By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The Coast Guard is testing and compiling initial lessons learned from its ongoing Arctic operations, a senior officer said last week. "It became obvious to me 18 months to two years ago that with the retreat of the multiyear polar sea ice, the Coast Guard was going to have to do more than it had in the past to provide maritime safety and security to northern and western Alaska, the Arctic Ocean and the Beaufort Sea," Coast Guard Rear Adm. Arthur E. Brooks, commander of the 17th Coast Guard District, told bloggers and online journalists during a teleconference on Aug. 21.
If the mission expands to include northern and western Alaska and the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas in the Arctic, the Coast Guard ultimately would need more units and more people to successfully carry out operations in the harsh environment, though this would require a national decision, Brooks said.
"Through the spring and summer, we've been conducting a test bed for moving various Coast Guard units into the Arctic environment and determining their suitability for service in northern Alaska," the admiral said.
Brooks added that the Coast Guard recently completed tests in Barrow, Alaska, for a forward operation location with two small boats and two H-65 helicopters; conducted a security exercise in Prudhoe Bay, and deployed a 378-foot high-endurance cutter to the North Slope.
"The biggest hazard, frankly, is ensuring that we avoid sea ice," Brooks said. "And the second issue is [that] helicopter operations will be constrained, because in the Arctic ... we have a concern with the ability to self-rescue."
Brooks added that the lack of organic capability is one of the hindrances to operating in the harsh environment of the Arctic.
"There's no infrastructure," he said. "So, when you start launching helicopters [and] sending boats over the horizon, you now have to worry about how do you get them back?"
Another problem when working in the Arctic, the admiral said, is not having the background information.
"For example, if I have a ship of a certain size, with a certain crew and a certain cargo, inbound to New York at Ambrose, we understand what that means because we know the infrastructure," he explained. "We know the traffic patterns. We know past history with the company. We know all the surrounding information for a vessel contact in much of the world."
Brooks said the Coast Guard is learning that the Arctic is a unique place that requires very expensive tools and a lot more infrastructure than it currently enjoys. For example, polar icebreakers, which the Coast Guard used for the first time in April in the north Bering Sea, are necessary.
"In order to project a surface presence in that part of the world for any extended period of time, [we] very quickly realize that because of the weather conditions -- meaning that even though it's more ice–free than ever, there's still ice much of the year -- and the distances involved, these places are very far away," he said. "It requires polar icebreakers."
Brooks added that there is still time to prepare the infrastructure, because ship traffic is low now through the Bering Strait and along the North Slope.
"The issue of the full-function operations -- the requirement to do everything we do in southern Alaska in northern Alaska, at least seasonally -- will take several years, perhaps up to five years to ramp up to a capability," Brooks said.
Enhanced marine safety and security on newly opened waterways is one of the main reasons for the effort, the admiral said.
"And, that's why we're pushing forward, to be positioned and to be prepared to ensure that we don't have a Titanic of the north, like the motor vessel Explorer in Antarctica last November," he said. The Canadian cruise ship sank after hitting submerged ice. All 154 people aboard were rescued.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Monday, August 25, 2008
Law Firm Offers Careers, Support to Guard, Reserve Members
By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - Because they are military veterans and have a unique understanding of the sacrifices servicemembers make, some of the top leaders of the law firm Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice have created a military-friendly work environment that supports not only veterans, but also employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. The law firm has many policies and programs in place to support its employees who serve part-time in the military, and for its efforts in this area, it is receiving the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, a business law firm with headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C., has 11 offices along the East Coast. The law firm has several employees who have been deployed with the National Guard and Reserve, and the firm goes above and beyond legal requirements to make sure these employees are taken care of when they're gone, said Bruce Buchanan, marketing copywriter for the firm, who prepared the nomination for the Freedom Award.
When an employee is deployed, the law firm makes up the difference in the employee's military pay vs. what he would make at the firm, Buchanan said. In that pay differential, the firm includes the total amount the employee would make with bonuses and overtime, not just base salary, he said.
The firm also continues health, dental, life and disability insurance for the employee and his family, and any time employees spend on active duty counts toward the community service hours all attorneys are expected to perform, he said. The company also gives all employees in the National Guard or Reserve 10 days a year to complete military training.
The firm also does other "informal" support activities, such as sending care packages and cards to deployed employees and organizing drives to collect items for the troops, Buchanan said.
"It's very simple. These are the people who are protecting our safety and guarding our freedom, and anything we can do for them is just a very small token compared to what they do for us," Buchanan said. "Certainly, we can never repay the men and women in the armed forces for all their hard work and sacrifice. We do all we can, but you can never do enough."
Chris Geis, a judge advocate general officer with the Navy and a lawyer with Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, knows about the firm's support efforts firsthand. Geis, who served on active duty for four and a half years and is now in the Navy Reserve, has been deployed twice. His first deployment was on active duty, but his second deployment came after he joined the reserve and became an employee of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice.
Geis was deployed two years ago to Kuwait, and the firm took care of him throughout his time there, he said. The company made up the difference in his pay, and his coworkers wrote him letters and even helped him with the legal services he was providing to the sailors in his unit. The support continued after his deployment as well, he said.
"When I got back, it was not only as if I had never left, but they just showered me with attention and appreciation," he said. "I was very grateful for that."
Geis said he enjoys working for Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice because of the military culture. Many of the employees are former military, including the office administrators in four of the firm's offices, and that makes the company as a whole more appreciative of servicemembers and the sacrifices they make, he said. His military experience also helps him in his civilian job, he said.
"You get a great perspective being in the military, not only because you know what's important in life, but you are constantly in touch with a culture that values integrity, commitment, duty, and things like that," he said. "And the other thing is, you are constantly dealing with all types of people in the military, and that helps you deal with your clients as a civilian lawyer."
The firm's leadership also recognizes the added value of employees with military experience, Buchanan said. In fact, the firm actively seeks to employ National Guard and Reserve members and retired military personnel.
"We've had good experiences with those people. They typically have very strong leadership skills, are willing and able to accept responsibility and have a proven track record of performance in the military," he said.
Everyone at the firm was very excited to hear about the Freedom Award, Buchanan said. Receiving the award is a huge honor, but is also very humbling, he said. "Anything we do is only a small gesture compared to what the men and women in the armed forces do," he said. "We're very honored."
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - Because they are military veterans and have a unique understanding of the sacrifices servicemembers make, some of the top leaders of the law firm Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice have created a military-friendly work environment that supports not only veterans, but also employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. The law firm has many policies and programs in place to support its employees who serve part-time in the military, and for its efforts in this area, it is receiving the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, a business law firm with headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C., has 11 offices along the East Coast. The law firm has several employees who have been deployed with the National Guard and Reserve, and the firm goes above and beyond legal requirements to make sure these employees are taken care of when they're gone, said Bruce Buchanan, marketing copywriter for the firm, who prepared the nomination for the Freedom Award.
When an employee is deployed, the law firm makes up the difference in the employee's military pay vs. what he would make at the firm, Buchanan said. In that pay differential, the firm includes the total amount the employee would make with bonuses and overtime, not just base salary, he said.
The firm also continues health, dental, life and disability insurance for the employee and his family, and any time employees spend on active duty counts toward the community service hours all attorneys are expected to perform, he said. The company also gives all employees in the National Guard or Reserve 10 days a year to complete military training.
The firm also does other "informal" support activities, such as sending care packages and cards to deployed employees and organizing drives to collect items for the troops, Buchanan said.
"It's very simple. These are the people who are protecting our safety and guarding our freedom, and anything we can do for them is just a very small token compared to what they do for us," Buchanan said. "Certainly, we can never repay the men and women in the armed forces for all their hard work and sacrifice. We do all we can, but you can never do enough."
Chris Geis, a judge advocate general officer with the Navy and a lawyer with Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice, knows about the firm's support efforts firsthand. Geis, who served on active duty for four and a half years and is now in the Navy Reserve, has been deployed twice. His first deployment was on active duty, but his second deployment came after he joined the reserve and became an employee of Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice.
Geis was deployed two years ago to Kuwait, and the firm took care of him throughout his time there, he said. The company made up the difference in his pay, and his coworkers wrote him letters and even helped him with the legal services he was providing to the sailors in his unit. The support continued after his deployment as well, he said.
"When I got back, it was not only as if I had never left, but they just showered me with attention and appreciation," he said. "I was very grateful for that."
Geis said he enjoys working for Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice because of the military culture. Many of the employees are former military, including the office administrators in four of the firm's offices, and that makes the company as a whole more appreciative of servicemembers and the sacrifices they make, he said. His military experience also helps him in his civilian job, he said.
"You get a great perspective being in the military, not only because you know what's important in life, but you are constantly in touch with a culture that values integrity, commitment, duty, and things like that," he said. "And the other thing is, you are constantly dealing with all types of people in the military, and that helps you deal with your clients as a civilian lawyer."
The firm's leadership also recognizes the added value of employees with military experience, Buchanan said. In fact, the firm actively seeks to employ National Guard and Reserve members and retired military personnel.
"We've had good experiences with those people. They typically have very strong leadership skills, are willing and able to accept responsibility and have a proven track record of performance in the military," he said.
Everyone at the firm was very excited to hear about the Freedom Award, Buchanan said. Receiving the award is a huge honor, but is also very humbling, he said. "Anything we do is only a small gesture compared to what the men and women in the armed forces do," he said. "We're very honored."
Womble, Carlyle, Sandridge and Rice will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
U.S. Official Says NATO Benefits From Missile Agreement
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The agreement between the United States and Poland on ballistic missile defense is important for the relationship between the two countries and for the NATO alliance, a senior State Department official said today. John C. Rood, acting undersecretary of state for arms control and international security -- who helped to negotiate the agreement -- talked with reporters at the State Department today.
The agreement, signed Aug. 20, will allow the United States to place 10 interceptor missiles in Poland to defend the European NATO allies from a missile strike from a rogue state like Iran. A radar site for the system will be built in the Czech Republic.
There are two pieces to the agreement, Rood said. "One is a ballistic missile defense agreement," he said. "The second is a declaration on a strategic cooperation between the United States and Poland."
The missile defense agreement is the culmination of a NATO initiative approved by alliance leaders at the alliance's summit in Bucharest, Romania, in April. NATO leaders agreed that the missile threat from rogue regimes was growing, and that a system needed to be in place. The summit also called to expand this initial area by exploring options for a NATO-wide architecture for missile defense.
"This capability will be very important to our NATO allies, for their security, just as it's very important for the United States and Poland," Rood said.
NATO remains concerned about the missile threat. "As if on cue, the Iranians just in the last couple of weeks have launched a space launch vehicle, which again demonstrates additional capabilities and underscores the concerns we have about the growing missile threat from countries like Iran," Rood said. "It's not limited to Iran, I should hasten to add, but it's certainly an additional matter."
The agreement covers how the missile defense facility would be operated, Rood said. It also covers what the respective roles of the different parties would be, and their rights.
For example, he said, the United States has undertaken a commitment not to conduct flight tests of the ballistic defense interceptors that would be stationed there out of that site.
The agreement also covers other issues such as command and control, protection of the environment and base access.
The strategic cooperation declaration is the political agreement between the countries. In it, the two countries agreed to deepen and expand security relationships, Rood said. The agreement looks at ways to increase cooperation and establishes a framework to work together through establishing a high-level strategic cooperation consultative group.
"We also talked about the desire of the United States and Poland to pursue cooperation involving air and missile defense cooperation," he said.
The agreement commits the United States to deploy an Army Patriot battery to Poland.
"We'll begin those deployments once, of course, we reach the necessary agreements with the Poles, and that could begin next year," Rood said. "And then we set the goal of establishing a garrison for the U.S. Army Patriot battery in Poland by the year 2012."
Other aspects -- such as information sharing, defense-industrial research and technology cooperation -- also are discussed in the agreement.
"It's a pretty broad coverage in terms of the subject matter in that document, and I think it's befitting of the fact that this is going to be a ... substantially changed relationship between the United States and Poland, in that you will have a much greater level of defense cooperation," Rood said.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The agreement between the United States and Poland on ballistic missile defense is important for the relationship between the two countries and for the NATO alliance, a senior State Department official said today. John C. Rood, acting undersecretary of state for arms control and international security -- who helped to negotiate the agreement -- talked with reporters at the State Department today.
