, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $19,277,444 construction firm fixed price contract for the Construct Combined Support Maintenance Shop, Phase II, in Columbus, Ohio. Work is to be performed in Columbus, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2011. Bids solicited from the World Wide Web with seven bids received. National Guard Bureau, USPFO for Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity (W91364-09-C-0008).
Dunlop & Johnston, Inc., Valley City, Ohio, was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $18,996,000 firm fixed price contract for the Construct Regional Training Institute, Defense Supply Center, Columbus, Ohio. Work is to be performed in Columbus, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 15, 2011. Bids solicited from the World Wide Web with 11 bids received. National Guard Bureau, USPFO for Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity (W91364-09-C-0010).
Marion Trucking & Construction Co., Dunseith, N.C., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $13,524,700 firm fixed price best value contract for the Elbowoods Memorial Health Care Facility, Fort Berthold Reservation, New Town, N.D. This contract includes primary health care facility, EMS, and supporting site work infrastructure (utilities, sidewalks, drainage, landscaping, parking, etc.) necessary to provide a complete and usable turnkey facility. The facility shall have a minimum of 15 exam rooms. The scope also includes all loose furniture such as chairs, tables, desk, waiting room furnishings, and specialized medical equipment needed to support clinic operations with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2009. Bids solicited from the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-09-C-0040).
Chenega Security & Protection Services, LLC, Ashburn, Va., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $10,375,701 cost plus fix priced contract to exercise option period one to provide Security Service for the Forward Based X-Band Transportable (AN/TPY-2) Radar System at the Shariki Communications Site, Aomori Prefecture, Northern Honshu, Japan. Work is to be performed in Shariki Communications Site, Japan, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013. Bids solicited from one sole source with one bid received. U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Col., is the contracting activity (W91260-08-C-0006).
Duke Construction Limited Partnership, Morrisville, N.C., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $9,798,818 firm fixed price contract for a design and construct a Consolidated Support Facility. Construction of Consolidated Support Center approximately 43,152 square feet to house Mission Support Group, Finance, Contracting, Force Support Squadron, and Legal Staff. Supporting facilities include, but are not limited to, utilities, electrical service, exterior and security lighting, fire protection and alarm system, water, gas, sewer, oil water separators, storm drainage and site improvements. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities will be provided. Antiterrorism/Force Protection measures shall also be included in the facility design in accordance with applicable criteria. Air Conditioning (Estimated 120 Tons). Work is to be performed in Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 16, 2011. Bids solicited from the World Wide Web with 11 bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-C-0056).
APS Contracting, Inc., Paterson, N.J., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $8,122,000 construction firm fixed contract for the design/build of an Armed Forces Reserve Center. Work is to be performed in Fort Totten, Queens, New York, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 1, 2010. Bids solicited from the World Wide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0079).
ARES Systems Group LLC, Bassfield, Miss., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $7,673,821 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the threat detection alongside or approaching a roadway. Work is to be performed in Bassfield, Miss. (91.4 precent), and OCONUS (8.6 precent) with an estimated completion date of Oct. 1, 2009. Bids were solicited using FedBizOpps with one bid received. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, ERDC Contracting Office, Vicksburg, Ms., is the contracting activity (W912HZ-09-C-0097).
Endicott Construction Corp., Reading Mass., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a construction firm-fixed-price contract to construct National Guard United States Property and Fiscal Office Warehouse. Work is to be performed in Columbus, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 11 bids received. National Guard Bureau, USPFO for Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, is the contracting activity (W91364-09-C-0009).
Rich Moe / Coakley & Williams JV, Upper Marlboro, Md., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $7,096,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design/build fixed price construction contract to covert and renovate Company Operations Facility Building 249. Work is to be performed in Arlington County, Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited using FedBizOpps with nine bids received. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Baltimore, Md., is the contracting activity (W912DR-09-C-0061).
Yellowstone Electric Co., Billing, Mont., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $6,882,825 firm-fixed-price contract to design, manufacture, factory test and deliver generator set up power transformers and accessories the Allatoona (Cartersville, Ga.), Walter F. George (Fort Gaines, Ga.), West Point ( West Point, Ga.,) and Philpot (Bassett, Va.,) powerhouses. The West Point, Ga., transformers are optional items which are not being awarded at this time. The value of the optional items is $2,556,823. Work is to be performed in Cartersville, Ga. (29.4 precent), Fort Gaines, Ga. (55.2 precent), Bassett, Va. (15.4 precent) with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited using FedBizOpps with seven bids received. Corp of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-09-C-0083).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 9, 2009, a $6,100,00 Undefinitize Change Order Modification firm-fixed-price contract for the award undefinitized change order modification for the procurement of 98 each Commanders Remote Operated Weapons Stations version 2 kits (CROWS II). Work is to be performed in Lima, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 15, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).
Kipper Tool Co., Gainesville, Ga., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2009, a $30,298,500 firm-fixed-contract for seven each of the Stryker Special Tools Set Systems. Work is to be performed in Gainesville, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2014. Twelve bids were solicited with two bids received. TACOM Rock Island, AMSTA-LC-CTC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAE20-03-D-0089).
Wade Perrow Construction LLC, Gig Harbor, Wash., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2009, a $21,763,392 firm-fixed-price contracts to construct Fort Lewis Readiness Center. Work is to be performed in Tacoma, Wash., with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2011. Bids were solicited using FedBizOpps with 11 bids received. Department of the Army & AF, national Guard Bureau, USPFO for Washington, Contracting Office, Tacoma, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912K3-09-C-0001).
DTC Engineers & Constructors LLC, Hamden, Conn., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2009, a $21,269,531 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center. Work is to be performed in Puerto Rico with an estimated completion date of May 21, 2011. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0071).
General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2009, a $18,200,000 Undefinitize Change Order Modification firm-fixed-price contract for the award undefinitized change order modification for the procurement of 370 each Commanders Remote Operated Weapons Stations version 2 kits (CROWS II) for the M1A2 SEPv2 Upgrade Vehicles under this Multi-year contract. Work is to be performed in Lima, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-06-G-0006).
Leetex / Hill & Wilkerson III LLC, Dallas, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 8, 2009, a $12,891,910 firm-fixed-price contract for the design/build for an Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) on Lewisville, Texas. This project will provide an approximately 50,000 square feet training building, an approximately 11,000 square feet organizational maintenance shop, approximately 6,000 square feet unit storage building and approximately 17,000 square yards of organizational vehicle parking. Work is to be performed in Lewisville, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited using FedTeds with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0061.
Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., Mclean, Va., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2009, a time and material contract to provide information technology, consulting, technical analytic, and industrial engineering support for the Army Workload Performance System Program to prospective installation clients at the Army Material Command (AMC), Maintenance and Ammunition installations, and possible at the AMC manufacturing sites (arsenals). Work is to be performed in various Army Installations under the AMC with an estimated completion date of Sept. 8, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command Rock Island Contracting Center Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-08-F-3025).
Speegle Construction Ind., Niceville, Fla., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2009, a firm-fixed-price contract for the design/build fiscal year 2009 Air Control operations Training Complex at Tyndall Air Force Base. The work shall consist of design and construct a one story 2,639 SM administrative facility and demolish approximately 3,078 SM of existing facilities. Work is to be performed in Tyndall Air Force base, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 28, 2011. Bids were solicited using FedBizOpps with six bids received. Corps engineers mobile regional contracting center is the contracting activity (W91278-09-C-0081).
Snap-On Industrial, IDSC holdings LLC, Kenosha, Wisc., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2009, a $6,258,409 firm-fixed-price contract for two each of Bradley Fighting Vehicle Special Tool Set Systems. Work is to be performed in Kenosha, Wisc., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2014. Three bids solicited with two bids received. TACOM-Rock Island, AMSTA-LC-CTC, Rock Island, Ill. is the contracting activity (DAAE20-03-D-0083).
Science Applications International Corp, San Diego, Calif., was awarded Sept. 4, 2009, a $41,561,436.61 firm fixed price (LOE) task order contract to provide Sustainment Services for the Joint Program Office Mine Resistant Ambush Protected. Work is to be performed in Kuwait and Sterling Heights, Mich., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 3, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-A-0003).
Southern Dredging Co., Inc., North Charleston, S.C., was awarded on Sept. 8, 2009, a $5,888,114 firm-fixed-price contract. The project consists of maintenance dredging of approximately 910,300 cubic yards of unclassified material from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway between Winyah Bay and Ashepoo River-Charleston, Colleton, and Georgetown Counties, South Carolina. Work is to be performed in Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway between Winyah Bay and Ashepoo River-Charleston, Colleton, and Georgetown Counties, South Carolina with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army of Engineers/Savannah Regional Contracting Center/Charleston Office, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-C-0043).
M.A. Mortenson Co., Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on Sept. 4, 2009, a $35,726,000 firm fixed price contract for Project 64460, which includes the design and construction of maintenance facilities at Fort Benning, Ga. The project includes a tactical equipment maintenance facility (38,730 square feet and 40,000 square feet), a compact item repair shop (11,500 square feet), and organizational vehicle parking. Project 65322 includes design and construction of a tactical equipment maintenance facility (38,397 square feet). Supporting facilities include oil storage building; hazardous material storage; vehicle fueling area; antiterrorism measures; building information system; heating, ventilating and air conditioning system; and energy monitoring and control system. Also included are utilities, security lighting, fencing, sewer, storm drainage, walks, curbs, gutters, and site development. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2011. Five bids solicited with five bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-D-0030).
Consigli Construction Co., Inc., Milford, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 4, 2009, a $22,427,920 construction firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center. Work is to be performed in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, with an estimated completion date of May 3, 2010. Bids solicited from the FedBizOps Electronic Synopsis with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0077).
Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $9,643,211 firm fixed price incentive (Film Target) with award fee contract for the modification of incorporating in-scope changes to the Pentagon renovation in accordance with the approved design phased construction plan that incorporates approved changes. Work is to be performed in Pentagon, Arlington, Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 9, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. Pentagon Renovation & Construction Program Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (MDA-947-01-C-2001).
Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on Sept. 4, 2009, a $15,767,375.28 firm fixed price five year IDIQ for production contract for lightweight exposure jackets and lightweight exposure trousers in accordance with size tariff for the Marine Corp. Work is to be performed in Virginia Beach, Va., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 20, 2010. Web bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command, Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (GS-07-F-5965P).
Fugro Pelagos, Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 4, 2009, a firm fixed price contract for Architect-Engineer services required for an Indefinite Delivery Contract for Surveying and Mapping Services to support the Mobile District, South Atlantic Division, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Work is to be performed in Mobile, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 3, 2014. FedBizOpps bid solicited with eight bids received. Corps of Engineers-Mobile Regional Contracting Center, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-09-D-0095).
Tri-County Contractors Inc, Jackson, Miss., was awarded on Sept. 4, 2009, a firm-fixed-price contract. This is a firm fixed price contract flood control/Mississippi River & tributaries, yazoo River Basin, Big Sunflower River, Washington County, Miss., Steele Bayou-Item 66B, Channel Relocation, Phase 2. Work is to be performed in Washington County, Miss., with an estimated completion date of July 1, 2010. Bids were solicited using FedBizOpps with three bids received. U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, District Contracting Office, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity (W912EE-09-C-0032).
Iris Kim, Inc., Hampton, Va., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $166,090.69 firm-fixed-price IDIQ contract for the procurement of M4/M16 Cleaning Kits in support of Foreign Military Sales. The contract is based on FAR Part 12-Acquisition of Commercial Items. Work is to be performed in Carson City, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 27, 2014. Bids were solicited from the World Wide Web with two bids received. TACOM-Rock Island, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-09-D-0277).
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $73,177,342 firm fixed price contract for the procurement of 6 UH-60L Black Hawk Helicopters unique/aircraft configured for the Brazilian Air Force (BraF), FMS Case BR-B-UUC; and to include publications and aircraft warranty. Work is to be performed in Stratford, Conn., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, CCAM-BH-A, Red Stone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (DAAH23-02-C-0006).
Lakeshore Group, Inc., Detroit, Mich., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $24,183,000 firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of the Army Reserve Equipment Concentration Site, Lakehurst, N.J. Work is to be performed in Lakehurst, N.J., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 26, 2011. Bids solicited on the World Wide Web with ten bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0075).
Consigli Construction Co., Inc., Milford, Mass., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $21,699,911construction firm fixed price contract for the design and construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center. Work is to be performed in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, with an estimated completion date of May 3, 2010. Bids solicited from the FedBizOps Electronic Synopsis with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0073).
Five Rivers Services, LLC, Colorado Springs, Colo., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, $20,978,988 single award services contract at a firm fixed price with time and materials CLINS for the Information Technology support services for the 1st Signal Center Army Global Network Operation and Security Center. Work is to be performed in Fort Belvoir, Va., and Fort Huachuca, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 27, 2012. Bids solicited from the ASFI and FedBizOpps with fourteen bids received. ACC-ITEC4-w, Fort Huachuca, Ariz., is the contracting activity (W91RUS-09-C-0036).
GSC Construction, Augusta, Ga., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $16,078,683 a construction firm fixed price contract for a design-build project for the Trainee Barracks Dining Facility, Ft. Benning, Ga. This project includes providing a complete and functional dining facility with receiving, storage, preparation, serving, queuing, dining, dishwashing, and all support equipment and facilities. Facility shall be similar to a college or university meal plan cafeteria in general function and quality. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 1, 2011. Three Bids solicited with three bids received. Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-08-D-0066).
Richard Y. Johnson & Son, Inc., Lincoln, Del., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $11,414,103 a firm fixed price contract for the construction of a Fitness Center for Dover Air Force Base. Work is to be performed in Dover Air Force Base, Dover, Del., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2011. One hundred and eighty five bids solicited with 10 bids received. Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W912BU-09-C-0043).
AOSENSE, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $11,230,139 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for the High Dynamic Range Atomic Sensors (HiDRA) effort will build on the Precision Inertial Navigation System (PINS) work by demonstrating that atom optic (AO) sensors can outperform existing technologies in the presence of realistic platforms dynamics for a broad range of military applications. The goal of this program is to provide jam-proof, non-emanating inertial navigation with near-GPS accuracies for future military systems. Work is to be performed in Sunnyvale, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 13, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with more than 25 bids received. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0116).
Greenleaf Construction Co., Inc, Kansas City, Mo., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $9,802,578 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of an Army Reserve Center in St. Louis, Mo. Work is to be performed in Weldon Springs, Mo., with an estimated completion date of March 1, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0066).
J.C. Industries Inc., Jefferson City, Mo., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $9,557,770 firm-fixed-price contract for the Construction of Chapel Complex and Religious Education Facility. Work is to be performed in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with nine bids received. Corps of Engineers, District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-09-C-0038).
HRL Laboratories LLC, Malibu, Calif., was awarded on Sept. 3, 2009, a $10,982,174 cost-no-fee contract. This contract is for the SyNAPSE program seeks to break the programmable machine paradigm and define a new path forward for creating useful, intelligent machines. The vision for the anticipated DARPA SyNAPSE program is the enabling of electronic neuromorphic machine technology that is scalable to biological levels. Programmable machines are limited not only by their computational capacity, but also an architecture requiring (human-derived) algorithms to both describe and process information from their environment. In contrast, biological neural systems (e.g., brains) autonomously process information in complex by automatically learning relevant and probabilistically stable features and associations. The key to achieving the vision of the NyNAPSE program will be an unprecedented multidisciplinary approach that can coordinate aggressive technology development activities in the following areas 1) hardware; 2) architecture; 3) simulation; and 4) environment. Work is to be performed in Malibu, Calif., (61.7 precent), San Diego, Calif., (6.3 precent), Portland, Ore., (2.1 precent), Fairfax, Va., (3.2 precent), Atlanta, Ga., (7 precent), Reno, N.V., (1.8 precent), Arlington, Va., (6 precent), Boston, Mass., (6.5 precent), and Irvine, Calif., (3.0%) with an estimated completion date of Feb. 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 13 bids received. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency Contracts Managements Office, Arlington, Va., is the contracting activity (HR0011-09-C-0001).
David Boland Inc., Titusville, Fla., was awarded on Sept. 2, 2009, a $20,410,249 firm-fixed-price contract for the Texas pipeline dredging and construction of New East Jetty. Colorado River and Tributaries Texas, Mouth of Colorado River in Matagorda. Work is to be performed in Matagorda County with an estimated completion date of July 16, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District Galveston, Texas, is the contracting activity (W912HY-09-C-0032).
SDVO Constructions, L.P. El Paso, Texas, was awarded on Sept. 2, 2009, a $11,603,500 firm-fixed-price contract to construct the National Guard Readiness Center. Work is to be performed in Phoenix, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of March 30, 2011. Twenty-eight bids solicited with 17 bids received. National Guard Bureau, U.S. Property and Fiscal Office for Arizona, Phoenix, Ariz., is the contracting activity (W912L2-09-C-0003).
Navistar Defense LLC, Warrenville, Ill., was awarded on Sept. 2, 2009, a $9,764,389 firm-fixed-price contract for General Transport Truck, spare parts, Petroleum/Oil/Lubricant Truck, and water trucks. Work is to be performed in West Point, Miss., (93.68 precent), and Beloit, Wis., (6.32 precent) with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2011. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army TACOM LCMC, AMSCC-TAC-ADBA, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-08-D-G097).
Sig Sauer, Inc., Exeter, N.H., was awarded on Sept. 1, 2009, a $353,727,780 three year, firm-fixed price contract for Sig Sauer 9MM pistols and contractor furnished spare parts for 9MM pistols models P226 and P228. Work is to be performed in Exeter, N.H., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 25, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. Tank- Automotive Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-09-D-0158).
Orbimage, Inc., Dulles, Va., was awarded on Sept. 1, 2009, a $214,238,640 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract modification is for the continued acquisition of commercial imagery from the ORBIMAGE satellite constellation. The basic contract Service Level Agreement (SLA) will be extended 4-month through Mar. 31, 2010 ($50, 000,000 SLA value, $51,738,640 miscellaneous), followed by one 9-month option (April 2010 – December 2010, $112,500,000). Work is to be performed in Dulles, Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, NGA/ACA-C, Bethesda, Md., is the contracting activity (HM1573-04-C-0014).
Garco Construction, Spokane, Wash., was awarded on Sept. 1, 2009, a $20,706,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the design/build of an Armed Forces Reserve Center in Vancouver, Wash. Work is to be performed in Vancouver, Wash., with an estimated completion date of June 1, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids received. Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-09-C-0070).
