NAVY
Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded an advance acquisition contract with an estimated value of $265,000,000 for long lead materials and effort associated with the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Air System Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot IV procurement of 12 Air Force Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) air systems, 14 Marine Corps Short Take-off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) air systems, one Navy Carrier Variant air system, and one Netherlands CTOL air system. In addition, this contract provides for associated ancillary mission equipment, sustainment support, special tooling/special test equipment and technical/financial data. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, (35 percent); El Segundo, Calif., (25 percent); Warton, United Kingdom, (20 percent); Orlando, Fla., (10 percent); Nashua, N.H., (5 percent); and Baltimore, Md., (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in Jan. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-09-C-0010).
Engineering/Remediation Resources Group *, Martinez, Calif.; EOD Technology Inc.*, Lenoir City, Tenn.; Bering Sea Eccotech Inc.*, Anchorage, Alaska; and Pika-Malcolm Pirnie JV *, LLC, Stafford, Texas, are each being awarded a firm fixed price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity multiple award contract for range sustainment environmental remediation services in support of the Navy and Marine Corps installations nationwide. The maximum dollar value for all four contracts combined is $100,000,000. The work to be performed provides for services for operational range clearance/range sustainment and remediation services, to include demilitarization, mutilation, certification/verification, disposal and recycling of range residue. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations nationwide. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of Mar. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with eight proposals received. Four contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, Environmental Core Contracts, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-D-2615/2616/2617/2618).
BAE Systems Tactical Vehicle Systems LLP, Sealy, Texas, is being awarded a $33,233,718 firm fixed priced modification to a previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5030) delivery order #0003. The purpose of this modification is to update the unit cost for the following: CLIN (contract line item number) 0241 – Improved Front Seat – LRIP 10; CLIN 0251 – ECP 12 Pin/24V Electrical Connector for Towing and CLIN 0252 – ECP Door Assist System (DAS) Safety Strip – Retrofit. The following CLINs have been added to the contract: CLIN 0031 – Technical Manual Verification; CLIN 0255 – MEAP Technical Bulletin; CLIN 0258 – MAMA Bear IBOM LRIP 11; CLIN 0260 – Repair Damage Vehicles at SPAWAR; CLIN 0262 – Developing CAIMAN DEMIL Procedures; CLIN 1015 – CONUS Instructors; CLIN 1016 – OCONUS Instructors; and CLIN 1017 – OCONUS FSR. The Authorized Stock List Supplemental Spares parts will be delivered to SR W4GG HQ US Army TACOM, Warren, Mich., and Defense Distribution System, Red River, Texarkana, Texas and deliveries associated with this delivery order will take place after receipt of this modification. The work is expected to be completed Jan. 2010. 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.
BAE Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $23,500,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5117) to exercise an option for development of the Long Range Land Attack Projectile (LRLAP). LRLAPs are guided flight projectiles that are loaded and fired by the Advanced Gun System, a fully automated, single barrel, 155-mm, vertically loaded, stabilized gun mount. Its primary mission is Land Attack Warfare in support of ground and expeditionary forces beyond line-of-sight in the DDG 1000 System's littoral engagement area where precise, rapid-response, high-volume, long-range fire support are required. Work will be preformed in Orlando, Fla., (75 percent) and Minneapolis, Minn., (25 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is extending a firm fixed price contract with Raytheon Company of Tucson, Arizona for $11,397,736. This action will extend the period of performance to provide Contractor Logistics Support for CY09. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 695 ARSS, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida is the contracting activity. (FA8675-08-C-0064, P00007)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Remembrance Ceremony Honors Fallen Military Medics
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - Beneath the rows of simple white headstones evenly spaced beneath a dull and cloudy mid-March sky, the stories of those who rest at Arlington National Cemetery here today are anything but ordinary. Some were killed by heavy machine-gun fire. Others were showered with rockets or mortars. And many were surprised by the explosion of an unexpected roadside bomb. But for the more than 210 military medics, corpsmen, doctors and nurses who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, they were killed trying to save others, the Defense Department's top medical official said.
"Their motto is 'Good medicine, bad places,'" Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant defense secretary for health affairs, said during the first remembrance ceremony and wreath laying for military medical personnel killed in the war on terror. "When it mattered most, they answered the call."
More than 100 friends, relatives and military members turned out for what officials plan to make an annual event to honor their loved ones and pay homage to a profession that almost always places its practitioners in difficult situations.
Casscells, who's also an Army Reserve colonel in the medical corps, talked of his fellow medics and corpsmen who never hesitated to treat their enemy. He read excerpts of medics who were so badly wounded they died giving first aid instructions calmly to others, because they couldn't provide the treatment themselves. He talked of others who gave their last minutes of life bandaging Iraqi children after a suicide bomb detonated.
"The decisions these medics and doctors and nurses make on the battlefield are a triumph of the human spirit," he said. "No greater love has any man than this than to lay down his life for his friends -- and they have done exactly that.
Combat medics have one of the highest-risk jobs in the military, he said, noting the intense, rigorous training they undergo to save lives.
"They had training that didn't exist in Vietnam or World War II," he said. "They're training to the level of [emergency medical treatment] and higher because of the tactical combat environment. They're so intensively trained in things that would make a [civilian] doctor pause."
More than 5,000 U.S. military lives have been lost on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan under the backdrop of guerilla warfare and unpredictably sophisticated tactics and military capability. However, thousands more may have been lost if not for medics and corpsmen first responders in the field, he said.
"Their skill and their bravery is the single most important reason why the fatality rate today in Iraq and Afghanistan is 10 percent vs. 23 percent in Vietnam," he said. "This is despite much more powerful munitions, munitions which explode right under your vehicle."
Deborah Mullen, wife of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered her condolences and praised the military medical corps for their devotion to others. She said to remember them not for the life that was lost, but for the lives they saved.
"We come here today to pay tribute to the heroes of our heroes -- the men and women who risked their own lives and limbs to save the lives and limbs of others," Mullen said. "Time cannot describe and words fail to convey the fidelity and ardor in which these brave souls did their duty."
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - Beneath the rows of simple white headstones evenly spaced beneath a dull and cloudy mid-March sky, the stories of those who rest at Arlington National Cemetery here today are anything but ordinary. Some were killed by heavy machine-gun fire. Others were showered with rockets or mortars. And many were surprised by the explosion of an unexpected roadside bomb. But for the more than 210 military medics, corpsmen, doctors and nurses who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11, they were killed trying to save others, the Defense Department's top medical official said.
"Their motto is 'Good medicine, bad places,'" Dr. S. Ward Casscells, assistant defense secretary for health affairs, said during the first remembrance ceremony and wreath laying for military medical personnel killed in the war on terror. "When it mattered most, they answered the call."
More than 100 friends, relatives and military members turned out for what officials plan to make an annual event to honor their loved ones and pay homage to a profession that almost always places its practitioners in difficult situations.
Casscells, who's also an Army Reserve colonel in the medical corps, talked of his fellow medics and corpsmen who never hesitated to treat their enemy. He read excerpts of medics who were so badly wounded they died giving first aid instructions calmly to others, because they couldn't provide the treatment themselves. He talked of others who gave their last minutes of life bandaging Iraqi children after a suicide bomb detonated.
"The decisions these medics and doctors and nurses make on the battlefield are a triumph of the human spirit," he said. "No greater love has any man than this than to lay down his life for his friends -- and they have done exactly that.
Combat medics have one of the highest-risk jobs in the military, he said, noting the intense, rigorous training they undergo to save lives.
"They had training that didn't exist in Vietnam or World War II," he said. "They're training to the level of [emergency medical treatment] and higher because of the tactical combat environment. They're so intensively trained in things that would make a [civilian] doctor pause."
More than 5,000 U.S. military lives have been lost on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan under the backdrop of guerilla warfare and unpredictably sophisticated tactics and military capability. However, thousands more may have been lost if not for medics and corpsmen first responders in the field, he said.
"Their skill and their bravery is the single most important reason why the fatality rate today in Iraq and Afghanistan is 10 percent vs. 23 percent in Vietnam," he said. "This is despite much more powerful munitions, munitions which explode right under your vehicle."
Deborah Mullen, wife of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, offered her condolences and praised the military medical corps for their devotion to others. She said to remember them not for the life that was lost, but for the lives they saved.
"We come here today to pay tribute to the heroes of our heroes -- the men and women who risked their own lives and limbs to save the lives and limbs of others," Mullen said. "Time cannot describe and words fail to convey the fidelity and ardor in which these brave souls did their duty."
Defense Decisions to be Subject to 'Hard Scrutiny' During Budget Process
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will await the results of a thorough review process before making decisions about major defense systems, keeping U.S. security interests at the forefront, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters today. "Every program imaginable is subjected to this very, very hard scrutiny that is under way right now as part of the budget process," Morrell said at today's Pentagon briefing. "We are still very much in the midst of that process."
Morrell responded to questions about news reports that the White House had directed the Pentagon to delay buying new aerial tankers. He acknowledged that the Office of Management and Budget has weighed in on the tanker issue, but clarified that OPM merely suggested options to consider during the fiscal 2010 budget process.
"I can assure you that no decisions have been made about any one of the programs that are under review," Morrell said. "If you hear contrary, you're hearing false information."
Gates' decisions, when made, will be "based upon what is in the best interest of our nation's security," Morrell said.
"He will make recommendations to the president according to that fundamental tenet of this process," he added. "And ultimately, it's up to the president and the Congress to decide if they want to adhere to his advice."
The secretary also is approaching the upcoming Quadrennial Defense Review with an open mind, Morrell said.
A central concept to be reviewed is the so-called "two-war doctrine," Gates said during an interview yesterday with National Public Radio.