The agreement, signed Aug. 20, will allow the United States to place 10 interceptor missiles in Poland to defend the European NATO allies from a missile strike from a rogue state like Iran. A radar site for the system will be built in the Czech Republic.
There are two pieces to the agreement, Rood said. "One is a ballistic missile defense agreement," he said. "The second is a declaration on a strategic cooperation between the United States and Poland."
The missile defense agreement is the culmination of a NATO initiative approved by alliance leaders at the alliance's summit in Bucharest, Romania, in April. NATO leaders agreed that the missile threat from rogue regimes was growing, and that a system needed to be in place. The summit also called to expand this initial area by exploring options for a NATO-wide architecture for missile defense.
"This capability will be very important to our NATO allies, for their security, just as it's very important for the United States and Poland," Rood said.
NATO remains concerned about the missile threat. "As if on cue, the Iranians just in the last couple of weeks have launched a space launch vehicle, which again demonstrates additional capabilities and underscores the concerns we have about the growing missile threat from countries like Iran," Rood said. "It's not limited to Iran, I should hasten to add, but it's certainly an additional matter."
The agreement covers how the missile defense facility would be operated, Rood said. It also covers what the respective roles of the different parties would be, and their rights.
For example, he said, the United States has undertaken a commitment not to conduct flight tests of the ballistic defense interceptors that would be stationed there out of that site.
The agreement also covers other issues such as command and control, protection of the environment and base access.
The strategic cooperation declaration is the political agreement between the countries. In it, the two countries agreed to deepen and expand security relationships, Rood said. The agreement looks at ways to increase cooperation and establishes a framework to work together through establishing a high-level strategic cooperation consultative group.
"We also talked about the desire of the United States and Poland to pursue cooperation involving air and missile defense cooperation," he said.
The agreement commits the United States to deploy an Army Patriot battery to Poland.
"We'll begin those deployments once, of course, we reach the necessary agreements with the Poles, and that could begin next year," Rood said. "And then we set the goal of establishing a garrison for the U.S. Army Patriot battery in Poland by the year 2012."
Other aspects -- such as information sharing, defense-industrial research and technology cooperation -- also are discussed in the agreement.
"It's a pretty broad coverage in terms of the subject matter in that document, and I think it's befitting of the fact that this is going to be a ... substantially changed relationship between the United States and Poland, in that you will have a much greater level of defense cooperation," Rood said.
Face of Defense: Soldier Develops Love for Running
By Army Sgt. James Hunter
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - When Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Hess, a native of Lancaster, Ohio, left Fort Campbell, Ky., for Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, he weighed 229 pounds. "I was in the office during (physical training) hours about as often or more as I was outside doing PT during those hours," said Hess, the brigade's paralegal noncommissioned officer in charge. "More than that though, my diet was terrible."
However, soon after arriving in Baghdad, Hess took it upon himself to increase his physical fitness level and lose the weight that was holding him back.
"There were several factors, like overall health and wanting to look and feel better," he said, but the biggest factor to him was being flagged as overweight while under consideration for promotion to sergeant first class.
"I wanted the flag gone before the board convened, and I wanted to be underweight by a solid margin and not just making it," Hess said.
He went online to find the calorie counts for common foods and began to log everything he ate daily to check his calorie count.
Initially, Hess said, he wanted to lower his weight to 185 pounds. "I started with a diet that was high protein, low fat, low carb and eating six to eight times a day," he said.
He lifted weights four to six times a week and ran two to three times a week in the evening, but no more than three or four miles at a time, he said. To his surprise, he gained three pounds, mostly muscle, and decided to step up his routine.
Now his current PT program focuses more on running.
"I run four days per week and do a combination of abs and muscular strength training three days per week on the days I don't run," Hess said.
His running consists of two speed and endurance runs, one easy run and one long run. Weekly, he increases the number of miles he runs. This week, he ran 33.53 miles. By mid-September, he said, he plans to be doing 42 miles per week.
Hess includes half-marathons into his schedule as well, with his best run being 1 hour, 54 minutes, 15 seconds. He said he wants to run the half-marathon in less than an hour and 45 minutes. Once the unit redeploys back to Kentucky, he added, he will run 18 to 24 miles on his long-day runs and keep the other runs under 10 miles to prepare for his goal of completing a marathon.
"In the next month or so, I will register for the Country Music Marathon in Nashville," Hess said. "As it turns out, this race will be on my birthday in April 2009. That will almost certainly be my first official marathon. At this point, I can't possibly imagine it will be my last."
Hess said his wife has joined his pursuit of fitness.
"My wife and I are both trying to alter our lifestyles to be much more aware of our health," he said. "It isn't quite time for my over-40 physical, but I'm not getting any younger, either."
When he went home on environmental leave a few months ago, Hess said, his family noticed the changed.
"My teenage girls kept saying 'Dad got hot,' and 'I can't believe you are wearing teenager clothes,'" Hess said. "Of course, my wife said, 'We need to go shopping!'"
Hess said he feels much better about himself every day as he works off the energy he has gained from dropping 50 pounds and exercising daily. It's also beneficial to his mission in Iraq, where it may seem hard to perform at the top of one's game daily, he said.
"It shows his true dedication to improving his overall physical fitness level and his desire to lead by example," said Army 1st Sgt. William Plummer, a native of McGregor, Minn., assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
As the chief paralegal for the Strike brigade, Hess oversees all legal actions produced through the battalion paralegals and functions as the pay agent for claims. His day-to-day battle rhythm fluctuates often, he said.
"My (job) is such that much of what I do is reactive to whatever is going on," he explained. "A soldier comes in the office and needs a power of attorney, we do that. A first sergeant or commander comes in with a packet for an Article 15, we do that. Unless I'm going out on a claims mission, it's really difficult for me to say what I will be doing from one day to the next."
At the Iraqi Assistance Center in Baghdad, Hess pays out claims for compensation to Iraqi local nationals who were injured or whose homes or property were damaged by coalition forces.
"Hess has always been a dedicated NCO, putting 100 percent into his work and taking care of both his technical and tactical responsibilities," Plummer said.
Hess' determination is evident in his daily activities as he continues to strive to become a healthier, strong-bodied individual.
As Hess put it, "If you want to test a man's body, make him run two miles; if you want to test his mind, make him run 20."
Hess will be promoted to sergeant first class Sept. 1.
(Army Sgt. James Hunter serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - When Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Hess, a native of Lancaster, Ohio, left Fort Campbell, Ky., for Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, he weighed 229 pounds. "I was in the office during (physical training) hours about as often or more as I was outside doing PT during those hours," said Hess, the brigade's paralegal noncommissioned officer in charge. "More than that though, my diet was terrible."
However, soon after arriving in Baghdad, Hess took it upon himself to increase his physical fitness level and lose the weight that was holding him back.
"There were several factors, like overall health and wanting to look and feel better," he said, but the biggest factor to him was being flagged as overweight while under consideration for promotion to sergeant first class.
"I wanted the flag gone before the board convened, and I wanted to be underweight by a solid margin and not just making it," Hess said.
He went online to find the calorie counts for common foods and began to log everything he ate daily to check his calorie count.
Initially, Hess said, he wanted to lower his weight to 185 pounds. "I started with a diet that was high protein, low fat, low carb and eating six to eight times a day," he said.
He lifted weights four to six times a week and ran two to three times a week in the evening, but no more than three or four miles at a time, he said. To his surprise, he gained three pounds, mostly muscle, and decided to step up his routine.
Now his current PT program focuses more on running.
"I run four days per week and do a combination of abs and muscular strength training three days per week on the days I don't run," Hess said.
His running consists of two speed and endurance runs, one easy run and one long run. Weekly, he increases the number of miles he runs. This week, he ran 33.53 miles. By mid-September, he said, he plans to be doing 42 miles per week.
Hess includes half-marathons into his schedule as well, with his best run being 1 hour, 54 minutes, 15 seconds. He said he wants to run the half-marathon in less than an hour and 45 minutes. Once the unit redeploys back to Kentucky, he added, he will run 18 to 24 miles on his long-day runs and keep the other runs under 10 miles to prepare for his goal of completing a marathon.
"In the next month or so, I will register for the Country Music Marathon in Nashville," Hess said. "As it turns out, this race will be on my birthday in April 2009. That will almost certainly be my first official marathon. At this point, I can't possibly imagine it will be my last."
Hess said his wife has joined his pursuit of fitness.
"My wife and I are both trying to alter our lifestyles to be much more aware of our health," he said. "It isn't quite time for my over-40 physical, but I'm not getting any younger, either."
When he went home on environmental leave a few months ago, Hess said, his family noticed the changed.
"My teenage girls kept saying 'Dad got hot,' and 'I can't believe you are wearing teenager clothes,'" Hess said. "Of course, my wife said, 'We need to go shopping!'"
Hess said he feels much better about himself every day as he works off the energy he has gained from dropping 50 pounds and exercising daily. It's also beneficial to his mission in Iraq, where it may seem hard to perform at the top of one's game daily, he said.
"It shows his true dedication to improving his overall physical fitness level and his desire to lead by example," said Army 1st Sgt. William Plummer, a native of McGregor, Minn., assigned to Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.
As the chief paralegal for the Strike brigade, Hess oversees all legal actions produced through the battalion paralegals and functions as the pay agent for claims. His day-to-day battle rhythm fluctuates often, he said.
"My (job) is such that much of what I do is reactive to whatever is going on," he explained. "A soldier comes in the office and needs a power of attorney, we do that. A first sergeant or commander comes in with a packet for an Article 15, we do that. Unless I'm going out on a claims mission, it's really difficult for me to say what I will be doing from one day to the next."
At the Iraqi Assistance Center in Baghdad, Hess pays out claims for compensation to Iraqi local nationals who were injured or whose homes or property were damaged by coalition forces.
"Hess has always been a dedicated NCO, putting 100 percent into his work and taking care of both his technical and tactical responsibilities," Plummer said.
Hess' determination is evident in his daily activities as he continues to strive to become a healthier, strong-bodied individual.
As Hess put it, "If you want to test a man's body, make him run two miles; if you want to test his mind, make him run 20."
Hess will be promoted to sergeant first class Sept. 1.
(Army Sgt. James Hunter serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)
Russia Defies Calls for Withdrawal; U.S. Continues Georgia Relief
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - Russia continues to defy international calls for the country to pull its forces out of Georgia, and humanitarian operations continue, a Pentagon official said here today. Russian troops continue to occupy the breakaway region of South Ossetia, and Russian troops continue to maintain troops in Gori, a Georgian city that is the gateway to South Ossetia, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
"It is fair to say they are still not living up to the terms of the cease-fire agreement," Whitman said during a meeting with reporters. The terms of the cease-fire include monitoring by military officers under the auspices of the Organization of Security Cooperation in Europe.
The Russian Duma – equivalent to the U.S. House of Representatives -- has called on the government to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia from Georgia.
Meanwhile, U.S. military personnel continue to deliver humanitarian aid to Georgia. Whitman said about 100 U.S. military and DoD civilian personnel are in Georgia coordinating the aid.
The Navy's USS McFaul docked in the Georgian port of Batumi over the weekend and began off-loading supplies as more humanitarian aid continued to arrive by airlift. "Over the weekend, we have 48 sorties that have flown in with 774 short tons of materials," Whitman said.
The Coast Guard Cutter Dallas has passed through the Dardanelles and entered the Black Sea with more supplies. The USS Mount Whitney is loading humanitarian supplies at Gaeta, Italy.
The United States has provided $18.3 million in aid, with the Defense Department's portion standing at $7.2 million so far for airlift and emergency supplies. DoD's "spend rate" -- the continuing contribution – is about $1 million per day, Whitman said.
Cots, bedding, mattresses, sleeping bags, small tents, mobile kitchen units and medical supplies are "still in need and are priorities," Whitman said.
A U.S. European Command assessment team remains in the country, working with Georgians and the U.S. Embassy in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - Russia continues to defy international calls for the country to pull its forces out of Georgia, and humanitarian operations continue, a Pentagon official said here today. Russian troops continue to occupy the breakaway region of South Ossetia, and Russian troops continue to maintain troops in Gori, a Georgian city that is the gateway to South Ossetia, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
"It is fair to say they are still not living up to the terms of the cease-fire agreement," Whitman said during a meeting with reporters. The terms of the cease-fire include monitoring by military officers under the auspices of the Organization of Security Cooperation in Europe.
The Russian Duma – equivalent to the U.S. House of Representatives -- has called on the government to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia from Georgia.