Choate Construction Co., Atlanta, Ga., was awarded on Sept. 1, 2009, a $11,446,440 firm-fixed-price contract. The work consists of the following two-step design to build a 56,230 square foot systems, Software Engineering Facility to offset scope shortfalls. Major features include laboratories and engineering work spaces with automated data processing attributes, group, coordination and training spaces, supervisor and support administrative spaces, storage spaces, break rooms, vaults, a hardstand for oversized/overweight system equipment, and an access corridor connecting to System Software Engineering Annex, Phase II (Building 6264). Supporting facilities include utilities, exterior communications, paving, storm damage, sewage lift station with outfall lines, exterior lighting and site improvements and other related site work. The construction of this project will provide Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection and other physical security in compliance with the minimum construction standards. Work is to be performed in Redstone Arsenal, Ala., with an estimated completion date of March 9, 2011. Bids were solicited on FedBizOps with 16 bids received. Corps of Engineers District, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-09-C-0079).
Slone Associates, Inc., Valdosta, Ga., was awarded on Sept. 1, 2009, a $10,637,382 firm-fixed-price contract design and construction of Child Development Center at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Project includes the design and construction of a single story 3510 Square Meter (37,781 Square Foot) Child Development Center in accordance with Unified facilities criteria 4-740-14. This project shall be designed and constructed in accordance with sustainable design principals outlined by the Leadership in Energy and environmental design (LEED) process. It is the goal of this project to accumulate sufficient points for the LEED Silver level of certification. Description of Proposed Construction: Single-story structural steel frame with reinforced concrete foundation and floor slab, structural frame, Concrete Masonry Units walls, brick exterior, finish system accents, standing seam metal roof. Includes; pickup/drop-off area, outdoor pay area, parking, access road, site preparation, and all other support necessary to provide a complete and useful Child Development Center. The project will also demolish building 251, 252 and 253. Facility will comply with Department of Defense force protection requirements per unified facilities criteria. Work is to be performed in Moody Air Force base, Ga., with an estimated completion date March 9, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 16 bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-C-0053).
STG, Reston, Va., was awarded on Sept. 1, 2009, a $8,900,112 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Non Personal Enterprise Information Technology Support Services required for operational test, data collection and experimentation mission and support. Work is to be performed in Alexandria, Va., (47 precent), Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., (12 precent), Fort Hood, Texas, (40 precent), and Fort Still, Okla., (1 percent) with an estimated completion date of August 31, 2014. Seventeen (17) bids solicited with two bids received. ATEC Mission Support Contracting Activity is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-06-D-0015).
BAE Systems, Ordinance Systems Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on Sept. 1, 2009, a $8,157,824 firm-fixed-price contract for the production and supply of 500,480 pounds of CXM-AF-7 explosives, used as an IM fill for the BLU-117 bomb. Work is to be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-D-0003).
IAP Worldwide Services, Inc., Panama City, Fla., was awarded on Sept. 1, 2009, a $6,639,338 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of the Logistics Storage warehouse at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The work consists of the construction of a pre-engineered warehouse building, parking sunshine, warehouse bay and related site work and utilities. Work is to be performed in Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 1, 2010. Sixty (60) bids solicited with 10 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Programs Center, CETAC-CT-M, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-09-C-0035).
Kipper Tool Co., Gainesville, Ga., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2009, a $29,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract for seven each of Stryker Special Tools Set System. Work is to be performed in Gainesville, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2014. Twelve bids solicited with two bids received. TACOM Rock Island, AMSTA-LC-CTC, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAE20-03-D-0089).
Nicholson Construction Co., Cuddy, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2009, a $28,227,738 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor will be required to construct a multi-line grout certain at the CUP McCook Reservoir located in Hodgkins, Ill. The requirement consists of outer and inner row of holes with possible center-line holes for closure around the southeast and northeast perimeter of the CUP McCook Reservoir. Work is to be performed in Hodgkins, Ill. with an estimated completion date of Sept. 15, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago, Ill., is the contracting activity (W912P6-09-C-0024).
Mortenson Construction, Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2009, a $22,764,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of 200 room dorms at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas. Work is to be performed in Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 9, 2011. U.S. Army Engineer District, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-09-C-6008).
BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems LP, Sealy, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 31, 2009, a $13,977,529 firm-fixed-price contract for 64 improved cab protection cab kits, 65 appliqué kits, 59 limp home kits, 5 sets spares for the High Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Work is to be performed in Sealy, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 9, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Acquisition Contracting Center, CCAM-TM-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-09-C-0623).
General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2009, a $ 12,463,103 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor shall provide technical and administrative support services (including organizing/hosting meeting and outreach activities). Work is to be performed in Washington, D.C., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2014. Bids were solicited using FebBizOpps with one bid received. Contracting Center of Excellence, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91WAW-09-C-0106).
General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2009, a $10,618,207 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor shall provide technical (including disclosure/releasable support, security cooperation program policy preparation, technology transfer assessments, and draft disclosure support documentation) and administrative support services (including organizing/hosting meetings). Work is to be performed in Washington, D.C., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 29, 2014. Bids were solicited using FebBizOpps with one bid received. Contracting Center of Excellence, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91WAW-09-C-0109).
Military Professional Resources Inc., Alexandria, Va., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2009, a $9,515,923 Labor Hour contract. The contractor is to provide technical, analytical, and engineering support for the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Program Force Development, G-8. Work is to be performed in Washington, D.C., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited using FebBizOpps with two bid received. Contracting Center of Excellence, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91WAW-08-F-0129).
SGS, LLC, Oklahoma City, Okla., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2009, a $7,165,591 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor shall design/build to provide a new Radar Approach/Digital Air Surveillance Facility (DASR/RAPCON) at Altus Air Force Base, Okla. Work is to be performed in Altus Air Force Base, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-09-C-2021).
Dutra Dredging Co., San Rafael, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 31, 2009, a $6,309,300 firm-fixed-price contract. The work consist of maintenance dredging of the Federal Channel located at Suisun Bay Channel and New York Slough with disposal at SF-16 as well as optional advanced maintenance dredging of the Federal channel located at Pinole Shoals with disposal at SF-8 or the Hamilton Wetlands restoration Site. Work is to be performed in Suisun Bay Channel, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 21, 2009. Twenty bids solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912P7-09-C-0016).
The Ross Group Construction Corp., Tulsa, Okla., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $36,172,900 firm-fixed-price contract. This construction contract is for the construction if a Digital Multipurpose Range Complex, (DMPRC), at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. The DMPRC includes stationary and moving infantry and armor targets, machine gun bunkers, urban cluster, aggregate course roads, including crossover and service roads, concrete turning pads, range limit markers, camera towers, defilades, ammo loading pads, covered bleachers, one and two story facades and vehicle staging area. An operation and storage building with storm drainage, earthwork, erosion control, clearing and grubbing are also included along with downrange electrical communications. Work is to be performed in El Paso, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2011. Two bids solicited with two bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Forth Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-D-0008).
CJ Mahan Construction Co., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $28,365,517 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract work consist of the following: the 425 foot long lower guard wall consist of drilled shafts, pre-cast shells over the drilled shafts, pre-cast wall panels, a pre-cast cap beam, infill concrete, a sheet pile cut off wall, and four flow diversion cells. There are 13 each 9-6 diameter concrete reinforced drilled shafts that are advance through approximately 20 feet of river bottom overburden and penetrate approximately 25 feet into bedrock. Each drilled shaft is encased with reinforces pre-cast concrete enclosure. Pre-cast wall panels are attached to the shaft enclosure to create the lock wall face. A pre-cast cap beam is installed to create the top surface off the wall; the cap beam is in filled with concrete. At the downstream end of the wall is a nose cell consisting of a steel shell placed over two of the drilled shafts and in filled with concrete. The flow diversion cells are 30 foot diameter gravel filled and concrete capped sheet pile cells that are installed riverward of the nose pier. The 800 foot long upper guard wall consists of 6 concrete piers, and 6 pre-cast box beam sections as well as a nose cell. Each pier consist of a 2 each 66 diameter concrete reinforced drilled shafts and pre-cast cap beam and a cast in place thrust block. The drilled shafts are advanced through approximately 30 feet of river bottom overburden and penetrate approximately 20 feet into rock. Between each pier, there is a 10 wide by 10 deep by 110 foot long hollow prestressed concrete box beam; there are a total of six box beams included in the contract. Other features of the upper guard wall include a sheet pile cut-off wall and a 50 foot diameter filled nose cell. Concrete for drilled shafts and infill concrete will be Government furnished material. Sheet pile for the cells and the cut-off walls will be Government furnished material. The work includes minimal electrical work comprised of conduit and pull boxes for each of the guard walls. Contracts will include a minimal amount of excavation for the construction of the walls and nose cells. Excavated material will be transported to and disposed of at the Government facility located approximately 7.3 river miles downstream. Work is to be performed with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Pittsburg, Pa., is the contracting activity (W911WN-09-C-0012).
Abhe Svoboda, Inc., Prior Lake, Minn., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $11,343,250 firm-fixed-price contract for the Tainter Gate Repair and Repainting at Lake Whitney, Whitney, Texas. Work is to be performed in Clifton, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 10, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-09-C-0057).
Korte Construction Company, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on August 28, 2009, a $11,188,598 firm fixed price contract for the design and build of a new single-story. Pre-engineered repair facility. This facility will repair a variety of aircraft power components. Work is to be performed in Beale Air Force Base, Calif., with an estimated completion date of June 19, 2011. Unrestricted bid were solicited with 19 bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento, Calif., is the contracting activity (W91238-09-C-0020)
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Rocket Center, W.V., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $9,739,165 firm-fixed-price contract. This award to the 40 percent contractor MEI to procure the M228 Practice Grenade Fuze used as training rounds to replicate the M67 hand grenade. Work is to be performed in Rocket Center, W.V., with an estimated completion date of Sept 30, 2011. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. Department of the Army, Rock Island Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-C-0045).
Rayhteon Co., Integrated Defense Co., Andover, Mass., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $8,117,303 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the FY09 PATRIOT Engineering Services Contract Option Award for 50,784 man-hours of effort. Work is to be performed in Andover, Mass., (11.12 precent), Huntsville, Ala., (2.89 precent) and Tewksbury, Mass., (85.99 precent) with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2014. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q0-09-C-0057).
Tyonel Fabrication Corp., Madison, Ala., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $7,393,190 firm-fixed-price contract for the continuous technology refreshments/product modernization to deliver 246 New and Improved Remote Rockets Assembly Units in Support of the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior Helicopter. Work is to be performed in Madison, Ala., with an estimated completion date of May 12, 2012. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, CCAM-AL-A Acquisition Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-04-D-0061).
Smith Construction Management, LLC, Phoenix, Ariz., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $6,357,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct National Guard Readiness Center. Work is to be performed in Florence, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2010. Thirty bids solicited with 14 bids received. National Guard Bureau, Phoenix, Ariz., is the contracting activity (W912L2-09-C-0007).
Action Manufacturing Co., Philadelphia, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $6,615,370 firm-fixed-price contract. The contractor shall provide the facilities, personnel, and equipment to manufacture, inspects, test, and deliver M739A1 Point Detonating (PD)/Delay Fuzes. Work is to be performed in Philadelphia, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2011. Seven bids were solicited with three bids received. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center, CCJM-CA, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-09-C-2003).
L W Matteson, Inc., Burlington, Iowa, was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $5,998,920 firm-fixed-price contract for the Henderson County Drainage District No. 1 Levee Repairs. Work is to be performed in Carman, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 9, 2010. Bids were solicited on www.fbo.gov with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Rock Island District, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W912EK-09-C-0094).
Project Management Solutions Group LLC, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $5,741,812 firm-fixed-price for the construction of a new Behavioral Medicine Building at VA Medical Center in Marion, Ill. Work is to be performed in Marion, Ill., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eight bids solicited. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis, Mo., is the contracting activity (W912P9-09-C-0408).
Martin Electrics Inc., Perry, Fla., was awarded on Aug. 28, 2009, a $5,558,942 firm-fixed-price contract. This award to the 40 percent contractor MEI to procure the M228 Practice Grenade Fuze used as training rounds to replicate the M67 hand grenade. Work is to be performed in Perry, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. Department of the Army, Rock Island Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-C-0046).
James G. Davis Construction Corp., Rockville, Md., was awarded on Aug. 27, 2009, a $20,740,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the consolidated North Facility, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) Campus. Work is to be performed in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 21, 2010. Eighty-five bids were solicited with 14 bids received. U.S Army Engineer District, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-09-C-0039).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Herndon, Va., was awarded on Aug. 27, 2009, a $17,822,789 firm-fixed-price contract for the visual communications Production Services such as photography, video production, graphic design and printing press. Work is to be performed in Bethesda, Md., with an estimated completion date on Jul. 23, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, A/ACH, Bethesda, Md., is the contracting activity (HM0177-09-C-0013).
I.L. Fleming, Inc., Midway, Ga., was awarded on Aug. 27, 2009, a $16,260,000 firm-fixed-price contract to design and construct Brigade Headquarters Facility, approximately 55,300 square feet for the Division Support Brigade. Primary facilities consist of Brigade Headquarters with Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, interim facilities for transitional swing space, parking with associated infrastructure and utilities. Work is to be performed in Fort Stewart, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2011. Four bids solicited with four bids received. U.S Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0042).
Royal Bridge Inc., Tarpon Springs, Fla., was awarded on Aug. 27, 2009, a $11,728,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the Recovery Act - Rehabilitate and Paint Tainted Gates, Murray Lock and Dam No. 7, Arkansas River. This work consists of rehabilitation and painting of all 14 gates and incidental related work. Work is to be performed in Murray Lock and Dam No. 7, Arkansas River, Pulaski County, and Little Rock Arkansas with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Little Rock, Ark., is the contracting activity (W9127S-09-C-0040).
Davis Group Construction Inc., Sanford, Fla., was awarded on Aug. 27, 2009, a $7,735,740 firm-fixed-price to design and construct a Co., Operations Facility, approximately 43,000 square feet for the division support brigade. Primary facilities consist of a company operations facility with Intrusion Detection System parking with associated infrastructure and utilities. Work is to be performed in Fort Stewart, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 26, 2011. Four bids solicited with four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0037).
Innovative Technical Solutions, Inc., Walnut Creek, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 17, 2009, a $20,456,706 firm-fixed-price contract. This project consists of the following: Facilities Repair/ Renewal (FRR) effort for Phase II of the Chilled water Distribution System, at Fort Stewart, Ga. Work is to be performed in Fort Stewart, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 22, 2011. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912DY-08-D-0032).
Korte Construction Co., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Aug. 26, 2009, a $40,095,664 firm-fixed-price contract for the construction of a 164,704 square foot facility Multi-Aircraft Hangar at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Work is to be performed in Tinker Air Force Base, Midwest City, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Apr. 30, 2011. Bids solicited on World Wide Web with seven bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-09-C-2020).
EOD Technology, Lenoir City, Tenn., was awarded on Aug. 26, 2009, a $27,300,000 firm-fixed- price contract for providing security services throughout Victory Base Complex, Iraq for a four month period of performance. Work is to be performed in Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq with an estimated completion date of Dec. 25, 2009. One bid solicited with one bid received. Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan, Baghdad, Iraq is the contracting activity (W91GDW-09-C-0001).
The Logistics Co., Inc., Fayetteville, N.C., was awarded on Aug. 26, 2009, a $16,987,129 cost-plus-award fee contract for logistic services at Fort Knox, during the period of Oct. 1, 2009 through Sept. 20, 2010. This is the third option year. Work is to be performed in Fort Knox, Ky., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on World Wide Web with eight bids received. Mission & Installation Contracting Command, Fort Knox, Ky., is the contracting activity (W9124D-06-C-0030).
Bristol Design Build Services, LLC, Inc., Anchorage, Ala., was awarded on Aug. 26, 2009, a $13,499,830 firm-fixed-price award contract for a tactical equipment maintenance facility supporting the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery (5-5 ADA) battalion at Fort Lewis, Wash. Work is to be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0027).
J2 Engineering Inc, Tampa, Fla., was awarded on Aug. 26, 2009, a $6,385,738 firm-fixed-price contract to design and construction of a 2,370 Square Meter, multi-story, concrete block, slab-on grade building, site work, utilities and parking lot. Environmental permitting and endangered species will be required to the contractor. Work is to be performed in Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., with an estimated completion date of June 18, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 16 bids received. Corps of Engineers Mobile, Regional Contracting Center, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-09-C-0075).
Spanish Springs Constructions Inc., Sparks, N.V., was awarded on Aug. 26, 2009, a $6,253,444 firm-fixed-price contract. The purpose of this contract is to design and construct Main Gate and Infrastructure at Creech, Air Force Base, Nevada. Work is to be performed in Indian Springs, Nevada, with an estimated completion date of June 11, 2010. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with four bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles, Calif., Is the contracting activity (W912PL-09-C-0020).
Shaw Environment al Inc., Houston, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 26, 2009, a $599,950 firm-fixed-price contract for Environmental Remediation Services for six Installation Restoration Program Sites and five military Munitions Response Sites at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, McAlester, Okla. Work is to be performed in McAlester, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 1, 2014. Three bids solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer, District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-04-D-2024).
Graham Construction Services Inc., Eagan, Minn., was awarded on Aug. 25, 2009, a $18,860,497 firm-fixed-price contract for (firm-fixed-price best value) recovery-QJVF072003-Minot Dormitory (168 RM), Minot Air Force Base, N.D.. Work is to be performed in Minot AFB, N.D., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 1, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-09-C-0037),
The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded on Aug. 25, 2009, a $17,828,572 firm-fixed-price contract for the CH-47G Recap, Lot 7, six each CH-47G Recap Aircraft. Work is to be performed in Ridley Park, Pa., with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, CCAM-CH-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-G-0023).
R.C. Construction Co., Inc., Greenwood, Miss., was awarded on Aug. 25, 2009, a $10,226,000 firm-fixed-price contract to design and build a Central Vehicle Was Facility (CVWF) at Fort Benning, Ga. The project includes a wash facility consisting of wash lanes, pump, houses, water recycle and distribution system, combination control booth/latrine building (1,1013 square feet), heavy vehicle bath, vehicle final was area, vehicle staging are hardstand, grit and oil chambers, filter area with service roadway, detention pond, tank road to the facility, and tactical vehicle hardstand. Work is to be performed in Fort Benning, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 15, 2011. Six bids solicited with four bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-09-D-0011).
Joseph J. Henderson & Son Inc., Gurnee, Ill. was awarded on Aug. 24, 2009, a $21,178,700 firm-fixed-price contract to replace family housing phase 7D at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Work is to be performed in Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with seven bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-09-C-0009).
M.A. Mortenson Co., Minneapolis, Minn., was awarded on Aug. 21, 2009, a $20,957,000 firm-fixed-price contract to design and construct a consolidated Brigade and Battalion Headquarters with classroom totaling 147,000 square feet in support of Solders assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga. Project includes all infrastructure and utilities. Work is to be performed in Fort Stewart, Ga., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 20, 2011. Four bids solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-08-D-0035).