"Our military planning ... going back at least 20 years has been to have the ability to fight two major combat operations simultaneously," the secretary said. He explained that the doctrine calls for one of those fights to be "an aggressive effort," while the other is put on hold until the job can be finished.
"I think one of the central questions that this department will face in the Quadrennial Defense Review, which will begin shortly, is whether that model makes any sense in the 21st century," Gates said. The QDR will help determine "whether what may have fit in a Cold War environment or an immediately post-Cold War environment really has application to today's world," he said.
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates will await the results of a thorough review process before making decisions about major defense systems, keeping U.S. security interests at the forefront, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters today. "Every program imaginable is subjected to this very, very hard scrutiny that is under way right now as part of the budget process," Morrell said at today's Pentagon briefing. "We are still very much in the midst of that process."
Morrell responded to questions about news reports that the White House had directed the Pentagon to delay buying new aerial tankers. He acknowledged that the Office of Management and Budget has weighed in on the tanker issue, but clarified that OPM merely suggested options to consider during the fiscal 2010 budget process.
"I can assure you that no decisions have been made about any one of the programs that are under review," Morrell said. "If you hear contrary, you're hearing false information."
Gates' decisions, when made, will be "based upon what is in the best interest of our nation's security," Morrell said.
"He will make recommendations to the president according to that fundamental tenet of this process," he added. "And ultimately, it's up to the president and the Congress to decide if they want to adhere to his advice."
The secretary also is approaching the upcoming Quadrennial Defense Review with an open mind, Morrell said.
A central concept to be reviewed is the so-called "two-war doctrine," Gates said during an interview yesterday with National Public Radio.
"Our military planning ... going back at least 20 years has been to have the ability to fight two major combat operations simultaneously," the secretary said. He explained that the doctrine calls for one of those fights to be "an aggressive effort," while the other is put on hold until the job can be finished.
"I think one of the central questions that this department will face in the Quadrennial Defense Review, which will begin shortly, is whether that model makes any sense in the 21st century," Gates said. The QDR will help determine "whether what may have fit in a Cold War environment or an immediately post-Cold War environment really has application to today's world," he said.
Budget Would Transform VA to 21st-century Organization, Shinseki Says
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - President Barack Obama's fiscal 2010 budget proposal is necessary to transform the Department of Veterans Affairs into the 21st century organization he envisions, VA's top official said here yesterday. VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki told the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on veterans affairs that the proposed budget is "critical to realizing the president's mission" for future veteran care.
"President Obama has charged me with transforming the VA into a 21st-century organization," Shinseki said. "Not change for the sake of change, not nibbling around the edges, but [to bring] a fundamental and comprehensive view in all that we do for veterans."
The proposal would raise the VA's budget to $112.8 billion for 2010, which is a $15 billion boost from the previous year. The proposal is the largest one-year dollar and percentage increase ever requested by a president for veterans, Shinseki said.
Nearly two-thirds of the $15 billion increase would go to mandatory programs, while the remaining $5.5 billion would be for discretionary funding, he said, noting that the total budget would almost evenly split between mandatory funding at $56.9 billion, and discretionary funding at $55.9 billion.
The 2010 budget proposal would fund the new Post 9/11 GI Bill and allow a gradual expansion of health care eligibility to Priority Group 8 veterans. Priority Group 8 comprises veterans whose injuries are not service-related. This group has been excluded from VA care since 2003, he noted.
The VA expects an expansion of 550,000 new enrollees by 2013, due to the Priority Group 8 veterans, Shinseki said.
"[The budget proposal] contains sufficient resources so that we will maintain our quality of health care for all veterans with no adverse impact on wait times or quality for those already enrolled," he said, noting that the VA's health care system sets the bar for the nation's.
The president's request will provide greater benefits for veterans who are medically retired from active duty and allows highly disabled veterans to receive both their military retired pay and VA disability compensation benefits, he said.
The proposal also supports additional specialty care for aging and homeless veterans, women, mental health and vision issues, and spinal cord injuries. It also will provide an outreach of VA services to rural communities that lack access to care, he said.
Shinseki also addressed the VA's desire to make enrollment and claims easier for veterans by working to go "paperless" and institute a joint venture called "uniform registration" with the Defense Department. The initiatives eventually will create a single electronic record that governs how each department will acknowledge, identify, track and manage its clients in both the active and reserve components, he said.
"From the moment [military members] take the oath of allegiance in uniform, our management decisions will be better, faster, more consistent and fair, and less subject to lost files or destroyed claims," Shinseki said. "We have benefited from the insights and experience and advice of [Defense Department officials], so we are committed to doing this smartly and differently from some of our past hard lessons learned."
The uniform registration initiative also will help control VA's backlogs of claims, he said.
Shinseki called the budget proposal a demonstration of Obama's commitment to the nation's veterans, and a sign that the president is "moving boldly to acknowledge new times, new demographic realities and leveraging new technologies to renew our commitment to veterans wherever they live," he said.
The details of Obama's federal budget proposal are still being assessed, but are expected to be finalized in April for congressional review.
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - President Barack Obama's fiscal 2010 budget proposal is necessary to transform the Department of Veterans Affairs into the 21st century organization he envisions, VA's top official said here yesterday. VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki told the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on veterans affairs that the proposed budget is "critical to realizing the president's mission" for future veteran care.
"President Obama has charged me with transforming the VA into a 21st-century organization," Shinseki said. "Not change for the sake of change, not nibbling around the edges, but [to bring] a fundamental and comprehensive view in all that we do for veterans."
The proposal would raise the VA's budget to $112.8 billion for 2010, which is a $15 billion boost from the previous year. The proposal is the largest one-year dollar and percentage increase ever requested by a president for veterans, Shinseki said.
Nearly two-thirds of the $15 billion increase would go to mandatory programs, while the remaining $5.5 billion would be for discretionary funding, he said, noting that the total budget would almost evenly split between mandatory funding at $56.9 billion, and discretionary funding at $55.9 billion.
The 2010 budget proposal would fund the new Post 9/11 GI Bill and allow a gradual expansion of health care eligibility to Priority Group 8 veterans. Priority Group 8 comprises veterans whose injuries are not service-related. This group has been excluded from VA care since 2003, he noted.
The VA expects an expansion of 550,000 new enrollees by 2013, due to the Priority Group 8 veterans, Shinseki said.
"[The budget proposal] contains sufficient resources so that we will maintain our quality of health care for all veterans with no adverse impact on wait times or quality for those already enrolled," he said, noting that the VA's health care system sets the bar for the nation's.
The president's request will provide greater benefits for veterans who are medically retired from active duty and allows highly disabled veterans to receive both their military retired pay and VA disability compensation benefits, he said.
The proposal also supports additional specialty care for aging and homeless veterans, women, mental health and vision issues, and spinal cord injuries. It also will provide an outreach of VA services to rural communities that lack access to care, he said.
Shinseki also addressed the VA's desire to make enrollment and claims easier for veterans by working to go "paperless" and institute a joint venture called "uniform registration" with the Defense Department. The initiatives eventually will create a single electronic record that governs how each department will acknowledge, identify, track and manage its clients in both the active and reserve components, he said.
"From the moment [military members] take the oath of allegiance in uniform, our management decisions will be better, faster, more consistent and fair, and less subject to lost files or destroyed claims," Shinseki said. "We have benefited from the insights and experience and advice of [Defense Department officials], so we are committed to doing this smartly and differently from some of our past hard lessons learned."
The uniform registration initiative also will help control VA's backlogs of claims, he said.
Shinseki called the budget proposal a demonstration of Obama's commitment to the nation's veterans, and a sign that the president is "moving boldly to acknowledge new times, new demographic realities and leveraging new technologies to renew our commitment to veterans wherever they live," he said.
The details of Obama's federal budget proposal are still being assessed, but are expected to be finalized in April for congressional review.
Medical Center Uses Innovative Methods to Improve Patient Safety
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - Health care providers at the largest Air Force medical center on the West Coast are using state-of-the-art, interactive human patient simulators as just one of many safety initiatives to improve medical care, the medical center's commander said yesterday. "Actually, you would be very surprised. [The simulators] respond just like real patients," Air Force Col. (Dr.) Lee Payne, commander of the 60th Medical Group at David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., told "Dot Mil Docs" listeners on Pentagon Web Radio.
"They breathe, they blink, and they talk back to our staff, depending on the scenario," Payne continued. "They have a pulse, and they react when you treat it right or don't treat it properly. It makes the scenario extremely real."
The use of human patient simulators is just one of the many ways the medical center is implementing the Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety, or TeamSTEPPS, program at one of the largest inpatient military treatment facilities in the Air Force.
"[TeamSTEPPS] really builds their confidence," Payne said. "Our doctors, nurses and medical technicians have expressed a greater sense of confidence in their abilities to perform as teams when these concepts are used.
"Applying these concepts is actually like speaking one common language," he continued. "This is due to each team member understanding what their roles and responsibilities are."
Payne said training is built into the work day at the center. "We are consistently implementing TeamSTEPPS training into our practices for our doctors, nurses and medical technicians, and we have seen an increase of incident reporting as a result," Payne noted.
TeamSTEPPS is the cornerstone of the Military Health System patient safety program, Payne said. "Our next goal is to be able prove that [by] improving TeamSTEPPS scores in training scenarios, [we] directly improve patient outcomes and reduce medical errors."
Another positive outcome from TeamSTEPPS is the number of process improvements at the center. "Last year, we used our TeamSTEPPS training in incident reports to generate 46 process improvements," Payne said.
One example is the introduction of debriefing after each procedure and operation.
"That really improved communication, resulting in a 66 percent decrease in incidents where needed equipment wasn't readily available at the time of the procedure," Payne said.