Meanwhile, U.S. military personnel continue to deliver humanitarian aid to Georgia. Whitman said about 100 U.S. military and DoD civilian personnel are in Georgia coordinating the aid.
The Navy's USS McFaul docked in the Georgian port of Batumi over the weekend and began off-loading supplies as more humanitarian aid continued to arrive by airlift. "Over the weekend, we have 48 sorties that have flown in with 774 short tons of materials," Whitman said.
The Coast Guard Cutter Dallas has passed through the Dardanelles and entered the Black Sea with more supplies. The USS Mount Whitney is loading humanitarian supplies at Gaeta, Italy.
The United States has provided $18.3 million in aid, with the Defense Department's portion standing at $7.2 million so far for airlift and emergency supplies. DoD's "spend rate" -- the continuing contribution – is about $1 million per day, Whitman said.
Cots, bedding, mattresses, sleeping bags, small tents, mobile kitchen units and medical supplies are "still in need and are priorities," Whitman said.
A U.S. European Command assessment team remains in the country, working with Georgians and the U.S. Embassy in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi.
Military Health System Prepares More Online Mental Health Tools
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The Military Health System is planning a late-September update to its behavioral health Web site, AfterDeployment.org. The site was launched Aug. 5. "AfterDeployment.org provides servicemembers, their families, and veterans with online behavioral health tools," Dr. Robert Ciulla, afterdeployment.org project manager at Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Wash., said on the "Dot Mil Docs" program on BlogTalkRadio.com Aug. 21.
"The Web site is a self-care solution targeting post-deployment adjustment concerns," he said. "Individuals who might not otherwise seek out services can now be empowered to use AfterDeployment's resources at their own pace."
During the initial phases of the site's development, officials worked to understand the site's eventual user population, Ciulla said, recognizing that since October 2001, more than 1.5 million United States troops have deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Among that group, Ciulla noted that the most troops are between the ages of 17-29, and have a high school-level education.
"We also recognized that our user population is knowledgeable about computers," Ciulla said. "The intent, then, was to build a site that offered more than just a lot of text-based articles; we wanted the materials to be interactive. We wanted to give users a variety of ways to access the information."
The site has many features. "If a user wanted to get a better understanding about their stress level or their anger problem, they can take a quick self-assessment right on the site and get some immediate feedback concerning their scores," Ciulla said.
Users also can test their knowledge with user-friendly quizzes and participate in narrator-guided multimedia workshops tailored to address specific concerns.
AfterDeployment.org also includes video-based testimonials from servicemembers, veterans and families discussing their deployment challenges and how they coped.
Online tools have several advantages, including 24/7 access anywhere an Internet connection is available. Users can log on to AfterDeployment.org in the privacy of their own homes, which should help to reduce or eliminate barriers to care and the stigma associated with seeking out in-person consultation, the doctor said. For some, AfterDeployment.org may serve as an alternative to traditional face-to-face care, while others may use the site in tandem with an actual provider, he added.
Ciulla said the self-care tools available on AfterDeployment.org provide the entire Military community with vital service-delivery options. The site has particular advantages for National Guard and Reserve units, who may be distant from a Military treatment facility or otherwise located in areas lacking providers who are knowledgeable about Military-related adjustment concerns, he noted.
Additionally, military leadership and health care providers can tap the site's materials to learn about common problems and change strategies, and to obtain useful contact information concerning local resources, he said.
AfterDeployment.org offers 12 programs: Adjusting to War Memories, Dealing with Depression, Handling Stress, Improving Relationships, Succeeding at Work, Overcoming Anger, Sleeping Better, Controlling Alcohol and Drugs, Helping Kids Deal with Deployment, Seeking Spiritual Fitness, Living with Physical Injuries, and Balancing Your Life.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 25, 2008 - The Military Health System is planning a late-September update to its behavioral health Web site, AfterDeployment.org. The site was launched Aug. 5. "AfterDeployment.org provides servicemembers, their families, and veterans with online behavioral health tools," Dr. Robert Ciulla, afterdeployment.org project manager at Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Wash., said on the "Dot Mil Docs" program on BlogTalkRadio.com Aug. 21.
"The Web site is a self-care solution targeting post-deployment adjustment concerns," he said. "Individuals who might not otherwise seek out services can now be empowered to use AfterDeployment's resources at their own pace."
During the initial phases of the site's development, officials worked to understand the site's eventual user population, Ciulla said, recognizing that since October 2001, more than 1.5 million United States troops have deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Among that group, Ciulla noted that the most troops are between the ages of 17-29, and have a high school-level education.
"We also recognized that our user population is knowledgeable about computers," Ciulla said. "The intent, then, was to build a site that offered more than just a lot of text-based articles; we wanted the materials to be interactive. We wanted to give users a variety of ways to access the information."
The site has many features. "If a user wanted to get a better understanding about their stress level or their anger problem, they can take a quick self-assessment right on the site and get some immediate feedback concerning their scores," Ciulla said.
Users also can test their knowledge with user-friendly quizzes and participate in narrator-guided multimedia workshops tailored to address specific concerns.
AfterDeployment.org also includes video-based testimonials from servicemembers, veterans and families discussing their deployment challenges and how they coped.
Online tools have several advantages, including 24/7 access anywhere an Internet connection is available. Users can log on to AfterDeployment.org in the privacy of their own homes, which should help to reduce or eliminate barriers to care and the stigma associated with seeking out in-person consultation, the doctor said. For some, AfterDeployment.org may serve as an alternative to traditional face-to-face care, while others may use the site in tandem with an actual provider, he added.
Ciulla said the self-care tools available on AfterDeployment.org provide the entire Military community with vital service-delivery options. The site has particular advantages for National Guard and Reserve units, who may be distant from a Military treatment facility or otherwise located in areas lacking providers who are knowledgeable about Military-related adjustment concerns, he noted.
Additionally, military leadership and health care providers can tap the site's materials to learn about common problems and change strategies, and to obtain useful contact information concerning local resources, he said.
AfterDeployment.org offers 12 programs: Adjusting to War Memories, Dealing with Depression, Handling Stress, Improving Relationships, Succeeding at Work, Overcoming Anger, Sleeping Better, Controlling Alcohol and Drugs, Helping Kids Deal with Deployment, Seeking Spiritual Fitness, Living with Physical Injuries, and Balancing Your Life.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg works in the New Media directorate of the Defense Media Activity.)
Navy
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $149,801,176 firm-fixed-priced contract for the procurement of nine Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) exercise missiles retrofitted and certified from SLAMs to SLAM-ERs for the U.S. Navy. This contract also provides for the procurement of 60 Harpoon Air Launch (Tactical) All-Up-Rounds (AURs) and associated hardware for the Government of Taiwan; nine Air Launch (Tactical) AUR Missiles and associated hardware and 1 missile exercise section with associated hardware for the Government of Korea; four Tactical Block II Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) TARTER AURs and associated hardware for the Government of Turkey; four Exercise Block II Grade B canister AURs for the Government of Canada; and one Harpoon Exercise Section and associated hardware for the Government of Japan. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Mo., (55.32 percent); McKinney, Texas, (10.71 percent); various locations across the United States, (9.10 percent); Toledo, Ohio, (6.28 percent); Huntsville, Ala., (4.58 percent); Lititz, Pa., (3.76 percent); Middletown, Conn., (2.68 percent); Grove, Okla., (2.25 percent); Galena, Kan., (1.55 percent); Minneapolis, Minn., (1.52 percent) the United Kingdom, (1.17 percent); and Elkton, Md., (1.08 percent); and is expected to be completed in Jun. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($9,225,234; 6 percent) and the Governments of Taiwan, ($89,792,266; 59.7 percent); Turkey, ($30,428,714; 20 percent); Korea, ($11,515,499; 8 percent); Canada, ($8,407,360; 6 percent); and Japan, ($432,103; .3 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0042).
Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $22,000,000 delivery order #0006 under previously awarded firm-fixed ceiling priced, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract (N00383-04-G-200H) for repair of various line items for the F/A-18 Advanced Targeting Forward InfraRed (ATFLIR) system components. Work will be performed at McKinney, Texas, (50 percent) and El Segundo, Calif,. (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively awarded. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Resource Management Concepts, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded an $18,188,217 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide program management support to the anti-terrorism and physical security programs at the Army National Guard (ANRG) Readiness Center. The ARNG Operations Division is responsible for establishing and maintaining an overarching Force Protection Program that encompasses multiple sub-programs. These programs are stand-alone in nature and support ARNG, National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army, and U.S. Northern Command policies and requirements. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with seven offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-08-D-0020).
King Nutronics, Inc., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $7,251,120 firm-fixed-price requirements contract to manufacture pressure calibrators to support the general purpose electronic test equipment weapons system. Work will be performed at Woodland Hills, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Air Force
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus incentive fee/award fee contract with InDync Inc. of Reston, Va., for $51,917,700. This contract provides single contractor for range operations, communications and information services required to support the 30th Space Wing Mission. This contract provides for the Western Range operations and maintenance support services; training; command; control; communications; information and computer systems services; testing, modifying and installing communications, electronic and security systems at launch facilities, launch control centers and test facilities. This is the fifth option to be exercised out seven option periods in the contract. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZG, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-03-C-0050; Modification P00211).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee with base fee contract/cost reimbursement no-fee contract with United Paradyne Corp. of Santa Maria, Calif., for $6,759,808. This contract is an aerospace support services contract and consolidates of three vital logistical aerospace support services (unconventional propellant support, precision measurement equipment laboratory services, aerospace ground equipment maintenance and transient aircraft maintenance services) into one comprehensive operation and maintenance contract for the 30th Space Wing. The aerospace support services contract provides an integrated management entity, the "Aerospace Maintenance Operations Center," a single point of contact that interfaces, controls, schedules, coordinates, operates, maintains, and provides support to the 30th Space Wing community. This contract supports operational programs, including local airfield operations, U.S. Space Lift programs, the Expeditionary Aerospace Force, and future Aerospace Plane and Space Operational Vehicle activities. Additionally, it provides mission support of test aerospace platforms from domestic and foreign Government agencies (NASA, DoD, NRO, etc), as well as private corporations. This contract encompasses all authorized mission support requirements for programs utilizing the "Western Range and Major Range Test Facility Base" support and Commercial Space activities. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZ, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-02-C-0008, Modification P00149).
Data Link Solutions of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $6,203,324. This action will provide Spares for the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS): 2 high power amplifiers; 14 receiver transmitters; 2 each control, interface; 13 chassis, electrical. At this time all funds have been obligated. 448 Supply Chain Management Wing, 448SCMG/PKHCA, Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8539-08-C-0012).
Army
Harris Corp., Rochester, N.Y., was awarded on Aug 21, 2008, a $10,000,000 firm fixed priced indefinite quantity contract, for various SATCOM components, to include radios, amplifiers, shock mounts and other communication assemblies. Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Jan 18, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W6-04-D-0009).
Carapace Armor Technology, LLC, North Andover, Mass., was awarded on Aug 20, 2008, a $12,947,520 firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract. This contract is for the procurement of up to 750 transparent armor kits and up to 200 ballistics glass replacements for Stryker vehicles. Work will be performed in North Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Aug 20, 2010. Offers solicited on the web and one bid received. US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Aberdeen, Md., are the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0052).
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Co., Simsbury, Conn., was awarded on Aug 22, 2008, a $64,268,939 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity type contract. The MIN BUY, 990 XM32 Abrams reactive armor title sets blocks two with two out year buys of quantity ranges from 126- 1180 vehicle sets. Work will be performed in Graham, Ky., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. Four bids were solicited and two received. The USA Joint Munitions & Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-D-0453).
MW Builders Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 22, 2008, a $23,599,000 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity, (MATOC), firm fixed price contract. This project is required by the Army's Military Construction Transformation initiatives and will provide single solider housing is similar to apartment type housing in the private sector, rooms shall include but not limited to private sleeping area, walk-in closets, shared bathroom and kitchenette. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Aug 21, 2013. Bids solicited: phase two – six offerors. Bid received: phase two – six offerors. The US Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-D-0044)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Alfab Inc.,*, Enterprise, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $8,279,842 fixed price with economic price adjustment indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to perform facilities maintenance, Class IV pallet and mat assembly (F44) configuration. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Contract is exercising option year two. This proposal was originally FedBiz solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-05-D-0349).
Conax Florida Corp., St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $34,267,694 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for life support equipment. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va., (SPM4A7-08-D-0338).