Circle, Incorporated, Belle Chasse, La., was awarded on Aug. 21, 2009, a $12,309,991 firm-fixed-price contract for WBV-18-2 Highway 90 to Lake Cataoutche Pumping Station, Levee Baseline Sta. 160+23, Phase II, First Lift, Levee Enlargement, Jefferson Parish, La. Work is to be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 24, 2011. Bids were solicited via FedTeds with 13 bids received. USA Corps of Engineer, District New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-C-0105).
Boeing S&IS Mission Systems, Springfield, Va., was awarded on Aug. 21, 2009, a $6,675,906 firm-fixed-price contract for the Global Geospatial Intelligence date products in support of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). Work is to be performed in Springfield, Va. (35 precent), Rockville, Md. (3 precent), Bowie, Md. (2 precent), Albuquerque, N.M. (10 precent), Huntsville, Ala. (21 precent), Springfield, Mo. (4 precent), Tampa, Fla. (5 precent), and Chantilly, Va. (20 precent) with an estimated completion date of Aug. 20, 2010. One bid solicited with one bid received. NGA, St. Louis, Mo., is the contracting activity (NMA302-03-D-0005).
BAE Systems National Security Solutions Inc, San Diego, Calif., was awarded on Aug. 21, 2009 a $ 5,663,717 firm-fixed-price contract for the production of High Resolution Terrain Elevation Data (HRTe) Level 3 data product. Work is to be performed Pittsburg, Pa., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 13, 2013. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with eighteen (18) bids received. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, St. Louis, Mo., is the contracting activity (NMA302-03-D-0004).
AIR FORCE
Rome Research Corp., of Rome, N.Y., was awarded a $46,000,000 contract for research and development, testing and evaluation expertise to operate the far field antenna test ranges, anechoic chambers, other laboratory facilities for the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate and conduct exercises and training missions on Air Force fielded technologies in combat. At this time, $196,762 has been obligated. AFRL/RIKD, Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-09-D-0032).
UES, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, was awarded a $44,500,000 contract to provide development of materials and processing methodologies that are vital to create advanced materials and devices for future Air Force Systems. At this time, $161,979 has been obligated. Det 1 AFRL/PKMN, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-D05037).
ACTA Services Corporation of Torrance, Calif., was awarded a $36,096,013 contract to provide safety engineering analysis service in support of the 30th Space Wing Safety office. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 30 CONS/LGCZG, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity (FA4610-09-C-0006).
Northrop Grumman Defense Mission Systems, Inc., San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $35,529,915 contract to provide the rapid fielding and support of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node System. At this time no money has been obligated. 653d ELSG/PK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8726-09-C-0010,P00003).
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded a $33,532,755 contract for the KC-135 Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management Program. At this time $6,572,653 has been obligated. 827 ASG CONS, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8105-09-C-0004).
Wyle Laboratories, Inc. of Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $28,985,479 contract to research, develop, and deliver logistics system strategy analyses and recommendations, program risk mitigation strategies, analysis, and recommendation, architecture analysis, requirement specifications, design documents, and technical reports for the Aviation Readiness and Resource Analysis Program Life Cycle requirement. At this time $28,985,479 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-04005).
Wyle Laboratories, Inc. of Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $24,154,583 contract to research, test, develop, and deliver analysis, targeting enhancements and modifications, system assessments, cost analysis and research recommendation for the special capabilities office. At this time $118,175 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005, 0119).
Applied Research Associates, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M., was awarded a $9,499,586 contract to provide robotics research in support of integrated base defense operations at the Joint Training and Experimentation Center. At this time, $2,184,166 has been obligated. 325 CONS/LGCB, Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FAFA4819-09-C-0043).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services of Rockville, Md., was awarded a $8,807,135 contract to provide non-personal services to operate, maintain, and support the ground-based electro-based electro-optical deep space sensor system at the 21st Space Wing. At this time, no money has been obligated. 21 CONS/LGCZB, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA2517-09-C-8001, P00008).
Wyle Laboratories, Inc., of Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $8,695,646 contract for the Reliability Information Analysis Center to research, test, develop, and deliver an integrated master plan, integrated master schedule, system safety program plan, system safety hazard analysis, test procedures, and test plans for the modernization Program and Munitions Lift Trailers. At this time, $474,947 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005, DO 0120).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services of Rockville, Md., was awarded a $7,543,573 contract for the Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System which will provide non-personal services to operate, maintain, and support the system at Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D. At this time no money has been obligated. 21 CONS, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity (FA2517-09-C-8000, P00012).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded $7,363,599 contract for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center Program and technical analysis. At this time $80,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO:0323).
Boeing Satellite Systems, Inc., El Segundo, Calif., was awarded a $6,491,386 contract which will provide storage for the third Wideband Global Satellite. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. SMC/MCSW/PK, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04601-00-C-0011, P00190).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Sunnyvale, Calif., was awarded a $6,127,442 contract to provide development of training material for increment seven, train the trainer for subject matter experts at Fort Gordon, and training to the international partners for the Advanced Extremely High Frequency Satellite program. At this time, $324,048 has been obligated. SMC/PKA, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04701-02-C0002, P00353).
United Technologies Corp., of East Hartford, Conn., was awarded a $5,993,788 contract to provide nozzle modules for F119 Combined Test Force Engines. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 478 AESG/PK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the contracting activity (FA8611-08-C-2896,P00010).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $19,322,045 contract which will provide Space and Missile Systems Center with responsive technology research, development, test and evaluation technical analysis. At this time, $80,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-03-D-1380, DO:0323).
NAVY
Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors (LM MS2), Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded a $15,200,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the production of five TB-29A Thin Line Towed Arrays (TLTA). The TB-29A TLTA is a passive underwater acoustic sensor utilizing a thin line towed body. The TB-29A TLTA consists of a Tow Cable Assembly (TCA) and a Towed Array Assembly (TAA). The TB-29A TLTA is deployed and operated underwater from a submarine to passively detect acoustic energy. This contract contains options, which, if exercised, will bring the total cumulative value of the contract to $29,900,000. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y., (62 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah, (15 percent); Millersville, Md., (15 percent); Mauldin, S.C., (4 percent), and Cambridge, Mass, (4 percent), and is expected to be complete by January 2011. This contract was competitively awarded based upon a limited competition with one offer received. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-6238).
Sauer, Incorporated, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded $7,311,000 for firm-fixed-price task order #0002 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N69450-09-D-1274) for construction of a child development center at Naval Station Mayport. The work to be performed provides for the construction of a one story child development center with outside spaces to include storage, shade structure, play ground and equipment, fencing for controlled areas, paving, and site improvements. The project will also demolish one building. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Fla., and is expected to be completed by May 2011. Funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc., Fairfax, Va., is being awarded a $7,190,354 cost plus incentive fee contract for follow-on to Phase III Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR), Topics N93-078 (Utilization of High Resolution Color Displays), N98-072 (Combat Systems Software Migration to Open Systems), N98-127 (Next Generation Combat System Display Concepts), N99-133 (JAVA Applications for Naval Combat Systems) and N99-157 (Development of Low Cost COTS technology for Total Ship Monitoring (TSMS). General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems shall continue these SBIR efforts to continue development and production of multiple upgrades to the hardware and software products for the Multipurpose Processor and TSMS systems that will be integrated into the Acoustic Rapid Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Insertion System. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $45,961,330. Work will be performed in Fairfax, Va., and is expected to be completed by February 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-09-C-6206).
Syska Hennessy Group Construction, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $5,896,578 for firm-fixed price task order #0029 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N68711-05-D-4014) for Photovoltaic Systems, Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, Calif. The work to be performed provides for the design and installation of Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects P0878, P0879, and P0861 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, Calif. Additionally, the project requires the contractor to provide design, construction, testing, and utility interconnection for these systems. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif., and is expected to be completed by October 2010. Funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
C.E. Niehoff & Co.*, Evanston, Ill., is being awarded a maximum $8,814,874 firm fixed price, sole source contract for Generator Alternator. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 11, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich. (SPRDL1-09-D-0057).
Beaver Aerospace & Defense, Inc.*, Livonia, Mich., is being awarded a maximum $8,665,252 firm fixed price contract for parts. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There were originally three proposals solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 14, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Warren, Mich., (SPRDL1-09-C-0063).
Monday, September 14, 2009
Donley Highlights Guard Contributions, Future Efforts
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - Sept. 11 was an appropriate day for the opening ceremony of the 131st National Guard Association of the United States conference since the National Guard is the original defender of the homeland, the Air Force secretary said. "You were the first responders to defend America's skies," Michael B. Donley told conference attendees Sept. 11, referring to the fact that Air National Guard fighters flew patrols over the Pentagon within minutes after the 9/11 attacks. "Americans live their lives without fear because of the steadfast commitment and sacrifice of our citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen."
He thanked Guard members and their families, not just for their sacrifices, but also for balancing their jobs in the National Guard with a civilian career.
"It takes a special human being to be able to do this," Donley said. "We could not do our work without you. We have shared many successes, and we have spilled blood together."
Donley said the success of the nation's military rests on keeping up with an uncertain enemy and an evolving conflict.
"Our success tomorrow depends on versatility -- and this is exemplified by the National Guard," he said.
During a brief question and answer period, Donley addressed three key issues: recapitalization of the nation's aging fighter jets, the upcoming request for proposals from contractors who will build the next-generation Air Force tanker aircraft, and the emphasis by the Defense Department on cyber warfare, which typically is an Air Force role.
The Defense Department will focus on production of 1,763 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets for the Air Force and nine other countries, he said, adding that this worldwide distribution of the fifth-generation fighter will mimic that of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Donley also said the Air Force and the Defense Department have put together a strong request for proposals for the new tanker, which they will submit to aircraft manufacturers later this year.
"We are going to be fair, and we are going forward with this. Watch this space closely," he told the audience.
On the Air Force's cyber warfare program, Donley said while there may be a "pause" in the forward progression to launch a fully operational division within the Air Force, the Defense Department understands the importance of this battle space. Members of the National Guard -- both Army and Air Force -- with their knowledge and experience, he added, are integral to this fight.
Donley said he plans to discuss details of these topics and more at the Air Force Association's annual conference scheduled this week in Washington.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy serves in the National Guard Bureau.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - Sept. 11 was an appropriate day for the opening ceremony of the 131st National Guard Association of the United States conference since the National Guard is the original defender of the homeland, the Air Force secretary said. "You were the first responders to defend America's skies," Michael B. Donley told conference attendees Sept. 11, referring to the fact that Air National Guard fighters flew patrols over the Pentagon within minutes after the 9/11 attacks. "Americans live their lives without fear because of the steadfast commitment and sacrifice of our citizen-soldiers and citizen-airmen."
He thanked Guard members and their families, not just for their sacrifices, but also for balancing their jobs in the National Guard with a civilian career.
"It takes a special human being to be able to do this," Donley said. "We could not do our work without you. We have shared many successes, and we have spilled blood together."
Donley said the success of the nation's military rests on keeping up with an uncertain enemy and an evolving conflict.
"Our success tomorrow depends on versatility -- and this is exemplified by the National Guard," he said.
During a brief question and answer period, Donley addressed three key issues: recapitalization of the nation's aging fighter jets, the upcoming request for proposals from contractors who will build the next-generation Air Force tanker aircraft, and the emphasis by the Defense Department on cyber warfare, which typically is an Air Force role.
The Defense Department will focus on production of 1,763 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets for the Air Force and nine other countries, he said, adding that this worldwide distribution of the fifth-generation fighter will mimic that of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Donley also said the Air Force and the Defense Department have put together a strong request for proposals for the new tanker, which they will submit to aircraft manufacturers later this year.
"We are going to be fair, and we are going forward with this. Watch this space closely," he told the audience.
On the Air Force's cyber warfare program, Donley said while there may be a "pause" in the forward progression to launch a fully operational division within the Air Force, the Defense Department understands the importance of this battle space. Members of the National Guard -- both Army and Air Force -- with their knowledge and experience, he added, are integral to this fight.
Donley said he plans to discuss details of these topics and more at the Air Force Association's annual conference scheduled this week in Washington.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy serves in the National Guard Bureau.)
Mullen Answers Questions at Virtual Town Hall
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - An endeavor that began about a month ago comes to fruition today with the airing of the first virtual town hall meeting in which the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff answers questions posed online by servicemembers and the public. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen fielded four questions from servicemembers and other parties interested in military issues during the "Ask the Chairman" event. The questions were submitted online via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, with the goal of providing people a forum to ask questions or offer insights and get direct feedback.
"I actually look forward ... to be able to answer questions from around the world," Mullen told the Pentagon Channel's host of the program, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Krauss. "It's an opportunity to connect in a way that I haven't had before, so I'm excited about it."
Mullen's first question, a YouTube submission, came from an Army captain with two Iraq tours under his belt. He wondered if lessons learned in Iraq are being applied in Afghanistan.
"As we shift our main effort from Iraq to Afghanistan, which we're doing right now, we have to be careful about the lessons that we apply. Clearly the counterinsurgency lessons do apply," Mullen said. "We need to be in Afghanistan in what I call the clear, hold, and build [posture]."
The Afghanistan campaign is different from that in Iraq, though, Mullen said. "We need very much to focus on the people," he added. "We ... have to be patient, get to know the people. It's going to take some time."
It's also crucial for the Defense Department to work with its civilian counterparts in the State Department, as well as other U.S. departments and agencies and those around the world, Mullen said.
Another YouTube question may offer an answer to getting to know the Afghan people better. From Arizona State University, the Consortium for Strategic Communications is working in communications, political science, and religious studies to achieve a greater understanding of Mideast cultures. The interdisciplinary scholars wanted to know how to make their research useable for those on the ground in Afghanistan.
Mullen said he was intrigued by the implications of the group's question, but told them he needed more information before he answers.
"The question for me would be how I might best be able to connect with you in that regard, with where you are in terms of what you're learning, and how I could then put that into curriculums and connect you with both instructors and men and women in uniform who could use that," he said. "The communication piece, the cultural adaption piece, the listening, ... the seeing the challenges through other peoples' eyes – absolutely vital, and I think you could bring a lot with respect to that."
The other two questions for the chairman had to do with the H1N1 flu vaccination and a homeowner's assistance program.
The first came from an Army staff sergeant in Germany interested in whether the new H1N1 flu vaccine would be mandatory for servicemembers. Mullen said it would be, and that he anticipates the vaccine being available in about a month for servicemembers and their families. "There are an awful lot of indicators this year that this will be a very intense flu season [that's] longer than other flu seasons," he said. "So it is important that everybody gets this."
The last question came from an Army specialist at Fort Bliss, Texas, who wanted to know when the rules for the military's homeowner assistance program would be published in the Federal Register. The program was announced in May, he said, but because the rules aren't available, no applications have been processed, and many military families have been affected by the delay.
"The act was passed to try to assist those who are obviously in a position to try to buy a house and look for ways to also defer or make up for some losses in a house if you're going to sell it," Mullen said. "In fact, it is law, but when you have a law like this, what happens is the Office of Management and Budget and the affected agency – in this case, it's the Department of Defense – have to work out the details of this.
"I regret that it has been delayed," Mullen added, asking for the questioner's patience. "We're trying to work our way through that, and hopefully, in the next few weeks to months, we'll have it in the Federal Register and you'll be able to take advantage of it."
The program is airing today on the Pentagon Channel as a special presentation, and more virtual town halls are anticipated.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also will answer questions in the same manner, and the White House is planning a similar interactive venue for President Barack Obama to take questions directly from U.S. troops deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - An endeavor that began about a month ago comes to fruition today with the airing of the first virtual town hall meeting in which the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff answers questions posed online by servicemembers and the public. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen fielded four questions from servicemembers and other parties interested in military issues during the "Ask the Chairman" event. The questions were submitted online via YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, with the goal of providing people a forum to ask questions or offer insights and get direct feedback.
"I actually look forward ... to be able to answer questions from around the world," Mullen told the Pentagon Channel's host of the program, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Krauss. "It's an opportunity to connect in a way that I haven't had before, so I'm excited about it."
Mullen's first question, a YouTube submission, came from an Army captain with two Iraq tours under his belt. He wondered if lessons learned in Iraq are being applied in Afghanistan.
"As we shift our main effort from Iraq to Afghanistan, which we're doing right now, we have to be careful about the lessons that we apply. Clearly the counterinsurgency lessons do apply," Mullen said. "We need to be in Afghanistan in what I call the clear, hold, and build [posture]."
The Afghanistan campaign is different from that in Iraq, though, Mullen said. "We need very much to focus on the people," he added. "We ... have to be patient, get to know the people. It's going to take some time."
It's also crucial for the Defense Department to work with its civilian counterparts in the State Department, as well as other U.S. departments and agencies and those around the world, Mullen said.
Another YouTube question may offer an answer to getting to know the Afghan people better. From Arizona State University, the Consortium for Strategic Communications is working in communications, political science, and religious studies to achieve a greater understanding of Mideast cultures. The interdisciplinary scholars wanted to know how to make their research useable for those on the ground in Afghanistan.
Mullen said he was intrigued by the implications of the group's question, but told them he needed more information before he answers.
"The question for me would be how I might best be able to connect with you in that regard, with where you are in terms of what you're learning, and how I could then put that into curriculums and connect you with both instructors and men and women in uniform who could use that," he said. "The communication piece, the cultural adaption piece, the listening, ... the seeing the challenges through other peoples' eyes – absolutely vital, and I think you could bring a lot with respect to that."
The other two questions for the chairman had to do with the H1N1 flu vaccination and a homeowner's assistance program.
The first came from an Army staff sergeant in Germany interested in whether the new H1N1 flu vaccine would be mandatory for servicemembers. Mullen said it would be, and that he anticipates the vaccine being available in about a month for servicemembers and their families. "There are an awful lot of indicators this year that this will be a very intense flu season [that's] longer than other flu seasons," he said. "So it is important that everybody gets this."
The last question came from an Army specialist at Fort Bliss, Texas, who wanted to know when the rules for the military's homeowner assistance program would be published in the Federal Register. The program was announced in May, he said, but because the rules aren't available, no applications have been processed, and many military families have been affected by the delay.
"The act was passed to try to assist those who are obviously in a position to try to buy a house and look for ways to also defer or make up for some losses in a house if you're going to sell it," Mullen said. "In fact, it is law, but when you have a law like this, what happens is the Office of Management and Budget and the affected agency – in this case, it's the Department of Defense – have to work out the details of this.
"I regret that it has been delayed," Mullen added, asking for the questioner's patience. "We're trying to work our way through that, and hopefully, in the next few weeks to months, we'll have it in the Federal Register and you'll be able to take advantage of it."
