Saturday, July 24, 2010

DTN News: Putin Rides Harley Davidson "Tricked Out" Trike At Ukrainian Bike Show

Defense News: DTN News: Putin Rides Harley Davidson "Tricked Out" Trike At Ukrainian Bike Show
Source: DTN News / Ria Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine- July 25, 2010: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrived to the bike show in the Ukrainian port of Sevastopol, riding three-wheeled Harley Davidson "tricked out piece of iron".
The bikers, gathered at the 14th International annual bike show, welcomed premier who headed the line of bikers. He was riding posh Harley Davidson trike decorated with Russian and Ukrainian flags.
"Bike is the most democratic transport vehicle. Bike is the most daring, challenging as it gives its owner the tempting feeling of freedom, that is why one can say without any exaggeration, bike is a symbol of freedom," Putin said.
The image of the premier was totally matching the biker's one. He was wearing black jeans, black shirt, sunglasses and biker gloves.
"There are such tricked out vehicles, such tricked out pieces of iron, like the one that I ride today," Putin said.
The premier talked to bikers and put his autographs on several bikes.
"You came here, because you are free people, and you can go wherever you want," Putin said, adding it was deeply symbolic that people from all over the Europe gathered at the bike show.
Finally, before leaving the show Putin urged the bikers not to chase the wind.
"Say no to the mad ride," he said.

DTN News: Russia Plans To Upgrade 3 Nuclear-Powered Cruisers By 2020

Defense News: DTN News: Russia Plans To Upgrade 3 Nuclear-Powered Cruisers By 2020
Source: DTN News / Ria Novosti
(NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - July 25, 2010: Russia will upgrade and put on active duty three mothballed Soviet-era nuclear-powered missile cruisers by 2020, a high-ranking Navy official told RIA Novosti on Saturday.
Russia built four Kirov class nuclear-powered cruisers in 1974-1998. One of them, the Pyotr Veliky, is in active service as the flagship of the Northern Fleet.
"Cruisers Admiral Nakhimov, Admiral Lazarev and Admiral Ushakov will be modernized and returned to the Russian Navy's combat force in 10 years," the official said, adding that their equipment and weapons will be fully modernized.
The Kirov class heavy cruisers are second in size only to aircraft carriers, and are similar in size to a World War I battleship.
The Admiral Ushakov (former Kirov) was commissioned in 1980 and suffered a reactor accident in 1990 while serving in the Mediterranean Sea. Repairs reportedly have never been carried out, due to lack of funds and the ensuing collapse the Soviet Union.
The Admiral Lazarev (former Frunze) was commissioned in 1984 and mothballed in 1998.
The Admiral Nakhimov (former Kalinin) was commissioned in 1988 and mothballed in 1999. The ship has been reportedly undergoing a major overhaul at the Severodvinsk Shipyard since 2005. The Kirov class main weapons include 20 SS-N-19 Shipwreck missiles, designed to engage large surface targets, and air defense is provided by 12 SA-N-6 Grumble launchers with 96 missiles and 2 SA-N-4 Gecko with 40 missiles.

DTN News: Tiger Attack Helicopter Gunship Debuts With French Forces In Afghanistan

Defense News: DTN News: Tiger Attack Helicopter Gunship Debuts With French Forces In Afghanistan
Source: Source: DTN News - - this article / report compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources including IANS July 18th, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) FARNBOROUGH, England- July 24, 2010: Thales has announced that together with the Tiger helicopter gunship, its TopOwl helmet-mounted sight and display system (HMSD) has been deployed with the French forces in Afghanistan to provide high levels of night vision performance and targeting capabilities for pilots.
“The combat-proven Thales TopOwl HMSD has been involved in bringing major operational benefits to helicopter crews,” a Thales statement issued during the ongoing Farnborough Air Show said.
“TopOwl is the only helmet-mounted sight and display system offering both conformal piloting symbology, dark night vision performance and accurate targeting together with an unmatched level of comfort and fatigue reduction - key for war missions and the high levels of stress involved,” the statement added.
TopOwl night vision performance has recently been upgraded to reach “level 5”, which corresponds to levels of visibility equivalent to a cloudy night with no moon, no peripheral light source and no starlight.
“With its exclusive architecture featuring the projection of intensified images directly onto the helmet visor, TopOwl offers a seamless transition between head-up piloting and head-down instrument monitoring, together with a well-balanced centre of gravity, eliminating the pilot fatigue generated by standard night vision goggles,” the statement said.
Yves Joannic, Thales vice president for Helicopter Avionics said: “Thales is constantly working towards improving its products and systems. We integrate essential pilot feedback and build on existing technologies to provide greater levels of performance that will better support our troops in theatre.”
Thales and New Delhi-based Samtel group are also in a joint venture to design, manufacture and sell avionics systems in the Indian market. Samtel and Thales hold 74:26 in the venture that was started with a capital of $12.5 million with more investments to be pumped in as the joint development efforts progress.
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact: dtnnews@ymail.com. and may be forwarded or republished on your website with attribution to http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated July 23, 2010