McDonnell Douglas Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $149,801,176 firm-fixed-priced contract for the procurement of nine Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) exercise missiles retrofitted and certified from SLAMs to SLAM-ERs for the U.S. Navy. This contract also provides for the procurement of 60 Harpoon Air Launch (Tactical) All-Up-Rounds (AURs) and associated hardware for the Government of Taiwan; nine Air Launch (Tactical) AUR Missiles and associated hardware and 1 missile exercise section with associated hardware for the Government of Korea; four Tactical Block II Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) TARTER AURs and associated hardware for the Government of Turkey; four Exercise Block II Grade B canister AURs for the Government of Canada; and one Harpoon Exercise Section and associated hardware for the Government of Japan. Work will be performed in St. Charles, Mo., (55.32 percent); McKinney, Texas, (10.71 percent); various locations across the United States, (9.10 percent); Toledo, Ohio, (6.28 percent); Huntsville, Ala., (4.58 percent); Lititz, Pa., (3.76 percent); Middletown, Conn., (2.68 percent); Grove, Okla., (2.25 percent); Galena, Kan., (1.55 percent); Minneapolis, Minn., (1.52 percent) the United Kingdom, (1.17 percent); and Elkton, Md., (1.08 percent); and is expected to be completed in Jun. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy, ($9,225,234; 6 percent) and the Governments of Taiwan, ($89,792,266; 59.7 percent); Turkey, ($30,428,714; 20 percent); Korea, ($11,515,499; 8 percent); Canada, ($8,407,360; 6 percent); and Japan, ($432,103; .3 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0042).
Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, El Segundo, Calif., is being awarded a $22,000,000 delivery order #0006 under previously awarded firm-fixed ceiling priced, definite-delivery/definite-quantity contract (N00383-04-G-200H) for repair of various line items for the F/A-18 Advanced Targeting Forward InfraRed (ATFLIR) system components. Work will be performed at McKinney, Texas, (50 percent) and El Segundo, Calif,. (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Dec. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively awarded. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Resource Management Concepts, Inc.*, Lexington Park, Md., is being awarded an $18,188,217 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide program management support to the anti-terrorism and physical security programs at the Army National Guard (ANRG) Readiness Center. The ARNG Operations Division is responsible for establishing and maintaining an overarching Force Protection Program that encompasses multiple sub-programs. These programs are stand-alone in nature and support ARNG, National Guard Bureau, Department of the Army, and U.S. Northern Command policies and requirements. Work will be performed in Lexington Park, Md., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities, with seven offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-08-D-0020).
King Nutronics, Inc., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $7,251,120 firm-fixed-price requirements contract to manufacture pressure calibrators to support the general purpose electronic test equipment weapons system. Work will be performed at Woodland Hills, Calif., and work is expected to be completed by Aug. 2013. Contract funds will expire before the end of the current fiscal year. This offer was not competitively procured. The Naval Inventory Control Point is the contracting activity.
Air Force
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus incentive fee/award fee contract with InDync Inc. of Reston, Va., for $51,917,700. This contract provides single contractor for range operations, communications and information services required to support the 30th Space Wing Mission. This contract provides for the Western Range operations and maintenance support services; training; command; control; communications; information and computer systems services; testing, modifying and installing communications, electronic and security systems at launch facilities, launch control centers and test facilities. This is the fifth option to be exercised out seven option periods in the contract. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZG, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-03-C-0050; Modification P00211).
The Air Force is modifying a cost plus award fee with base fee contract/cost reimbursement no-fee contract with United Paradyne Corp. of Santa Maria, Calif., for $6,759,808. This contract is an aerospace support services contract and consolidates of three vital logistical aerospace support services (unconventional propellant support, precision measurement equipment laboratory services, aerospace ground equipment maintenance and transient aircraft maintenance services) into one comprehensive operation and maintenance contract for the 30th Space Wing. The aerospace support services contract provides an integrated management entity, the "Aerospace Maintenance Operations Center," a single point of contact that interfaces, controls, schedules, coordinates, operates, maintains, and provides support to the 30th Space Wing community. This contract supports operational programs, including local airfield operations, U.S. Space Lift programs, the Expeditionary Aerospace Force, and future Aerospace Plane and Space Operational Vehicle activities. Additionally, it provides mission support of test aerospace platforms from domestic and foreign Government agencies (NASA, DoD, NRO, etc), as well as private corporations. This contract encompasses all authorized mission support requirements for programs utilizing the "Western Range and Major Range Test Facility Base" support and Commercial Space activities. At this time no funds have been obligated. Air Force Space Command, 30th Contracting Squadron, 30 CONS/LGCZ, Vandenberg AFB, Calif., is the contracting activity (F04684-02-C-0008, Modification P00149).
Data Link Solutions of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a firm fixed price contract for $6,203,324. This action will provide Spares for the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS): 2 high power amplifiers; 14 receiver transmitters; 2 each control, interface; 13 chassis, electrical. At this time all funds have been obligated. 448 Supply Chain Management Wing, 448SCMG/PKHCA, Robins AFB, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8539-08-C-0012).
Army
Harris Corp., Rochester, N.Y., was awarded on Aug 21, 2008, a $10,000,000 firm fixed priced indefinite quantity contract, for various SATCOM components, to include radios, amplifiers, shock mounts and other communication assemblies. Work will be performed in Rochester, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Jan 18, 2011. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Aviation Applied Technology Directorate, Fort Eustis, Va., is the contracting activity (W911W6-04-D-0009).
Carapace Armor Technology, LLC, North Andover, Mass., was awarded on Aug 20, 2008, a $12,947,520 firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract. This contract is for the procurement of up to 750 transparent armor kits and up to 200 ballistics glass replacements for Stryker vehicles. Work will be performed in North Andover, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Aug 20, 2010. Offers solicited on the web and one bid received. US Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Aberdeen, Md., are the contracting activity (W91CRB-08-D-0052).
Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Co., Simsbury, Conn., was awarded on Aug 22, 2008, a $64,268,939 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity type contract. The MIN BUY, 990 XM32 Abrams reactive armor title sets blocks two with two out year buys of quantity ranges from 126- 1180 vehicle sets. Work will be performed in Graham, Ky., with an estimated completion date of Jun. 30, 2010. Four bids were solicited and two received. The USA Joint Munitions & Lethality Life Cycle Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-08-D-0453).
MW Builders Inc., Temple, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 22, 2008, a $23,599,000 indefinite delivery indefinite quantity, (MATOC), firm fixed price contract. This project is required by the Army's Military Construction Transformation initiatives and will provide single solider housing is similar to apartment type housing in the private sector, rooms shall include but not limited to private sleeping area, walk-in closets, shared bathroom and kitchenette. Work will be performed in Fort Lewis, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Aug 21, 2013. Bids solicited: phase two – six offerors. Bid received: phase two – six offerors. The US Army Engineer District, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-08-D-0044)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Alfab Inc.,*, Enterprise, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $8,279,842 fixed price with economic price adjustment indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to perform facilities maintenance, Class IV pallet and mat assembly (F44) configuration. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. Contract is exercising option year two. This proposal was originally FedBiz solicited with two responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM500-05-D-0349).
Conax Florida Corp., St. Petersburg, Fla., is being awarded a maximum $34,267,694 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for life support equipment. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. This proposal was originally DIBBS solicited with one response. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 24, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DSCR), Richmond, Va., (SPM4A7-08-D-0338).
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Aid to Georgia Surpasses Million-Pound Mark
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2008 - The U.S. military has delivered more than 1 million pounds of humanitarian relief supplies to Georgia. As of Aug.22, 36 missions had been flown by Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft as well as Navy C-9 Skytrain, C-130 Hercules and C-40 Clipper aircraft, U.S. European Command officials said.
Two U.S. ships are on the way, with nearly 95 tons of humanitarian supplies to be taken to eastern Georgia. Guided missile destroyer USS McFaul left port in Souda Bay, Crete, Aug. 21, loaded with 72 pallets of relief supplies. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Dallas departed the next day with 50 pallets. The 378-foot-long high-endurance cutter is home ported in Charleston, S.C., and is currently operating with the U.S. 6th fleet based out of Naples, Italy.
"Everyone has done a wonderful job of pulling together to help the people of Georgia, and we look forward to continuing to do our part to support these efforts," Navy Rear Adm. Steve Romano, EuCom's director of logistics and security assistance, said.
EuCom headquarters here is coordinating sustained airlift and maritime support for the humanitarian effort.
(Compiled from U.S. European Command news releases.)
Aug. 24, 2008 - The U.S. military has delivered more than 1 million pounds of humanitarian relief supplies to Georgia. As of Aug.22, 36 missions had been flown by Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft as well as Navy C-9 Skytrain, C-130 Hercules and C-40 Clipper aircraft, U.S. European Command officials said.
Two U.S. ships are on the way, with nearly 95 tons of humanitarian supplies to be taken to eastern Georgia. Guided missile destroyer USS McFaul left port in Souda Bay, Crete, Aug. 21, loaded with 72 pallets of relief supplies. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Dallas departed the next day with 50 pallets. The 378-foot-long high-endurance cutter is home ported in Charleston, S.C., and is currently operating with the U.S. 6th fleet based out of Naples, Italy.
"Everyone has done a wonderful job of pulling together to help the people of Georgia, and we look forward to continuing to do our part to support these efforts," Navy Rear Adm. Steve Romano, EuCom's director of logistics and security assistance, said.
EuCom headquarters here is coordinating sustained airlift and maritime support for the humanitarian effort.
(Compiled from U.S. European Command news releases.)
Recent Cyber Attacks Serve as Lesson, General Says
By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2008 - Recent cyber attacks against government information systems overseas should serve as a lesson that the United States needs to continue to strengthen its defenses against those who would target the country's financial, business and military systems, the commander of U.S. Northern Command said today. Appearing on C-Span's "Newsmakers," Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., who leads both NorthCom and North American Aerospace Defense Command, cited recent cyber attacks against the former Soviet republic of Georgia in which government Web sites were intermittently knocked offline, as well as last year's cyber attacks against government computer systems in the Baltic nation of Estonia.
"We need to ensure that we learn the lessons of those two events, and that we continue to strengthen an integrated process to defend ourselves against these kinds of intrusion," Renuart said.
Since early this month, hackers have attacked Georgian servers and Web sites, forcing the government to relocate the sites to other servers. Some sites were defaced, while others were simply rendered unavailable.
The general said NorthCom relies on space- and land-based sensors to identify threats, and that intrusions into its computer networks could disrupt the command's ability to provide warning of an attack.
"It's critical to our mission that we are comfortable that we have a secure network, that it's resilient to probes and attacks, and that it will be able to sustain good decision-making ... for the nation's leaders," Renuart said.
Renuart said that though there is ample funding to combat the threat, efforts to do so have been somewhat "segmented."
The Department of Homeland Security has the mission for the cyber-defense of the nation, and its role is to integrate the other elements of government into that effort, the general said. But cyber threats are not just a government problem, he said. Private industries -- finance, health care, business and others – have a stake, Renuart noted.
"All of those have to come together in a unified effort if we are to maintain adequate defense against those who might intrude to our networks and try to disrupt them. It's a big challenge," Renuart said. He said better integration among the agencies is critical to success.
"If you are going to be successful at defending it, you have to have strong and close integration among the various agencies," Renuart said.
The general stopped short of saying additional legislation is needed from Congress to better integrate the agencies, calling that a discussion for top U.S. leaders.
"Because this is such a broad area and it touches so many different elements of our society – business, medical care, information, certainly military and economic – many of those same organizations are struggling with 'How do you pull them together in a more coherent fashion?'" Renuart said.
Renuart said that the departments of Homeland Security and Defense are working "aggressively" together alongside many private partner corporations. He also said that many in the private sector are "further advanced" than the Defense Department in some areas. He cited the banking and investing industries, which have advanced protections built into their systems, and said the government should partner with the private sector so that defense systems are compatible.
During the question-and-answer session with journalists on the program, the general was asked if he considers Russia a threat to the United States. Renuart called Russia a growing power. The country emerged from the Cold War struggling politically and economically, but now is stable economically and is expanding its sphere of influence, he said.
Russia also is becoming more active militarily, the general noted, sending its nuclear submarines and long-range bombers further from its shores. The country has also held recent tests of its intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Still, Renuart said, he is not yet concerned that the United States and Russia will face off within the international community any time soon.