"It's really critical that we encourage reporting of incidences and near-misses," he said. "The identification of these potential problems allows us to intervene before someone is actually harmed, and so increasing incident reporting is one of our key strategic objectives."
Payne said medical center officials continue to set their sights on offering world-class health care. "One of our three stated objectives is to become the nation's safest health care organization," he said. "We submitted our application to [the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration] to be evaluated in June for [Voluntary Protection Program] Star status."
OSHA's Star program is designed for worksites with exemplary health management systems, according to the OSHA Web site.
If they are successful, the center will be one of eight hospitals with that status nationwide, and the first in the Defense Department to receive that recognition.
The medical center provides a full spectrum of care to more than 95,000 eligible beneficiaries, and 400,000 people eligible through the Veterans Affairs Department's Northern California Health Care System.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg is assigned to the Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media directorate.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - Health care providers at the largest Air Force medical center on the West Coast are using state-of-the-art, interactive human patient simulators as just one of many safety initiatives to improve medical care, the medical center's commander said yesterday. "Actually, you would be very surprised. [The simulators] respond just like real patients," Air Force Col. (Dr.) Lee Payne, commander of the 60th Medical Group at David Grant U.S. Air Force Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., told "Dot Mil Docs" listeners on Pentagon Web Radio.
"They breathe, they blink, and they talk back to our staff, depending on the scenario," Payne continued. "They have a pulse, and they react when you treat it right or don't treat it properly. It makes the scenario extremely real."
The use of human patient simulators is just one of the many ways the medical center is implementing the Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety, or TeamSTEPPS, program at one of the largest inpatient military treatment facilities in the Air Force.
"[TeamSTEPPS] really builds their confidence," Payne said. "Our doctors, nurses and medical technicians have expressed a greater sense of confidence in their abilities to perform as teams when these concepts are used.
"Applying these concepts is actually like speaking one common language," he continued. "This is due to each team member understanding what their roles and responsibilities are."
Payne said training is built into the work day at the center. "We are consistently implementing TeamSTEPPS training into our practices for our doctors, nurses and medical technicians, and we have seen an increase of incident reporting as a result," Payne noted.
TeamSTEPPS is the cornerstone of the Military Health System patient safety program, Payne said. "Our next goal is to be able prove that [by] improving TeamSTEPPS scores in training scenarios, [we] directly improve patient outcomes and reduce medical errors."
Another positive outcome from TeamSTEPPS is the number of process improvements at the center. "Last year, we used our TeamSTEPPS training in incident reports to generate 46 process improvements," Payne said.
One example is the introduction of debriefing after each procedure and operation.
"That really improved communication, resulting in a 66 percent decrease in incidents where needed equipment wasn't readily available at the time of the procedure," Payne said.
"It's really critical that we encourage reporting of incidences and near-misses," he said. "The identification of these potential problems allows us to intervene before someone is actually harmed, and so increasing incident reporting is one of our key strategic objectives."
Payne said medical center officials continue to set their sights on offering world-class health care. "One of our three stated objectives is to become the nation's safest health care organization," he said. "We submitted our application to [the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration] to be evaluated in June for [Voluntary Protection Program] Star status."
OSHA's Star program is designed for worksites with exemplary health management systems, according to the OSHA Web site.
If they are successful, the center will be one of eight hospitals with that status nationwide, and the first in the Defense Department to receive that recognition.
The medical center provides a full spectrum of care to more than 95,000 eligible beneficiaries, and 400,000 people eligible through the Veterans Affairs Department's Northern California Health Care System.
(Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg is assigned to the Defense Media Activity's Emerging Media directorate.)
Military Looks to Dispel Myths, Advance Treatment for Brain Injuries
By Mark Heeter
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - Get a good night's sleep. That is seemingly simple, yet sometimes complicated, advice from medical professionals as part of a reintegration program for redeploying soldiers who might have suffered traumatic brain injuries, the commander of Europe Regional Medical Command said. "When you come back from Afghanistan or Iraq, part of the screening program process is [confirming] if you had multiple concussive injuries downrange," Army Brig. Gen. Keith W. Gallagher said.
The objective of the reintegration is to "get you to where you can function and go to sleep at night," he said. "Sleep is very important for the healing process."
And, contrary to popular misconceptions, these physical injuries will heal, said Army Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Loree K. Sutton, special assistant to the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs for psychological health and traumatic brain injury.
"One of the myths out there is that mild traumatic brain injuries, or concussions, means that somehow your brain is broken forever. No, it's an injury," said Sutton, who also is director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
"If you have some long-term, later symptoms that pop up, that's probably post-traumatic stress. That's probably not related to the concussion," she explained.
Sutton and Gallagher were joined for a recent meeting and video teleconference at the Schweinfurt Army Health Clinic here by Army Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Rhonda Cornum, director of comprehensive soldier fitness for the Army's Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff.
"We need to address [brain injury and psychological health] in a holistic fashion," said Cornum, who aims to see more components of soldiers' total health come into focus through prevention and training across the Army culture.
"[Recruits] come in, and we do the [physical training] test twice a year. We do PT training every week. And so we have a program to make people stronger, but we have not had a program to worry about psychological, spiritual, emotional, family," she said.
"The [Defense] Department has made an enormous investment in both better understanding concussions, mild TBI, and in psychological health," said Sutton, noting that doctors' and researchers' recent discoveries about the brain make this an "exciting" time to be working on injured servicemembers' behalf.
"When I was in medical school, in the '80s, we were taught what was then thought to be true: ... you're born into this world with all the brain cells you're ever going to get," Sutton said, quickly dispelling those old misconceptions with words like neurogenesis and neuroplasticity that define the brain's ability to recover and adapt.
Soldiers -- or anyone -- who have likely suffered a TBI should seek help with their care providers, Gallagher stressed.
"If they're having problems, they can go see their primary care provider. If they're still having problems, go see them again," he said.
"But don't stay awake watching movies because you can't go to sleep, and then wonder why you're getting up late for work. That's not helpful," Cornum advised.
It's not just about that good night's sleep.
(Mark Heeter works at the U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt public affairs office.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - Get a good night's sleep. That is seemingly simple, yet sometimes complicated, advice from medical professionals as part of a reintegration program for redeploying soldiers who might have suffered traumatic brain injuries, the commander of Europe Regional Medical Command said. "When you come back from Afghanistan or Iraq, part of the screening program process is [confirming] if you had multiple concussive injuries downrange," Army Brig. Gen. Keith W. Gallagher said.
The objective of the reintegration is to "get you to where you can function and go to sleep at night," he said. "Sleep is very important for the healing process."
And, contrary to popular misconceptions, these physical injuries will heal, said Army Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Loree K. Sutton, special assistant to the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs for psychological health and traumatic brain injury.
"One of the myths out there is that mild traumatic brain injuries, or concussions, means that somehow your brain is broken forever. No, it's an injury," said Sutton, who also is director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.
"If you have some long-term, later symptoms that pop up, that's probably post-traumatic stress. That's probably not related to the concussion," she explained.
Sutton and Gallagher were joined for a recent meeting and video teleconference at the Schweinfurt Army Health Clinic here by Army Brig. Gen. (Dr.) Rhonda Cornum, director of comprehensive soldier fitness for the Army's Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff.
"We need to address [brain injury and psychological health] in a holistic fashion," said Cornum, who aims to see more components of soldiers' total health come into focus through prevention and training across the Army culture.
"[Recruits] come in, and we do the [physical training] test twice a year. We do PT training every week. And so we have a program to make people stronger, but we have not had a program to worry about psychological, spiritual, emotional, family," she said.
"The [Defense] Department has made an enormous investment in both better understanding concussions, mild TBI, and in psychological health," said Sutton, noting that doctors' and researchers' recent discoveries about the brain make this an "exciting" time to be working on injured servicemembers' behalf.
"When I was in medical school, in the '80s, we were taught what was then thought to be true: ... you're born into this world with all the brain cells you're ever going to get," Sutton said, quickly dispelling those old misconceptions with words like neurogenesis and neuroplasticity that define the brain's ability to recover and adapt.
Soldiers -- or anyone -- who have likely suffered a TBI should seek help with their care providers, Gallagher stressed.
"If they're having problems, they can go see their primary care provider. If they're still having problems, go see them again," he said.
"But don't stay awake watching movies because you can't go to sleep, and then wonder why you're getting up late for work. That's not helpful," Cornum advised.
It's not just about that good night's sleep.
(Mark Heeter works at the U.S. Army Garrison Schweinfurt public affairs office.)
Discussions Aim to Resolve U.S. Survey Ship Incident
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - The incident in the South China Sea involving a U.S. ocean surveillance ship is serious enough to merit face-to-face discussions between U.S. and Chinese officials, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. The USNS Impeccable – an unarmed Military Sealift Command vessel -- was conducting operations in international waters 70 miles south of Hainan Island on March 8 when the ship was surrounded and harassed by five Chinese vessels.
Morrell said the U.S. defense attaché in Beijing has been talking with China's defense ministry about the incident.
The Chinese defense attaché also is speaking with Defense Department officials.
"[The incident] is serious enough that we believe it requires face-to-face talks to find out what was going on here and to ensure that there are no further incidents of this nature in the future," Morrell said.
Morrell reiterated the U.S. position that the Impeccable was performing its mission in international waters.
"We hope that the Chinese would behave in a similar way, that is, according to international law," he said. "Furthermore, this incident is not at all consistent with the expressed desire of both governments to build a closer relationship, particularly a closer military-to-military relationship."
The U.S. position is that if a ship is lawfully operating in international waters, "that that is legal and permitted, and there should be no ... reason to interfere with those operations," Morrell said. Officials are hopeful that the conversations between the two nations will clear up any misunderstandings about this incident and ensure it doesn't happen again, he added.