The program is airing today on the Pentagon Channel as a special presentation, and more virtual town halls are anticipated.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also will answer questions in the same manner, and the White House is planning a similar interactive venue for President Barack Obama to take questions directly from U.S. troops deployed in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
'Virtual Installations' May Be Key to Gold Star Outreach
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - Army Strong Community Centers like the one that officially opened here over the weekend are dedicated to serving families who live far from the closest military base. But they also can help the Army in its efforts to stay in touch with and provide better support for Gold Star families -- those who have lost loved ones in combat.
That's the conclusion Army Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz said he made before the Sept. 12 ribbon-cutting ceremony here, when he met with the parents of three local servicemembers killed in Iraq.
Stultz acknowledged the families' sacrifice during his official remarks at the ceremony, calling the new "virtual installation" here a way for the Army to live up to its warrior ethos as it reaches out to families of the fallen.
"Our warrior ethos is that we will never leave a fallen comrade," he said. "But we will also never leave a fallen comrade's family. That's why we are here."
Maintaining contact with these families hasn't always been easy, Stultz acknowledged, particularly because spouses typically move away from the base where their loved one was stationed. But he said he plans to propose the new centers as the key to the issue that Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. has been seeking.
"One of the messages I am going to go back to General Casey with is, I may have a solution," Stultz told American Forces Press Service. "Our Army Community Strong Centers can be part of your support network for your Gold Star families in the community."
The Rochester Army Strong Community Center is the first community-based center of its kind. It's resourced and staffed to deliver military families the information, services and support they'd have to drive to a major military base to find. Stultz and his wife, Laura, who championed the idea to fill a gap she experienced personally during his various deployments, hope to see the centers become as commonplace as local post offices.
The concept initially was meant to support families of deployed Army reservists. But Stultz said it's already proving valuable here for families of active-duty soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines as well.
Three Gold Star families told him at the center's official ribbon cutting this weekend that they see it as a resource for them, too. "When I talked to them about what we are doing here, tears literally rolled down their faces," Stultz said. "They said, 'That's what we really need. We need somewhere we can go.'"
Keith and Mary Ellen Schramm of Greece, N.Y.; Dan and Rita Hasenauer of Hilton, N.Y.; and Rob Lyons of Brighton, N.Y., all share the tragedy of losing a loved one in combat. And all live hundreds, even thousands of miles, from the units where their sons were based.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brian K. Schramm, 22, died Oct. 15, 2004, in Iraq's Babil province. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force's 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Twenty-one-year-old Army Pfc. Jason D. Hasenauer died near Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Dec. 28, 2005, when his Humvee accidentally rolled over during a patrol. Hasenauer was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 504th Parachute Regiment at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Army 1st Lt. James N. Lyons, 28, died Sept. 27, 2006, in Baghdad, after enemy forces attacked his mounted patrol. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's 12th Infantry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas.
The Lyons, Schramms and Hasenauers all reported great support from their casualty assistance officers after their sons were killed. What they said they're lacking now is a way to stay tied to the military their sons died serving, and to get information and help when they need it.
Until now, they said, they've relied mainly on each other.
Lyons told Stultz he doesn't know anyone at Fort Hood, his late son's post, hasn't talked by phone to anyone there, and doesn't know who he would call if he wanted to. He traveled there on his own to visit the memorials to his son and other Fort Hood soldiers killed in the wars.
Dan Hasenauer shared with American Forces Press Service that he told Stultz he sought counseling to deal with the grief of losing his son. But he never felt comfortable with the counselor, who didn't understand the military or what he was going through.
The Schramms tried one session of family counseling through the Department of Veterans Affairs, but said they didn't find it helpful for their three children: one was bitterly angry over his brother's death, and the other two "shut right down," Mary Ellen Schramm said.
"One place that seems to be lacking was support for siblings, especially teenagers," her husband said. "They are a hard group to get to. But they take it as hard as the parents do."
In addition to the intense emotional aspects of their losses, two of the families said they struggled with other procedural and policy roadblocks.
Jason Hasenauer and James Lyons both planned to marry when they returned from their deployments. Hasenauer's fiancée gave birth three weeks before he was killed, leaving her to navigate the military health care system for their daughter on her own and without the benefit of a military identification card. Lyons had to call his son's fiancée to break the news of his death and complained that she was "almost invisible" to the Army because she wasn't his wife.
While not knowing exactly how much the new Army Strong Community Center will be able to address their specific issues, the families agreed they're happy there's now a new resource in their community where they can turn for understanding and caring support.
"From what we have heard, the bases have good resources. But if you're not at a base, or once you have left a base, you lose any connection you had," Schramm said. "That's why something like this center here is so valuable. It fills a big gap."
But Stultz said he was particularly inspired by one parent's motivation to reconnect with the military through the new Army Strong Community Center.
"One of the mothers said, 'We have a Gold Star group here and we want to help soldiers, but we don't know where to go,'" Stultz said. "She said, 'I lost my son, but I still want to give back.' Now, that's pretty inspiring."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - Army Strong Community Centers like the one that officially opened here over the weekend are dedicated to serving families who live far from the closest military base. But they also can help the Army in its efforts to stay in touch with and provide better support for Gold Star families -- those who have lost loved ones in combat.
That's the conclusion Army Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz said he made before the Sept. 12 ribbon-cutting ceremony here, when he met with the parents of three local servicemembers killed in Iraq.
Stultz acknowledged the families' sacrifice during his official remarks at the ceremony, calling the new "virtual installation" here a way for the Army to live up to its warrior ethos as it reaches out to families of the fallen.
"Our warrior ethos is that we will never leave a fallen comrade," he said. "But we will also never leave a fallen comrade's family. That's why we are here."
Maintaining contact with these families hasn't always been easy, Stultz acknowledged, particularly because spouses typically move away from the base where their loved one was stationed. But he said he plans to propose the new centers as the key to the issue that Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. has been seeking.
"One of the messages I am going to go back to General Casey with is, I may have a solution," Stultz told American Forces Press Service. "Our Army Community Strong Centers can be part of your support network for your Gold Star families in the community."
The Rochester Army Strong Community Center is the first community-based center of its kind. It's resourced and staffed to deliver military families the information, services and support they'd have to drive to a major military base to find. Stultz and his wife, Laura, who championed the idea to fill a gap she experienced personally during his various deployments, hope to see the centers become as commonplace as local post offices.
The concept initially was meant to support families of deployed Army reservists. But Stultz said it's already proving valuable here for families of active-duty soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines as well.
Three Gold Star families told him at the center's official ribbon cutting this weekend that they see it as a resource for them, too. "When I talked to them about what we are doing here, tears literally rolled down their faces," Stultz said. "They said, 'That's what we really need. We need somewhere we can go.'"
Keith and Mary Ellen Schramm of Greece, N.Y.; Dan and Rita Hasenauer of Hilton, N.Y.; and Rob Lyons of Brighton, N.Y., all share the tragedy of losing a loved one in combat. And all live hundreds, even thousands of miles, from the units where their sons were based.
Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Brian K. Schramm, 22, died Oct. 15, 2004, in Iraq's Babil province. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force's 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Twenty-one-year-old Army Pfc. Jason D. Hasenauer died near Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Dec. 28, 2005, when his Humvee accidentally rolled over during a patrol. Hasenauer was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 504th Parachute Regiment at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Army 1st Lt. James N. Lyons, 28, died Sept. 27, 2006, in Baghdad, after enemy forces attacked his mounted patrol. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's 12th Infantry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas.
The Lyons, Schramms and Hasenauers all reported great support from their casualty assistance officers after their sons were killed. What they said they're lacking now is a way to stay tied to the military their sons died serving, and to get information and help when they need it.
Until now, they said, they've relied mainly on each other.
Lyons told Stultz he doesn't know anyone at Fort Hood, his late son's post, hasn't talked by phone to anyone there, and doesn't know who he would call if he wanted to. He traveled there on his own to visit the memorials to his son and other Fort Hood soldiers killed in the wars.
Dan Hasenauer shared with American Forces Press Service that he told Stultz he sought counseling to deal with the grief of losing his son. But he never felt comfortable with the counselor, who didn't understand the military or what he was going through.
The Schramms tried one session of family counseling through the Department of Veterans Affairs, but said they didn't find it helpful for their three children: one was bitterly angry over his brother's death, and the other two "shut right down," Mary Ellen Schramm said.
"One place that seems to be lacking was support for siblings, especially teenagers," her husband said. "They are a hard group to get to. But they take it as hard as the parents do."
In addition to the intense emotional aspects of their losses, two of the families said they struggled with other procedural and policy roadblocks.
Jason Hasenauer and James Lyons both planned to marry when they returned from their deployments. Hasenauer's fiancée gave birth three weeks before he was killed, leaving her to navigate the military health care system for their daughter on her own and without the benefit of a military identification card. Lyons had to call his son's fiancée to break the news of his death and complained that she was "almost invisible" to the Army because she wasn't his wife.
While not knowing exactly how much the new Army Strong Community Center will be able to address their specific issues, the families agreed they're happy there's now a new resource in their community where they can turn for understanding and caring support.
"From what we have heard, the bases have good resources. But if you're not at a base, or once you have left a base, you lose any connection you had," Schramm said. "That's why something like this center here is so valuable. It fills a big gap."
But Stultz said he was particularly inspired by one parent's motivation to reconnect with the military through the new Army Strong Community Center.
"One of the mothers said, 'We have a Gold Star group here and we want to help soldiers, but we don't know where to go,'" Stultz said. "She said, 'I lost my son, but I still want to give back.' Now, that's pretty inspiring."
Multinational Force Keeps Pirates at Bay
By Ian Graham
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - Piracy often is romanticized in popular culture, from children's toys to pulp novels and major motion pictures, but for those who work on the high seas, piracy is a dangerous and harmful reality. To combat piracy around the Horn of Africa, the Combined Maritime Forces created Combined Task Force 151 in January to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy and maintain free channels for ships navigating the area.
Navy Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, vice commander for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and British Royal Navy Capt. Keith Blount, the task force's chief of staff, discussed counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and the Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor in a Sept. 11 "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable.
A major facet of their mission in the long term is to help nations bordering the gulf -- such as Yemen and Somalia -- build their naval capacity, so they can deter piracy themselves.
"It stands to reason, the more capacity we can build is in the interest of the international maritime community," Blount said. "As much as we can, we will push forward with them. We just have to make sure that exactly the right circumstances are set for a meaningful engagement that will be a benefit for both sides."
More than 30 ships and aircraft from 17 nations including the United States, China, Russia, India, Malaysia, South Korea, the European Union and NATO patrol the gulf. Task force officials want to foster better relations with nations using its area of operation, which also includes the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. So far, Sanders said, that portion of the mission is going quite well.
"I had [Dutch Navy] Commodore Pieter Bindt of the European Union here last week on the USS Anzio, and he said – and I didn't prep him with this line – 'This is the maritime strategy at work each and every day in the Gulf of Aden,'" Sanders said. "At the end of the day, that makes us all very proud. Every time we end another day without a piracy attack, we feel pretty good about ourselves, and we've had a lot of those nights lately, I can tell you that."
Another part of their operation is maintaining open communication with ships passing through the gulf and providing guidance should they be approached or attacked by pirates. Primarily, he said, they encourage captains not to surrender immediately or give up their ship.
Because the area of operations is fairly small, simply taking evasive maneuvers can give enough time for a member of the task force's fleet to come to the scene of an attack, Sanders said.
"We can't be every place, but in the [Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor], there usually isn't a ship too far," Sanders said.
Sanders and Blount said that no ship that's taken the proper countermeasures within the corridor has been successfully boarded by pirates -- though there have been instances in which ships were boarded after straying from the measures the task force prescribes.
"The reason the IRTC was put in place was to properly coordinate the movement of ships from one end of the Gulf of Aden to the other, and it's been quite successful," Blount said. "But what we've found is that despite the number of military units we have patrolling, if the merchant ships weren't doing their bits, they could still be pirated."
He said it's to merchant mariners' "enormous credit" that they've been more courageous and active in taking anti-piracy measures. It's created an environment in which pirates are less brazen and spend more time hiding and looking for an easy target.
"Captain Blount did say 'courageous,' and that is not to be underestimated," Sanders said. "It's extremely stressful out here, and what the maritime community is doing, they can't be applauded enough. They're taking a lot of risks. We're backing them up, but they're taking a lot of risks."
The results Sanders has seen while commanding the task force have been beyond imagination, he said. If he didn't witness it every day, he added, he couldn't possibly fathom the goodwill it's created.
"No matter what country you're from or what your politics are, piracy is not in your national interest," Sanders said. "There's a level of confidence. ... It's one of those things where you can read about it, but when you actually see this level of cooperation happening at sea, it's really remarkable."
(Ian Graham works for the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - Piracy often is romanticized in popular culture, from children's toys to pulp novels and major motion pictures, but for those who work on the high seas, piracy is a dangerous and harmful reality. To combat piracy around the Horn of Africa, the Combined Maritime Forces created Combined Task Force 151 in January to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy and maintain free channels for ships navigating the area.
Navy Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, vice commander for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and British Royal Navy Capt. Keith Blount, the task force's chief of staff, discussed counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and the Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor in a Sept. 11 "DoDLive" bloggers roundtable.
A major facet of their mission in the long term is to help nations bordering the gulf -- such as Yemen and Somalia -- build their naval capacity, so they can deter piracy themselves.
"It stands to reason, the more capacity we can build is in the interest of the international maritime community," Blount said. "As much as we can, we will push forward with them. We just have to make sure that exactly the right circumstances are set for a meaningful engagement that will be a benefit for both sides."
More than 30 ships and aircraft from 17 nations including the United States, China, Russia, India, Malaysia, South Korea, the European Union and NATO patrol the gulf. Task force officials want to foster better relations with nations using its area of operation, which also includes the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. So far, Sanders said, that portion of the mission is going quite well.
"I had [Dutch Navy] Commodore Pieter Bindt of the European Union here last week on the USS Anzio, and he said – and I didn't prep him with this line – 'This is the maritime strategy at work each and every day in the Gulf of Aden,'" Sanders said. "At the end of the day, that makes us all very proud. Every time we end another day without a piracy attack, we feel pretty good about ourselves, and we've had a lot of those nights lately, I can tell you that."
Another part of their operation is maintaining open communication with ships passing through the gulf and providing guidance should they be approached or attacked by pirates. Primarily, he said, they encourage captains not to surrender immediately or give up their ship.
Because the area of operations is fairly small, simply taking evasive maneuvers can give enough time for a member of the task force's fleet to come to the scene of an attack, Sanders said.
"We can't be every place, but in the [Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor], there usually isn't a ship too far," Sanders said.
Sanders and Blount said that no ship that's taken the proper countermeasures within the corridor has been successfully boarded by pirates -- though there have been instances in which ships were boarded after straying from the measures the task force prescribes.
"The reason the IRTC was put in place was to properly coordinate the movement of ships from one end of the Gulf of Aden to the other, and it's been quite successful," Blount said. "But what we've found is that despite the number of military units we have patrolling, if the merchant ships weren't doing their bits, they could still be pirated."
He said it's to merchant mariners' "enormous credit" that they've been more courageous and active in taking anti-piracy measures. It's created an environment in which pirates are less brazen and spend more time hiding and looking for an easy target.
"Captain Blount did say 'courageous,' and that is not to be underestimated," Sanders said. "It's extremely stressful out here, and what the maritime community is doing, they can't be applauded enough. They're taking a lot of risks. We're backing them up, but they're taking a lot of risks."
The results Sanders has seen while commanding the task force have been beyond imagination, he said. If he didn't witness it every day, he added, he couldn't possibly fathom the goodwill it's created.
"No matter what country you're from or what your politics are, piracy is not in your national interest," Sanders said. "There's a level of confidence. ... It's one of those things where you can read about it, but when you actually see this level of cooperation happening at sea, it's really remarkable."
(Ian Graham works for the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Air Force Chief Calls for Guard, Active Duty Collaboration
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick ChoySpecial to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - Citing evolving missions and shrinking budgets, the Air Force chief of staff is calling for the Air National Guard and active-duty forces to work closer together.
"The skill set of National Guard members is critical to sustaining worldwide partnerships," Air Force Gen. Norton A. Schwartz said during a speech at the 131st annual National Guard Association of the United States General Conference here Sept. 12. "We stand to succeed across all areas of our total force mission, but we face numerous challenges."
Schwartz said the total Air Force structure is evolving along with the demands being placed on the force by the Defense Department.
"We need to adapt to this change," he said.
Schwartz said the Air Force's most pressing priority is the acquisition of new refueling tanker aircraft. He echoed Air Force Secretary Michael Donley's speech at the conference the day before, citing a robust request for proposals that is due out to contractors later this year, with a final contract awarded in late 2010. "You all have a considerable investment in the new tanker," Schwartz told the audience, which responded with applause.
The second priority is fighter aircraft, the general said.
"Why would I want to dissipate a limited pool of resources on a 4.5-generation fighter when I can purchase a fifth-generation platform?" Schwartz asked the audience. He said it would be a "major mistake as a nation" to spend money on upgrading the existing Air Force inventory and "prematurely walk away from the F-35," the joint strike fighter dubbed the Lightning II.
"I think this is the wrong approach," he said.
Schwartz said he believes the F-22 Raptor is "over-spec'd" for the Air Force's air-sovereignty alert mission, but that he hopes to bring a combination of F-22s, F-35s and legacy aircraft -- including upgraded F-15 and F-16 fighters -- as well as unmanned aircraft to the that mission.
Schwartz noted that while distributing new platforms concurrently among the active-duty Air Force and Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units is important, the changing role of the Air Force means not all units will retain their present missions.
"We must recognize that the total Air Force is evolving," he said. "As I said before, we need to adapt, but adaptation also applies to a concurrent and proportional rollout in terms of F-35 procurement."
Schwartz said that in the future, not every fighter unit will retain its flying mission. Units may migrate to operating unmanned aircraft or switch to a nonflying mission.
"We need to be equally prepared to do those missions, too," he said.
The third priority for the Air Force is its long-range strike capability, Schwartz said. "I think our country needs a penetrating air capability," he said. "We cannot depend exclusively on 'fire and forget' ballistic missiles.
"And as you know," he continued, citing the B-2 bomber mission at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., "[The Air Force] has a significant partnership in long-range strike capability with the Guard and Reserve."
Schwartz reminded the group of ceremonies commemorating the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, calling them "a sobering reminder of the unfamiliar political and military landscape Americans now face."
"Now, more than ever, we must be vigilant in our efforts to provide for the common defense of our nation," he said.
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nick Choy serves in the National Guard Bureau.)
'Virtual Installation' Brings Support to Military Families
By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
Sept. 14, 2009 - The Army Reserve's top officer welcomed soldiers, their families and community leaders to "Fort Rochester" over the weekend as they gathered at the Wadsworth Army Reserve Center here to cut the ribbon on the first Army Strong Community Center. Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz credited his wife, Laura, for coming up with the concept of a "virtual installation" for families who live too far away to tap into the kind of information, services and support provided at large military bases.