"I'm not as worried that a Cold War relationship is returning so much," Renuart said. "Those are things we have to pay attention to, but I think it is important not to swing the pendulum too much in an alarmist fashion."
He said that the Russian military movements involving the U.S. military have been conducted "professionally" and in compliance with U.S. requests.
Renuart was also asked about the Arctic region and its increasing significance in national security. An increase in navigable water in the region has resulted in increased traffic by military, research and tourist vessels.
Renuart said his concerns are how to ensure adequate search and rescue capability, maintain a presence that can monitor movement of other military forces in the region, and ensure that the United States is involved in discussions and negotiations about military movement in the region.
NORAD monitors the air space over the Arctic.
"I don't see a threat to the nation coming from the Arctic," Renuart said. "But I do see security concerns that will arise as you have nations compete for resources, as you have nations compete for passage, as you have commercial interests competing for passage through the area. All of those have a security element, and I think we just have to have a good discussion about it."
Tunnel systems along the U.S.-Mexican border also came up in the questioning. The tunnels are used by criminals for drug and weapons smuggling, and U.S. officials have long feared they also could be used by terrorists. Renuart said his command is "increasingly successful" at finding the tunnels and passing the information on to law enforcement officials, who investigate and monitor them.
Technology used first in Afghanistan now is helping to pinpoint border tunnels, or potential tunnel locations. But Renuart called the tunnels a "reality and a challenge" and said the narcotics traffickers are "learning adversaries."
"As you close one route, they'll open another," Renuart said.
Renuart said that as officials are successful interdicting by the air, traffickers move to the sea. As U.S. officials stop more by sea, traffickers go underground.
"If we believed we have solved the problem, we are almost guaranteeing it will come back. You can't take your eye off the ball in this kind of a situation," Renuart said.
The general said his command works closely with other agencies in its efforts on the border and across the United States. He called NorthCom's relationship with its 60 federal partners extremely "close and solid."
"We are seeing a team now that is closer-knit than maybe ever before," Renuart said.
Forty-five of the agencies have assigned senior officials to NorthCom's headquarters. They are integrated in the planning and operations and interagency coordination process. Renuart said the days of frictions among governmental agencies are over.
"Those days are gone. We are working hand in hand," he said. "We are seeing now a synergy that is really strong."
This type of interagency cooperation is critical as NorthCom tries to focus efforts across an array of potential threats to the United States, Renuart said. Every day his command monitors threats overseas, develops roles of missile defense, looks for air threats inside U.S. borders and provides military support relief efforts after natural and man-made disasters and threats.
"On any given day, one of them will be our highest priority," Renuart said.
"What keeps me awake is making sure that our team is focused on the many threats out there, and not taking any one for granted, not leaving any one unobserved," he said.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2008 - Recent cyber attacks against government information systems overseas should serve as a lesson that the United States needs to continue to strengthen its defenses against those who would target the country's financial, business and military systems, the commander of U.S. Northern Command said today. Appearing on C-Span's "Newsmakers," Air Force Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., who leads both NorthCom and North American Aerospace Defense Command, cited recent cyber attacks against the former Soviet republic of Georgia in which government Web sites were intermittently knocked offline, as well as last year's cyber attacks against government computer systems in the Baltic nation of Estonia.
"We need to ensure that we learn the lessons of those two events, and that we continue to strengthen an integrated process to defend ourselves against these kinds of intrusion," Renuart said.
Since early this month, hackers have attacked Georgian servers and Web sites, forcing the government to relocate the sites to other servers. Some sites were defaced, while others were simply rendered unavailable.
The general said NorthCom relies on space- and land-based sensors to identify threats, and that intrusions into its computer networks could disrupt the command's ability to provide warning of an attack.
"It's critical to our mission that we are comfortable that we have a secure network, that it's resilient to probes and attacks, and that it will be able to sustain good decision-making ... for the nation's leaders," Renuart said.
Renuart said that though there is ample funding to combat the threat, efforts to do so have been somewhat "segmented."
The Department of Homeland Security has the mission for the cyber-defense of the nation, and its role is to integrate the other elements of government into that effort, the general said. But cyber threats are not just a government problem, he said. Private industries -- finance, health care, business and others – have a stake, Renuart noted.
"All of those have to come together in a unified effort if we are to maintain adequate defense against those who might intrude to our networks and try to disrupt them. It's a big challenge," Renuart said. He said better integration among the agencies is critical to success.
"If you are going to be successful at defending it, you have to have strong and close integration among the various agencies," Renuart said.
The general stopped short of saying additional legislation is needed from Congress to better integrate the agencies, calling that a discussion for top U.S. leaders.
"Because this is such a broad area and it touches so many different elements of our society – business, medical care, information, certainly military and economic – many of those same organizations are struggling with 'How do you pull them together in a more coherent fashion?'" Renuart said.
Renuart said that the departments of Homeland Security and Defense are working "aggressively" together alongside many private partner corporations. He also said that many in the private sector are "further advanced" than the Defense Department in some areas. He cited the banking and investing industries, which have advanced protections built into their systems, and said the government should partner with the private sector so that defense systems are compatible.
During the question-and-answer session with journalists on the program, the general was asked if he considers Russia a threat to the United States. Renuart called Russia a growing power. The country emerged from the Cold War struggling politically and economically, but now is stable economically and is expanding its sphere of influence, he said.
Russia also is becoming more active militarily, the general noted, sending its nuclear submarines and long-range bombers further from its shores. The country has also held recent tests of its intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Still, Renuart said, he is not yet concerned that the United States and Russia will face off within the international community any time soon.
"I'm not as worried that a Cold War relationship is returning so much," Renuart said. "Those are things we have to pay attention to, but I think it is important not to swing the pendulum too much in an alarmist fashion."
He said that the Russian military movements involving the U.S. military have been conducted "professionally" and in compliance with U.S. requests.
Renuart was also asked about the Arctic region and its increasing significance in national security. An increase in navigable water in the region has resulted in increased traffic by military, research and tourist vessels.
Renuart said his concerns are how to ensure adequate search and rescue capability, maintain a presence that can monitor movement of other military forces in the region, and ensure that the United States is involved in discussions and negotiations about military movement in the region.
NORAD monitors the air space over the Arctic.
"I don't see a threat to the nation coming from the Arctic," Renuart said. "But I do see security concerns that will arise as you have nations compete for resources, as you have nations compete for passage, as you have commercial interests competing for passage through the area. All of those have a security element, and I think we just have to have a good discussion about it."
Tunnel systems along the U.S.-Mexican border also came up in the questioning. The tunnels are used by criminals for drug and weapons smuggling, and U.S. officials have long feared they also could be used by terrorists. Renuart said his command is "increasingly successful" at finding the tunnels and passing the information on to law enforcement officials, who investigate and monitor them.
Technology used first in Afghanistan now is helping to pinpoint border tunnels, or potential tunnel locations. But Renuart called the tunnels a "reality and a challenge" and said the narcotics traffickers are "learning adversaries."
"As you close one route, they'll open another," Renuart said.
Renuart said that as officials are successful interdicting by the air, traffickers move to the sea. As U.S. officials stop more by sea, traffickers go underground.
"If we believed we have solved the problem, we are almost guaranteeing it will come back. You can't take your eye off the ball in this kind of a situation," Renuart said.
The general said his command works closely with other agencies in its efforts on the border and across the United States. He called NorthCom's relationship with its 60 federal partners extremely "close and solid."
"We are seeing a team now that is closer-knit than maybe ever before," Renuart said.
Forty-five of the agencies have assigned senior officials to NorthCom's headquarters. They are integrated in the planning and operations and interagency coordination process. Renuart said the days of frictions among governmental agencies are over.
"Those days are gone. We are working hand in hand," he said. "We are seeing now a synergy that is really strong."
This type of interagency cooperation is critical as NorthCom tries to focus efforts across an array of potential threats to the United States, Renuart said. Every day his command monitors threats overseas, develops roles of missile defense, looks for air threats inside U.S. borders and provides military support relief efforts after natural and man-made disasters and threats.
"On any given day, one of them will be our highest priority," Renuart said.
"What keeps me awake is making sure that our team is focused on the many threats out there, and not taking any one for granted, not leaving any one unobserved," he said.
European Command Chief Checks Georgia Relief Effort First-Hand
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 24, 2008 - The commander of U.S. European Command traveled to the former Soviet republic of Georgia to ensure the ongoing U.S. humanitarian effort in the wake of a Georgian conflict with Russia is proceeding smoothly. "I'm here to talk to Georgian leaders and our U.S. assessment team to hear what they need," Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock said. "We have to get it right so we can help people quickly. We want to optimize the humanitarian aid effort and bring in the right stuff, to the right place at the right time."
The general and several key staff members from EuCom headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, were joined on the visit by U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Henrietta Holsman Fore. As part of the visit, Craddock visited a building in Tbilisi where about 250 displaced people were living, unable to return home since the Russian advance. The general also met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and defense ministry officials about the way ahead for U.S.-Georgian military-to-military relationship.
Craddock said EuCom would assess the Georgian forces' needs and make a recommendation to the secretary of defense.
"We express our gratitude for your help, and will never forget what you have done to help us in our time of need," Saakashvili said in a brief joint news conference after the meeting.
Craddock minced no words when discussing Russia's compliance with a France-brokered cease-fire agreement.
"There is an agreement between two heads of state, and there has to be compliance," he said Aug. 21. "My assessment is that the Russian withdrawal is now slower than it ought to be. [The Russians] need to do what they said they were going to do almost a week ago and
withdraw."
Craddock expressed support for an Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe observer mission slated to provide 100 unarmed military observers. The mission will provide better awareness of withdrawal progress and reduce the possibility of new clashes between Russians and Georgians.
Also part of Cradock's visit was a stop to observe the growing U.S. aerial port mission at Tbilisi Airport and tothank the U.S. troops working there. To date the U.S. has provided more than $11 million in direct support of the humanitarian aid mission in Georgia.
Navy Rear Adm. Steven Romano, EuCom's director of logistics and security assistance, said U.S. Air Force aircraft have established a tempo of C-17 and C-130 deliveries that are providing enough food to feed about 50,000 people per day until USAID and Georgian government efforts can sustain the effort.
Maritime assets are also playing a growing role in the aid effort. USS McFaul, a Navy destroyer, left Souda Bay, Crete, on Aug. 21 after taking aboard dozens of pallets of humanitarian relief supplies, and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas is following with more humanitarian aid.
(From a U.S. European Command news release.)
Aug. 24, 2008 - The commander of U.S. European Command traveled to the former Soviet republic of Georgia to ensure the ongoing U.S. humanitarian effort in the wake of a Georgian conflict with Russia is proceeding smoothly. "I'm here to talk to Georgian leaders and our U.S. assessment team to hear what they need," Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock said. "We have to get it right so we can help people quickly. We want to optimize the humanitarian aid effort and bring in the right stuff, to the right place at the right time."
The general and several key staff members from EuCom headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, were joined on the visit by U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Henrietta Holsman Fore. As part of the visit, Craddock visited a building in Tbilisi where about 250 displaced people were living, unable to return home since the Russian advance. The general also met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and defense ministry officials about the way ahead for U.S.-Georgian military-to-military relationship.
Craddock said EuCom would assess the Georgian forces' needs and make a recommendation to the secretary of defense.
"We express our gratitude for your help, and will never forget what you have done to help us in our time of need," Saakashvili said in a brief joint news conference after the meeting.
Craddock minced no words when discussing Russia's compliance with a France-brokered cease-fire agreement.
"There is an agreement between two heads of state, and there has to be compliance," he said Aug. 21. "My assessment is that the Russian withdrawal is now slower than it ought to be. [The Russians] need to do what they said they were going to do almost a week ago and
withdraw."
Craddock expressed support for an Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe observer mission slated to provide 100 unarmed military observers. The mission will provide better awareness of withdrawal progress and reduce the possibility of new clashes between Russians and Georgians.
Also part of Cradock's visit was a stop to observe the growing U.S. aerial port mission at Tbilisi Airport and tothank the U.S. troops working there. To date the U.S. has provided more than $11 million in direct support of the humanitarian aid mission in Georgia.
Navy Rear Adm. Steven Romano, EuCom's director of logistics and security assistance, said U.S. Air Force aircraft have established a tempo of C-17 and C-130 deliveries that are providing enough food to feed about 50,000 people per day until USAID and Georgian government efforts can sustain the effort.