American Forces Press Service
March 11, 2009 - The incident in the South China Sea involving a U.S. ocean surveillance ship is serious enough to merit face-to-face discussions between U.S. and Chinese officials, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said today. The USNS Impeccable – an unarmed Military Sealift Command vessel -- was conducting operations in international waters 70 miles south of Hainan Island on March 8 when the ship was surrounded and harassed by five Chinese vessels.
Morrell said the U.S. defense attaché in Beijing has been talking with China's defense ministry about the incident.
The Chinese defense attaché also is speaking with Defense Department officials.
"[The incident] is serious enough that we believe it requires face-to-face talks to find out what was going on here and to ensure that there are no further incidents of this nature in the future," Morrell said.
Morrell reiterated the U.S. position that the Impeccable was performing its mission in international waters.
"We hope that the Chinese would behave in a similar way, that is, according to international law," he said. "Furthermore, this incident is not at all consistent with the expressed desire of both governments to build a closer relationship, particularly a closer military-to-military relationship."
The U.S. position is that if a ship is lawfully operating in international waters, "that that is legal and permitted, and there should be no ... reason to interfere with those operations," Morrell said. Officials are hopeful that the conversations between the two nations will clear up any misunderstandings about this incident and ensure it doesn't happen again, he added.
Bombs, Bullets and Fast Talk
On March 27, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a
discussion Special James Botting, FBI (ret.) the author of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast
Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.
Program Date: March 27, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/03/28/Bombs-Bullets-and-Fast-Talk
About the Guest
Special Agent James Botting (ret.) served in the FBI for twenty-five years, sixteen as a crisis/hostage negotiator. He served as the team leader of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) from 1981 to 1995 and a supervisory member of its international Critical Incident Negotiation Team since its inception in 1985 until his retirement. He has personally negotiated numerous hostage/barricade incidents and responded to several high-profile events. He lives in California. James Botting is the author of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.
According to the book description of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories, “A desperate gunman holds a planeload of innocent passengers hostage. A heavily armed cult leader refuses to leave his compound, threatening mass suicide by a hundred of his brainwashed followers. A neo-Nazi militant in a cabin hideout keeps federal agents at bay with gunfire. A baby disappears; his only trace is an ominous ransom call to his parents. Prisoners riot, threatening the lives of prison officers and hundreds of other inmates. How do you react? What do you do? What do you say? Your words, your actions can save lives--or lose them.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Law Enforcement Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/03/28/Bombs-Bullets-and-Fast-Talk
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
discussion Special James Botting, FBI (ret.) the author of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast
Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.
Program Date: March 27, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/03/28/Bombs-Bullets-and-Fast-Talk
About the Guest
Special Agent James Botting (ret.) served in the FBI for twenty-five years, sixteen as a crisis/hostage negotiator. He served as the team leader of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) from 1981 to 1995 and a supervisory member of its international Critical Incident Negotiation Team since its inception in 1985 until his retirement. He has personally negotiated numerous hostage/barricade incidents and responded to several high-profile events. He lives in California. James Botting is the author of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.
According to the book description of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories, “A desperate gunman holds a planeload of innocent passengers hostage. A heavily armed cult leader refuses to leave his compound, threatening mass suicide by a hundred of his brainwashed followers. A neo-Nazi militant in a cabin hideout keeps federal agents at bay with gunfire. A baby disappears; his only trace is an ominous ransom call to his parents. Prisoners riot, threatening the lives of prison officers and hundreds of other inmates. How do you react? What do you do? What do you say? Your words, your actions can save lives--or lose them.”
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Law Enforcement Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/03/28/Bombs-Bullets-and-Fast-Talk
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 10, 2009
NAVY
Atlantic Marine Mayport, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $37,035,816 firm-fixed-price contract to perform drydock, ship alterations, and maintenance and repair work for the extended drydock selected restricted availability of the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $42,476,685. Work will be performed in the Jacksonville, Fla., area and is expected to be completed by Dec. 22, 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $42,476,685 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with six proposals solicited and two offers received via the Federal Business Opportunities website. The Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N40027-09-C-0048).
Solpac Construction Inc., dba Soltek Pacific Construction, Co., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $26,226,750 for firm-fixed price task order #0008 under a previously awarded multiple award construction (N62473-08-D-8615) for design and construction of a new Weapons and Armament Research, Development, Acquisition, Test, and Evaluation Laboratory (RDT&E) Facility #3 at the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, Calif. The facility will provide technical and management support offices with electronic computer labs, laboratory work areas, and miscellaneous supporting spaces to support electronic work on guidance systems. The task order also contains two unexercised options, which if exercised would increase cumulative task order value to $28,786,750. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
GE Aviation Systems, LLC, Bohemia, N.Y., is being awarded a ceiling $9,300,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of spare components for the GE avionics system for flight control and communications in support of the C-130J aircraft sustainment program. Thirty seven components are included in this contract over the next five years. These components are considered end items or weapons replaceable assemblies of the K/H/C-130J. Work will be performed in Bohemia, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by March 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-09-D-WT30).
U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
ITT Corp., of Roanoke, Va., is being awarded a $11,422,775 firm-fixed-price contract for image intensifier assemblies, 18 MM microchannel wafer high performance tubes, MX-10160 GS in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Procurement Division. The work will be performed in Roanoke and is expected to be completed by May 26, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded on a competitive basis. The contract number is H92222-09-C-0025.
Atlantic Marine Mayport, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla., is being awarded a $37,035,816 firm-fixed-price contract to perform drydock, ship alterations, and maintenance and repair work for the extended drydock selected restricted availability of the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $42,476,685. Work will be performed in the Jacksonville, Fla., area and is expected to be completed by Dec. 22, 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $42,476,685 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with six proposals solicited and two offers received via the Federal Business Opportunities website. The Southeast Regional Maintenance Center, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity (N40027-09-C-0048).
Solpac Construction Inc., dba Soltek Pacific Construction, Co., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded $26,226,750 for firm-fixed price task order #0008 under a previously awarded multiple award construction (N62473-08-D-8615) for design and construction of a new Weapons and Armament Research, Development, Acquisition, Test, and Evaluation Laboratory (RDT&E) Facility #3 at the Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, Calif. The facility will provide technical and management support offices with electronic computer labs, laboratory work areas, and miscellaneous supporting spaces to support electronic work on guidance systems. The task order also contains two unexercised options, which if exercised would increase cumulative task order value to $28,786,750. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.
GE Aviation Systems, LLC, Bohemia, N.Y., is being awarded a ceiling $9,300,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of spare components for the GE avionics system for flight control and communications in support of the C-130J aircraft sustainment program. Thirty seven components are included in this contract over the next five years. These components are considered end items or weapons replaceable assemblies of the K/H/C-130J. Work will be performed in Bohemia, N.Y., and is expected to be completed by March 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-09-D-WT30).
U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
ITT Corp., of Roanoke, Va., is being awarded a $11,422,775 firm-fixed-price contract for image intensifier assemblies, 18 MM microchannel wafer high performance tubes, MX-10160 GS in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Procurement Division. The work will be performed in Roanoke and is expected to be completed by May 26, 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was awarded on a competitive basis. The contract number is H92222-09-C-0025.
Face of Defense: Alaska Army National Guard Soldier Takes on Iditarod
By Army Spc. Paizley RamseySpecial to American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2009 - An Alaska Army National Guardsman is running in the grueling 2009 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race under way in Alaska. Army Staff Sgt. Harry Alexie's selection marks the first time an Alaska Army National Guardsman has represented the Alaska Army Guard in the race. The Kwethluk, Alaska, native has roots firmly planted in Alaska's culture, the Alaska Army National Guard and sled dog racing.
"Alexie was a perfect candidate for the Iditarod," Army Command Sgt. Maj. Clinton Brown, recruiting and retention command sergeant major for the 38th Troop Command, said. "He has experience with this sport, and he has the physical and mental strength to be a real contender."
Alexie, who serves with the Alaska Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1-297th Cavalry, began the 1,150-mile journey to Nome on March 7 at the ceremonial start of the race in Anchorage, Alaska. The "musher" and a team of dogs cover the distance in 10 to 17 days. But before he left the starting line, the soldier racked up months of valuable training with one of the race's best.
Alexie has trained since October with veteran musher and two-time Iditarod winner Lance Mackey at Mackey's Comeback Kennel outside of Fairbanks, Alaska. Alexie said the training was highly motivating, and that he hopes to represent the Alaska Army National Guard with the highest degree of pride of service and professionalism.
"Training has been going great since I started working with Lance," Alexie said.
"The past few weeks have been pretty tough, and I've lost a lot of sleep, but no worse than basic training," he joked. "It's part of the training and conditioning for the trail. I'm just happy to be a part of this."
Alexie's apprenticeship under Mackey demonstrates not only his desire to train with a champion, but also the pioneering efforts of Guard leaders wanting to highlight the history and partnership between Alaska and its Army National Guard.
"We're going back to our roots," Army Lt. Col. Joseph Lawendowski, recruiting and retention commander for the 38th Troop Command, said. "The Guard was founded by the efforts of people like 'Muktuk' Marston, who recruited nearly 4,000 individuals using sled dogs as a means of transportation to remote villages to bolster the Alaska Territorial Guard during the World War II era.
"We have a history with this sport, because this is how [the Alaska Army National Guard] started," he continued. "Alexie will be following in the tracks of Muktuk Marston's 1942 recruitment effort."
Mackey said competing in the Iditarod takes a great deal of mental strength and fortitude, and he is confident that Alexie will be able to successfully complete the race.
"I believe Harry has what it takes," Mackey said. "I have the utmost confidence in his abilities, but in the end it's up to him to make it to Nome."