Laura Stultz has experienced firsthand the challenges of holding down the home front far from the nearest military installation, when her soldier deploys. She recalled her husband's deployments to the Persian Gulf and the Balkans in the 1990s, when she had four young children at home and couldn't make the two-hour drive to a family readiness group meeting for help and support.
So when Stultz became the Army Reserve chief three years ago, she began pressing for a "virtual installation" to better serve and connect with military families.
"She said, 'We have got to do more. ... You have to bring the installation to the family,'" the general said at the Sept. 12 ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Because you have Fort Bragg, [N.C.], and you have Fort Drum, [N.Y.], but you don't have Fort Rochester. So what will military families do there when their soldiers leave? How will they get the support that you would expect to receive if you lived on Fort Drum in Watertown, N.Y.?"
The answer is tucked away in a cheery corner of the Rochester Army Reserve Center. Brightly colored toys, shelves of books and a cozy seating area beckon visitors inside. Strategically positioned display racks bulge with brochures about services available and how to take advantage of them.
But the heart of the center rests in what Stultz conceded can't be delivered online or through a toll-free call-in center: caring staffers and volunteers who families can talk to face to face to get the information they need.
Michelle Zelaya, one of two full-time staffers at the center, said families come with a full range of questions or concerns.
Many of the 800 Army Reserve families that live within 50 miles of Rochester have had little or no contact with the military in the past, she said. Fort Drum, the nearest large Army post, is 120 miles away, so many of the local families find themselves starting at square one when they begin learning what benefits and services are available and how to tap into them.
Others families who come to the center are geographically isolated, hundreds or thousands of miles from where their spouse deployed from, and unaware of local resources to help them.
Some come with specific questions, needing a new military identification card or help with the Tricare military health care system. Others worry that their children are the only ones in their school classes with a deployed parent, and need a way to connect with other kids in the same situation.
The staff and volunteers at the Army Strong Community Center answer their questions, help them network with each other for support, and refer them for services they need "not just with a phone number, but with a warm hand-off," Zelaya said.
"The biggest thing they take away is that they are not alone," she said. "We want them to know that while you are standing tall, we are standing behind you."
That message has big implications for the Army Reserve in terms of readiness, as well as for recruiting and retention, her husband said.
Deployed Army reservists can focus on their mission, knowing that if there's a problem at home, the staff at the Army Strong Community Center will take care of the family, Stultz said. Soldiers whose families are helped through the center appreciate that the Army Reserve cares about them and their families -- and as a result, decide to continue serving.
And when the community starts recognizing "this great support structure that is down there for the military," Stultz said, he expects more people to say, "I want to be a part of that" and join the military.
The Army Strong Community Center appears to be catching on in Rochester. Since opening its doors in early December, the staff has received 650 requests.
And just as Laura Stultz had predicted, the center is helping to fill a gap for the many active-duty families who leave their post for their hometowns during their loved one's deployment. Almost one-third of the requests so far have come from active-duty families, including Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force families.
"This is for anybody in any branch of the service to come and get the referrals they need," she said.
"For those of you in the other services, you can call it Rochester Air Base or Navy Base or Coast Guard Station, but we are going to call it Fort Rochester," her husband joked at today's ceremony.
If Laura Stultz has her way, the "Fort Rochester" concept will become as commonplace in American communities as the local post office. "I hope this is the start of a big expansion of the centers," she said.
"There is a lot of interest out there," her husband said, with communities around the country offering to partner with the Army to open new centers. Others are saying, "We'd like this in our community. We see the need and the community wants to help," he said.
The next center, possibly in the Midwest or Western part of the country, will probably be out in the community rather than in a reserve center.
Laura Stultz admitted she was wary of establishing the first center in a facility she feared families might find imposing or shy away from because of security restrictions. And while emphasizing that "they do a great job here" in Rochester, she said she'd like to test out other approaches that are more visible to the community and easier to access.
It could be a kiosk at a local mall or a center set up at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars or American Legion site. Stultz said he plans to pitch to Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki, a former Army chief of staff, the idea of opening "virtual installations" at some of the VA outreach centers that dot the country.
"We have a lot of ideas," Laura Stultz said. "We hope that everything, we learn a little bit, we try new things to make it better for our families."
Army Master Sgt. Dennis Frink, a 98th Division's supply noncommissioned officer, said he sees the new centers as a way to ensure military families have better, more convenient access to support than his own family experienced when he deployed from 2006 to 2008.
"This is good outreach, and brings an awareness of what's available," he said. "For the reserve community, this really brings it all together."
"It's fabulous," echoed Army Master Sgt. Victoria Ferris, the division medical noncommissioned officer. She contrasted what's being offered to Army Reserve families today, particularly through the new Army Strong Community Center and other family-support programs, to what was available when she deployed to Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s.
"Families left at home had no support and no idea where to go for what they needed," she said. "I am so glad for the programs we have now."
All military families -- whether they're active-duty, reservists or National Guardsmen, and regardless of whether they're Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps -- deserve the same level of services and support when their loved ones deploy into harm's way, Laura Stultz said.
The new center, she said, represents a big step in the right direction. "This is our attempt to make it equal throughout the military," she said.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Naturalization Ceremony Honors New Uniformed Citizens
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 10, 2009 - Marine Sgt. Tikonblah Dargbeh is like the tens of thousands of other troops who have served in Iraq as a U.S. military member, save for one major distinction: until today, Dargbeh was not American. But his national status changed when Dargbeh, a native of Liberia, and 30 other foreign-born U.S. military members officially became American citizens today at a naturalization ceremony at the Pentagon.
"Represented here are immigrants from 20 different nations, on five continents," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the crowd gathered in the building's center courtyard. "It is one of the true glories of our country that, when it comes to being an American, you don't have to be a descendant of the founders or the colonists who came over on the Mayflower."
Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 50,000 men and women have become citizens while wearing the uniform of the U.S. military, said Gates, adding that more than a hundred of these newly-naturalized citizens have died in action.
Gates called it fitting that in accordance with a 2002 executive order, immigrants who serve on active duty become immediately eligible for U.S. citizenship, which often represents an expedited path for foreign-born servicemembers to become Americans.
"This nation that welcomes you with warmth and with pride is very much in your debt, because you have shown your love for this country in the most honorable way possible," he said. "So on behalf of the Department of Defense, I thank you for defending the people of the United States – your people – and the 'self-evident truths' which they hold so dear."
Gates' fellow cabinet member Janet Napolitano, the secretary of Homeland Security, led the group in reciting the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.
In various accents of English, the immigrants repeated each clause of the oath. Together, they renounced "fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty," vowed to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and the nation's laws, promised to serve at the will of the nation, and pledged they were assuming their duties "without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion."
The servicemembers represent the 20 countries of Bangladesh, China, Ecuador,
Ghana, Haiti, India, Iran, Jamaica, Liberia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal,
Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the
United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
None better illustrates the idea of sacrifice on behalf of the United States than Dargbeh. The Liberian native, whose father instilled in him the belief that America represented greater opportunity to excel, enlisted in the Marines and twice deployed to Iraq.
During his tour in Karmah, Iraq, in 2007, Dargbeh and his Marine unit prepared for a nearby mission. Dargbeh, a machine gunner, sat in the back of a 7-ton Mac armored vehicle, clutching his weapon.
Moments later, the vehicle was rear-ended by a car packed with explosives.
"We were going to go do a raid at another village. I was trying to put my weapon from 'safety' to 'semi-automatic' and that's the last thing I remember," Dargbeh said. "The next thing I know, I was at a medical facility."
As a result, Dargbeh received a Purple Heart for suffering injuries at the hands of an enemy on behalf of the United States – a country that wasn't even his own at the time. When asked if he feels his military service has helped him earn his U.S. citizenship, he replied, "I think so, yes."
"I understand what it means to give selfless service [to the U.S.]," he said.
After the ceremony, Dargbeh's exuberant family showered the Marine with praise and posed next to him in photographs.
"I'm overjoyed," said the Marine's mother, Marta. "As a little kid, he had always loved the military, so this is a dream come true for him to be able to get into the Marines and here he is a U.S. citizen. It's a really big occasion for us. We are very proud of him."
Another servicemember whose dream of becoming an American came after deployment with the U.S. military was Army Sgt. Maria Ceron.
In addition to defending a nation that she couldn't yet call her own, Ceron, who served as a nurse in the Combat Support Hospital in Mosul, received two Army Commendation Medals.
"It's a very happy day," she said of today's ceremony. "I've been trying to get my citizenship for three years and finally it's come today and it's so great it's here. I'm just very excited about it."
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 10, 2009 - Marine Sgt. Tikonblah Dargbeh is like the tens of thousands of other troops who have served in Iraq as a U.S. military member, save for one major distinction: until today, Dargbeh was not American. But his national status changed when Dargbeh, a native of Liberia, and 30 other foreign-born U.S. military members officially became American citizens today at a naturalization ceremony at the Pentagon.
"Represented here are immigrants from 20 different nations, on five continents," Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told the crowd gathered in the building's center courtyard. "It is one of the true glories of our country that, when it comes to being an American, you don't have to be a descendant of the founders or the colonists who came over on the Mayflower."
Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 50,000 men and women have become citizens while wearing the uniform of the U.S. military, said Gates, adding that more than a hundred of these newly-naturalized citizens have died in action.
Gates called it fitting that in accordance with a 2002 executive order, immigrants who serve on active duty become immediately eligible for U.S. citizenship, which often represents an expedited path for foreign-born servicemembers to become Americans.
"This nation that welcomes you with warmth and with pride is very much in your debt, because you have shown your love for this country in the most honorable way possible," he said. "So on behalf of the Department of Defense, I thank you for defending the people of the United States – your people – and the 'self-evident truths' which they hold so dear."
Gates' fellow cabinet member Janet Napolitano, the secretary of Homeland Security, led the group in reciting the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.
In various accents of English, the immigrants repeated each clause of the oath. Together, they renounced "fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty," vowed to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and the nation's laws, promised to serve at the will of the nation, and pledged they were assuming their duties "without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion."
The servicemembers represent the 20 countries of Bangladesh, China, Ecuador,
Ghana, Haiti, India, Iran, Jamaica, Liberia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal,
Nicaragua, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the
United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
None better illustrates the idea of sacrifice on behalf of the United States than Dargbeh. The Liberian native, whose father instilled in him the belief that America represented greater opportunity to excel, enlisted in the Marines and twice deployed to Iraq.
During his tour in Karmah, Iraq, in 2007, Dargbeh and his Marine unit prepared for a nearby mission. Dargbeh, a machine gunner, sat in the back of a 7-ton Mac armored vehicle, clutching his weapon.
Moments later, the vehicle was rear-ended by a car packed with explosives.
"We were going to go do a raid at another village. I was trying to put my weapon from 'safety' to 'semi-automatic' and that's the last thing I remember," Dargbeh said. "The next thing I know, I was at a medical facility."
As a result, Dargbeh received a Purple Heart for suffering injuries at the hands of an enemy on behalf of the United States – a country that wasn't even his own at the time. When asked if he feels his military service has helped him earn his U.S. citizenship, he replied, "I think so, yes."
"I understand what it means to give selfless service [to the U.S.]," he said.
After the ceremony, Dargbeh's exuberant family showered the Marine with praise and posed next to him in photographs.
"I'm overjoyed," said the Marine's mother, Marta. "As a little kid, he had always loved the military, so this is a dream come true for him to be able to get into the Marines and here he is a U.S. citizen. It's a really big occasion for us. We are very proud of him."
Another servicemember whose dream of becoming an American came after deployment with the U.S. military was Army Sgt. Maria Ceron.
In addition to defending a nation that she couldn't yet call her own, Ceron, who served as a nurse in the Combat Support Hospital in Mosul, received two Army Commendation Medals.
"It's a very happy day," she said of today's ceremony. "I've been trying to get my citizenship for three years and finally it's come today and it's so great it's here. I'm just very excited about it."
Gates Encourages Civilian Leaders to Gain Appreciation for Troops
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates welcomed a group of 50 civilian community leaders, scholars and professionals to the Pentagon here today as they begin a seven-day tour of America's armed forces in Central and South America. The Joint Civilian Orientation Conference participants are scheduled to tour military sites in the U.S. Southern Command's sector of the world. The group will spend time in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Columbia, Panama and Miami, Fl., where they'll meet with U.S. servicemembers and learn first-hand about military capabilities, equipment and training.
"Our goal is to give all of you, who are influential members of your communities, an up-close look and personal experience with our military, our mission, our methods and our people," Gates said.
Gates encouraged the group to focus their attention on the individual servicemembers to learn their personal counts of dedication, heroism and selfless service. He declared today's all-volunteer military the best the country has to offer. Every man and woman in the military today enlisted and re-enlisted voluntarily, knowing that it was very likely they'd deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan, he said.
"I hope you have the opportunity to talk to as many of these kids as you possibly can and discover just how extraordinary they are," he said. "I believe they are the best the country has to offer, and their mission is vital to our national security."
The group was interested in Gates' perception of today's potential national security threats. He acknowledged that potential threat are apparent in various regions of the world as he took their. Mainly, he conceded that continued partnerships with Middle Eastern countries and the continued development of unmanned aerial systems are increasingly vital to U.S.
He explained his perception of China as a threat and why stability in Pakistan is among his biggest concerns. Iran, he said, is the world's biggest long-term threat.
China has the potential to be an enemy, he said, but they're not. The country is an important economic partner with the U.S., and they share many areas of common interest.
"China is not an enemy or an adversary, but we can make them into one, and they can make them selves into one," he said, noting their military capabilities and increasing developments in cyber warfare.
Gates acknowledged that if conflict between the U.S. and China ever developed, it would be on a cyber and space battle field. "They're not going to come at us and match us ship for ship, plane for plane, tank for tank. That's not the way it would work."
"They're working very hard on anti-satellite capabilities, because they know our dependence on space for communications, intelligence, command and control," he said. "They're developing capabilities that if there ever were a conflict with us could be a real problem."
Despite China's advances, they lack strategic clarity, he said, but noted the U.S. Defense Department is equally involved in counter measures of its own.
Gates told the group he worries about Pakistan and Iran more than any two countries. He's grown increasingly encouraged by Pakistan's partnership and the involvement of its military against the Taliban along the country's border with Afghanistan.
"The actions of the Pakistani army are very encouraging, and what's even more encouraging is the political consensus that's developed in support of their operations," he said. "Pakistan is still a very fragile country, but I've been very encouraged by them over the past few months."
Iran, however, is one of the toughest problems the world has faced in a long time, he said. Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons could possibly spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and an even more aggressive Iranian government. Still, military efforts against to quell their progression isn't the answer. Continued negotiations are the best method, he said.
"There's a lot of talk about a military effort to take out their nuclear capabilities, but it's in my view that it would only be a temporary solution," Gates said. "You could buy one to three years by doing that, but they would simply go deeper and more covert, and it would unify the country and their commitment."
Gates added that the only long-term solution is to persuade the Iranian government that "their long-term security interest are diminished by having nuclear weapons, rather than enhanced."
The group was also interested in the U.S. exit strategies for Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates noted that the timeline has already been set in Iraq, and that continued progress by its security forces and government could lead to a draw down of forces sooner than anticipated. But he explained that according to the current agreement between the two governments that the U.S. be completely withdrawn by Dec.31, 2011.
In Afghanistan, forces are making similar progress, he said. Continued growth of the Afghan army and security forces is key to ending the war there as well. He added that the Defense Department and White House owe the American people a progress report in a year, and if the administration isn't content, they'll develop a new approach.
"Our exit strategy in Afghanistan is exactly the same as our exact strategy in Iraq," he said. "And that is building the capacity of the Afghans in the security arena, so they can keep al-Qaida and other extremist out of there territory or keep them under control in the way most other countries do.
"As we train up their forces, they will take more and more of the lead, then we will recede into the background and then we will leave all together, and this is pretty much the scenario we used in Iraq."
Gates said he expects the groups' trip to be exhausting and exhilarating. And despite the security threats and economic issues in the world, he hopes the group understands and broadens their appreciations for the servicemembers behind the scenes and on the front lines of all the issue the group addressed.
"I'm sure many of you know men and women in uniform," the secretary said. "But I think this week will give you a different perspective on what they do in the field day in and day out, and above all, the awesome responsibilities they have at a very young age."
JCOC is sponsored by the Defense Department for civilian public leaders to grow their knowledge of the military and national defense issues. James V. Forrestal, the first U.S. defense secretary, started JCOC, the oldest Pentagon outreach program, started in 1948.
Participants attend briefings by military officials and observe training to enhance their understanding of the military's mission, its personnel, facilities, equipment and programs. The program rotates among the U.S. combatant commands to showcase operations around the world.
JCOC participants are selected from hundreds of candidates nominated by military commands worldwide, and they pay their own expenses throughout the conference.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates welcomed a group of 50 civilian community leaders, scholars and professionals to the Pentagon here today as they begin a seven-day tour of America's armed forces in Central and South America. The Joint Civilian Orientation Conference participants are scheduled to tour military sites in the U.S. Southern Command's sector of the world. The group will spend time in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Columbia, Panama and Miami, Fl., where they'll meet with U.S. servicemembers and learn first-hand about military capabilities, equipment and training.
"Our goal is to give all of you, who are influential members of your communities, an up-close look and personal experience with our military, our mission, our methods and our people," Gates said.
Gates encouraged the group to focus their attention on the individual servicemembers to learn their personal counts of dedication, heroism and selfless service. He declared today's all-volunteer military the best the country has to offer. Every man and woman in the military today enlisted and re-enlisted voluntarily, knowing that it was very likely they'd deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan, he said.
"I hope you have the opportunity to talk to as many of these kids as you possibly can and discover just how extraordinary they are," he said. "I believe they are the best the country has to offer, and their mission is vital to our national security."
The group was interested in Gates' perception of today's potential national security threats. He acknowledged that potential threat are apparent in various regions of the world as he took their. Mainly, he conceded that continued partnerships with Middle Eastern countries and the continued development of unmanned aerial systems are increasingly vital to U.S.
He explained his perception of China as a threat and why stability in Pakistan is among his biggest concerns. Iran, he said, is the world's biggest long-term threat.
China has the potential to be an enemy, he said, but they're not. The country is an important economic partner with the U.S., and they share many areas of common interest.
"China is not an enemy or an adversary, but we can make them into one, and they can make them selves into one," he said, noting their military capabilities and increasing developments in cyber warfare.
Gates acknowledged that if conflict between the U.S. and China ever developed, it would be on a cyber and space battle field. "They're not going to come at us and match us ship for ship, plane for plane, tank for tank. That's not the way it would work."
"They're working very hard on anti-satellite capabilities, because they know our dependence on space for communications, intelligence, command and control," he said. "They're developing capabilities that if there ever were a conflict with us could be a real problem."