Maritime assets are also playing a growing role in the aid effort. USS McFaul, a Navy destroyer, left Souda Bay, Crete, on Aug. 21 after taking aboard dozens of pallets of humanitarian relief supplies, and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas is following with more humanitarian aid.
(From a U.S. European Command news release.)
Friday, August 22, 2008
Guard Continues Support as Fay Moves Across Florida
By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 22, 2008 - As Tropical Storm Fay moved slowly up Florida's east coast and caused flooding in coastal communities, members of the Florida National Guard continued to support the storm relief efforts by first responders. By yesterday afternoon, nearly 500 soldiers and airmen were supporting relief missions for Tropical Storm Fay, primarily providing command for logistics operations and preparing to engage in recovery missions in flooded areas with soldiers and high-water vehicles.
Since the storm made landfall in southwestern Florida early Aug. 19, the Florida National Guard has sent soldiers to 10 counties along Fay's path. Guard members linked up with emergency officials and assessed the damage. The Guard also deployed liaison officers to five northeast Florida counties and by yesterday had staged high-water military vehicles in anticipation of rescue missions throughout the state.
Aviation assets, including a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, were positioned for aerial support missions as the storm continued to move across the peninsula.
On Aug. 20, a team of 15 soldiers from the Guard's 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, assisted officials in Brevard County with voluntary evacuations in three communities, helping to move citizens threatened by rising flood waters.
"Right now we've sent reconnaissance teams to 10 different counties and have additional forces standing by in north Florida," said Army Brig. Gen. Michael Fleming, assistant adjutant general for the Florida Army National Guard. "There are another 14 or so counties that may need assistance as this storm passes westward across the state. We are well prepared to assist in any high-water vehicle missions, especially search and rescue and area assistance survey work. We work well with our local county and municipal partners and are ready to help them in any way we can."
Because the potential path, strength and expected damage from Tropical Storm Fay were largely unknown, the Florida National Guard stationed logistics specialists at the State Logistics Resource Center in Orlando, where they could help with the distribution of needed supplies in the storm's wake. The supplies - including bottled water and packaged food - were being loaded by Guardsmen onto trucks at the SLRC on Aug. 20 in case of widespread power outages.
Soldiers working at the warehouse also helped to manage the flow and tracking of supplies at the 200,000-square-foot facility, which holds more than $14 million in essential water and emergency supplies for the state.
"We're maintaining the whole warehouse and just pretty much waiting for the storm," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Larry Flemming of the 631st Maintenance Company. "We have all the trucks stocked and are making sure everything is ready to go."
A team of Florida National Guard airmen from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron also was stationed at the SLRC in Orlando to provide emergency communications support if needed. Using a Regional Emergency Response Network system, the airmen were prepared to offer voice and digital communications to the center in the event of a major power failure.
"The RERN system gives the state the ability to rapidly deploy a communications network anywhere if the 'comms' have been lost," explained Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ray Simpson as his team extended RERN's satellite dish in a parking lot next to the SLRC. "And this gives the commanders on the ground the ability to run their operations and get assets out to the people who need them quickly."
Yesterday, the center of Tropical Storm Fay was located southeast of Daytona Beach, and it was projected to begin a slow move toward the west, bringing torrential rain and flooding for much of northern Florida. Fay reportedly spawned tornadoes in Brevard County, and weather experts warned of the possibility of isolated tornadoes in northeastern Florida and southern Georgia as the storm moved west.
"This is a very odd storm, in the sense that it is moving so slowly and it has zigzagged across the state," Fleming said. "This is a storm that has the unique potential to make landfall five times. That's not happened before."
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa serves with the Florida National Guard. Jon Myatt of the Florida Department of Military Affairs contributed to this report.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 22, 2008 - As Tropical Storm Fay moved slowly up Florida's east coast and caused flooding in coastal communities, members of the Florida National Guard continued to support the storm relief efforts by first responders. By yesterday afternoon, nearly 500 soldiers and airmen were supporting relief missions for Tropical Storm Fay, primarily providing command for logistics operations and preparing to engage in recovery missions in flooded areas with soldiers and high-water vehicles.
Since the storm made landfall in southwestern Florida early Aug. 19, the Florida National Guard has sent soldiers to 10 counties along Fay's path. Guard members linked up with emergency officials and assessed the damage. The Guard also deployed liaison officers to five northeast Florida counties and by yesterday had staged high-water military vehicles in anticipation of rescue missions throughout the state.
Aviation assets, including a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, were positioned for aerial support missions as the storm continued to move across the peninsula.
On Aug. 20, a team of 15 soldiers from the Guard's 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, assisted officials in Brevard County with voluntary evacuations in three communities, helping to move citizens threatened by rising flood waters.
"Right now we've sent reconnaissance teams to 10 different counties and have additional forces standing by in north Florida," said Army Brig. Gen. Michael Fleming, assistant adjutant general for the Florida Army National Guard. "There are another 14 or so counties that may need assistance as this storm passes westward across the state. We are well prepared to assist in any high-water vehicle missions, especially search and rescue and area assistance survey work. We work well with our local county and municipal partners and are ready to help them in any way we can."
Because the potential path, strength and expected damage from Tropical Storm Fay were largely unknown, the Florida National Guard stationed logistics specialists at the State Logistics Resource Center in Orlando, where they could help with the distribution of needed supplies in the storm's wake. The supplies - including bottled water and packaged food - were being loaded by Guardsmen onto trucks at the SLRC on Aug. 20 in case of widespread power outages.
Soldiers working at the warehouse also helped to manage the flow and tracking of supplies at the 200,000-square-foot facility, which holds more than $14 million in essential water and emergency supplies for the state.
"We're maintaining the whole warehouse and just pretty much waiting for the storm," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Larry Flemming of the 631st Maintenance Company. "We have all the trucks stocked and are making sure everything is ready to go."
A team of Florida National Guard airmen from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron also was stationed at the SLRC in Orlando to provide emergency communications support if needed. Using a Regional Emergency Response Network system, the airmen were prepared to offer voice and digital communications to the center in the event of a major power failure.
"The RERN system gives the state the ability to rapidly deploy a communications network anywhere if the 'comms' have been lost," explained Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ray Simpson as his team extended RERN's satellite dish in a parking lot next to the SLRC. "And this gives the commanders on the ground the ability to run their operations and get assets out to the people who need them quickly."
Yesterday, the center of Tropical Storm Fay was located southeast of Daytona Beach, and it was projected to begin a slow move toward the west, bringing torrential rain and flooding for much of northern Florida. Fay reportedly spawned tornadoes in Brevard County, and weather experts warned of the possibility of isolated tornadoes in northeastern Florida and southern Georgia as the storm moved west.
"This is a very odd storm, in the sense that it is moving so slowly and it has zigzagged across the state," Fleming said. "This is a storm that has the unique potential to make landfall five times. That's not happened before."
(Air Force Tech. Sgt. Thomas Kielbasa serves with the Florida National Guard. Jon Myatt of the Florida Department of Military Affairs contributed to this report.)
Guard Partnership With Ambulance Service Yields Mutual Benefits
By Sara Moore
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 22, 2008 - The Regional Emergency Medical Service Authority, with headquarters in Reno, Nev., has a close relationship with the local National Guard air ambulance unit, so it's no surprise that the company excels at supporting its employees who serve in the military. REMSA, a ground and air ambulance service with 300 employees, is one of 15 companies receiving the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for outstanding support of its employees in the National Guard or Reserve.
Because REMSA and the air ambulance unit have similar functions, they often collaborate on training and share personnel, said Mike Williams, vice president of REMSA. "They recruit our people; we recruit their people," he said.
REMSA has six employees who are deploying to Afghanistan in September with the National Guard, and several other employees in the Air Force Reserve, Williams said. On a day-to-day basis, the company works with the National Guard unit on training schedules and trains with the Guardsmen. REMSA has put on classes for members of the National Guard unit, and the National Guard has loaned the company helicopters for training, he said.
REMSA also works closely with the Air Force Reserve medical unit in Reno, as the commander of the unit is a REMSA employee, Williams said. REMSA lets the Air Force Reserve members use their facilities for all their weekend training, he said.
When an employee is deployed, REMSA steps up its support for the employee and his family, Williams said. The company pays a salary differential to make up the difference between active-duty pay and the employee's regular salary, and continues the entire benefits package, including life insurance, health coverage and use of a staff psychologist.
Williams noted that the continuation of health coverage for families is especially important, since there isn't a nearby military installation for the families to go to for medical care.
Williams served 20 years in the Air Force, both active duty and reserve, and was deployed to the Middle East for operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, so he is drawing on his own experiences to help his employees. He has enlisted a number of REMSA employees to send daily e-mails to deployed employees, keeping them abreast of the happenings in the company. The company also includes the families of deployed employees in all functions, such as picnics and Christmas parties, and is working on getting life-sized posters of the deployed employees to display at the events, he said.
Efforts like these are important because they keep the employees involved in the organization and remind them of the "real world" back home, Williams said. "We want them to know that even though they're gone, they're still a member of the organization, and will be when they get back," he said.
"When you're deployed overseas, you want to know there is a real world back home, and you stay grounded in the insanity that you're doing by remembering that there's a reason behind it, and it's your family and your coworkers and your friends and everybody else," he continued. "So it's important we do the e-mail; it keeps them connected with that real world."
To help prepare the families of the six employees who are set to deploy, Williams is organizing a barbecue at his house so he and his wife can talk to them about their experiences, he said.
Having employees with military experience is a great benefit to REMSA, Williams said. In addition to its National Guard and Reserve personnel, REMSA actively recruits medics coming off of active duty and pays for their civilian training and credentialing.
"They're good, experienced candidates that usually fit well into the training scheme," he said. "They come with a great set of work ethics that kind of sets an example for others to follow."
Williams said that he and the rest of the REMSA leadership were surprised and excited to hear about the Freedom Award. They never really felt like they deserved recognition for their efforts, he said. "This is what we do anyway," he said of the company's support activities. "It's just kind of what we do, and we didn't realize that not everybody did that."
REMSA will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
American Forces Press Service
Aug. 22, 2008 - The Regional Emergency Medical Service Authority, with headquarters in Reno, Nev., has a close relationship with the local National Guard air ambulance unit, so it's no surprise that the company excels at supporting its employees who serve in the military. REMSA, a ground and air ambulance service with 300 employees, is one of 15 companies receiving the 2008 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award for outstanding support of its employees in the National Guard or Reserve.
Because REMSA and the air ambulance unit have similar functions, they often collaborate on training and share personnel, said Mike Williams, vice president of REMSA. "They recruit our people; we recruit their people," he said.
REMSA has six employees who are deploying to Afghanistan in September with the National Guard, and several other employees in the Air Force Reserve, Williams said. On a day-to-day basis, the company works with the National Guard unit on training schedules and trains with the Guardsmen. REMSA has put on classes for members of the National Guard unit, and the National Guard has loaned the company helicopters for training, he said.
REMSA also works closely with the Air Force Reserve medical unit in Reno, as the commander of the unit is a REMSA employee, Williams said. REMSA lets the Air Force Reserve members use their facilities for all their weekend training, he said.
When an employee is deployed, REMSA steps up its support for the employee and his family, Williams said. The company pays a salary differential to make up the difference between active-duty pay and the employee's regular salary, and continues the entire benefits package, including life insurance, health coverage and use of a staff psychologist.
Williams noted that the continuation of health coverage for families is especially important, since there isn't a nearby military installation for the families to go to for medical care.
Williams served 20 years in the Air Force, both active duty and reserve, and was deployed to the Middle East for operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, so he is drawing on his own experiences to help his employees. He has enlisted a number of REMSA employees to send daily e-mails to deployed employees, keeping them abreast of the happenings in the company. The company also includes the families of deployed employees in all functions, such as picnics and Christmas parties, and is working on getting life-sized posters of the deployed employees to display at the events, he said.
Efforts like these are important because they keep the employees involved in the organization and remind them of the "real world" back home, Williams said. "We want them to know that even though they're gone, they're still a member of the organization, and will be when they get back," he said.
"When you're deployed overseas, you want to know there is a real world back home, and you stay grounded in the insanity that you're doing by remembering that there's a reason behind it, and it's your family and your coworkers and your friends and everybody else," he continued. "So it's important we do the e-mail; it keeps them connected with that real world."