(Army Spc. Paizley Ramsey serves with the Alaska Army National Guard.)
Coast Guard Trains Partner Nations in Exercise Tradewinds
By Marine Corps Sgt. Sheila Brooks and Lance Cpl. Randall Little Special to American Forces Press ServiceMarch 10, 2009 - Coast Guardsmen from District 7, Tactical Law Enforcement Detachment, are taking part in Tradewinds 2009, a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise designed to increase maritime security. The Coast Guardsmen trained servicemembers from partner nations in compliant and noncompliant boarding March 6 to 8 at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Base in Coral Harbour.
The exercise -- which includes participants from the United States, Great Britain and 16 Caribbean countries -- is focused on maritime interdiction and search-and-rescue operations, with an emphasis on command and control. The exercise began March 4 and runs through March 18.
As part of Tradewinds' goal to increase maritime security, the compliant and noncompliant boarding training will help to ensure partner nations are able to execute the necessary measures when called upon to board a vessel -- with the appropriate use of force -- to prevent illegal trafficking.
"The focus of this year's activities on maritime interdiction is critical and timely, and is in line with our determination that every effort should be made to prevent a significant upsurge in drug trafficking in the Caribbean region," Bahamas National Security Minister O.A. "Tommy" Turnquest said during the opening ceremonies of the exercise.
Coast Guardsmen instructed their partner nation counterparts in the proper way to approach a vessel occupant in a nonaggressive manner -- slowly walking toward the subject with their hands open, palms facing the subject.
"When dealing with compliant occupants of a vessel, it's like dealing with [peaceful] protestors," said Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Matthew Rouse, stationed out of Mayport, Fla.
Even if they don't immediately follow instructions, "the occupants are noncombatant," he said.
The students were shown techniques such as pressure points and handcuffing procedures to detain suspects who become aggressive and show resistance, but still are not attacking them.
"Noncompliant [occupants] need a little bit more convincing to cooperate," Able Seaman Miska Clarke of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force said, "whether it is talking more harsh, getting more physical or using deadly force to achieve the goal of your boarding."
If the situation escalates and the occupants become violent or aggressive, they then would be classified as noncompliant.
"Noncompliant boarding is a boarding in which the boarding team encounters resistance or resentment from the crew toward the law enforcement presence," Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Gustavo Tirado, an Islaverde, Puerto Rico native, said.
Partner nation servicemembers were instructed in escalation of force and how to properly evaluate when an occupant is noncompliant and how to keep control of the situation with the correct course of action.
"It's very important for the partner nations to learn these skills, because they will be conducting these operations in the future," Rouse said. "There are a lot of people out there up to no good, and we want to ensure that our partner nations' servicemembers will have the knowledge to deal with those threats."
Rouse, whose detachment is based out of Miami, said he enjoys the opportunity to train other servicemembers and show them how the Coast Guard operates, as well as to build camaraderie that will benefit all when having to cooperate in real-world events.
"It's a great chance for us to share with them how we board vessels, and also shows them we're more than willing to support them," Rouse said.
Nations participating in Exercise Tradewinds 2009 include the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, St. Kitts-Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, the United Kingdom and the United States.
(Marine Corps Sgt. Sheila Brooks and Lance Cpl. Randall Little are with the Exercise Tradewinds 2009 Public Affairs Detachment.)
Task Group Reviews Education Activity's Literacy Programs
By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2009 - The Department of Defense Education Activity has suspended the use of the Reading Recovery program in its European schools for the school year that begins in the fall. Reading Recovery, a manpower-intensive literacy program that aims to bolster literacy skills of low-achieving first grade students, already has been discontinued in DoDEA's Pacific schools.
"Reading Recovery itself ... is very limiting, in that it targets 10 to 20 percent of first graders," Lori Pickel, DoDEA's elementary reading and language arts coordinator, said of the 16-week, one-on-one program. "We have many ways that we provide reading intervention or literacy intervention for our students. Reading Recovery was just one of those vehicles."
It's also just one of the literacy programs under review by DoDEA's Literacy Task Group. The group was convened during the current school year.
"In reviewing the programs, this is one ... that really may not be hitting the population of military students that we have in the numbers that we need," Marc Mossburg, the activity's chief of curriculum, said. "This is the way to move forward and the way for continuous improvement.
"[The task group] is having their third and final meeting in April, at which time they will present some preliminary recommendations for a [pre-kindergarten] through [12th grade] literacy program that will have intervention strategies and support strategies," he added.
The bottom line for DoDEA is to build one consistent program with strategies it will fully fund and support in the next few years that is driven by student need, including learning styles, Mossburg said.
Students participating in Reading Recovery this year will continue to receive assistance next year through other initiatives should they need it, he said.
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2009 - The Department of Defense Education Activity has suspended the use of the Reading Recovery program in its European schools for the school year that begins in the fall. Reading Recovery, a manpower-intensive literacy program that aims to bolster literacy skills of low-achieving first grade students, already has been discontinued in DoDEA's Pacific schools.
"Reading Recovery itself ... is very limiting, in that it targets 10 to 20 percent of first graders," Lori Pickel, DoDEA's elementary reading and language arts coordinator, said of the 16-week, one-on-one program. "We have many ways that we provide reading intervention or literacy intervention for our students. Reading Recovery was just one of those vehicles."
It's also just one of the literacy programs under review by DoDEA's Literacy Task Group. The group was convened during the current school year.
"In reviewing the programs, this is one ... that really may not be hitting the population of military students that we have in the numbers that we need," Marc Mossburg, the activity's chief of curriculum, said. "This is the way to move forward and the way for continuous improvement.
"[The task group] is having their third and final meeting in April, at which time they will present some preliminary recommendations for a [pre-kindergarten] through [12th grade] literacy program that will have intervention strategies and support strategies," he added.
The bottom line for DoDEA is to build one consistent program with strategies it will fully fund and support in the next few years that is driven by student need, including learning styles, Mossburg said.
Students participating in Reading Recovery this year will continue to receive assistance next year through other initiatives should they need it, he said.
February Statistics Show Solid Recruiting, Retention Success
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2009 - Defense Department officials today announced across-the-board recruiting and retention successes in February, with every service meeting or exceeding its active-duty, reserve and National Guard goals. The statistics reflect solid recruiting performance during a month that Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman noted is traditionally a slow recruiting period.
Both the Army and Marine Corps, which are in the midst of growing their forces, exceeded their February goals. The Army led active-component recruiting, signing on 324 more soldiers than its 6,000-soldier goal for February. The Marine Corps, with 1,752 new accessions, topped its monthly goal by a whopping 36 percent, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Navy and Air Force met their February goals with 3,060 and 2,486 accessions, respectively.
In the reserve components, the Army National Guard signed on 6,114 members, 109 percent of its goal. The Army Reserve, with 3,614 accessions, topped its goal by 15 percent.
The Air National Guard recruited 946 members, 110 percent of its goal. The Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve both met their monthly goals of 602 recruits, and the Air Force Reserve met its 803-airman goal.
These recruiting successes continue a fiscal 2009 trend despite what the Pentagon's accessions chief described last week as a particularly challenging recruiting environment.
"The services have done a remarkable job in recruiting a quality force in an environment that has been characterized by most as the most challenging since the advent of the all-volunteer force in 1973," Curtis Gilroy, director of the Pentagon's Accessions Policy Office, told Congress last week.
Gilroy cited a full range of recruiting challenges during a House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel hearing. Adult influencers have become increasingly hesitant to recommend military service, and young people are demonstrating a lower propensity to enlist than just four years ago, he said. In addition, the pool of qualified candidates is shrinking due to educational, physical fitness or health problems, including obesity.
But despite these challenges, Gilroy reported a strong year for military recruiting. "I'm delighted to report to you that the state of recruiting and retention for our active-duty force, as we are one-third of the way through fiscal 2009, is a success," he told the congressional panel.
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2009 - Defense Department officials today announced across-the-board recruiting and retention successes in February, with every service meeting or exceeding its active-duty, reserve and National Guard goals. The statistics reflect solid recruiting performance during a month that Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman noted is traditionally a slow recruiting period.
Both the Army and Marine Corps, which are in the midst of growing their forces, exceeded their February goals. The Army led active-component recruiting, signing on 324 more soldiers than its 6,000-soldier goal for February. The Marine Corps, with 1,752 new accessions, topped its monthly goal by a whopping 36 percent, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Navy and Air Force met their February goals with 3,060 and 2,486 accessions, respectively.
In the reserve components, the Army National Guard signed on 6,114 members, 109 percent of its goal. The Army Reserve, with 3,614 accessions, topped its goal by 15 percent.
The Air National Guard recruited 946 members, 110 percent of its goal. The Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve both met their monthly goals of 602 recruits, and the Air Force Reserve met its 803-airman goal.
These recruiting successes continue a fiscal 2009 trend despite what the Pentagon's accessions chief described last week as a particularly challenging recruiting environment.
"The services have done a remarkable job in recruiting a quality force in an environment that has been characterized by most as the most challenging since the advent of the all-volunteer force in 1973," Curtis Gilroy, director of the Pentagon's Accessions Policy Office, told Congress last week.
Gilroy cited a full range of recruiting challenges during a House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel hearing. Adult influencers have become increasingly hesitant to recommend military service, and young people are demonstrating a lower propensity to enlist than just four years ago, he said. In addition, the pool of qualified candidates is shrinking due to educational, physical fitness or health problems, including obesity.
But despite these challenges, Gilroy reported a strong year for military recruiting. "I'm delighted to report to you that the state of recruiting and retention for our active-duty force, as we are one-third of the way through fiscal 2009, is a success," he told the congressional panel.
