Research and Markets: 2010 U.S. Small Arms Manufacturing Industry Report

Defense News: DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/eb30c4/2010_u_s_small_ar) has announced the addition of the "2010 U.S. Small Arms Manufacturing Industry Report" report to their offering.

The U.S. Small Arms Manufacturing Industry report, published annually, contains timely and accurate industry statistics, forecasts and demographics. The report features 2010 current and 2011 forecast estimates on the size of the industry (sales, establishments, employment) nationally and for all 50 U.S. States and over 900 metro areas. New to the report this year are: financial ratios, number of firms and payroll estimates. The report also includes industry definition, 5-year historical trends on industry sales, establishments and employment, a breakdown of establishments, sales and employment by employee size of establishment (9 categories), and estimates on up to 10 sub-industries, pistols, rifles, machine guns, and shotguns.

Please note, this report offers statistical information only and does not include an analysis of the figures.

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/eb30c4/2010_u_s_small_ar

Contact:

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Northrop Grumman-Built U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) Commissioned in Ship's Home Port of Alameda

Defense NewsALAMEDA, Calif., May 7, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a press release issued earlier today by Northrop GrummanCorporation (NYSE:NOC - News), please note that in the sixth paragraph U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Lance Bardo's last name was misspelled as Bardov. The corrected release follows:

Today the Northrop Grumman Corporation-built (NYSE:NOC -News) National Security Cutter (NSC) USCGC Waesche was commissioned here, allowing the service's most capable and technologically-advanced maritime asset to join the Coast Guard fleet.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=7450 "Today's commissioning completes the cycle from christening to commissioning of this highly capable ship," said Vice Admiral David Pekoske, Vice Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. "It is through the strong partnership with industry, from concept to delivery, that you see this fine ship behind me. I thank our industrial partners,Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin for their industry best practices that built Waesche. Your employees who built this ship are providing a service to this nation and I thank you."

Waesche is named for Adm. Russell R. Waesche, who was the first Coast Guard commandant to achieve the rank of admiral. He led the Coast Guard from 1936 to 1946, which is the longest tenure of any USCG commandant.

Adm. Waesche's granddaughter and ship's sponsor Marilla Waesche Pivonka ordered the men and women of the Waesche crew to "man our ship and bring her to life." The crew responded with an "aye aye ma'am" and double-timed it through the spectators on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif.

"This is a proud day to be a shipbuilder," said Irwin F. Edenzon, vice president and general manager ofNorthrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Gulf Coast. "When you see the Coast Guard bring USCGC Waesche to life, for us it represents the culmination of years of hard work by thousands of shipbuilders. I believe Admiral Waesche would understand the skills and experience required of craftsmen and women and the millions of hours of hard, yet careful, labor and striving every day to get it right and do it better."

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Lance Bardo assumed command as commanding officer of Waesche. The ship will be homeported in Alameda.

Waesche is the second of eight planned ships in the new class of highly capable, technologically advanced multimission cutters. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is responsible for the construction and testing of the NSC's hull, mechanical and electrical systems, while Lockheed Martin is building and integrating the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities onboard the cutters.

The NSC is a 418-foot vessel with a 4,488 ton displacement at full load and is powered by a combined diesel and gas turbine power propulsion plant driving twin screws with a maximum speed of over 28 knots. The cutter includes an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats, an expansive flight deck able to accommodate a range of rotary wing manned and unmanned aircraft and state-of-the-art command and control systems. In addition, the cutter features improved habitability, and a design to facilitate optimized crewing and enhance onboard quality of life for a mixed gender crew.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a global defense and technology company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in information and services, electronics, aerospace and shipbuilding to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Contact:

Bill Glenn Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding  (228) 327-1671 william.glenn@ngc.com

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CORRECTING and REPLACING -- Photo Release -- Northrop Grumman-Built U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche (WMSL 751) Commissioned in Ship's Home Port of Alameda - GlobeNewswire
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Boeing starts $1.3 bln Bangladesh plane supply 2011

Defense News: DHAKA, May 8 (Reuters) - U.S. aircraft maker Boeing (BA.N) will start to deliver 10 aircraft to state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines under a $1.3 billion deal from next year, officials said on Saturday.