Despite China's advances, they lack strategic clarity, he said, but noted the U.S. Defense Department is equally involved in counter measures of its own.
Gates told the group he worries about Pakistan and Iran more than any two countries. He's grown increasingly encouraged by Pakistan's partnership and the involvement of its military against the Taliban along the country's border with Afghanistan.
"The actions of the Pakistani army are very encouraging, and what's even more encouraging is the political consensus that's developed in support of their operations," he said. "Pakistan is still a very fragile country, but I've been very encouraged by them over the past few months."
Iran, however, is one of the toughest problems the world has faced in a long time, he said. Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons could possibly spark a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and an even more aggressive Iranian government. Still, military efforts against to quell their progression isn't the answer. Continued negotiations are the best method, he said.
"There's a lot of talk about a military effort to take out their nuclear capabilities, but it's in my view that it would only be a temporary solution," Gates said. "You could buy one to three years by doing that, but they would simply go deeper and more covert, and it would unify the country and their commitment."
Gates added that the only long-term solution is to persuade the Iranian government that "their long-term security interest are diminished by having nuclear weapons, rather than enhanced."
The group was also interested in the U.S. exit strategies for Iraq and Afghanistan.
Gates noted that the timeline has already been set in Iraq, and that continued progress by its security forces and government could lead to a draw down of forces sooner than anticipated. But he explained that according to the current agreement between the two governments that the U.S. be completely withdrawn by Dec.31, 2011.
In Afghanistan, forces are making similar progress, he said. Continued growth of the Afghan army and security forces is key to ending the war there as well. He added that the Defense Department and White House owe the American people a progress report in a year, and if the administration isn't content, they'll develop a new approach.
"Our exit strategy in Afghanistan is exactly the same as our exact strategy in Iraq," he said. "And that is building the capacity of the Afghans in the security arena, so they can keep al-Qaida and other extremist out of there territory or keep them under control in the way most other countries do.
"As we train up their forces, they will take more and more of the lead, then we will recede into the background and then we will leave all together, and this is pretty much the scenario we used in Iraq."
Gates said he expects the groups' trip to be exhausting and exhilarating. And despite the security threats and economic issues in the world, he hopes the group understands and broadens their appreciations for the servicemembers behind the scenes and on the front lines of all the issue the group addressed.
"I'm sure many of you know men and women in uniform," the secretary said. "But I think this week will give you a different perspective on what they do in the field day in and day out, and above all, the awesome responsibilities they have at a very young age."
JCOC is sponsored by the Defense Department for civilian public leaders to grow their knowledge of the military and national defense issues. James V. Forrestal, the first U.S. defense secretary, started JCOC, the oldest Pentagon outreach program, started in 1948.
Participants attend briefings by military officials and observe training to enhance their understanding of the military's mission, its personnel, facilities, equipment and programs. The program rotates among the U.S. combatant commands to showcase operations around the world.
JCOC participants are selected from hundreds of candidates nominated by military commands worldwide, and they pay their own expenses throughout the conference.
MILITARY CONTRACTS September 11, 2009
AIR FORCE
Boeing Global Services and Support, San Antonio, Texas was awarded a $150,285,090 contract for Programmed Depot Maintenance, Unprogrammed Depot Level Maintenance, and modifications installations on C/KC-135 series aircraft. At this time, no money has been obligated. 827 ASG, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8105-05-D-0004, P00028).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., El Segundo, Calif., was awarded a $31,088,237 contract for T-38 aircraft wing assemblies. At this time, $23,316,176 has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKAB, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (FA8218-07-C-0009, P00007).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Eagan Minn., was awarded a $28,123,449 contract for Command and Control System to be installed at Ali Air Base, Iraq. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 350ESG/PK, Hanscom, Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8706-09-C-0004).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $25,075,697 contract to provide Technical Area Task to provide National Security Agency with analysis for unique, innovative Information Assurance solutions to enhance the security protections for information technology infrastructure. At this time, $5,051,208 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, DO 0383).
Logos Technologies, Inc. of Arlington, Va., was awarded a $20,272,807 contract to provide research, design and development of advanced tools, methodologies and capabilities to support current and future computer network defense and exploitation challenges. At this time, $200,000 has been obligated. AFRL/RIKD, Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-09-C-0215).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $19,322,045 contract which will provide defense against attacks on networks and intelligence information systems. At this time, $3,593,682 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, DO:0384).
Pratt and Whitney Military Aftermarket Services, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $15,276,926 contract to provide overhaul of core modules, applicable to F-100/229, F15 & F16 aircraft. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 448SCMB/PKBB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-04-D-0004-0146).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $13,516,202 contract to provide encryption, access control, authentication and intrusion detection mechanisms that enhance secure information sharing capabilities between the National Security Agency and its Intelligence Community customers. At this time, $59,829 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002; DO:0385).
Alion Science and Technology Corp., of Chicago, Ill., was awarded a $9,301,885 contract to provide research conducted to promote the development of reusable tools and data to enable the integration of modeling and simulation capabilities. At this time $853,140 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, DO:0230).
ITT Corp., Clifton, N.J., has been awarded a $8,406,806 contract to provide AN/ALQ-172 Software Block Cycle Support & Enhancement Maintenance Test Set. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8523-09-G-0001,0001).
NAVY
Straub Construction, Inc., Fallbrook, Calif., is being awarded $16,684,867 for firm-fixed price task order #0006 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8616) for the design and construction of Human Resource Service Center (HRSC) at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, Calif. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a new multi-story consolidated administration facility that will provide administrative space, legal services spaces, waiting areas, file storage, lounges, computer network room, conference and training rooms. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif, and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Six proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Hi-Shear Technology Corp.*, Torrance, Calif., is being awarded a $13,451,525 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the MK 58 Mod 1 Acoustic Firing Device. Work will be performed in Torrance, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $256,875 of the contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two proposals solicited and two offers were received via FedBizOpps and the NSWC Crane Web site. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-09-D-JM27).
Shiel Sexton Co., Inc., Charlotte, N.C., is being awarded a $13,413,540 firm-fixed-price construction contract for the design and construction of two Child Development Centers at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for the construction of two reinforced buildings. Construction will include kitchen and laundry areas, classrooms, offices, toilets, storage spaces, and dedicated Navy Marine Corps Intranet telecommunication rooms. Built-in equipment includes miscellaneous playground equipment and a fire pump. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 41 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-3222).
Energy Matter Conversion Corp., (EMC2)*, Santa Fe, N.M., is being awarded a $7,855,504 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research, analysis, development, and testing in support of the Plan Plasma Fusion (Polywell) Project. Efforts under this Recovery Act award will validate the basic physics of the plasma fusion (polywell) concept, as well as provide the Navy with data for potential applications of polywell fusion. Work will be performed in Santa Fe, N.M., and is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-09-C-0125).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $7,382,503 modification (P00008) under previously awarded firm-fixed-price with cost-reimbursable line items contract (N00604-08-C-0002) to exercise option two for operation and maintenance support for facilities operating under Naval Computer & Telecommunications Area Master Station Hawaii. Work will be performed in Hawaii, and work is to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas, is being awarded $7,176,381 for indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to provide instructor led courses for Sailors assigned to sea-duty. This contract consists of one base year and four one-year options which, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $39,500,614. Work will be performed onboard various Navy ships (50 percent); Pensacola and Mayport, Fla., (15 percent); San Diego, Calif., (15 percent); Norfolk, Va., (5 percent); Groton, Conn., (5 percent); Bremerton, Wash., (5 percent); and Yokosuka, Japan, (5 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with one offer received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk Detachment Philadelphia is the contracting activity (N00189-09-D-Z059).
Chugach Government Services Inc.*, Anchorage Alaska, is being awarded $7,164,754 for firm-fixed-price task order #0016 under a multiple award service contract, for the demolition of buildings and structures to facilitate environmental restoration at Naval Security Group Activity Skaggs Island, Sonoma, Calif. Upon completion of work, the facility will be turned over to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for wildlife conservation. Work will be performed at Sonoma, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-08-D-0507).
Rome Research Corp., Rome, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,125,463 modification (P00010) under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price with cost-reimbursable line items contract (N00604-08-C-0001) to exercise option two for operation and maintenance support for facilities operating under Naval Computer & Telecommunications Station Guam. Work will be performed in Guam, and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
ENVIRO AgScience, Inc.*, Columbia, S.C., is being awarded a $6,543,200 firm-fixed price contract for construction of an addition to the existing fitness center at Shaw Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Sumter, S.C., and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively negotiated via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with eight proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-1768).
Detyens Shipyards, Inc., Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $6,235,225 firm-fixed-price contract for a 56-calendar-day regular overhaul shipyard availability of Military Sealift Fleet Support Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn. The ship's primary mission is to provide fuel to U.S. Navy ships at sea and jet fuel to aircraft assigned to aircraft carriers. This shipyard availability is primarily for ship maintenance and overhaul, including preservation of ballast tanks, preservation of tank deck overhead, preservation of potable water tanks and main engine turbo charger overhaul. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $7,284,625. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with three offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting authority (N40442-09-C-1031).
Cherokee General*, Federal Way, Wash., is being awarded $5,724,265 for firm-fixed price task order #0008 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N44255-08-D-3016) to repair the Reserve Training Building at Naval Operational Support Center, Portland, Ore. The work to be performed provides for all labor, materials, equipment, and associated costs to modernize, refurbish, and upgrade the center. Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts funds are provided. Contract funds will not expire at the end of this fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $29,755,200 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for army service uniforms. Other locations of performance are in Raeford and Cordova, N.C. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the first option year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 23, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-09-D-0045).
Skytronics Incorporated*, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $6,322,715 firm fixed price contract for actuates A/C stabilizer trim mechanism. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is the Air Force. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 10, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Okla., (SPRTA1-09-D-0055).
Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $9,765,873 firm fixed price, sole source contract for axle assembly. Other locations of performance are Michigan, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and France. Using service is the Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is January 7, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Mich., (SPRDL1-09-C-0132).
U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
L-3 Communications Geneva Aerospace of Carrollton, Texas, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $250,000,000, one year with four option year periods, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the Expeditionary Unmanned Aircraft System in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Program Executive Office - Fixed Wing. The contract minimum is $5,000,000 which will be met at contract award with issuance of the first delivery order for $6,612,100. The work will be performed primarily in Carrollton, and is for one year from the date of contract award. This contract was awarded through full and open competition. The contract number is H92222-09-D-0051.
Boeing Global Services and Support, San Antonio, Texas was awarded a $150,285,090 contract for Programmed Depot Maintenance, Unprogrammed Depot Level Maintenance, and modifications installations on C/KC-135 series aircraft. At this time, no money has been obligated. 827 ASG, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8105-05-D-0004, P00028).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., El Segundo, Calif., was awarded a $31,088,237 contract for T-38 aircraft wing assemblies. At this time, $23,316,176 has been obligated. 448 SCMG/PKAB, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity (FA8218-07-C-0009, P00007).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Eagan Minn., was awarded a $28,123,449 contract for Command and Control System to be installed at Ali Air Base, Iraq. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 350ESG/PK, Hanscom, Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity (FA8706-09-C-0004).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $25,075,697 contract to provide Technical Area Task to provide National Security Agency with analysis for unique, innovative Information Assurance solutions to enhance the security protections for information technology infrastructure. At this time, $5,051,208 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, DO 0383).
Logos Technologies, Inc. of Arlington, Va., was awarded a $20,272,807 contract to provide research, design and development of advanced tools, methodologies and capabilities to support current and future computer network defense and exploitation challenges. At this time, $200,000 has been obligated. AFRL/RIKD, Rome, N.Y., is the contracting activity (FA8750-09-C-0215).
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $19,322,045 contract which will provide defense against attacks on networks and intelligence information systems. At this time, $3,593,682 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, DO:0384).
Pratt and Whitney Military Aftermarket Services, Inc., of San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $15,276,926 contract to provide overhaul of core modules, applicable to F-100/229, F15 & F16 aircraft. At this time the entire amount has been obligated. 448SCMB/PKBB, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8104-04-D-0004-0146).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $13,516,202 contract to provide encryption, access control, authentication and intrusion detection mechanisms that enhance secure information sharing capabilities between the National Security Agency and its Intelligence Community customers. At this time, $59,829 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002; DO:0385).
Alion Science and Technology Corp., of Chicago, Ill., was awarded a $9,301,885 contract to provide research conducted to promote the development of reusable tools and data to enable the integration of modeling and simulation capabilities. At this time $853,140 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (N61339-03-D-0300, DO:0230).
ITT Corp., Clifton, N.J., has been awarded a $8,406,806 contract to provide AN/ALQ-172 Software Block Cycle Support & Enhancement Maintenance Test Set. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8523-09-G-0001,0001).
NAVY
Straub Construction, Inc., Fallbrook, Calif., is being awarded $16,684,867 for firm-fixed price task order #0006 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-08-D-8616) for the design and construction of Human Resource Service Center (HRSC) at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, Calif. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a new multi-story consolidated administration facility that will provide administrative space, legal services spaces, waiting areas, file storage, lounges, computer network room, conference and training rooms. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif, and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Six proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Hi-Shear Technology Corp.*, Torrance, Calif., is being awarded a $13,451,525 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the MK 58 Mod 1 Acoustic Firing Device. Work will be performed in Torrance, Calif., and is expected to be completed by September 2014. Contract funds in the amount of $256,875 of the contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two proposals solicited and two offers were received via FedBizOpps and the NSWC Crane Web site. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-09-D-JM27).
Shiel Sexton Co., Inc., Charlotte, N.C., is being awarded a $13,413,540 firm-fixed-price construction contract for the design and construction of two Child Development Centers at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for the construction of two reinforced buildings. Construction will include kitchen and laundry areas, classrooms, offices, toilets, storage spaces, and dedicated Navy Marine Corps Intranet telecommunication rooms. Built-in equipment includes miscellaneous playground equipment and a fire pump. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 41 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-09-C-3222).
Energy Matter Conversion Corp., (EMC2)*, Santa Fe, N.M., is being awarded a $7,855,504 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research, analysis, development, and testing in support of the Plan Plasma Fusion (Polywell) Project. Efforts under this Recovery Act award will validate the basic physics of the plasma fusion (polywell) concept, as well as provide the Navy with data for potential applications of polywell fusion. Work will be performed in Santa Fe, N.M., and is expected to be completed in April 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-09-C-0125).
BAE Systems Technology Solutions and Services, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded a $7,382,503 modification (P00008) under previously awarded firm-fixed-price with cost-reimbursable line items contract (N00604-08-C-0002) to exercise option two for operation and maintenance support for facilities operating under Naval Computer & Telecommunications Area Master Station Hawaii. Work will be performed in Hawaii, and work is to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities Web site, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas, is being awarded $7,176,381 for indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract to provide instructor led courses for Sailors assigned to sea-duty. This contract consists of one base year and four one-year options which, if exercised, bring the total estimated value of the contract to $39,500,614. Work will be performed onboard various Navy ships (50 percent); Pensacola and Mayport, Fla., (15 percent); San Diego, Calif., (15 percent); Norfolk, Va., (5 percent); Groton, Conn., (5 percent); Bremerton, Wash., (5 percent); and Yokosuka, Japan, (5 percent), and work is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Navy Electronic Commerce Online, with one offer received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk Detachment Philadelphia is the contracting activity (N00189-09-D-Z059).
Chugach Government Services Inc.*, Anchorage Alaska, is being awarded $7,164,754 for firm-fixed-price task order #0016 under a multiple award service contract, for the demolition of buildings and structures to facilitate environmental restoration at Naval Security Group Activity Skaggs Island, Sonoma, Calif. Upon completion of work, the facility will be turned over to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for wildlife conservation. Work will be performed at Sonoma, Calif., and is expected to be completed by July 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-08-D-0507).
Rome Research Corp., Rome, N.Y., is being awarded a $7,125,463 modification (P00010) under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price with cost-reimbursable line items contract (N00604-08-C-0001) to exercise option two for operation and maintenance support for facilities operating under Naval Computer & Telecommunications Station Guam. Work will be performed in Guam, and work is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online and Federal Business Opportunities Web sites, with three offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
ENVIRO AgScience, Inc.*, Columbia, S.C., is being awarded a $6,543,200 firm-fixed price contract for construction of an addition to the existing fitness center at Shaw Air Force Base. Work will be performed in Sumter, S.C., and is expected to be completed by March 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively negotiated via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with eight proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N69450-09-C-1768).
Detyens Shipyards, Inc., Charleston, S.C., is being awarded a $6,235,225 firm-fixed-price contract for a 56-calendar-day regular overhaul shipyard availability of Military Sealift Fleet Support Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn. The ship's primary mission is to provide fuel to U.S. Navy ships at sea and jet fuel to aircraft assigned to aircraft carriers. This shipyard availability is primarily for ship maintenance and overhaul, including preservation of ballast tanks, preservation of tank deck overhead, preservation of potable water tanks and main engine turbo charger overhaul. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $7,284,625. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C., and is expected to be completed by December 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with three offers received. The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Fleet Support Command, a field activity of Military Sealift Command, is the contracting authority (N40442-09-C-1031).
Cherokee General*, Federal Way, Wash., is being awarded $5,724,265 for firm-fixed price task order #0008 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N44255-08-D-3016) to repair the Reserve Training Building at Naval Operational Support Center, Portland, Ore. The work to be performed provides for all labor, materials, equipment, and associated costs to modernize, refurbish, and upgrade the center. Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be completed by November 2010. American Recovery and Reinvestment Acts funds are provided. Contract funds will not expire at the end of this fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Burlington Apparel Fabrics, Greensboro, N.C., is being awarded a maximum $29,755,200 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for army service uniforms. Other locations of performance are in Raeford and Cordova, N.C. Using service is Army. This proposal was originally Web solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the first option year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 23, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-09-D-0045).
Skytronics Incorporated*, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a maximum $6,322,715 firm fixed price contract for actuates A/C stabilizer trim mechanism. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is the Air Force. There was one proposal originally solicited with one response. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Sept. 10, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Richmond, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma City, Okla., (SPRTA1-09-D-0055).
Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $9,765,873 firm fixed price, sole source contract for axle assembly. Other locations of performance are Michigan, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and France. Using service is the Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is January 7, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Warren (DSCC-ZG), Mich., (SPRDL1-09-C-0132).
U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
L-3 Communications Geneva Aerospace of Carrollton, Texas, is being awarded a not-to-exceed $250,000,000, one year with four option year periods, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract for the Expeditionary Unmanned Aircraft System in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Program Executive Office - Fixed Wing. The contract minimum is $5,000,000 which will be met at contract award with issuance of the first delivery order for $6,612,100. The work will be performed primarily in Carrollton, and is for one year from the date of contract award. This contract was awarded through full and open competition. The contract number is H92222-09-D-0051.