U.S. Will Continue to Sail in International Waters, Official Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2009 - The United States will continue to sail ships on missions in international waters, a Defense Department official said here today. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the March 8 incident in the South China Sea in which five Chinese ships surrounded the USNS Impeccable -- an unarmed Military Sealift Command vessel – won't hinder the United States from using international sea lanes.
The United States protested the Chinese activity to China's foreign ministry in Beijing and to the defense attache at the Chinese Embassy here. China rejected the U.S. protests today, and maintains the Impeccable violated international law by sailing in the area.
The ship is an ocean surveillance vessel and was mapping the sea bottom when the Chinese ships approached. The Chinese ships included a Chinese navy intelligence collection ship, a Bureau of Maritime Fisheries patrol vessel, a State Oceanographic Administration patrol vessel and two small Chinese-flagged trawlers.
Two ships approached within 50 feet of the Impeccable before the American civilian crew used fire hoses to challenge them. One of the Chinese ships approached within 25 feet of the American ship. Two Chinese trawlers then stopped directly in front of the Impeccable as it attempted to leave the area.
The Chinese allege the American ship was operating illegally in China's Economic Exclusion Zone. China claims a 125-mile zone.
"Our activities were in international waters, and we will continue to operate in international waters as appropriate," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said yesterday. "Our ships obviously operate fairly regularly in international waters where these incidents took place. We're going to continue to operate in those international waters, and we expect the Chinese to observe international law around them."
The area is about 70 miles south of Hainan Island. In 2001, two Chinese fighter aircraft challenged a U.S. Navy EP-3 patrol plane in the area. There was a collision between one of the Chinese fighters and the P-3, killing the Chinese pilot. The P-3 made an emergency landing on Hainan Island, and the Chinese detained the 24-member crew of the American patrol plane for 12 days.
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2009 - The United States will continue to sail ships on missions in international waters, a Defense Department official said here today. Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the March 8 incident in the South China Sea in which five Chinese ships surrounded the USNS Impeccable -- an unarmed Military Sealift Command vessel – won't hinder the United States from using international sea lanes.
The United States protested the Chinese activity to China's foreign ministry in Beijing and to the defense attache at the Chinese Embassy here. China rejected the U.S. protests today, and maintains the Impeccable violated international law by sailing in the area.
The ship is an ocean surveillance vessel and was mapping the sea bottom when the Chinese ships approached. The Chinese ships included a Chinese navy intelligence collection ship, a Bureau of Maritime Fisheries patrol vessel, a State Oceanographic Administration patrol vessel and two small Chinese-flagged trawlers.
Two ships approached within 50 feet of the Impeccable before the American civilian crew used fire hoses to challenge them. One of the Chinese ships approached within 25 feet of the American ship. Two Chinese trawlers then stopped directly in front of the Impeccable as it attempted to leave the area.
The Chinese allege the American ship was operating illegally in China's Economic Exclusion Zone. China claims a 125-mile zone.
"Our activities were in international waters, and we will continue to operate in international waters as appropriate," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said yesterday. "Our ships obviously operate fairly regularly in international waters where these incidents took place. We're going to continue to operate in those international waters, and we expect the Chinese to observe international law around them."
The area is about 70 miles south of Hainan Island. In 2001, two Chinese fighter aircraft challenged a U.S. Navy EP-3 patrol plane in the area. There was a collision between one of the Chinese fighters and the P-3, killing the Chinese pilot. The P-3 made an emergency landing on Hainan Island, and the Chinese detained the 24-member crew of the American patrol plane for 12 days.
Status of First Gulf War Casualty Changed to 'Missing in Action'
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2009 - Calling Navy Capt. Michael "Scott" Speicher "an American hero," Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter today announced his decision to change the status of the first Operation Desert Storm casualty from "missing/captured" to "missing in action." Winter made the determination after a thorough review of information about the case, including a Defense Intelligence Agency assessment and comments from the Speicher family, defense officials said.
His determination overruled recommendations of a Navy status review board, which Winter said in a message explaining his decision were based on faulty logic and false premises.
Speicher was an F/A-18 Hornet pilot stationed aboard the carrier USS Saratoga when his aircraft was shot down by enemy fire over western Iraq on Jan. 17, 1991. His mission was part of the first manned strike of the air war over Iraq.
The Defense Department declared Speicher "killed-in-action/body-not-recovered" in May 1991. However, conflicting reports and intelligence information led then-Navy Secretary Richard Danzig to change his status to "missing in action" on Jan. 11, 2001.
That status was changed again in late 2002 to "missing-captured" based on sighting reports in Iraq that have since been discredited.
The intelligence community concluded in October that Speicher is deceased, although his remains were never found. Based on that assessment, Winter convened a status review board to consider changing his status to MIA.
The board recommended retaining the "missing/captured" status. But in a statement issued today, Winter explained why he overruled it.
"My review of the board proceedings and the compelling evidence presented by the intelligence community causes me great concern about the board's recommendation," he said. He cited the board's "failure to employ a logical, analytical process to their evaluation of the evidence in the intelligence assessment."
The board's recommendation begins with the premise that Speicher was alive after ejecting from his aircraft over Iraq, Winter said. The board findings were based on a statistical analysis of peacetime F/A-18 ejections, and didn't consider the factors associated with ejecting in a combat environment, he said.
"They also chose to ignore the lack of any parachute sighting, emergency beacon transmission or survival radio transmissions," he continued.
Citing failure to find Speicher despite the current U.S. presence in Iraq, and the discrediting of previous claims of seeing him in captivity, Winter concluded, "There is currently no credible evidence that Captain Speicher is 'captured.'"
"For Captain Speicher to be in captivity today, one would have to accept a massive conspiracy of silence and perfectly executed deception that has lasted for over 18 years and that continues today," Winter said. "Consequently, I cannot support the recommendation of the status review board."
Winter said he believes another status review board should review the case, and recommended that the Navy reconsider the matter within the next 12 months.
"The Navy appreciates the challenges Captain Speicher's family has faced these past 18 years," Winter concluded. "Captain Speicher is an American hero, and bringing him home to his family and his country will remain a top priority for the Navy and the nation."
Camp Speicher, a former Iraqi air base in Tikrit, honors Speicher's memory. In addition, his alma mater, Florida State University, named its tennis center for Speicher, an avid player.
American Forces Press Service
March 10, 2009 - Calling Navy Capt. Michael "Scott" Speicher "an American hero," Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter today announced his decision to change the status of the first Operation Desert Storm casualty from "missing/captured" to "missing in action." Winter made the determination after a thorough review of information about the case, including a Defense Intelligence Agency assessment and comments from the Speicher family, defense officials said.
His determination overruled recommendations of a Navy status review board, which Winter said in a message explaining his decision were based on faulty logic and false premises.
Speicher was an F/A-18 Hornet pilot stationed aboard the carrier USS Saratoga when his aircraft was shot down by enemy fire over western Iraq on Jan. 17, 1991. His mission was part of the first manned strike of the air war over Iraq.
The Defense Department declared Speicher "killed-in-action/body-not-recovered" in May 1991. However, conflicting reports and intelligence information led then-Navy Secretary Richard Danzig to change his status to "missing in action" on Jan. 11, 2001.
That status was changed again in late 2002 to "missing-captured" based on sighting reports in Iraq that have since been discredited.
The intelligence community concluded in October that Speicher is deceased, although his remains were never found. Based on that assessment, Winter convened a status review board to consider changing his status to MIA.
The board recommended retaining the "missing/captured" status. But in a statement issued today, Winter explained why he overruled it.
"My review of the board proceedings and the compelling evidence presented by the intelligence community causes me great concern about the board's recommendation," he said. He cited the board's "failure to employ a logical, analytical process to their evaluation of the evidence in the intelligence assessment."
The board's recommendation begins with the premise that Speicher was alive after ejecting from his aircraft over Iraq, Winter said. The board findings were based on a statistical analysis of peacetime F/A-18 ejections, and didn't consider the factors associated with ejecting in a combat environment, he said.
"They also chose to ignore the lack of any parachute sighting, emergency beacon transmission or survival radio transmissions," he continued.
Citing failure to find Speicher despite the current U.S. presence in Iraq, and the discrediting of previous claims of seeing him in captivity, Winter concluded, "There is currently no credible evidence that Captain Speicher is 'captured.'"
"For Captain Speicher to be in captivity today, one would have to accept a massive conspiracy of silence and perfectly executed deception that has lasted for over 18 years and that continues today," Winter said. "Consequently, I cannot support the recommendation of the status review board."
Winter said he believes another status review board should review the case, and recommended that the Navy reconsider the matter within the next 12 months.
"The Navy appreciates the challenges Captain Speicher's family has faced these past 18 years," Winter concluded. "Captain Speicher is an American hero, and bringing him home to his family and his country will remain a top priority for the Navy and the nation."
Camp Speicher, a former Iraqi air base in Tikrit, honors Speicher's memory. In addition, his alma mater, Florida State University, named its tennis center for Speicher, an avid player.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Face of Defense: Airman Contributes to Nuclear Airlift Mission
By Dona Fair
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2009 - For Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Thompson, there is no such thing as making a mistake. He is one of a small group of Air Force men and women responsible for the safety, security and reliability of a part of the nation's nuclear arsenal, a job that leaves no room for error.
Thompson is a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft propulsion specialist with the 62nd Airlift Wing here, a part of the Prime Nuclear Airlift Force mission. Thompson's job is to focus on the aircraft's four main engines and auxiliary power unit, he said.
"I maintain, repair, service and operate these systems to make sure the C-17 is in top shape to transport these weapon systems if ever needed," said Thompson, a Lutz, Fla., native.