"Two Boeing 777-300ER will be supplied in October next year and the rest four 777-300ERs by 2013 and the rest four 373-800s by 2019," Biman's spokeswoman Tasmin Akter told Reuters.

The $1.27 billion deal awarded in 2008 for eight aircraft was later enhanced to $1.3 billion with the addition of two more aircraft.

To fund the purchase of these two aircraft next year 10 local banks have agreed to give a syndicated loan of $114.49 million to Biman, central Bangladesh Bank officials said.

The loan at 5.0 percent interest rate is to be returned in by 2013.

Biman officials hope that the entire $1.3 billion deal will be funded by local and foreign assistance as scheduled.

Biman now has a fleet of 14 aircraft with a Boeing 777-200ER and two Boeing 737-800 on lease from EuroAtlantic Airways and GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) respectively in February.

With the leased aircraft Biman has resumed flights to some routes earlier cancelled. In 2006, the loss-making company was forced to halt flights to New York, Paris, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Brussels, Yangon and Mumbai due to a shortage of funds and aircraft.

Biman became a public limited company in July 2008 and new management was brought in last year. ($1 = 69.30 taka)

(Reporting by Nizam Ahmed; editing by James Jukwey)

DTN News: Boeing Wedgetail Aircraft Accepted Into Royal Australian Air Force Fleet

Defense News: DTN News: Boeing Wedgetail Aircraft Accepted Into Royal Australian Air Force Fleet

Source: DTN News / Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) RAAF BASE WILLIAMTOWN, New South Wales,- May 7, 2010: The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] May 5., announced that the Commonwealth of Australia has accepted the first two Project Wedgetail 737 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft into the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fleet.
The aircraft were accepted during a ceremony today at RAAF Base Williamtown, the main operating base for the Wedgetail fleet.
"This major milestone demonstrates that the 737 AEW&C system is ready for operational training and use. It also represents the culmination of years of design, development, modification and testing by the Boeing-led team to bring this complex system -- the first of its type -- to our first AEW&C customer," said Maureen Dougherty, Boeing vice president, AEW&C Program.
Acceptance of the two Wedgetail aircraft means ground and flight operations and maintenance of the aircraft are now fully under RAAF control. Boeing delivered the two aircraft last year and has been supporting RAAF familiarization training on the AEW&C system, which includes the aircraft as well as the Operational Flight Trainer, Operational Mission Simulator and Mission Support System.
Boeing will deliver three more Wedgetail aircraft to the RAAF by the end of this year, including one upgraded in the final AEW&C configuration with Electronic Support Measures. All aircraft in the Wedgetail fleet will be upgraded to the final configuration in early 2011.
Project Wedgetail includes six 737 AEW&C aircraft, plus ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and system maintenance. Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 commercial airplane, the 737 AEW&C aircraft is designed to provide airborne battle-management capability with an advanced multirole electronically scanned radar and 10 state-of-the-art mission crew consoles that are able to track airborne and maritime targets simultaneously. The mission crew can direct offensive and defensive forces while maintaining continuous surveillance of the operational area.
Boeing also has AEW&C systems in production for Turkey and the Republic of Korea.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world’s largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.
The initial contract was for four AEW&C systems with options for up to three additional systems. The contract also provides a mission support segment and the associated ground based support segments for flight and mission crew training. In May 2004, Australia exercised options to purchase an additional two aircraft.
Boeing Australia is responsible for providing systems engineering and leading the product support teams. BAE Systems Australia is to supply the electronic support measures and the electronic warfare self-protection systems. Quantas Airways has been awarded the contract for maintenance of the aircraft. The first two aircraft will be completed by Boeing in the USA; the remainder will be modified in Australia.
The first airframe for modification was rolled out in December 2002, ready for modification and installation of the radar and systems. First flight of the aircraft with the radar and mission systems took place at the Boeing Field in Seattle in May 2004. Performance and flight handling tests were completed in July 2005. The first aircraft for modification in Australia arrived in January 2006.
Delivery of the first two aircraft, capable of peacekeeping and training roles to the Australian Air Force is planned for July 2009. These aircraft will then be upgraded to full mission capable status by January 2010. The remaining four aircraft will be delivered, fully mission capable, in early 2010. It is expected that the first aircraft will enter service with the Royal Australian Air Force's new Number 2 Squadron, with headquarters at Williamstown Air Base, by the end of 2010.
In May 2002, the Turkish government signed a contract with Boeing for four 737 AEW&C systems with options on a further two. The sale received US Government approval in September 2003. Boeing is modifying the first and Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) of Ankara the other three. The first aircraft for local modification arrived in March 2006.
Deliveries of the system, to be known as Peace Eagle, are expected by 2010. The first flight of the Peace Eagle was in September 2007. The first aircraft modified by TAI flew in July 2008.
In August 2006, the 737 AEW&C was selected as 'sole candidate' for South Korea's E-X requirement for four surveillance aircraft to be delivered by 2012. The contract was awarded to Boeing in November 2006.