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated July 23, 2010
Source: U.S. DoD issued July 23, 2010
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - July 24, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued July 23, 2010are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Propper International, Inc., Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, is being awarded a maximum $78,800,418 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for coats and trousers. Other locations of performance are Mississippi, North Carolina and various locations throughout Puerto Rico. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is July 22, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-10-D-1073).

Graybar Electric, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $66,000,000 indefinite/delivery, indefinite/quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. This contract is exercising the fifth option year period. The date of performance completion is July 28, 2010. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM500-04-D-BP11).

Science Applications International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., is being awarded a maximum $40,000,000 indefinite/delivery, indefinite/quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations supplies and related services. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. This contract is exercising the fifth option year period. The date of performance completion is July 28, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM500-04-D-BP12).

Tullahoma Industries LLC*, Tullahoma, Tenn., is being awarded a maximum $29,283,504 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for coats and trousers. Other locations of performance are Alabama and Mississippi. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is July 23, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-10-D-1074).

Supply Core, St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a maximum $17,000,000 indefinite/delivery, indefinite/quantity contract for maintenance, repair and operations supplies. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. The original proposal was Web solicited with six responses. This contract is exercising the fifth option year period. The date of performance completion is July 28, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM500-04-D-BP10).

Lockheed Martin Services, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., is being awarded a maximum $13,997,317 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, time and materials contract for operational development, sustainment and maintenance for defense civilian personnel data system. Other location of performance is Texas. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, federal civilian agencies, the Executive Office of the President and Broadcasting Board of Governors. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. This contract is exercising the sixth option year period. The date of performance completion is September 28, 2012. The Defense Logistics Agency Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SP4700-05-C-0020).

ARMY

Aardvark Tactical, Inc., La Verne, Calif., was awarded on July 19 a $62,151,795 five year firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for procuring commercial supply functions associated with the acquisition, handling, distribution, of entry control point (ECP) commercial components to various forward operating bases in Afghanistan. Non-lethal, ECP commercial components for personnel borne/vehicle borne improvised explosive devices will consist of distinct modules of equipment in several different configurations and will help uncover harmful devices or triggers for improvised devices. Work is to be performed in La Verne, Calif., with an estimated completion date of July 19, 2015. One bid was solicited with two bids received. Army Contracting Command, JM&L Contracting Center, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-10-C-0062).

VIASAT, Inc., Carlsbad, Calif., was awarded on July 20 a $ 37,659,021 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for an indefinite/delivery, indefinite/quantity effort to procure blue force tracking 2 (BFT-2) for Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2). BFT-2 is the next generation of the BFT transceiver/network. With BFT-2, FBCB2 will have the capability to upgrade position reports in seconds rather than minutes. Thousands of platforms will share a single satellites channel, resulting in reduced recurring cost. Icons on a computer screen will more accurately represent a vehicles location. The FBCB2 system is the Army’s digital battle command information to tactical combat leaders and soldiers from brigade to platforms an across platforms within a brigade task force. It enables war fighters to pass orders and graphics to visualize the commander’s intent and scheme of maneuver. The BFT-2 platform equipment is installed on a variety of host vehicles, such as high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle, Bradley, Abrams, Paladin, and Aviation. Work is to be performed in Carlsbad, Calif., with an estimated completion date of July 19, 2016. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with two bids received. CECOM Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-10-D-C420).