This nuclear airlift mission is divided into three main areas. One area is the personnel reliability program. This program ensures that airmen who deal with nuclear weapons are emotionally stable, reliable and physically able to do their jobs. Another area is the upkeep and maintenance of the aircraft and the third, and perhaps most important, is training to ensure the proper transport of the weapons.
For Thompson and his fellow maintainers and aircrew members, this training is hardly left to chance.
He and his fellow airmen recently took part in a weeklong nuclear surety inspection and received the highest score possible. The training leading up to the inspection included at least a year of experience on the airframe, as well as qualification on engine-run training, borescope training, engine fan blade blending, and inlet and exhaust training, Thompson said.
"There was also a rigorous interview and singular senior review of my qualifications, as well as a training session with an experienced team member during an actual mission preparation," he said.
In a job where second chances are rare, Thompson said attention to detail in every aspect of the job is paramount to success.
"It is what we are supposed to do every day and, for us, that second look and extra attention to detail is critical," Thompson said. "During mission prep, the shift hours are longer to allow us the extra time to spend on those details and make sure everything gets done right the first time."
(Dona Fair works at the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2009 - For Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Thompson, there is no such thing as making a mistake. He is one of a small group of Air Force men and women responsible for the safety, security and reliability of a part of the nation's nuclear arsenal, a job that leaves no room for error.
Thompson is a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft propulsion specialist with the 62nd Airlift Wing here, a part of the Prime Nuclear Airlift Force mission. Thompson's job is to focus on the aircraft's four main engines and auxiliary power unit, he said.
"I maintain, repair, service and operate these systems to make sure the C-17 is in top shape to transport these weapon systems if ever needed," said Thompson, a Lutz, Fla., native.
This nuclear airlift mission is divided into three main areas. One area is the personnel reliability program. This program ensures that airmen who deal with nuclear weapons are emotionally stable, reliable and physically able to do their jobs. Another area is the upkeep and maintenance of the aircraft and the third, and perhaps most important, is training to ensure the proper transport of the weapons.
For Thompson and his fellow maintainers and aircrew members, this training is hardly left to chance.
He and his fellow airmen recently took part in a weeklong nuclear surety inspection and received the highest score possible. The training leading up to the inspection included at least a year of experience on the airframe, as well as qualification on engine-run training, borescope training, engine fan blade blending, and inlet and exhaust training, Thompson said.
"There was also a rigorous interview and singular senior review of my qualifications, as well as a training session with an experienced team member during an actual mission preparation," he said.
In a job where second chances are rare, Thompson said attention to detail in every aspect of the job is paramount to success.
"It is what we are supposed to do every day and, for us, that second look and extra attention to detail is critical," Thompson said. "During mission prep, the shift hours are longer to allow us the extra time to spend on those details and make sure everything gets done right the first time."
(Dona Fair works at the Army and Air Force Hometown News Service.)
MILITARY CONTRACTS March 9, 2009
DEFENSE INFORMATION SYSTEMS AGENCY
Verizon Business Network Services Inc., Ashburn, Va., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract consisting of one five-year base period, two 24-month option periods and one 12-month option period and a maximum ceiling amount of $2,500,000,000. This requirement was announced via the Federal Business Opportunities website and two offers were received. This action, the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) transmission services - Pacific II (DTS-P II) contract, provides end-to-end transmission services and capabilities essential to Defense Information System Network - Pacific, DoD's consolidated enterprise level telecommunications infrastructure for the expanded Pacific region. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Pacific is the contracting activity (HC1019-09-D-2000).
NAVY
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $30,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5303) for fiscal year 2009 engineering and technical services in support of STANDARD Missile – 2 (SM-2) for Foreign Military Sales requirements. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
SDV Engineering & Construction, JV.*, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for environmental restoration projects, at Marine Corps installations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW) area of responsibility (AOR). The total contract amount is not to exceed $30,000,000 (base year and four option years). Work will be performed at Marine Corps installations in the NAVFAC SW AOR, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with four proposals received. The NAVFAC SW, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-D-1212).
National Technical Systems, East Camden, Ark., is being awarded a $9,582,463 firm-fixed-price-service, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the engineering services and rapid response testing support for a variety of programs that protect and support the warfighter. The testing support will require specialized test facilities with the capability to handle live ordnance and fixturing to accommodate extreme size and weights. This support will include, but not be limited to, engineering services and infrastructure for characterizing, testing, and documenting the performance of weapons, ammunition, munitions, and energetic systems, components and related systems. Work will be performed in East Camden, Ark., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $157,985 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-09-D-0007).
LPI Technical Services *, Chesapeake, Va., is being awarded a $7,315,330 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the alteration installation team support. This contract provides for enginee-ring and technical services for shipboard systems and equipment associated with firefighting, damage control, and personnel protection. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., (30 percent), San Diego, Calif., (30 percent), various unspecified locations (14 percent), Mayport, Fla., (10 percent), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, (10 percent), Ingleside, Texas, (3 percent), Pascagoula, Miss., (3 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $200,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two proposals solicited and two offers received via Federal Business Opportunities. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-09-D-0014).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Signature Flight Support Corp., Miami, Fla. is being awarded a maximum $11,093,629 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel delivery. Other location of performance is Fla. Using service is Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There was one proposal originally solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0067).
Sopakco Inc., Mullins, S.C.*, is being awarded a maximum $9,042,240 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for first strike rations. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were 38 proposals originally solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the first option year period. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM3S1-08-D-Z101).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to BAE Systems National Security Solutions of Burlington, Mass., for $11,934,121. The purpose of this contract is to improve programmer productivity and application performance through the development of a productive, computationally efficient architecture aware compiler environment. At this time, $2,223,417 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-C-7918).
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., of Sunnyvale, Calif. The purpose of this modification is to install hybrid bearings on one AEHF reaction wheel assembly ship set. At this point $1,950,000 has been obligated. SMC/PKA, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F047)1-02-C-0002, P00357).
Verizon Business Network Services Inc., Ashburn, Va., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract consisting of one five-year base period, two 24-month option periods and one 12-month option period and a maximum ceiling amount of $2,500,000,000. This requirement was announced via the Federal Business Opportunities website and two offers were received. This action, the Defense Information Systems Network (DISN) transmission services - Pacific II (DTS-P II) contract, provides end-to-end transmission services and capabilities essential to Defense Information System Network - Pacific, DoD's consolidated enterprise level telecommunications infrastructure for the expanded Pacific region. The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization, Pacific is the contracting activity (HC1019-09-D-2000).
NAVY
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $30,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5303) for fiscal year 2009 engineering and technical services in support of STANDARD Missile – 2 (SM-2) for Foreign Military Sales requirements. Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
SDV Engineering & Construction, JV.*, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for environmental restoration projects, at Marine Corps installations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW) area of responsibility (AOR). The total contract amount is not to exceed $30,000,000 (base year and four option years). Work will be performed at Marine Corps installations in the NAVFAC SW AOR, and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with four proposals received. The NAVFAC SW, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-09-D-1212).
National Technical Systems, East Camden, Ark., is being awarded a $9,582,463 firm-fixed-price-service, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the engineering services and rapid response testing support for a variety of programs that protect and support the warfighter. The testing support will require specialized test facilities with the capability to handle live ordnance and fixturing to accommodate extreme size and weights. This support will include, but not be limited to, engineering services and infrastructure for characterizing, testing, and documenting the performance of weapons, ammunition, munitions, and energetic systems, components and related systems. Work will be performed in East Camden, Ark., and is expected to be completed by Mar. 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $157,985 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-09-D-0007).
LPI Technical Services *, Chesapeake, Va., is being awarded a $7,315,330 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the alteration installation team support. This contract provides for enginee-ring and technical services for shipboard systems and equipment associated with firefighting, damage control, and personnel protection. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., (30 percent), San Diego, Calif., (30 percent), various unspecified locations (14 percent), Mayport, Fla., (10 percent), Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, (10 percent), Ingleside, Texas, (3 percent), Pascagoula, Miss., (3 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Mar. 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $200,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with two proposals solicited and two offers received via Federal Business Opportunities. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity (N61331-09-D-0014).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Signature Flight Support Corp., Miami, Fla. is being awarded a maximum $11,093,629 fixed price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel delivery. Other location of performance is Fla. Using service is Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There was one proposal originally solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2013. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-09-D-0067).
Sopakco Inc., Mullins, S.C.*, is being awarded a maximum $9,042,240 firm fixed price, indefinite quantity contract for first strike rations. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were 38 proposals originally solicited with three responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is exercising the first option year period. The date of performance completion is Mar. 31, 2010. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM3S1-08-D-Z101).
AIR FORCE
The Air Force is awarding a cost plus fixed fee contract to BAE Systems National Security Solutions of Burlington, Mass., for $11,934,121. The purpose of this contract is to improve programmer productivity and application performance through the development of a productive, computationally efficient architecture aware compiler environment. At this time, $2,223,417 has been obligated. AFRL/PKDA, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8650-09-C-7918).
The Air Force is modifying a contract with Lockheed Martin Space Systems Corp., of Sunnyvale, Calif. The purpose of this modification is to install hybrid bearings on one AEHF reaction wheel assembly ship set. At this point $1,950,000 has been obligated. SMC/PKA, El Segundo, Calif., is the contracting activity (F047)1-02-C-0002, P00357).
Navy, Coast Guard Ships Participate in Exercise Aman
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2009 - U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell left Karachi, Pakistan, today after a four-day port visit to participate in the international naval exercise Aman 2009, marking the first time a U.S. ship has pulled into Pakistan since May. The 10-day exercise, which began March 5, focuses on air, surface and maritime security training. It includes representatives from 38 countries, as well as ships from 11 nations that include the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan and Australia. The at-sea portion of the exercise is being conducted primarily in the North Arabian Sea, off the coast of Pakistan.