Air Force Strengthens Nuclear Deterrence Operations
By Judith Snyderman
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - New initiatives underway within the Air Force to consolidate commands, modernize systems and strengthen personnel emphasize nuclear security. "Nuclear deterrence underpins all of our freedom of movement everywhere," Maj. Gen. Donald Alston, the service's assistant chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration told bloggers and online journalists yesterday during a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable.
More than a decade ago, the strategic focus of the Defense Department turned to conventional forces and, more recently, to expeditionary operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Alston said.
"I think we took active measures to reduce emphasis on nuclear because there was an opportunity that seemed to be present there in the early 90's, that you could take it off the front burner because the Cold War was over," he said.
However, the geopolitical situation has become complicated in ways that were unforeseen in the 1990s, Alston said.
"All the other countries in the world that have nuclear programs have active nuclear weapons development capacity and programs with one notable exception, and that would be the United States," he said.
The growth of the number of states that have or are developing nuclear weapons has prompted changes, Alston said, including the creation of the Global Strike Command, which stood up on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., last month.
"This was principally (done) to put in one command, with one commander, responsibility for nuclear operational forces; for one commander to set conditions, expectations and impact a culture," he said.
The Air Force also has revamped its education programs by reviewing and updating training courses. Alston also is working on a personnel plan to increase expertise that will help sustain the nuclear security mission. Another initiative fortifies the inspection process, he said.
"We've improved the quality of our inspectors by having common training for all nuclear surety inspectors," the general said. "We have a certification program for all the inspectors, and we have a core team of 20 guys that accompany every inspection team." The teams aim to bring consistency of interpretations and an even application of standards, he said.
Alston emphasized that the Air Force already has high standards that new programs serve to enforce the mission of deterrence for the future.
"We are doing this to ensure that those who are (asking themselves) on some regular basis, 'Is today the time that we should challenge the United States?'- that the answer continues to be, 'Not today,'" he said.
Alston added that the level of focus on the Air Force nuclear program has probably never been greater than it is today.
(Judith Snyderman works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - New initiatives underway within the Air Force to consolidate commands, modernize systems and strengthen personnel emphasize nuclear security. "Nuclear deterrence underpins all of our freedom of movement everywhere," Maj. Gen. Donald Alston, the service's assistant chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration told bloggers and online journalists yesterday during a DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable.
More than a decade ago, the strategic focus of the Defense Department turned to conventional forces and, more recently, to expeditionary operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Alston said.
"I think we took active measures to reduce emphasis on nuclear because there was an opportunity that seemed to be present there in the early 90's, that you could take it off the front burner because the Cold War was over," he said.
However, the geopolitical situation has become complicated in ways that were unforeseen in the 1990s, Alston said.
"All the other countries in the world that have nuclear programs have active nuclear weapons development capacity and programs with one notable exception, and that would be the United States," he said.
The growth of the number of states that have or are developing nuclear weapons has prompted changes, Alston said, including the creation of the Global Strike Command, which stood up on Barksdale Air Force Base, La., last month.
"This was principally (done) to put in one command, with one commander, responsibility for nuclear operational forces; for one commander to set conditions, expectations and impact a culture," he said.
The Air Force also has revamped its education programs by reviewing and updating training courses. Alston also is working on a personnel plan to increase expertise that will help sustain the nuclear security mission. Another initiative fortifies the inspection process, he said.
"We've improved the quality of our inspectors by having common training for all nuclear surety inspectors," the general said. "We have a certification program for all the inspectors, and we have a core team of 20 guys that accompany every inspection team." The teams aim to bring consistency of interpretations and an even application of standards, he said.
Alston emphasized that the Air Force already has high standards that new programs serve to enforce the mission of deterrence for the future.
"We are doing this to ensure that those who are (asking themselves) on some regular basis, 'Is today the time that we should challenge the United States?'- that the answer continues to be, 'Not today,'" he said.
Alston added that the level of focus on the Air Force nuclear program has probably never been greater than it is today.
(Judith Snyderman works in the Defense Media Activity's emerging media directorate.)
First Lady, Dr. Biden Ask Americans to Support Military Families
Special to American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden appear in a new Entertainment Industry Foundation public service announcement that praises the contributions of military servicemen and women while asking Americans to assist veterans and military families who need help. The PSA is scheduled to premiere in Major League Baseball stadiums across the country today as part of its Welcome Back Veterans initiative, and will air on major broadcast networks starting this fall.
The PSA is the first in a series created by EIF as part of its newly launched "I Participate" initiative designed to inspire a new era of volunteerism and community work in America. As a centerpiece of this multiyear campaign, the major broadcast networks – ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC – and others will include the theme of service in programming in more than 60 shows for the full week of October 19 -25.
"I've made it a personal priority to ask all Americans to join me in the cause of supporting our military families," said Obama. "We must all remember that when our troops are deployed, their families are left behind with a completely different set of duties.
"Let us make a pledge to honor their service and their sacrifice by doing more to serve them in our own communities," she said. "Whether it's just being a good neighbor or it's volunteering at a local organization that supports military families, please join us in taking the time to honor those who sacrifice for all of us."
"As the mother of a National Guardsman who is serving in Iraq, this is personal," said Biden. "I share the concerns, the anxieties, and the pride that come with being a member of a military family, and I have also seen first-hand what a difference it makes when people reach out to show support, whether in school, in the neighborhood, or in the workplace. Each of us has the power to make a difference in the life of a service member or his or her family."
In April, President Obama signed the bi-partisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and reauthorizes the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Federal agency that oversees the Administration's call to service. The bill also represents the largest expansion of federal support for service in history, bringing critical new resources to national service programs, volunteer management efforts and social innovation.
Each of EIF's PSAs will highlight one of five key areas where volunteers are needed most: support for military families; wellness; community health; financial security; and environmental conservation; all were directed by Jesse Dylan.
The PSAs include information about www.iparticpate.org which is designed to make it easy for people to search for volunteer opportunities in their communities and discover new ways to give back. The website features include calendars of events, maps, digital tool kits and uses the power of social networking vehicles like Facebook, making it easy for people to join the movement and recruit friends. Information about the programs can also be found at welcomebackveterans.org and serve.gov.
"With the collective impact of the parties involved in "I Participate", we are confident this important initiative will make a significant impact on the country," said Bob DuPuy, Major League Baseball President and Chief Operating Officer and veteran. "Welcome Back Veterans has been an important program for Major League Baseball over the last two seasons and by becoming a major part of "I Participate", we expect to be able to significantly increase our ability to address the post traumatic stress needs of veterans and their families."
The number of Americans who volunteer regularly has not increased in 40 years and has generally remained around 26%, according to an annual survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While volunteerism usually declines during periods of economic distress, volunteerism is currently on the rise in America, particularly among young people, according to the CNCS.
"As an industry of storytellers who shape popular culture through film, television and music, we have a unique opportunity to bring service to the fore of American consciousness," said Lisa Paulsen, President and CEO of EIF. "We are so honored to have Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden appear in this important PSA about how we can assist our military men and women and their families."
Sept. 11, 2009 - First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden appear in a new Entertainment Industry Foundation public service announcement that praises the contributions of military servicemen and women while asking Americans to assist veterans and military families who need help. The PSA is scheduled to premiere in Major League Baseball stadiums across the country today as part of its Welcome Back Veterans initiative, and will air on major broadcast networks starting this fall.
The PSA is the first in a series created by EIF as part of its newly launched "I Participate" initiative designed to inspire a new era of volunteerism and community work in America. As a centerpiece of this multiyear campaign, the major broadcast networks – ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC – and others will include the theme of service in programming in more than 60 shows for the full week of October 19 -25.
"I've made it a personal priority to ask all Americans to join me in the cause of supporting our military families," said Obama. "We must all remember that when our troops are deployed, their families are left behind with a completely different set of duties.
"Let us make a pledge to honor their service and their sacrifice by doing more to serve them in our own communities," she said. "Whether it's just being a good neighbor or it's volunteering at a local organization that supports military families, please join us in taking the time to honor those who sacrifice for all of us."
"As the mother of a National Guardsman who is serving in Iraq, this is personal," said Biden. "I share the concerns, the anxieties, and the pride that come with being a member of a military family, and I have also seen first-hand what a difference it makes when people reach out to show support, whether in school, in the neighborhood, or in the workplace. Each of us has the power to make a difference in the life of a service member or his or her family."
In April, President Obama signed the bi-partisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance and reauthorizes the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Federal agency that oversees the Administration's call to service. The bill also represents the largest expansion of federal support for service in history, bringing critical new resources to national service programs, volunteer management efforts and social innovation.
Each of EIF's PSAs will highlight one of five key areas where volunteers are needed most: support for military families; wellness; community health; financial security; and environmental conservation; all were directed by Jesse Dylan.
The PSAs include information about www.iparticpate.org which is designed to make it easy for people to search for volunteer opportunities in their communities and discover new ways to give back. The website features include calendars of events, maps, digital tool kits and uses the power of social networking vehicles like Facebook, making it easy for people to join the movement and recruit friends. Information about the programs can also be found at welcomebackveterans.org and serve.gov.
"With the collective impact of the parties involved in "I Participate", we are confident this important initiative will make a significant impact on the country," said Bob DuPuy, Major League Baseball President and Chief Operating Officer and veteran. "Welcome Back Veterans has been an important program for Major League Baseball over the last two seasons and by becoming a major part of "I Participate", we expect to be able to significantly increase our ability to address the post traumatic stress needs of veterans and their families."
The number of Americans who volunteer regularly has not increased in 40 years and has generally remained around 26%, according to an annual survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While volunteerism usually declines during periods of economic distress, volunteerism is currently on the rise in America, particularly among young people, according to the CNCS.
"As an industry of storytellers who shape popular culture through film, television and music, we have a unique opportunity to bring service to the fore of American consciousness," said Lisa Paulsen, President and CEO of EIF. "We are so honored to have Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden appear in this important PSA about how we can assist our military men and women and their families."
National Security Archives
Previously Classified Interviews with Former Soviet Officials Reveal U.S. Strategic Intelligence Failure Over Decades
1995 Contractor Study Finds that U.S. Analysts Exaggerated Soviet Aggressiveness and Understated Moscow's Fears of a U.S. First Strike
For more information contact:
William Burr - 202/994-7032
http://www.nsarchive.org/nukevault
September 11, 2009 - During a 1972 command post exercise, according to top Soviet generals interviewed by Pentagon contractors at the end of the Cold War, General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev "trembled" when he was asked to push a launch button, asking Soviet defense minister Grechko "this is definitely an exercise?" During the excercise, leaders of the Kremlin listened to a briefing on the results of a hypothetical war with the United States, in which a U.S. attack killed 80 million Soviet citizens and destroyed 85 percent of the country's industrial capacity.
This story appears in a recently declassified two-volume study on Soviet Intentions, 1965-1985, prepared in 1995 by the Pentagon contractor BDM Corporation, and published today for the first time by the National Security Archive. Based on an extraordinarily revealing series of interviews with former senior Soviet defense officials -- "unhappy Cold Warriors" -- during the final days of the Soviet Union, the BDM study puts Soviet nuclear policy in a fresh light by highlighting the leadership's recognition of the catastrophe of nuclear conflict, even while it supported preparations for fighting an unsurvivable war.
BDM's unique interview evidence with former Soviet military officers, military analysts, and industrial specialists covers a wide range of strategic issues, including force levels and postures, targeting and war planning, weapons effects, and the role of defense industries. BDM staffers compared this new evidence with mainly official and semi-official U.S. interpretations of Soviet strategic policy and decision-making during the Cold War. The BDM analysts identified what they saw as significant failures of analysis, including:
* "[Erring] on the side of overestimating Soviet aggressiveness" and underestimating "the extent to which the Soviet leadership was deterred from using nuclear weapons."
* Seriously misjudging Soviet military intentions, "which had the potential [to] mislead ... U.S. decision makers in the event of an extreme crisis."
* "Serious[ly] misunderstanding ... the Soviet decision-making process" by underestimating the "decisive influence exercised by the defense industry." That the defense industrial complex, not the Soviet high command, played a key role in driving the quantitative arms buildup "led U.S. analysts to ... exaggerate the aggressive intentions of the Soviets."
* The BDM study also shows that Soviet military high command "understood the devastating consequences of nuclear war" and believed that nuclear weapons use had to be avoided at "all costs." In 1968, a Defense Ministry study showed that Moscow could not win a nuclear war, even if it launched a first strike. Although Soviet ideology had insisted that survival was possible, no one in the leadership believed that.
During the 1970s, Team B critics of CIA intelligence analysis argued that the Soviets believed that they could win a nuclear war. According to William Burr, a senior analyst at the National Security Archive, "these previously secret interviews show that inflated notions of the Soviet 'present danger' -- such as the Team B exercise -- were wrong, but that more conventional U.S. analysis -- Team A -- also misunderstood Soviet nuclear thinking and decision making."
Please visit the Archive's Nuclear Vault for more information.
http://www.nsarchive.org/nukevault
1995 Contractor Study Finds that U.S. Analysts Exaggerated Soviet Aggressiveness and Understated Moscow's Fears of a U.S. First Strike
For more information contact:
William Burr - 202/994-7032
http://www.nsarchive.org/nukevault
September 11, 2009 - During a 1972 command post exercise, according to top Soviet generals interviewed by Pentagon contractors at the end of the Cold War, General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev "trembled" when he was asked to push a launch button, asking Soviet defense minister Grechko "this is definitely an exercise?" During the excercise, leaders of the Kremlin listened to a briefing on the results of a hypothetical war with the United States, in which a U.S. attack killed 80 million Soviet citizens and destroyed 85 percent of the country's industrial capacity.
This story appears in a recently declassified two-volume study on Soviet Intentions, 1965-1985, prepared in 1995 by the Pentagon contractor BDM Corporation, and published today for the first time by the National Security Archive. Based on an extraordinarily revealing series of interviews with former senior Soviet defense officials -- "unhappy Cold Warriors" -- during the final days of the Soviet Union, the BDM study puts Soviet nuclear policy in a fresh light by highlighting the leadership's recognition of the catastrophe of nuclear conflict, even while it supported preparations for fighting an unsurvivable war.
BDM's unique interview evidence with former Soviet military officers, military analysts, and industrial specialists covers a wide range of strategic issues, including force levels and postures, targeting and war planning, weapons effects, and the role of defense industries. BDM staffers compared this new evidence with mainly official and semi-official U.S. interpretations of Soviet strategic policy and decision-making during the Cold War. The BDM analysts identified what they saw as significant failures of analysis, including:
* "[Erring] on the side of overestimating Soviet aggressiveness" and underestimating "the extent to which the Soviet leadership was deterred from using nuclear weapons."
* Seriously misjudging Soviet military intentions, "which had the potential [to] mislead ... U.S. decision makers in the event of an extreme crisis."
* "Serious[ly] misunderstanding ... the Soviet decision-making process" by underestimating the "decisive influence exercised by the defense industry." That the defense industrial complex, not the Soviet high command, played a key role in driving the quantitative arms buildup "led U.S. analysts to ... exaggerate the aggressive intentions of the Soviets."
* The BDM study also shows that Soviet military high command "understood the devastating consequences of nuclear war" and believed that nuclear weapons use had to be avoided at "all costs." In 1968, a Defense Ministry study showed that Moscow could not win a nuclear war, even if it launched a first strike. Although Soviet ideology had insisted that survival was possible, no one in the leadership believed that.
During the 1970s, Team B critics of CIA intelligence analysis argued that the Soviets believed that they could win a nuclear war. According to William Burr, a senior analyst at the National Security Archive, "these previously secret interviews show that inflated notions of the Soviet 'present danger' -- such as the Team B exercise -- were wrong, but that more conventional U.S. analysis -- Team A -- also misunderstood Soviet nuclear thinking and decision making."
Please visit the Archive's Nuclear Vault for more information.
http://www.nsarchive.org/nukevault
Defense Leaders, Colleagues, Friends Honor Ken Bacon
By Linda D. KozarynAmerican Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - Kenneth Hogate Bacon was a man of great integrity and humanity. He was first and foremost a newsman — endlessly inquisitive, continually seeking accuracy and clarity. He sought knowledge and truth. He upheld the public's right to know. After a career as a reporter, editor and columnist at the Wall Street Journal from 1969 to 1994, he accepted an appointment as the assistant defense secretary for public affairs at the Pentagon. In 2001, he became president of Refugees International, a non-profit organization that advocates for the world's 12 million displaced people.
Bacon, 64, died of melanoma on Aug. 15. Two former defense secretaries and about 900 colleagues and friends turned out for a memorial service in his honor at the Washington National Cathedral in northwest Washington, D.C.
Bacon's daughters Katharine and Sarah paid tributes to their father, followed by Eugene Carlson, an editor and weekly columnist for The Wall Street Journal, and noted actor Sam Waterston, who serves on the board of Refugees International.
William J. Perry, defense secretary from 1994 to 1997, paid tribute to his former spokesman, noting that he'd learned much from the man he had chosen as his top public affairs advisor. Perry, accompanied to the service by his wife Lee, said he offered Bacon the job because he was the best defense correspondent he knew.
Perry recalled that after his first live television press interview with the late Tim Russert on NBC's Meet the Press, Bacon commented that the new defense secretary certainly knew how to make news. "It slowly dawned on me that he didn't mean it as a compliment," Perry said, drawing soft laughter from the mourners.
With Bacon at his side, Perry traveled to 67 different countries and logged about 700,000 miles in military aircraft ranging from C-20 passenger jets to C-17 Globemaster cargo planes. They visited the war torn Balkans and the former Soviet bloc nations.
Perry said he believes a trip the two men made together sparked Bacon's desire to serve the world's refugees.
In 1996, after the war in Rwanda ended, a million refugees mostly Hutu were in three or four refugee camps just across the border in Zaire, When cholera broke out in the camps and about 5,000 people a day were dying.
"Only the United States had the combination of water purification equipment, skilled engineers and the airlift that could move them in a matter of days," Perry said at the time. "Two days after the president gave me the order, we had that purification equipment over there. Three days after, I went over myself and saw it up and operating, and in that short amount of time, the cholera epidemic was stopped cold."
When Perry left office, Bacon stayed on to serve as William S. Cohen's public affairs advisor and spokesman. The travels continued and Bacon visited refugee camps in Macedonia following the conflict in Kosovo, deepening his concern for the plight of refugees.
Cohen and his wife Janet Langhart Cohen also paid their respects to Bacon's family by attending the memorial service. They joined several former defense officials who served during Bacon's time at the Pentagon, including Rudy DeLeon, deputy defense secretary; Tori Clarke, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs; Jan M. Lodal, principal deputy under secretary of defense for policy, 1994-1997; Jim Bodner, principal deputy under secretary of defense for policy, 1998-2001.