DTN News: Airbus Military Delivers First C295 MPA To Chile

Defense News: DTN News: Airbus Military Delivers First C295 MPA To Chile

Source: DTN News / Int'l Media
(NSI News Source Info) PARIS, France - May 7, 2010: On Friday, 30th April, the Chilean Navy received the first of three C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) that they ordered from Airbus Military in October 2007. The contract also includes five additional options.
The ceremony, presided by the Admiral Edmundo González Robles, Commander in Chief of the Navy, was celebrated at the air base “Viña del Mar” in the municipality of Concón (Chile) with the presence of the Commander of Naval Aviation, Rear-Admiral Cristián Davanzo, officers of the High Command, and Airbus Military’s Head of Commercial, Antonio Rodriguez Barberán.
On the occasion of the delivery ceremony, Admiral González highlighted the importance of this contract: “this is a really important milestone for our Navy, as this aircraft provides it with invaluable strategic and operational capabilities to fulfill our maritime surveillance, transport and antisubmarine needs. This is an important first step in our fleet modernization process”.
Antonio Rodriguez, for his part, stressed the good relationship between Chile and Airbus Military: “Chile is one of our most important customers, having already ordered the C212s and CN235s. It herewith demonstrates its trust in our company, its products and services, which we strive to always improve. Our objective is to offer the most suited solutions to ensure the highest customer satisfaction”.
With the delivery of the C295 MPA, the Chilean Naval Aviation initiates the renovation of its fixed-wing aircraft fleet, currently consisting of P-3ACHs, P-111s and C212s.
The C295 MPAs are equipped with the Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), entirely developed by Airbus Military. This system allows the best maritime surveillance, Exclusive Economic Zone control, and search and rescue activities for the Navy.
To date, Chile operates a fleet of 17 Airbus Military aircraft, 13 C212s, three CN235s, and now one C295s which are in service with the Army, the Navy and the Air Force.