Honeywell International Inc., Clearwater, Fla., was awarded on July 16 a $23,500,000 indefinite/delivery-indefinite/quantity contract. This contract is for Inertial Navigation Unit sole source to Honeywell International Inc. Work is to be performed in Clearwater, Fla., with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2012. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army TACOM Contracting Center, CCTA-AR-VB, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52H09-07-D-0285).

The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded on July 16 a $15,017,184 firm-fixed-price contract for the performance based logistics for the Apache D unique components. Work is to be performed in Mesa, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2010. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, CCAM-AL-D, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-04-C-0203).

BAE Systems, Ordnance Systems Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on July 15 a $12,472,247 firm-fixed-price contract for the production and supply of 946,302 pounds of cxm-7 explosives to support the bomb program. Work is to be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 31, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-09-D-0003).

Talon Industries Inc., Arlington, Texas, was awarded on July 16 a $11,194,900 firm-fixed-price contract. This firm-fixed-price contract is to construct a new aircraft fuel storage complex located at Duluth ANG, Minnesota. Work is to be performed in Duluth ANG, Minn., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 07, 2011. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Neb., is the contracting activity (W9128F-10-C-0057).

Jaynes Corp., Las Vegas, Nev., was awarded on July 20 a $8,618,286 firm-fixed-price contract for the design and construction of unmanned aerial system extended range multi purpose, Fort Huachuca, Ariz. Work is to be performed in Fort Huachuca, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 19, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with 17 bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Los Angeles, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912PL-10-C-0031).

BAE Systems, Ordnance Systems, Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded on July 16 a $7,498,315 firm-fixed-price contract. The services procured are for phase III of the water distribution system upgrade at Holston Army Ammunition Plant. Work is to be performed in Kingsport, Tenn., with an estimated completion date of July 15, 2013. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Contracting Center, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (DAAA09-98-E-0006).

Odyssey International, Lancaster, Pa., was awarded on July 16 a $7,033,619 firm-fixed-price contract. This project consists of construction of an addition to an existing Criminal Investigation Division lab at Fort Gillem, Ga. Primary facilities included additional space for the latent prints lab; trace evidence testing lab; serology/DNA lad and other areas needed for operation and support of the expanded mission; growth in personnel and insufficient space in the current facility; provide energy monitoring and control systems connection and building information systems. Install a mass notification system, fire protection system, and an intrusion detection system. Supporting facilities include electrical; water; sewer and gas services; paving; storm drainage; site improvement and landscaping; information systems; and antiterrorism measures; demolish pavement; curb and gutter and selected utilities. Self-contained heating and cooling units will be required. Accessibility for individuals with disability will be required. Anti-terrorism measures include laminated windows and door glass. The resulting contract will be firm-fixed-price. Work is to be performed in Fort Gillem, Ga., with an estimated completed date of Jan. 27, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Savannah, Ga., is the contracting activity (W912HN-10-C-0044).

Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded on July 20 a $6,903,328 cost-plus-award-fee contract. This contract is to provide a soil investigation and soil removal action at two military construction Army projects at Sagami General Depot, Japan. Work is to be performed in Sagami General Depot, Japan, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2011. One bid was solicited with one bid received. U.S. Army Engineer District, Alaska, Contracting Division, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Ark., is the contracting activity (W911KB-06-D-0006).

GSC Construction, Augusta, Ga., was awarded on July 21 a $6,816,963 firm-fixed-price contract for base items 0001-0003. This procurement is a design-build project for a single dinning facility at Fort Knox, Ky. Work is to be performed in Fort Knox, Ky., with an estimated completion date of July 21, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with three bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District Contracting Office, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-10-C-0064).

MOCA Systems Inc., Newton, Mass., was awarded on July 21 a $ $6,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for architect-engineering services for nationwide cost engineering support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District-Directorate & Center of Expertise. Work is to be performed in Newton, Mass., with an estimated completion date of July 21, 2014. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with seven bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, CECT-NWW, Walla Walla, Wash., is the contracting activity (W912EF-09-D-0003).

