Thursday, May 31, 2012

DTN News - ITALIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Obama Set To Arm Italy's Drones In Milestone Move

Defense News: DTN News - ITALIAN DEFENSE NEWS:  Obama Set To Arm Italy's Drones In Milestone Move
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 31, 2012: President Barack Obama's administration appears set to notify the U.S. Congress of plans to arm a fleet of Italian MQ-9 Reaper drones, a step that may spur a wider spread of remotely piloted hunter-killer aircraft.

The administration could move ahead within two weeks on the proposal to let Italy join Britain in deploying U.S. drones with weapons such as laser-guided bombs and Hellfire missiles, American officials said.

Italy has a fleet of six Reapers. The sale of the technology to arm them, including bomb racks and "weaponization" kits costing up to $17 million, would help the United States redistribute the burden of its global military operations as the Pentagon's budget is being squeezed by deficit-reduction requirements.

Aides to Obama have been informally consulting the House of Representatives' and Senate's foreign affairs committees about the proposed sale to Italy since last year, congressional staff said.

The latest such period of "pre-consultations" ended May 27 without a move to block the sale, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the coming formal notification to lawmakers.

A transfer to Italy would make it harder for the United States to deny armed-drone technology if asked for it by other members of the 28-country NATO alliance or by close U.S. partners such as South Korea, Japan and Australia, arms-sale analysts said.

"I think that if you sell armed drones to Italy, you will very likely make a decision that any member of NATO that wants them can also get them," said a former congressional staff member who followed the issue.

Some lawmakers fear that a decision to arm Italian drones may spur overseas sales of related technology by Israel, Russia and China.

The United States has used its MQ-9s to hunt and kill members of al Qaeda and its allies in Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia and Pakistani tribal areas.

Britain, the first foreign country to get U.S. technology to arm its Reapers, is considered a special case. Many U.S. officials and members of Congress view it as Washington's staunchest and most reliable ally.

The State Department does not comment on proposed sales of U.S. military hardware until formal notifications have been completed. But a State Department official described Italy as a strong NATO ally which contributes significantly to coalition operations.

"The transfer of U.S. defense articles and service to allies like Italy enables us to work together more effectively to meet shared security challenges," said the official, who declined to be named.

SPREAD DRONES, OR LIMIT THEM?

Senator Dianne Feinstein, chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has publicly opposed the transfer of armed drones. "There are some military technologies that I believe should not be shared with other countries, regardless of how close our partnership," Feinstein, a California Democrat, said last year.

She said she would put armed drones in the category of weapons the United States should try to rein in, not spread.

Turkey is among countries that have been seeking to buy U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. The MQ-9 Reaper is larger and more capable than the earlier MQ-1 Predator, both built by General Atomics.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Chicago last week that Obama was leaning toward selling UAVs to Turkey, which has fought separatist Kurdish rebels for decades in a conflict that has killed 40,000 people.

"The administration's position (toward a sale) is favorable," Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency quoted Gul as saying after he met Obama. "They are trying to convince Congress."

A proposed U.S. arms sale to Turkey may proceed unless lawmakers enact joint resolution barring it, an event that has never occurred.

The Obama administration says that all exports of sensitive military technology are considered on a case-by-case basis under a general policy of "restraint," taking into account national security and foreign-policy considerations as well as U.S. multilateral commitments.

Purchasers of U.S.-made military systems must agree to a strict set of "end-use" conditions designed to limit the system to approved uses such as self-defense and United Nations missions. They also must agree to let the United States monitor their adherence to these conditions.

Italy has sought to arm its drones for use in Afghanistan, where it maintains about 3,950 troops. But it initially wanted the drones themselves for such things as border patrols, the former congressional staff member said.

TEAL Group, a U.S. aerospace consultancy, estimated in April that worldwide UAV spending will almost double over the next decade, totaling more than $89 billion in the next 10 years.

(Editing by Christopher Wilson)

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Reuters
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: HAL To Make Multirole Aircraft With Russian Firm

Defense News: DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: HAL To Make Multirole Aircraft With Russian Firm

UAC-Transport Aircraft, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) sign contract on designing of Multimodal Transport Aircraft
Press-release of JSC "UAC-Transport Aircraft"
Bangalore, May 28, 2012
Today, JSC “UAC-Transport Aircraft”, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) have concluded a General contract at the HAL’s headquarters. The contract was signed by MTA Program Director Alexey Boykov, HAL Design Director Shri T Suvarna Raju and MTAL General Director N.C. Agarwal.
As of today, JSC “UAC-Transport Aircraft” has completed preparation of IT and PLM infrastructure necessary to start work of a joint group on preliminary design.
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 31, 2012: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will manufacture a Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA) with a Russian partner primarily for the Indian and Russian air forces, the state-run defence behemoth said Tuesday.

"The twin-engine aircraft in 15-20 tonne class will be designed, co-developed and manufactured for cargo/troop transportation; para-drop/air drop of supplies, including low altitude parachute extraction system," HAL chairman R.K. Tyagi said in a statement here.