Three who served as Bacon's deputies also attended: Clifford Bernath, Doug Wilson, Dennis Boxx and Willie Blacklow; as well as retired Adm. Mike Doubleday, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs; Bob Tyrer, Cohen's chief of staff; Celia Hoke, director of community relations and public liaison; and Liz Bailey, DoD's White House Liaison.
Current Pentagon officials included Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs; Marine Col. Dave Lapan, director of press operations; and Vince Ogilvy, deputy director of entertainment media.
Some of the former and current Pentagon correspondents who attended include: Washington Post's George Wilson; CNN's Barbara Star and Jamie McIntyre; CBS's David Martin; Associated Press' Bob Burns; and NPR's Guy Raz.
Many of the lower-level worker bees from Bacon's days at the Pentagon also attended the service. They came to honor the man they knew as a strong but kind leader. Bacon made it a point to understand and value each employee's contribution, and he ensured those who did the work got the credit they deserved.
When Helene Stikkel, a 35-year veteran military and Defense Department photographer, asked Bacon to conduct her retirement ceremony in 2008, he returned to the Pentagon's briefing room. He took the opportunity to acknowledge by name several people in the audience who had worked with him. They weren't senior defense officials, they were clerks, secretaries, writers, public affairs officers.
He spoke of Stikkel's worldwide travels with him and Perry, and the way her photos were used as part of Perry's international diplomacy. He said Perry maintained a row of Helene's photos of his travels in his office. Whenever a foreign dignitary visited the Pentagon, Perry moved the foreign VIP's photo to the front of the line and used it to spark recollections of their last meeting.
Stikkel was among those who paid their respects to a great man we will not forget.
Company Closes Ranks to Support Guardsman
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By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - When Army National Guardsman Sgt. Michael Scaglione announced he was being deployed to Iraq, he knew he could count on his family. His mother and brother would be looking after his two girls, Myca, 13 and Marissa, 11. And his extended family, also known as his colleagues, would be looking after all of them.
"We are a small company and pride ourselves on being a family. Michael Scaglione is part of our family," said Steve Dickert, general manager of North Carolina-based AeroDyn Wind Tunnel. "As such, we take care of his needs like anyone else in the family. It just so happens that for this period of time, his needs are much greater than some of our other family members."
The company pays the difference between his civilian and military salaries. It also covers 100 percent of the premiums to maintain his medical insurance. But that's just the beginning of the list of what AeroDyn, a company with just 15 employees, about 25 percent of whom have a military background, has done for Scaglione and his girls.
"AeroDyn has taken on the responsibility to make sure all of the 'mechanical' things regarding his home and infrastructure remain in good repair and operational," Dickert said.
And that was enough to prompt Scaglione to nominate AeroDyn for a 2009 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award recognizes public and private employers for going above and beyond what's required by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve manages the award.
The company was selected as one of the 15 recipients, an unexpected honor.
"We are extremely honored, and very surprised, to be nominated for the ... award," Dickert said. "We continue to feel that we are just doing what is right by our soldier and our company [and] it is beyond us why any company would not do the same for any of their employees."
Scaglione, who is currently deployed, wasn't surprised AeroDyn is receiving the award, just proud. "I really feel that they deserve it," he said.
When they found out he was being deployed, the owner and bosses asked what they could do for him and his family beyond continuing his benefits and meeting his pay differential.
"But they asked to do more," Scaglione wrote from Forward Operating Base Falcon, Iraq. "So I asked if they would split a life insurance policy with me. They said it was taken care of. It doubled the max that the Army offered and I didn't have to split the cost."
Even then company official weren't satisfied that they were doing all they could to support Scaglione, so they closed the company, a 24-hour-a-day operation, for one night and threw him a going away party.
And still the surprises kept coming.
"They had purchased over $2,000 in gift cards so my two daughters could keep doing what we did as a family while I was gone," he said. "They also purchased myself and the girls Web cams so we could stay in touch.
"The [Information Technology] guy ... just went to my house to help the girls with their computers," Scaglione added. "During my deployment, the guys have taken my girls out to eat and called to check on them many times."
After learning the company had been selected for the ESGR award, AeroDyn officials asked Scaglione if they could take his daughters to Washington for the Sept. 17 award presentation. Then the owner's wife took them shopping for special outfits for the big night.
"This deployment has been hard on my mother and my two girls, but thanks to AeroDyn Wind Tunnel they haven't had to do without things they normally have when I was home, and you can't ask for much more than that," Scaglione said. "I do look forward to this all being over and getting back to my family, my job and my old unit, but till then I know AeroDyn Wind Tunnel has my back."
Teams Begin Taping Holiday Greetings Overseas
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - Three, three-person Joint Hometown News Service broadcast teams have begun to tape video greetings from servicemembers and their families stationed overseas. The greetings will be aired on commercial TV and radio stations in the United States and its territories throughout the holiday season.
The Holiday Greetings Program is one of the most recognizable in America and always begins months before halls are decked and wreaths hung.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the program.
Servicemembers from all branches of service, their family members and Defense Department civilians are eligible to participate, said Erich Schwab, who is coordinating the program this year.
The teams will travel to the Pacific, Europe and Southwest Asia to collect greetings from more than 60 locations. Partner military broadcast organizations will collect greetings in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The News Service is offering a few pointers and guidelines for those wishing to participate:
-- Bring address books as family members' names, city, state and phone number are needed. No street address is needed this year, but station managers need a phone number to let families know when the greeting will air.
-- Servicemembers need to be in uniform, though a work uniform is fine. Family members should accompany their sponsor, unless their sponsor is deployed -- and don't forget the props. Santa hats, pets, banners and Christmas attire are encouraged.
-- Certain locations may have a wait and lunch time and after work normally are prime times. Try to break away for a few minutes during mid-morning or mid-afternoon and avoid the rush.
-- There aren't a lot of rules while on camera, but there are some tips to make the experience go smoothly. The top three are: relax, relax and relax.
-- Try to be cheerful and in the holiday spirit. It doesn't show well on camera if a servicemember's teenage daughter looks like she'd rather be at the mall than wishing Grandma happy holidays.
-- Try to keep hand gestures to a minimum and when giving a greeting, don't say "Happy Thanksgiving." Most greetings will begin to air on Thanksgiving Day and will quickly become obsolete.
-- Try writing down main points on a 3-by-5 card. People will have 15 to 20 seconds per greeting, more than enough time to get in holiday wishes, but sometimes nerves can cause a bout of forgetfulness. Jotting down family members' names and a few key points can be helpful.
-- People who have family in more than one area can do several greetings.
When the teams return to San Antonio in late October, production will run 24/7, Schwab said. Video and audio greetings are separated by state, and in some of the more populated states such as California, Texas, Florida and New York, stations will receive the tapes or DVDs based upon region.
Stations usually begin running greetings on Thanksgiving and continue through New Year's Day. Many greetings air multiple times during the holidays and usually on more than one station, Schwab said.
Joint Hometown News Service http://hq.afnews.af.mil/hometown/
Sept. 11, 2009 - Three, three-person Joint Hometown News Service broadcast teams have begun to tape video greetings from servicemembers and their families stationed overseas. The greetings will be aired on commercial TV and radio stations in the United States and its territories throughout the holiday season.
The Holiday Greetings Program is one of the most recognizable in America and always begins months before halls are decked and wreaths hung.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of the program.
Servicemembers from all branches of service, their family members and Defense Department civilians are eligible to participate, said Erich Schwab, who is coordinating the program this year.
The teams will travel to the Pacific, Europe and Southwest Asia to collect greetings from more than 60 locations. Partner military broadcast organizations will collect greetings in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The News Service is offering a few pointers and guidelines for those wishing to participate:
-- Bring address books as family members' names, city, state and phone number are needed. No street address is needed this year, but station managers need a phone number to let families know when the greeting will air.
-- Servicemembers need to be in uniform, though a work uniform is fine. Family members should accompany their sponsor, unless their sponsor is deployed -- and don't forget the props. Santa hats, pets, banners and Christmas attire are encouraged.
-- Certain locations may have a wait and lunch time and after work normally are prime times. Try to break away for a few minutes during mid-morning or mid-afternoon and avoid the rush.
-- There aren't a lot of rules while on camera, but there are some tips to make the experience go smoothly. The top three are: relax, relax and relax.
-- Try to be cheerful and in the holiday spirit. It doesn't show well on camera if a servicemember's teenage daughter looks like she'd rather be at the mall than wishing Grandma happy holidays.
-- Try to keep hand gestures to a minimum and when giving a greeting, don't say "Happy Thanksgiving." Most greetings will begin to air on Thanksgiving Day and will quickly become obsolete.
-- Try writing down main points on a 3-by-5 card. People will have 15 to 20 seconds per greeting, more than enough time to get in holiday wishes, but sometimes nerves can cause a bout of forgetfulness. Jotting down family members' names and a few key points can be helpful.
-- People who have family in more than one area can do several greetings.
When the teams return to San Antonio in late October, production will run 24/7, Schwab said. Video and audio greetings are separated by state, and in some of the more populated states such as California, Texas, Florida and New York, stations will receive the tapes or DVDs based upon region.
Stations usually begin running greetings on Thanksgiving and continue through New Year's Day. Many greetings air multiple times during the holidays and usually on more than one station, Schwab said.
Joint Hometown News Service http://hq.afnews.af.mil/hometown/
World War II Veteran Lives to Make Them Laugh
By Samantha L. QuigleyAmerican Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - If, as the saying goes, all the world is a stage, then Alyce Dixon is the headlining comedienne. "You've got to laugh a little bit," she said. "I've been telling jokes up until now. I tell them all the time."
The birthday girl, who describes herself as fresh, forward and sassy, and who turns 102 today, has found humor a useful tool throughout her life. It helped her build rapport with clients when she worked as a civilian in requisitions at the Pentagon.
"I was able to buy everything from pencils to airplanes," she said with a smile. "I became a good buyer. I dealt with all the stores here in Washington that sold office supplies. I always knew all the salesmen.
"They seemed to like to come and talk to me," she added. "I cut up with them and they liked that."
But back then, she refused to share her wit with the other girls in the office who discovered her secret but didn't have the knack. She told them she was going to keep her jokes to herself.
Now she shares them freely.
She retired from that job at the Pentagon in 1972, but she'd walked the hallowed halls for many years before that, starting in 1940, before the building was even complete.
Born Sept. 11, 1907, in Boston, Alice Lillian Ellis was the third oldest of nine children. The six that came after her gave her all the experience with raising children that she ever wanted.
"I said when I get married I don't want any children," Dixon remembered. "I've done it already."
Her marriage to George Dixon wouldn't take place until 1930, when she was 23, but she stuck to her guns about raising her own family.
Dixon's family moved to Washington in 1924. It was her father's home and they'd originally come just for a visit.
"We came to visit my grandmother and never left," she said. "I went to Dunbar High School here. That was one of the best schools ... and I graduated from Dunbar in 1925."
A few years earlier, Dixon had changed the spelling of her given name "Alice" to "Alyce." She was 16 and had seen actress Alyce Mills in the movie "A Bride for a Knight."
"The lady had it and I liked it," Dixon said. "I liked that spelling. I thought it was pretty and a 'y' and an 'i' are the same, so I changed it."
After high school, Dixon began classes at Washington's Howard University. Her college career would be short-lived, however.
She overheard her father talking about his struggles to raise six children on his $25 a week salary. She felt that helping her family was her first priority. So she decided to quit Howard, get a job and go to night school.
"I got a job here at the Lincoln Theater," Dixon said. "That was one of the Negro theaters. I became the first secretary at the Lincoln Theater for $15 a week."
He friend asked her what she was going to do with the princely sum her salary paid. Three dollars a week went to savings, $5 went to her mother, she said.
"I had $7 to eat and dress with," she recalled. "[My friend] should be living now. You can't even hardly get a loaf of bread [for that.]"
A subsequent job with the Census Bureau garnered a hefty raise, $105 a month.
"I never saw $2,000 [a year] until I was getting ready to retire in 1972," Dixon said.
Dixon may not have seen big salaries during her career, but she had many memorable experiences thanks to Uncle Sam.
By 1940, Dixon was working her first tour at the Pentagon as a civilian. She came to the building to become a secretary, which she eventually achieved. What she hadn't come to the building for was to endure racism, which she encountered.
She was part of a secretarial pool that waited for placement every day.
"There were five of us and they were placing all the white girls every day," Dixon said. "I said to one of [my friends], 'Let's go and talk to Mr. Fred ... and ask him what happened.'
"We went in and I said, 'We've been sitting here now a whole week and you haven't placed us. What's wrong?'" Dixon remembered, recounting that the man told them he was trying to find them a spot. "I said, 'What, are you trying to find us a 'black' spot?'"
He denied this and quickly found the two ladies a position typing for the Air Force.
"It infuriated me. God made us all and we can't help what we are," she said. "I didn't like that at all. God made us all. We all eat and sleep and bleed alike. It don't make sense."
From then on the work came more regularly until 1943 when the military started taking women and Dixon joined the WAACs, the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps.
A year later, the WAACs became the WACs, the Women's Army Corps.
Dixon said she joined the military because she figured they could do something about her vitiligo, a condition that causes skin depigmentation.
"When I went to dermatology I was crying," she said. "I said, 'I hope you can remove these spots.'
"[The doctor] said, 'Oh, don't worry about it. One day you'll be white,'" Dixon said. "I said, 'Make me white now. Why do I have to wait?'"
The doctor's prediction came true -- her skin is pale now.
She still doesn't understand why she was the only one in her family who was afflicted, she said.
"I was supposed to be white, I think," she chuckled.
Despite the Army's inability to help cure her skin condition, it was able to help satiate her travel lust.
As a writer for the military, her try-out piece, "The Long and Short of It," drew unwanted attention. The story was about herself and her bunkmate. Dixon was a petite 5-foot tall. Her bunkmate measured a full foot taller.
The story found its way to many posts and camps.
"All the short men wrote me a letter. A lot of [them] came to see me," she remembered. "I hated short men."
As the Army went about selecting 1,000 black women for a tour overseas, Dixon was working for a general who was so pleased with her typing skills that he put her on the men's roster so he could give her a rank.
"I [typed] a couple of letters and then I saw the general running up and down and I said, 'Oh God, what did I do?'" Dixon said. "He said, 'This is the first letter that's gone out in two months without any erasure or misspelled words. I'm keeping you.'"
The general's joy was short-lived as Dixon was chosen as one of the 1,000 black women who would form the 6888th Postal Battalion. The battalion was charged with clearing a backlog of mail in London before turning their efforts to a similar predicament in France.
The backlogs had occurred when mail was unable to be distributed because of large battles, which meant frequent troop movements.
"Some of the mail was very hard to send because a lot of people from the South ... addressed their letters 'Junior U.S. Army,'" she said. "We had to find out what place it came from and we knew every man had a number, so we had to search and find it" by matching the city with the name and a number.
Since the military couldn't help with her skin condition and she'd earned enough points to leave service, she did. It was December 1945.
She went back to work at the Pentagon until she retired in 1972.
Her life has been full of experiences and memories, some good, some not so good.
For instance, she's traveled to Europe, Africa and Bermuda, but her 13-year marriage ended over the cost of a week's worth of groceries.
When the couple lived in New York, her husband was in the habit of turning over his weekly pay check to her to pay the bills and buy groceries. He found out, however, that she regularly sent things to her family and asked her where she got the money.
"I said, 'I save it from the food money. I know where to shop where things are cheap,'" Dixon recalled.
Her husband then decided to handle the bills himself and give his wife just enough for groceries: $18 a week. The plan backfired after a month and Dixon let him know so just before he left for a business trip.
"I said, 'Well, I don't like that arrangement. So, when you come back, find yourself a room because we're not going to stay together because I don't want to be with you,'" she recalled.
As usual, the feisty Dixon moved on and continued to live life as she always had: on her own terms. She lived on her own until she was 93, moving into the Washington DC VA Medical Center in 2000. There, she's the oldest resident.
She's also the oldest of the three living members of the 6888th Postal Battalion.
Dixon has lived a long life and seen a great many things.
She's lived through the Great Depression and six major wars, including those in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Theodore Roosevelt was president when she was born, and she's seen 18 more elected since, including the first black president, whom she describes as brilliant.
"I saw ... a black president. I never thought," she said. "And he's not really black. He's half white. His mother's Irish.
"That's what's so mixed up," she added. "Nobody knows what they are anyhow. It's a crazy world."
In her lifetime, the Berlin wall was constructed and fell, man walked on the moon and the world's first test tube baby was born. And for the first time since her war, America was attacked at home and her adopted home of New York was among the scars left behind.
In a life spanning a century there are some regrets, but also plenty of fond memories and laughter. In Dixon's case, she's created much of that laughter.
"I've enjoyed myself," she said. "I've had a good life."
The VA Medical Center is hosting a birthday party for Dixon today, which she refers to as "Terrorist Day." She said the attacks eight years ago have taken some of the shine away from her special day, but for Dixon, life goes on with gusto.
Military Nurses Honored at Arlington Ceremony
By Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service
Sept. 11, 2009 - Army, Navy and Air Force nurses participated yesterday in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery's Nurses Memorial to honor their comrades who gave their lives in the line of duty. Members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart laid a wreath at the memorial, which pays homage to the dedication and sacrifice of military nurses from all services and through the ages.
Jim Sims, national commander of the veterans' service organization, noted in his opening comments that the annual event provides the opportunity to salute not just nurses, but all military medical personnel.
Sims paid tribute to "all of those who made it possible for us to be nurtured back to health and made it possible for us to come back home."
He also lauded "nurses in field hospitals, on field ships, or manning evacuation aircraft; the hospital corpsmen and medics in the field, taking care of wounds or injuries, or performing life-saving measures to get soldiers, Marines or airmen back to duty or ready for evacuation; the doctors who patched us up; the lab and X-ray technicians and pharmacy personnel who helped ensure diagnoses were complete and accurate."
Air Force Maj. Gen. Kimberly A. Siniscalchi, assistant Air Force surgeon general, urged those at the ceremony to pause in a moment of silence to remember the "sacrifice, dedication and devotion" of military nurses.
"Nurses have had a lasting impact and presence in all military conflicts, from the beginning of the American Revolution through today, as we continue to serve our warfighters," she said. "We are valiantly performing in combat operations, natural disasters and responding to humanitarian calls. We are the nation's health care ambassadors across the globe."
The Nurses Memorial is nestled on a hill in Arlington National Cemetery's Section 21, known as the "Nurse's Section." A 10-foot-tall, white marble statue of a military nurse looks out over rows of headstones that mark the final resting place of Army, Navy and Air Force nurses.
Among them is Dr. Anita Newcomb McGree, who helped found the Army Nurse Corps and became a leader in the movement to have the monument built, then placed in Arlington. The statue was unveiled at the cemetery in 1938.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart of the USA is a congressionally chartered service organization formed in 1932 to represent servicemembers and veterans who have received the Purple Heart medal after being wounded in combat.
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