DTN News: Iran Says Plans New War Games, Photographed U.S. Ship

Defense News: DTN News: Iran Says Plans New War Games, Photographed U.S. Ship
Source: DTN News / Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) DUBAI - May 7, 2010: The plane flew over the carrier in the Sea of Oman and took pictures of it, a senior Iranian commander was quoted as saying on Tuesday. Navy commander Habibollah Sayari did not say when the incident took place, but suggested that the U.S. ship's crew had objected to the Iranian action.
Iran also announced that it would start eight days of war games in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman on Wednesday.
The planned naval maneuvers coincide with rising tension between Iran and the West, which says Tehran's nuclear work is aimed at making bombs. Iran denies this.
Sayari spoke a day after U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that Iran was challenging U.S. naval power in the Middle East with an array of offensive and defensive weapons.
Fars, a semi-official Iranian news agency, quoted Sayari as saying an Iranian S-27 aircraft had photographed the U.S. ship and that it was the navy's "duty and right" to identify foreign vessels in the area.
"Despite the objection of this (U.S.) vessel, we reiterate firmly that doing this is our definite right," he said.
Al Alam, Iran's Arabic-language satellite television station, quoted him as saying the scheduled war games would display the Iranian navy's defense capability.
They would take place less than two weeks after Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards staged four days of maneuvers in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, a waterway crucial for global oil supplies.
Last month, the Pentagon said U.S. military action against Iran remained an option even as Washington pursues diplomacy and sanctions to halt the country's atomic activities.
Iran often announces advances in its military capabilities and tests weaponry in an apparent attempt to show its readiness for any strikes by Israel or the United States.
In exercises held in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz between April 22 and 25, official media said the Guards tested missiles and a new speedboat capable of destroying enemy ships.
The United States is pushing for a fourth round of U.N. sanctions on Tehran over its refusal to halt sensitive nuclear activities as demanded by the U.N. Security Council.
Israel, widely believed to have the Middle East's only atomic arsenal, has described Iran's nuclear program as a threat to its existence and has not ruled out military action.
Iran, a predominantly Shi'ite Muslim state, has said it would respond to any attack by targeting U.S. interests in the region and Israel, as well as closing the Strait of Hormuz.
About 40 percent of the world's traded oil leaves the Gulf region through the strategic narrows.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 7, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 7, 2010
Source: U.S. DoD issued May 7, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - May 7, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued May 7, 2010 areundermentioned;<>
CONTRACTS
ARMY
~AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind., was awarded on May 5 a $54,264,735 firm-fixed-price contract to add 500 Humvees to contract. Work is to be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM Warren, CCTA-ATA-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (DAAE07-01-C-S001).
~The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on May 5 a $22,556,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the award of advance procurement/long lead for 10 Egyptian Block II Apache AH-64D helicopters. Work is to be performed in Mesa, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0086).
~Lydig Construction, Inc., Spokane Valley, Wash., was awarded on May 5 an $18,797,474 firm-fixed-price construction contract for construction of a fitness center and demolition of an existing fitness center at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Wash. Work is to be performed at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Wash., with an estimated completion date of May 4, 2012. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with 14 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, Seattle, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912DW-10-C-0008).
~General Electric Engine Services, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, was awarded on April 30, 2010 a $9,196,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the overhaul and upgrade of 20 Y700-GE-701C turbine engines to the T700-GE-701D configuration applicable to the UH-60 Blackhawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters. The National Stock Numbers are 2840-01-284-4011 and 2840-01-503-1701. Work is to be performed in Arkansas City, Kan., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. Three bids were solicited with three bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, CCAM-AL-M, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-08-D-0226)
~Summa Technology, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on April 30 a $7,865,297 firm-fixed-price contract for 776 communication interface assembly upgrade and magnetic tape unit replacement for the Hawk air defense ground equipment. Work is to be performed in Egypt, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, CCAM-RD-F, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-0225).
~The Harper Company Contractors., Hebron, Ky., was awarded on May 5 a $7,300,980 firm-fixed-price contract for the repair and replacement of West Ramp Phase II at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. Work is to be performed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 5, 2010. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-10-C-0050).
~EADS North America Defense, Arlington, Va., was awarded on May 4 a $6,879,253 firm-fixed-price contract to increase the funding and corresponding contractor logistics support (CLS) flight hours for contract line item number 5230AA Program Year 05, CLS TDA throughout the contiguous United States, and contract line item number 5250AA Program Year 05, hybrid CLS throughout the contiguous United States. Work is to be performed in Columbus, Miss. (20 percent), and Trumbull, Conn. (80 percent), with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, CCAM-BH-C, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194).
~Fluor Intercontinental, Inc., Greenville, S.C., was awarded on April 30 a $6,234,001 cost-plus-award-fee contract for operations and maintenance, Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq. Work is to be performed in Baghdad, Iraq, with an estimated completion date of March 21, 2011. Ten bids were solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Transatlantic Programs Center, CETAC-ST-U, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-04-D-0004).
~Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded on April 30 a $5,993,025 firm-fixed-price contract for the purchase of 25 new Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) M983A2 light equipment transporter trucks on the existing HEMTT contract. Work is to be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0024).
~Siemens Government Services, Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded on May 3 a $5,943,737 firm-fixed-price contract for the acquisition on support of the Installation Information Infrastructure Modernization Program for Katterbach Kaserne, Germany. Work is to be performed in Katterbach Kaserne, Germany, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 25, 2011. Ten bids were solicited with three bids received. Army Contracting Command, National Capitol Region Contracting Center, Alexandria, Va., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-06-D-0029).