To help prepare the families of the six employees who are set to deploy, Williams is organizing a barbecue at his house so he and his wife can talk to them about their experiences, he said.
Having employees with military experience is a great benefit to REMSA, Williams said. In addition to its National Guard and Reserve personnel, REMSA actively recruits medics coming off of active duty and pays for their civilian training and credentialing.
"They're good, experienced candidates that usually fit well into the training scheme," he said. "They come with a great set of work ethics that kind of sets an example for others to follow."
Williams said that he and the rest of the REMSA leadership were surprised and excited to hear about the Freedom Award. They never really felt like they deserved recognition for their efforts, he said. "This is what we do anyway," he said of the company's support activities. "It's just kind of what we do, and we didn't realize that not everybody did that."
REMSA will receive the Freedom Award along with 14 other companies in a ceremony Sept. 18 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
Face of Defense: Couple Travels Parallel Army Career Paths
By Army Maj. Dave Olson
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 22, 2008 - Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers are the logistics staff officers for their respective brigade combat teams. While they serve their country in different locations, they have worked together as a team during the last 10 years. Majs. Lesley and Dennis Ortiz, assigned to the 4th Infantry Division and deployed to Multinational Division Baghdad, developed and fostered a loving relationship while simultaneously serving parallel military careers by working together and communicating effectively.
Lesley, assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team in February, deployed to Baghdad in March, and her husband, Dennis, joined the 3rd Brigade Combat Team in May at Forward Operating Base War Eagle, Iraq.
The Ortizes began a parallel career track from the beginning. They signed contracts to join the ROTC program on the same day during their junior year at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga., where he majored in mathematics and she studied English and education, Lesley said.
"I met him at a football game, and we became inseparable," she said. The ROTC cadets alternated as ushers and color guards at the football games, she added.
After the pair graduated and received their commissions as second lieutenants in the Army, they attended their Officers Basic Courses in 1997. Lesley entered the Transportation Corps and attended her course at Fort Eustis, Va., while Dennis traveled to Fort Lee, Va., to complete his quartermaster officer course. Their careers continued to parallel each other at their first duty assignments at Fort Bragg, N.C.
The Army assigned them to the same brigade, but they served in different battalions, said Dennis, who hails from Augusta, Ga.
"We were platoon leaders, executive officers, battalion staff officers and company commanders at the same time," Lesley said.
During this time, the couple continued to communicate and their relationship blossomed and grew stronger, explained Lesley, an Atlanta native. They made it official by getting married May 29, 1999.
"Being with another person in the military, we both had a common understanding how things went, and with not rushing into starting a family, we were able to adjust [to deployments] a lot easier in the early years," she said.
Lesley said the deployments made her realize that during their marriage, they were going to have to focus on balancing their time apart. They both realized there may come a time when they, as a military couple, would be separated due to their careers and, as a result, would have to work through the challenges, she explained.
At that moment, Lesley and Dennis stopped everything to map out a 10-year plan, she explained.
In the time that followed, they attended the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course at Fort Lee, Va., and the Combined Armed Services Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., together in 2001.
When terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that same year, the military couple's relationship changed forever.
Dennis and Lesley were roommates during the CAS3 course. They were on lockdown due to the attacks, and even after completing their schooling could not leave the post for several days. Lesley, who is a third-generation soldier, explained that the way the U.S. military does business has changed because the nation is at war.
Busier than ever with the new challenges of deploying to war, the couple focused on how they were going to manage their lives and work together as a team.
Lesley and Dennis said they love to plan, so they both adjusted their original 10-year plans, she explained. Those plans brought them to Fort Hood, Texas.
Dennis deployed as the company commander of a forward support company with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 near Tikrit. Lesley commanded the 297th Cargo Transfer Company, 180th Transportation Battalion, 64th Corps Support Group, 13th Corps Support Command. Her company deployed simultaneously to Cuba, Iraq and Kuwait, and her teams covered operations at 12 different logistical bases in Kuwait and Iraq during the initial Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation. During the next deployment, she pushed two platoons to Iraq in December 2004 and one platoon to Afghanistan in 2005.
After three years at Fort Hood, both received orders for 3rd Army at Fort McPherson, Ga., where they worked in the logistics section of the same headquarters.
"We worked together as a team, and it worked out very, very well," she remarked.
Then one day, Lesley and Dennis' lives would again be forever changed – this time when their son, Dennis Jr., was born in May 2007. The baby, who has started walking since Lesley and Dennis deployed, caused the military couple to review their plans yet again and make changes.
Lesley's mother, Wilma Sims, takes good care of Dennis Jr. while his parents serve their country in Iraq. It is the first time, Lesley said, that she has ever had to rely solely on her parents, but she said her mother is doing a great job providing for her only grandson.
"I understand love in a different way than the way I did before," she explained. "I understand loving my parents, loving my spouse; but the love for a child – it's unconditional; it's awesome! It inspires you to go above and beyond anything you ever expected."
Dennis said that he also looks forward to redeploying, returning to family, his son and his home at Fort Hood, especially since he deployed nearly five months before Lesley.
"We have a 14-month-old boy, and I have been deployed for nine months, so I miss my son and haven't had a lot of time to be with him," Dennis explained.
Dennis returned to the 4th Infantry Division in March 2007, and Lesley reported to the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, in July 2007.
Dennis deployed to Iraq with the division logistics section in October as the liaison officer to 1st Cavalry Division. Lesley transferred to the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team and deployed to Iraq as the brigade's logistics officer in March.
Dennis acknowledged that as both officers develop in their careers, it will be harder to continue to be stationed together.
"So far, the Army has been good at keeping us together," he explained. "Even with this deployment, we were both in [Iraq] within a few months of each other and will redeploy back to the States within a few months of each other."
"This has been a tough deployment," Lesley said. "Leaving my baby was the hardest thing I did for this deployment. This has been one of our toughest years in the military – one of the toughest years, period."
Both love to travel, Dennis said, and the couple has traveled to several renowned spots, from Paris to New York, where they took the opportunity to be tourists, eat out, catch a show, go to sporting events and attend the theater. They also love to cook together, added Lesley, who calls her husband her best friend.
"The only time we fight is over the kitchen," she joked. He makes the best lasagna, she said, and while she cooks the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, he cooks a Latin-style Christmas dinner with roasted pork and pastilles smeared with yucca paste wrapped in banana leaves.
"We are planning our next 10 years," she added. "We're looking at retirement homes. We're looking where we want to retire."
Lesley said she encourages military couples to work at their relationship as a team, and that she constantly looks for the little thing she can do today to make her marriage stronger.
Lesley said that she believes that if today's military couples don't have friendship established first, there are going to be difficulties in both their relationship and their military careers.
"Everyone knows that marriage is a big commitment," she said. "No matter how big you think it is, it's bigger than that."
(Army Maj. Dave Olson serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office. Army Sgt. Zachary Mott contributed to this story.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Aug. 22, 2008 - Two Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers are the logistics staff officers for their respective brigade combat teams. While they serve their country in different locations, they have worked together as a team during the last 10 years. Majs. Lesley and Dennis Ortiz, assigned to the 4th Infantry Division and deployed to Multinational Division Baghdad, developed and fostered a loving relationship while simultaneously serving parallel military careers by working together and communicating effectively.
Lesley, assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team in February, deployed to Baghdad in March, and her husband, Dennis, joined the 3rd Brigade Combat Team in May at Forward Operating Base War Eagle, Iraq.
The Ortizes began a parallel career track from the beginning. They signed contracts to join the ROTC program on the same day during their junior year at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Ga., where he majored in mathematics and she studied English and education, Lesley said.
"I met him at a football game, and we became inseparable," she said. The ROTC cadets alternated as ushers and color guards at the football games, she added.
After the pair graduated and received their commissions as second lieutenants in the Army, they attended their Officers Basic Courses in 1997. Lesley entered the Transportation Corps and attended her course at Fort Eustis, Va., while Dennis traveled to Fort Lee, Va., to complete his quartermaster officer course. Their careers continued to parallel each other at their first duty assignments at Fort Bragg, N.C.
The Army assigned them to the same brigade, but they served in different battalions, said Dennis, who hails from Augusta, Ga.
"We were platoon leaders, executive officers, battalion staff officers and company commanders at the same time," Lesley said.
During this time, the couple continued to communicate and their relationship blossomed and grew stronger, explained Lesley, an Atlanta native. They made it official by getting married May 29, 1999.
"Being with another person in the military, we both had a common understanding how things went, and with not rushing into starting a family, we were able to adjust [to deployments] a lot easier in the early years," she said.
Lesley said the deployments made her realize that during their marriage, they were going to have to focus on balancing their time apart. They both realized there may come a time when they, as a military couple, would be separated due to their careers and, as a result, would have to work through the challenges, she explained.
At that moment, Lesley and Dennis stopped everything to map out a 10-year plan, she explained.
In the time that followed, they attended the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course at Fort Lee, Va., and the Combined Armed Services Staff School at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., together in 2001.
When terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that same year, the military couple's relationship changed forever.
Dennis and Lesley were roommates during the CAS3 course. They were on lockdown due to the attacks, and even after completing their schooling could not leave the post for several days. Lesley, who is a third-generation soldier, explained that the way the U.S. military does business has changed because the nation is at war.
Busier than ever with the new challenges of deploying to war, the couple focused on how they were going to manage their lives and work together as a team.
Lesley and Dennis said they love to plan, so they both adjusted their original 10-year plans, she explained. Those plans brought them to Fort Hood, Texas.
Dennis deployed as the company commander of a forward support company with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 near Tikrit. Lesley commanded the 297th Cargo Transfer Company, 180th Transportation Battalion, 64th Corps Support Group, 13th Corps Support Command. Her company deployed simultaneously to Cuba, Iraq and Kuwait, and her teams covered operations at 12 different logistical bases in Kuwait and Iraq during the initial Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation. During the next deployment, she pushed two platoons to Iraq in December 2004 and one platoon to Afghanistan in 2005.
After three years at Fort Hood, both received orders for 3rd Army at Fort McPherson, Ga., where they worked in the logistics section of the same headquarters.
"We worked together as a team, and it worked out very, very well," she remarked.
Then one day, Lesley and Dennis' lives would again be forever changed – this time when their son, Dennis Jr., was born in May 2007. The baby, who has started walking since Lesley and Dennis deployed, caused the military couple to review their plans yet again and make changes.
Lesley's mother, Wilma Sims, takes good care of Dennis Jr. while his parents serve their country in Iraq. It is the first time, Lesley said, that she has ever had to rely solely on her parents, but she said her mother is doing a great job providing for her only grandson.
"I understand love in a different way than the way I did before," she explained. "I understand loving my parents, loving my spouse; but the love for a child – it's unconditional; it's awesome! It inspires you to go above and beyond anything you ever expected."
Dennis said that he also looks forward to redeploying, returning to family, his son and his home at Fort Hood, especially since he deployed nearly five months before Lesley.
"We have a 14-month-old boy, and I have been deployed for nine months, so I miss my son and haven't had a lot of time to be with him," Dennis explained.
Dennis returned to the 4th Infantry Division in March 2007, and Lesley reported to the 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command, in July 2007.
Dennis deployed to Iraq with the division logistics section in October as the liaison officer to 1st Cavalry Division. Lesley transferred to the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team and deployed to Iraq as the brigade's logistics officer in March.
Dennis acknowledged that as both officers develop in their careers, it will be harder to continue to be stationed together.
"So far, the Army has been good at keeping us together," he explained. "Even with this deployment, we were both in [Iraq] within a few months of each other and will redeploy back to the States within a few months of each other."
"This has been a tough deployment," Lesley said. "Leaving my baby was the hardest thing I did for this deployment. This has been one of our toughest years in the military – one of the toughest years, period."
Both love to travel, Dennis said, and the couple has traveled to several renowned spots, from Paris to New York, where they took the opportunity to be tourists, eat out, catch a show, go to sporting events and attend the theater. They also love to cook together, added Lesley, who calls her husband her best friend.
"The only time we fight is over the kitchen," she joked. He makes the best lasagna, she said, and while she cooks the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, he cooks a Latin-style Christmas dinner with roasted pork and pastilles smeared with yucca paste wrapped in banana leaves.
"We are planning our next 10 years," she added. "We're looking at retirement homes. We're looking where we want to retire."
Lesley said she encourages military couples to work at their relationship as a team, and that she constantly looks for the little thing she can do today to make her marriage stronger.