"This exercise provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to work together and train across the spectrum of naval disciplines," Navy Capt. Rick Williams, director of the U.S. 5th Fleet Maritime Operations Center, said. "Aman 2009 will improve the interoperability and tactical proficiency between coalition nations, and enhance our navies' effectiveness in supporting maritime security objectives."
U.S. ships participating in the exercise include Boutwell, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Lake Champlain, all assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet.
During the exercise, ships will conduct surface exercises, air-defense training, explosive ordnance disposal exercises, and also will participate in foreign officer exchanges. The exercise is designed to improve maritime security in the region, strengthen international partnerships and highlight the importance of maritime cooperation, officials said.
Maritime security operations enhance stability in the maritime environment, which promotes global prosperity, officials noted. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or illicit material.
(From a U.S. Naval Forces Central Command news release.)
March 9, 2009 - U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Boutwell left Karachi, Pakistan, today after a four-day port visit to participate in the international naval exercise Aman 2009, marking the first time a U.S. ship has pulled into Pakistan since May. The 10-day exercise, which began March 5, focuses on air, surface and maritime security training. It includes representatives from 38 countries, as well as ships from 11 nations that include the United States, United Kingdom, Pakistan and Australia. The at-sea portion of the exercise is being conducted primarily in the North Arabian Sea, off the coast of Pakistan.
"This exercise provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to work together and train across the spectrum of naval disciplines," Navy Capt. Rick Williams, director of the U.S. 5th Fleet Maritime Operations Center, said. "Aman 2009 will improve the interoperability and tactical proficiency between coalition nations, and enhance our navies' effectiveness in supporting maritime security objectives."
U.S. ships participating in the exercise include Boutwell, USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Lake Champlain, all assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet.
During the exercise, ships will conduct surface exercises, air-defense training, explosive ordnance disposal exercises, and also will participate in foreign officer exchanges. The exercise is designed to improve maritime security in the region, strengthen international partnerships and highlight the importance of maritime cooperation, officials said.
Maritime security operations enhance stability in the maritime environment, which promotes global prosperity, officials noted. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or illicit material.
(From a U.S. Naval Forces Central Command news release.)
Former Hostages to Receive Defense of Freedom Medal
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2009 - Three U.S. defense contractors held captive for more than five years by Colombian narcoterrorists will receive the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heart award this week at the U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Miami. Southcom Commander Navy Adm. James Stavridis will present the Defense of Freedom Medal to Keith Stansell, Marc Gonsalves and Thomas Howes during the March 12 ceremonies. All three were injured during 1,967 days of captivity in the jungles of Colombia at the hands of the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces, known as the FARC.
The Defense Department established the Defense of Freedom Medal following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to honor Defense Department employees and defense contractors injured or killed while supporting department activities. To date, 37 people have received the award.
Stansell, Gonsalves and Howes were crewmembers taking part in a routine mission to detect cocaine crops over southern Colombia on Feb. 13, 2003, when an in-flight emergency forced the pilot to crash-land the aircraft they were riding in. FARC members stormed the site and murdered pilot Thomas Janis, a U.S. citizen, and Colombian Army Sgt. Luis Alcides Cruz before taking the three other Americans captive.
In a recently published book, Stansell, Gonsalves and Howes chronicle the challenges of their captivity, during which they were detained in jungle cages and forced on marches in chains.
Their imprisonment came to a dramatic end July 2, 2008, when Colombian military agents posing as humanitarian workers foiled the captors into releasing them. The mission, conducted without a single shot being fired, also freed a dozen other hostages.
An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft transported Gonsalves, Stansell and Howes later that day to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. They were transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center at neighboring Fort Sam Houston, where they underwent a medical evaluation, were reunited with their families, and received assistance to help them smoothly transition back into their lives as free U.S. citizens.
In an Independence Day message issued two days after their release, the three expressed thanks to the U.S. and Colombian governments for not abandoning them during their captivity.
"We want to offer our heartfelt thanks to the government and the armed forces of Colombia," they wrote. "The operation they conducted to rescue us was one for the history books – something we will never forget for the rest of our lives."
They also praised the "tireless efforts" of the U.S. Embassy in Bogota and the care they received at Brooke Army Medical Center.
"The personal and professional concern they have taken in our well-being is deeply touching, and the reintegration process they are conducting on our behalf is worthwhile and important," they wrote. "We are all obviously eager to return home, but first we want to complete this entire process so we can return to our lives in the best physical and emotional shape possible."
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2009 - Three U.S. defense contractors held captive for more than five years by Colombian narcoterrorists will receive the civilian equivalent of the Purple Heart award this week at the U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Miami. Southcom Commander Navy Adm. James Stavridis will present the Defense of Freedom Medal to Keith Stansell, Marc Gonsalves and Thomas Howes during the March 12 ceremonies. All three were injured during 1,967 days of captivity in the jungles of Colombia at the hands of the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces, known as the FARC.
The Defense Department established the Defense of Freedom Medal following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to honor Defense Department employees and defense contractors injured or killed while supporting department activities. To date, 37 people have received the award.
Stansell, Gonsalves and Howes were crewmembers taking part in a routine mission to detect cocaine crops over southern Colombia on Feb. 13, 2003, when an in-flight emergency forced the pilot to crash-land the aircraft they were riding in. FARC members stormed the site and murdered pilot Thomas Janis, a U.S. citizen, and Colombian Army Sgt. Luis Alcides Cruz before taking the three other Americans captive.
In a recently published book, Stansell, Gonsalves and Howes chronicle the challenges of their captivity, during which they were detained in jungle cages and forced on marches in chains.
Their imprisonment came to a dramatic end July 2, 2008, when Colombian military agents posing as humanitarian workers foiled the captors into releasing them. The mission, conducted without a single shot being fired, also freed a dozen other hostages.
An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft transported Gonsalves, Stansell and Howes later that day to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. They were transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center at neighboring Fort Sam Houston, where they underwent a medical evaluation, were reunited with their families, and received assistance to help them smoothly transition back into their lives as free U.S. citizens.
In an Independence Day message issued two days after their release, the three expressed thanks to the U.S. and Colombian governments for not abandoning them during their captivity.
"We want to offer our heartfelt thanks to the government and the armed forces of Colombia," they wrote. "The operation they conducted to rescue us was one for the history books – something we will never forget for the rest of our lives."
They also praised the "tireless efforts" of the U.S. Embassy in Bogota and the care they received at Brooke Army Medical Center.
"The personal and professional concern they have taken in our well-being is deeply touching, and the reintegration process they are conducting on our behalf is worthwhile and important," they wrote. "We are all obviously eager to return home, but first we want to complete this entire process so we can return to our lives in the best physical and emotional shape possible."
Chairman, President Discuss U.S. Support to Mexico
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and President Barack Obama discussed the situation in Mexico and the military capabilities that could assist the country in a March 7 conversation. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen had just returned from a trip to Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico. The president and the chairman talked about the trip as a whole, but focused specifically on Mexico and the country's fight against organized crime and drug cartels.
"The president is obviously interested in the situation in Mexico, and asked the chairman to back-brief him on the trip," a Joint Staff official speaking on background said.
The U.S.-Mexican border is an area of concern. More than 5,000 people were killed in Mexico last year as a result of drug-related violence, and more than 2,000 have been killed so far this year. Most of the deaths occurred in the northern Mexican states, but it is not limited to that area.
The chairman's trip was aimed at improving the military-to-military relationship between the two countries. To that end, Mullen met with Mexican Secretary of National Defense Army Gen. Guillermo Galvan and Secretary of the Navy Adm. Juan Francisco Saynez on March 6.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon ordered the Mexican military to take on the cartels. U.S. officials are working with Mexican authorities to stem the flow of weapons from the United States to Mexico and to stop money laundering in the United States.
In Mexico, Mullen talked about a "shared responsibility" for the cause of the crisis, and said the United States had a shared responsibility to clean it up as well.
Obama and Mullen discussed what military capabilities might apply to the situation, the official said. This is not any kind of commitment, but rather is just a discussion at this point, the official emphasized.
In Mexico, Mullen said the U.S. military had learned what capabilities worked against terrorist networks. The same capabilities also may work against drug trafficking networks.
American Forces Press Service
March 9, 2009 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and President Barack Obama discussed the situation in Mexico and the military capabilities that could assist the country in a March 7 conversation. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen had just returned from a trip to Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Mexico. The president and the chairman talked about the trip as a whole, but focused specifically on Mexico and the country's fight against organized crime and drug cartels.
"The president is obviously interested in the situation in Mexico, and asked the chairman to back-brief him on the trip," a Joint Staff official speaking on background said.
The U.S.-Mexican border is an area of concern. More than 5,000 people were killed in Mexico last year as a result of drug-related violence, and more than 2,000 have been killed so far this year. Most of the deaths occurred in the northern Mexican states, but it is not limited to that area.
The chairman's trip was aimed at improving the military-to-military relationship between the two countries. To that end, Mullen met with Mexican Secretary of National Defense Army Gen. Guillermo Galvan and Secretary of the Navy Adm. Juan Francisco Saynez on March 6.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon ordered the Mexican military to take on the cartels. U.S. officials are working with Mexican authorities to stem the flow of weapons from the United States to Mexico and to stop money laundering in the United States.
In Mexico, Mullen talked about a "shared responsibility" for the cause of the crisis, and said the United States had a shared responsibility to clean it up as well.
Obama and Mullen discussed what military capabilities might apply to the situation, the official said. This is not any kind of commitment, but rather is just a discussion at this point, the official emphasized.
In Mexico, Mullen said the U.S. military had learned what capabilities worked against terrorist networks. The same capabilities also may work against drug trafficking networks.
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