In its transport fleet, the IAF has about 100 AN-32, including some overhauled and upgraded versions.

To execute the $600-million defence project, the $2.6-billion HAL entered into a contract here Monday with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia and the 50:50 joint venture they have set up - Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd.

Capable of short landings and takeoffs, the aircraft will have capacity to ferry about 80 troops, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery pieces and ammunition and can be deployed for battlefield medical evacuation.

With a glass cockpit for electronic instrument displays, fly by wire controls and full authority digital engine control, the aircraft will have 800kmph cruise speed and a range of 2,500km without refuelling.

HAL will design and develop the MTA at its aircraft research and development (ARDC) centre in this tech hub, while its transport aircraft division at Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh will manufacture prototypes and commence serial production after the certification process.

"Our objective is to achieve self-reliance in design, development and production of a MTA and manage the programme with international collaboration and global suppliers," Tyagi said.

The first test flight of the prototype will be in five years (2017) and regular production two years later (2019).

HAL will also share the development cost of systems and manufacture of components, sub-assemblies and composite structure.

The tripartite contract was based on the inter-government pact signed in September 2010 by the Indian and Russian governments for joint design, development and production of the aircraft on cost sharing basis by the joint venture partners.

The joint venture will also work with Russia's aerospace major Rosoboronexport to co-develop the aircraft.

"We will showcase our expertise in designing the aircraft and its systems, manufacturing and flight testing in collaboration with our Russian partners in Moscow and India," Tyagi said.

The Kanpur facility had manufactured transport aircraft such as Avros HS-748 and Dornier Do-228 in the past for the services.

In all, the company manufactured 89 Avros from 1964 to 1984 and 116 Dorniers from 1984 to March 2012.

Two Dorniers were exported to Mauritius, while one export order to Seychelles is under execution.


MULTIROLE TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT (MTA), MEDIUM CARGO CAPACITY


Developed by: JSC United Aircraft Corporation –Transport Aircraft, Russia, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India
Project stage: design

The Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) is a joint international project of JSC United Aircraft Corporation –Transport Aircraft and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India. It is being developed within the framework of the Russo-Indian intergovernmental agreement.
The research of the world market indicates a strong demand for transport aircraft with cargo capacity of up to 20 tonnes and a flight range up to 3,000 km. According to the regulatory documents the MTA is classified as medium cargo capacity military transport aircraft designed for strategic and tactical missions. The MTA provides for transportation of a wide range of cargoes up to 12,000 kg over a range of 4,700 km and up to 20,000 kg over a range of 2,000 km around-the-clock in any geographic areas and under any climate and meteorological conditions.
As a military transport aircraft MTA can perform the following tasks:
-Military personnel transportation (up to 140 people),
-Paratroopers deployment (up to 90 people),
-Transportation of cargo, equipment, all-purpose shipping containers and aircraft containers and pallets,
-Parachuting of cargo and equipment on the platforms,
-Low altitude free fall cargo drop.
The MTA is capable to airlift up to 80% of all existing weapons and military equipment. This capacity is mainly determined by three key features: the MTA’s design dimensions, its cargo department’s size and volume, and its power plant. The MTA’s size of the airtight cargo compartment’s cross section is identical to this of the heavy Il-76MD military transport aircraft. This allows employing all existing loading and unloading equipment, transportation and air dropping equipment and tools. The MTA’s pilots and technical personnel can manage transportation tasks and execute pre-flight procedures on their own (independently from the main base airport), these tasks require from 2 to 6 people.
The high thrust-to-weight ratio ensures the MTA’s operability from airfields in high mountains (on the altitude of up to 3,300 m above the sea-level) both from paved and unpaved runways (capable to sustain pressure up to 8 kg/cm2, that allows its operations on more than 90% of the Russian airfields). The MTA’s performance also is on par with current aircraft’s fuel efficiency level.
Considering high export potential of the aircraft, its design ultimately meets the requirements not only of both Russian and Indian Air Forces but of potential customers as well. It is expected that in 2015-2020 a number of developing countries can consider the new transport aircraft as an alternative not only for An-12 and C-130 Hercules but to a smaller An-26. The strong advantage of the MTA in comparison with its rivals is its relatively low price.
It is supposed that both parties will take part in the MTA program during all its stages. At present, the conceptual phase works have been completed. The joint detailed business plan of the project has been worked out and initialed. The parties established the Russo-Indian joint venture, Multirole Transport Aircraft Limited. It is expected that the Russian and Indian sides will finance the project on par. The first flight of the MTA is planned for 2016
Related News;

GlobalSecurity.orgRussia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealGlobalSecurity.org 15 hrs ago
...Air Force (45 planes), with the remaining 60 exported to third parties the report said. Their joint venture firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), also signed the venture deal. The tripartite contract is based on a Russian-Indian inter-government agreement...
RIA NovostiRussia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealRIA Novosti 30 May 2012, 16:18
...Force (45 aircraft), and with the remaining 60 exported to third parties, the report said, adding another Russian firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), will also join the Russian-Indian venture. The tripartite contract was based on a Russian-Indian...
Russia, India Sign Multi-Role Transport Plane DealRIA Novosti 30 May 2012, 15:18
...Force (45 aircraft), and with the remaining 60 exported to third parties, the report said, adding another Russian firm, Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL), will also join the Russian-Indian venture. The tripartite contract was based on a Russian-Indian...
Business StandardHAL in pact for multirole transport aircraft Business Standard 30 May 2012, 00:05
...— Transport Aircraft (UAC-TA), the Russian partner and their JV-Multirole Transport Aircraft Ltd (MTAL) for the Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) project. HAL and UAC-TA have proposed to design, develop and produce the multi-role transport aircraft in the...