Lesley said that she believes that if today's military couples don't have friendship established first, there are going to be difficulties in both their relationship and their military careers.
"Everyone knows that marriage is a big commitment," she said. "No matter how big you think it is, it's bigger than that."
(Army Maj. Dave Olson serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office. Army Sgt. Zachary Mott contributed to this story.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS August 22, 2008
Army
Nakaya Construction, L.L.C., Bountiful, Utah, was awarded on Aug. 20, 2008, a $10,779,567 firm fixed price contract for renovation of the Baker Laboratory facility at the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground installation where the work will be performed. The estimated completion date is May 1, 2010. 16 bids were solicited with four bids received. Mission & Installation Contracting Command, Dugway Proving Ground Directorate of Contracting, Dugway, Utah is the contracting activity (W911S6-08-C-0006).
ALLIANT AMMUNITION AND POWDER COMPANY LLC, Radford, Va., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2008, a $63,000,000 cost plus fixed fee contract for nitric acid concentrator / sulfuric acid concentrator balance of design, construction, and prove out. Work with be performed at the Radford Army Ammunication Plant, Radford, Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Headquarters, Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-03-E-0001).
Phil Howry Co., Austin, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 21, 2008, a $8,118,209 firm fixed price contract for the construction of a one-story facility with reinforced concrete foundation and floor slabs, masonry walls and standing seam metal roof. The facility consists of a 60 ft. x 60 ft. x 60 ft. simulator bay, briefing rooms, conference room, mass briefing area and computer room. The project also includes site preparation, seismic requirements, fire protection, communications support, generator and all supporting utilities. Work will be performed at the Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, with an estimated completion date of Mar. 1, 2010. 10 bids were solicited and seven bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (W912PP-08-C-0019).
BAE SYSTEMS ORDNANCE SYSTEMS INC. (OSI), Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on Aug. 21, 2008, a $5, 691,704.74 firm-fixed price – requirements contract for production and supply of 354,182 pounds of composition C-4, class 3 (tagged) to support the M112 demo charge production at Milan Army Ammunition Plant. Work will be performed at Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Kingsport, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2009. One bid solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-03-D-0007).
NAVY
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $96,820,977 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the design, development, integration, and test of the Multi-Stage Supersonic Target (MSST). The MSST will represent a two-stage anti-ship cruise missile, consisting of a two-stage unmanned aerial target, a launcher, and associated support equipment. A total of two engineering evaluation units and seven engineering development models will be built as part of the effort. The MSST will provide threat representation for the developmental and operational testing of a major weapon system. Work will be performed in Sacramento, Calif., (38.9 percent); Woodland Hills, Calif., (32 percent); Plymouth, Minn., (19.2 percent); Elkton, Md., (5.1 percent); and Wichita, Kan., (4.8 percent), and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal and three offers were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0058).
Nammo Talley, Inc., Mesa Ariz., is being awarded a maximum $51,764,684 (base and options) cost-plus-fixed-fee with fixed-price incentive (firm target) line items contract for the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW II) launchers and Fire From Enclosure (FFE) assault rounds and associated data rights. The SDD phase will consist of 18 Launchers and 165 FFE assault rounds; the LRIP phase will consist of 130 launchers and 750 FFE assault rounds; the data rights consists of associated Government Purpose Rights. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and the expected date of completion is Feb. 2011 (Feb. 2012 with options exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-C-1123).
Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $13,704,876 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0008). This delivery order is for the procurement of 174 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Enhanced Integrated Antenna Detector Radar Warning Receivers and 173 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Enhanced Antenna Detector Radar Warning Receiver Systems in support of the Canadian Forces for the F/A-18 aircraft; and 6 Integrated Microwave Integrated Circuits in support of the Swiss Army Armasuisse for the F/A-18 aircraft. This contract combines purchases for the Government of Canada ($13,590,350; 99 percent) and the Government of Switzerland, ($114,526; 1 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Lansdale, Pa., (75 percent) and El Segundo, Calif., (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
EG&G Technical Services Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.; General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va.; Lockheed Martin Services Inc., Cherry Hill, N.J.; Technical Software Services Inc., Pensacola, Fla.; Raytheon Technical Services Co., Reston, Va.; Carley Corp., Orlando, Fla.; are each being awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts for education/training products and support services managed by the Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) Pensacola, Fla., for the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) Enterprise. EG&G Technical Services is being awarded $7,804,540 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $41,548,586. General Dynamics Information Technology is being awarded $8,779,415 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $46,382,282. Lockheed Martin Services, Inc. is being awarded $7,055,205 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $36,740,443. Technical Software Services Inc. is being awarded $8,103,248 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $43,160,222. Raytheon Technical Services Co. is being awarded $8,464,798 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $42,688,034. Carley Corp. is being awarded $8,659,388 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $45,982,559. Work is to be performed in Gaithersburg, Md.; Fairfax, Va.; Cherry Hill, N.J.; Pensacola, Fla.; Reston, Va.; and Orlando, Fla., and work is expected to be complete Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This requirement was competitively procured and solicited through NAVY Electronic Commerce Online, with 18 offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia Division, is the contracting activity. (EG&G Technical Services Inc., N00189-08-D-Z033; General Dynamics Information Technology, N00189-08-D-Z034; Lockheed Martin Services Inc., N00189-08-D-Z035; Technical Software Services Inc., N00189-08-D-Z036; Raytheon Technical Services Co., N00189-08-D-Z038; Carley Corp., N00189-08-D-Z040)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Exide Technologies Inc., Alpharetta, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $26,704,667 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for storage batteries. Other location of performance is Manchester, Iowa. Using services are Army, NAVY, and Marine Corps. There were four proposals originally solicited with two responses. This contract has a base period of one year and four one-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 21, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DESR), Richmond, Va., (SPM4L1-08-D-0023).
Air BP, Warrenville, Ill. is being awarded a maximum $12,446,821 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is Grand Junction, Colorado. Using services are Army, NAVY, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies and National Guard. There was 1 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. 30, 2012. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0053).
Nakaya Construction, L.L.C., Bountiful, Utah, was awarded on Aug. 20, 2008, a $10,779,567 firm fixed price contract for renovation of the Baker Laboratory facility at the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground installation where the work will be performed. The estimated completion date is May 1, 2010. 16 bids were solicited with four bids received. Mission & Installation Contracting Command, Dugway Proving Ground Directorate of Contracting, Dugway, Utah is the contracting activity (W911S6-08-C-0006).
ALLIANT AMMUNITION AND POWDER COMPANY LLC, Radford, Va., was awarded on Aug. 14, 2008, a $63,000,000 cost plus fixed fee contract for nitric acid concentrator / sulfuric acid concentrator balance of design, construction, and prove out. Work with be performed at the Radford Army Ammunication Plant, Radford, Va., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited and one bid received. Headquarters, Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-03-E-0001).
Phil Howry Co., Austin, Texas, was awarded on Aug. 21, 2008, a $8,118,209 firm fixed price contract for the construction of a one-story facility with reinforced concrete foundation and floor slabs, masonry walls and standing seam metal roof. The facility consists of a 60 ft. x 60 ft. x 60 ft. simulator bay, briefing rooms, conference room, mass briefing area and computer room. The project also includes site preparation, seismic requirements, fire protection, communications support, generator and all supporting utilities. Work will be performed at the Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, with an estimated completion date of Mar. 1, 2010. 10 bids were solicited and seven bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Albuquerque District, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (W912PP-08-C-0019).
BAE SYSTEMS ORDNANCE SYSTEMS INC. (OSI), Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on Aug. 21, 2008, a $5, 691,704.74 firm-fixed price – requirements contract for production and supply of 354,182 pounds of composition C-4, class 3 (tagged) to support the M112 demo charge production at Milan Army Ammunition Plant. Work will be performed at Holston Army Ammunition Plant, Kingsport, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of May 30, 2009. One bid solicited and one bid received. U.S. Army Sustainment Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-03-D-0007).
NAVY
Alliant Techsystems, Inc., Woodland Hills, Calif., is being awarded a $96,820,977 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for the design, development, integration, and test of the Multi-Stage Supersonic Target (MSST). The MSST will represent a two-stage anti-ship cruise missile, consisting of a two-stage unmanned aerial target, a launcher, and associated support equipment. A total of two engineering evaluation units and seven engineering development models will be built as part of the effort. The MSST will provide threat representation for the developmental and operational testing of a major weapon system. Work will be performed in Sacramento, Calif., (38.9 percent); Woodland Hills, Calif., (32 percent); Plymouth, Minn., (19.2 percent); Elkton, Md., (5.1 percent); and Wichita, Kan., (4.8 percent), and is expected to be completed in Sept. 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $10,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via electronic request for proposal and three offers were received. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-08-C-0058).
Nammo Talley, Inc., Mesa Ariz., is being awarded a maximum $51,764,684 (base and options) cost-plus-fixed-fee with fixed-price incentive (firm target) line items contract for the System Development and Demonstration (SDD) and Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW II) launchers and Fire From Enclosure (FFE) assault rounds and associated data rights. The SDD phase will consist of 18 Launchers and 165 FFE assault rounds; the LRIP phase will consist of 130 launchers and 750 FFE assault rounds; the data rights consists of associated Government Purpose Rights. Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., and the expected date of completion is Feb. 2011 (Feb. 2012 with options exercised). Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-08-C-1123).
Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $13,704,876 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-05-G-0008). This delivery order is for the procurement of 174 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Enhanced Integrated Antenna Detector Radar Warning Receivers and 173 AN/ALR-67(V)3 Enhanced Antenna Detector Radar Warning Receiver Systems in support of the Canadian Forces for the F/A-18 aircraft; and 6 Integrated Microwave Integrated Circuits in support of the Swiss Army Armasuisse for the F/A-18 aircraft. This contract combines purchases for the Government of Canada ($13,590,350; 99 percent) and the Government of Switzerland, ($114,526; 1 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Lansdale, Pa., (75 percent) and El Segundo, Calif., (25 percent), and is expected to be completed in Mar. 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.
EG&G Technical Services Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.; General Dynamics Information Technology, Fairfax, Va.; Lockheed Martin Services Inc., Cherry Hill, N.J.; Technical Software Services Inc., Pensacola, Fla.; Raytheon Technical Services Co., Reston, Va.; Carley Corp., Orlando, Fla.; are each being awarded indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts for education/training products and support services managed by the Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) Pensacola, Fla., for the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) Enterprise. EG&G Technical Services is being awarded $7,804,540 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $41,548,586. General Dynamics Information Technology is being awarded $8,779,415 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $46,382,282. Lockheed Martin Services, Inc. is being awarded $7,055,205 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $36,740,443. Technical Software Services Inc. is being awarded $8,103,248 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $43,160,222. Raytheon Technical Services Co. is being awarded $8,464,798 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $42,688,034. Carley Corp. is being awarded $8,659,388 and the contracts estimated value if all options are exercised is $45,982,559. Work is to be performed in Gaithersburg, Md.; Fairfax, Va.; Cherry Hill, N.J.; Pensacola, Fla.; Reston, Va.; and Orlando, Fla., and work is expected to be complete Sept. 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This requirement was competitively procured and solicited through NAVY Electronic Commerce Online, with 18 offers received. The Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Norfolk, Contracting Department Philadelphia Division, is the contracting activity. (EG&G Technical Services Inc., N00189-08-D-Z033; General Dynamics Information Technology, N00189-08-D-Z034; Lockheed Martin Services Inc., N00189-08-D-Z035; Technical Software Services Inc., N00189-08-D-Z036; Raytheon Technical Services Co., N00189-08-D-Z038; Carley Corp., N00189-08-D-Z040)
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Exide Technologies Inc., Alpharetta, Ga., is being awarded a maximum $26,704,667 fixed price with economic price adjustment, indefinite quantity contract for storage batteries. Other location of performance is Manchester, Iowa. Using services are Army, NAVY, and Marine Corps. There were four proposals originally solicited with two responses. This contract has a base period of one year and four one-year option periods. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Aug. 21, 2009. The contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Richmond (DESR), Richmond, Va., (SPM4L1-08-D-0023).
Air BP, Warrenville, Ill. is being awarded a maximum $12,446,821 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for jet fuel. Other location of performance is Grand Junction, Colorado. Using services are Army, NAVY, Air Force, Marine Corps, federal civilian agencies and National Guard. There was 1 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. 30, 2012. The contracting activity is Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-08-D-0053).
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