~Toro Enterprises, Inc., Oxnard, Calif., was awarded on May 5 a $5,850,903 firm-fixed-price contract. This is a recovery project for North Valley Regional Water Infrastructure, City of Lancaster, Los Angeles County, Calif. Construction of a 24-inch recycled water main and related facilities to serve the northern section of the City of Lancaster located in North Los Angeles County. The new pipeline will connect to the existing 24-inch diameter recycled water main. Work is to be performed in the City of Lancaster, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2011. Bids were solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities and Army Single Face to Industry Web sites, with ten bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-10-C-0026).
~General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded on May 3 a $5,800,000 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for continued performance of the system development demonstration in support of the extended range/multi-purpose unmanned aircraft system. Work is to be performed in Poway, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Constructing Center, CCAM-AR-A-Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0069).
~CAS, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on May 3a $5,000,000 time-and-material contract for the Threat System Management Office requirement for research, design, development, and delivery of multiple scenarios, simulations, hardware involving a myriad of systems and programs. Work is to be performed in Iraq (15 percent), Afghanistan (20 percent), and Redstone Arsenal, Ala. (65 percent), with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Mission & Installation Contracting Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., is the contracting activity (W91247-10-F-0031).
NAVY
~General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine, is being awarded a $26,755,525 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-06-C-2303) to provide additional systems engineering services associated with the detail, design, and construction of the DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class destroyer. Systems engineering efforts include detail design excursions, shock qualification, production process prototype manufacturing, and life cycle support services prior to post shakedown availability. Work will be performed in Bath, Maine, and is expected to be completed by December 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
~IAP-Leopardo Construction, Inc.*, Columbus, Ohio, is being awarded a $14,152,620 firm-fixed price contract for design and construction of two child development centers at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. The first will be a new one-story facility to support 302 children. It will include activity rooms for infants to children up to five years in age. In addition, this facility will support the supervising and administrative staff and will include administrative areas, support spaces, restrooms, kitchen, food storage, laundry, and reception/control area. The second is for construction of a new one-story facility addition to match the first. This facility will be designed for a maximum of 74 infants to children up to three years in age. Demolition of Building 434 is included in this project. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., and is expected to be completed by November 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with 19 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N40080-10-C-0155).
~L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC, Madison, Miss., is being awarded a $14,000,000 ceiling-priced undefinitized contract action (UCA) to provide aircraft maintenance and logistics services in support of the Navy’s T-34 and T-44 aircraft. Services to be provided include aircraft maintenance and logistics support, including labor, equipment, tools, and material. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field, Fla. (50 percent) and NAS Corpus Christi, Texas (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $6,860,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-2. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0051).
~Protective Products Enterprises, Sunrise, Fla., is being awarded an estimated maximum value $10,550,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Modular Tactical Vest (MTV) spare and replacement parts. This contract is necessary to provide continued sustainment of previously fielded MTVs. Work will be performed in Sunrise, Fla., and is expected to be completed May 2011. An initial delivery order in the amount of $9,996,000 will be issued, and these contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is being awarded on a sole-source basis. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-10-D-3023).
~Daniel Defense, Inc.*, Savannah, Ga., is being awarded a $9,500,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for a Rail Interface System II (RIS-II) for the M4A1 carbine in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command Weapons Accessories Program. RIS-II will increase the operational effectiveness of the M4A1 carbine, M203 grenade launcher and other special operations forces small arms. Work will be performed in Savannah, Ga., and is expected to be completed by May 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $173,397 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not awarded on a competitive basis. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-10-D-JN70).
~BAE Systems U.S. Combat Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $9,021,023 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-4137) for procurement and delivery of long-lead and standard-lead time material in support of the Virginia-class submarine propulsor system requirements. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky., and is expected to be completed by April 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
~Raytheon BBN Technologies Corp., Cambridge, Mass., is being awarded an $8,335,142 cost-plus-fixed-fee completion contract for Precision Electronic Warfare (PREW) research and development. This effort will develop distributed beam-forming, clock synchronization, and node localization techniques in support of PREW. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to an estimated $15,156,516. Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., and is expected to be completed by November 2011. If all options are exercised, work could continue until November 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $1,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with nine offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Pacific, San Diego, is the contracting activity (N66001-10-C-2005).
AIR FORCE
~Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $23,639,890 contract which will provide integrated Department of Defense cyberspace operations, synchronize warfighting effects across the global security environment, and provide assistance to civil authorities and international partners. At this time, $482,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
~Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., was awarded a $23,177,494 contract which will provide production/purchase of 947 advanced airborne electronics decoys sets for the Airborne Launch Expendable 50 system. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 542 CBSG/PKS, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity. (FA8523-04-D-0001)
~Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $14,880,115 contract which will provide for current and future missions through secure/assured data and information integrity which are imperative to maintaining combat capabilities for the Air Force. At this time, $19,841 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
~Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $14,432,448 contract which will provide threat monitoring, detection, characterization, and actionable information for the computer network operations in order to help advance Department of Defense Global Information Grid initiative and nationally-oriented cyber security priorities. At this time, $1,168,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
~Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $9,917,987 contract which will provide for state-of-the-art information assurance research and analysis within command, control, communications, computing, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance. At this time, $24,802 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002).
*Small business