Engineering Research and Consulting, Inc., Huntsville, Ala., was awarded on July 19 a $5,765,171 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This is an indefinite/quantity contract, with five year ordering periods. Order period 1, task order 0001, with funding modification 01-07 for firing test division test and evaluation support. Funds are obligated upon the issuance of each order period 1 modification. The contractor shall provide support to Redstone Test Center for testing, evaluation, and other associated activities scheduled to be conducted by the flight test branch, field sensors test brach, and telemetry, and data management test branch of the firing test division. Work is to be performed in Redstone Arsenal, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Mar. 30, 2015. Five bids were solicited with five bids received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Contracting Center Research Development & Engineering Command, CCAM-RD-A, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-D-0009).

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. LLC., Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded on July 19 a $5,518,525 firm-fixed-price contract for the maintenance dredging 15PT channel, Newburyport, Mass. Work is to be performed in Newburyport, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 13, 2011. Bids were solicited via Federal Business Opportunities Web site with three bids received. Department of the Army, New England District, Corps of Engineers, Concord, Mass., is the contracting activity (W912WJ-10-C-0018).

Primal Innovations LLC, Winter Springs, Fla., was awarded on July 20 a $5,278,888 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the geotechnical and structural laboratory are in contract with Primal Innovations for research and development and development efforts for persistent surveillance and near surface monitoring. Work is to be performed in Winter Springs, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 5, 2011. Bids were solicited via a Broad Agency Announcement with one bid received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ERDC Contracting Office, Vicksburg, Miss., is the contracting activity (W912HZ-10-C-0043).

Bates Engineers/Contractors, Inc., Bainbridge, Ga., was awarded on July 19 a $5,023,576 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is to construct a new 1,400 square meter addition to tan existing simulator facility. Construction will consist of structural steel, concrete masonry unit, exterior and a standing seam metal roof. Heating ventilation, air condition, fire detection suppression and access control/intrusion detection systems are required. A bridge crane, emergency generator, unlimited power supply, furnishing all utilities and parking are included. Construction phasing and leadership energy environmental design certification are required. Unexercised options in the amount of $200,000 are available for future execution by the government. Work is to be performed in Hulbert Field, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 18, 2011. Bids were solicited via Federal Business Opportunity Web site with 27 bids received. Corps of Engineers-Mobile Regional Contracting Center, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-10-C-0092).

NAVY

Northrop Grumman Corp., Aerospace Sector, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $29,715,101 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide operations and maintenance services in support of U.S. Navy Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration. Work will be performed outside the U.S. (50 percent); Patuxent River, Md. (30 percent); and San Diego, Calif. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in August 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $29,715,101 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River Md., is the contracting activity.

L-3 Services, Inc., Mount Laurel, N.J., is being awarded a $22,621,166 modification to previously awarded contract (N61331-08-D-0007) for the procurement of engineering logistics and material support for Mine Roller In-Service program. The contractor will provide all personnel, materials, equipment and services for the engineering and technical support required to provide logistics and material support. Work will be performed in Panama City, Fla., and is expected to be completed by June 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $2,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, Panama City, Fla., is the contracting activity.

Nutmeg Companies, Inc.*, Norwich, Conn., is being awarded a $7,904,800 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of the Marine Corps Reserve Center in Brunswick for A Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine, 4th Marine Division. A specialty constructed weapon’s storage area; assembly hall; classrooms; locker and shower rooms; workshops; and electrical and mechanical utilities that include a fuel oil tank. Construction will also include security lighting; paved tactical vehicle parking with perimeter fencing; paved privately owned vehicle parking; and security lighting systems. Sustainable design will be integrated into the design, development, and construction of the project in accordance with Executive Order 13123 and other directives. The construction and sitting will comply with all applicable Anti-Terrorism/Force protection guidance for a primary gathering facility. The contract also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative contract value to $7,942,800. Work will be performed in Brunswick, Maine, and is expected to be completed by July 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 seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic Northeast Integrated Product Team, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-10-C-9413).

*Small business