DTN News: China, Iran, North Korea Have Formed Strategic Alliance

Defense News: DTN News: China, Iran, North Korea Have Formed Strategic Alliance
Source: DTN News / WorldTribune.com
(NSI News Source Info) TEL AVIV, Israel - May 8, 2010: China, Iran and North Korea have established a strategic alliance that focuses on missile and nuclear development, according to a new report.
The report said that Beijing, Pyongyang and Teheran were helping each other in missile and nuclear programs. The report, titled "China, Iran and North Korea: A Triangular Strategic Alliance," by Israel's GLORIA Center said China and North Korea were the key suppliers of Scud-based ballistic missiles to Iran's military, the target of Western sanctions.
"This flurry of activities underscored the growing proliferation threats posed by DPRK [North Korea] assistance to Iran's missile capabilities, which has also led to collaboration in the nuclear realm," the report, published in the Middle East Review of International Affairs, said.
The report said North Korea helped develop Iran's Shihab ballistic missiles series. Author Christina Lin said North Korea's Taepo Dong intermediate-range missiles have served as the basis of Iran's program, including the design of a nuclear interncontinental ballistic missile with a range of up to 6,000 kilometers, dubbed Shihab-6.
China has sought to make Iran a key waystation in Beijing's silk road policy of expanding influence throughout Asia. The report said Beijing, believed to be channeling aid through neighboring North Korea, regarded Iran as an ally to balance the strategic relationship between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
"Iran may also be a new pearl in China's maritime pearl necklace," the report said. "China is increasing its naval presence in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, with a call in December 2009 by Chinese Rear Adm. Yin Zhou to set up a permanent naval base in the Gulf of Aden."
The report did not discount the prospect that China would establish a permanent naval base in Iran. Ms. Yin, today a researcher with Jane's Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Intelligence Center, said China could be offered a naval base at one of Iran's islands in the Gulf.
"Iran may be inclined to offset U.S. pressure by playing the 'China card' should the United States try to project military power by utilizing some of the UAE's man-made islands," the report said. "Indeed, in November 2009, NATO entered into the advanced stages of negotiating a Status of Forces Agreement with the United Arab Emirates in the face of Iran's nuclear threat."
The report said China was expected to block United Nations Security Council sanctions against Iran. Ms. Lin compared China's role to that of Russia's alliance with Serbia when it came under attack by a Western-led coalition in 1999.
Regardless of UN sanctions, North Korea would continue to funnel weapons and technology to Iran, the report said. Ms. Lin said Iran has financed North Korean research and development of ballistic missiles and other strategic systems.
"Iran and DPRK have partnered closely on missile flight-testing, proxy testing of DPRK systems in Iran, and data exchanges," the report said. "Proxy testing in Iran of jointly developed missiles allowed DPRK to avoid sanctions after the September 1999 missile test moratorium while continuing its missile advances."
The report said the Damascus-Pyongyang alliance has spread to Syria and Hizbullah. This has included North Korean construction of an alleged plutonium production plant in Syria as well as constructing tunnels for Hizbullah in southern Lebanon.
"The three top Hizbullah officials who received training in DPRK are Hassan Nasrallah,Hizbullah's secretary general and the head of the Hizbullah military organization; Ibrahim Akil, head of Hizbullah's security and intelligence service; and Mustapha Badreddine, Hizbullah's counter-espionage chief," the report said.