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India 


IN-DEPTH COVERAGE


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The Economic Times
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: NATO Strike Kills al-Qaeda No. 2 In Afghanistan Near Pakistan Border

Defense News: DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: NATO Strike Kills al-Qaeda No. 2 In Afghanistan Near Pakistan Border
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources ByStephenManual 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 30, 2012: NATO claims that it has killed al-Qaeda second in command in an airstrike inside Afghanistan near the Pakistani border. According to NATO, Saudi-born al-Qaeda leader Sakhr al-Taifi was killed on Sunday in the Kunar province of Afghanistan bordering Pakistan.

It is believed that al-Taifi frequently used to travel to Pakistan and was involve in attacks on NATO troops based in Afghanistan. It is also believed that the terror kingpin would take commands from senior al-Qaeda leadership based in the tribal region of Pakistan. The semi-autonomous tribal region of Pakistan has been a hub of training camps and safe haven of terrorists for quite a long time now.

NATO officials believe that the slain terrorist had been funding and supporting terrorists based in Afghanistan to carry out attacks on the NATO troops besides giving them commands on what to do and what not. 

The officials have termed the killing of the terrorist a big success, as they believe that the backbone of the militants based in Afghanistan and the tribal region of Pakistan has been broken. Some of them even say that the killing is the second biggest victory of the NATO troops after the killing of Osama Bin Laden.
Bin Laden was shot dead in a sting operation by a team of the US Navy Seals in Abbottabad in May last year. The incident strained relations between the United States and Pakistan due to the unilateral action of the Seals. Since the US invasion in Afghanistan back in October 2001, dozens of potential terrorists and militants have been killed by the US-led coalition forces based in Afghanistan. 
It is widely held that dozens of high profile terrorists fled to the tribal region of Pakistan following the US invasion in Afghanistan and they are still living there. Despite repeated requests and pressure by the United States, Pakistan army has remained unmoved and reluctant to carry out a full-fledged military operation against militants based in the tribal region.
Analysts and observers based here in the United States believe that Pakistan’s security agencies, including Inter Services Intelligence (ISI), deem the terrorists their strategic asset and that’s why they do not launch operation against them. 
The most dreaded Haqqani network is also based in North Waziristan agency of Pakistan and is believed to be involved in attacks on NATO troops and other military installations in Afghanistan. The US has been carrying out drone strikes against the potential militants based in the region following credible intelligence information from their sources on the ground.
As the US plans to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan at the end of 2014, it is a welcome sign that top leadership of al-Qaeda is being targeted and eliminated. The US and its allies should also consider negotiating with terrorists willing to lay down arms and become civilized citizens.
StephenManual is based in New York City, New York, United States of America, and is a Reporter for Allvoices.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By StephenManual 
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 29, 2012

Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated May 29, 2012
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 29, 2012: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  May 29, 2012   are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
ARMY
            Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., was awarded a $250,000,000 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of the Simple Key Loader - Panda, Foreign Military Sales kit, spares and repair and engineering support services.  Work will be performed in Sparks, Nev.; Oakland, Calif.; Torrance, Calif.; Irvine, Calif; Murrieta, Calif.; Tampa, Fla.; Belcamp, Md.; and Columbia, Md., with an estimated completion date of May 10, 2017.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-12-D-0019). 

            The Boeing Co., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded a $97,268,761 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure Block III Apache AH-64D attack helicopters in support of Foreign Military Sales.  Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2017.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-09-C-0147). 

            Engineering Solutions & Products, L.L.C., Eatontown, N.J., was awarded an $85,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the services in support of the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below/Blue Force Tracking System and Movement Tracking System.  Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 20, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W15P7T-09-D-B201). 

            Alliant Techsystems Operations, L.L.C., Ronkonkoma, N.Y., was awarded an $84,809,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of 1,469 FMU-143R/B bomb fuzes; 2,705 FMU-143S/B bomb fuzes; and 789 FMU-143T/B bomb fuzes.  Work will be performed in Rocket Center, W.Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2015. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with two bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-12-D-0046). 

            Balfour Beatty Construction, L.L.C., Fairfax, Va., was awarded a $50,995,657 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the design and construction of the unaccompanied enlisted personnel housing barracks at Fort Campbell, Ky.  Work will be performed in Fort Campbell, Ky., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 25, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 27 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-12-C-0032). 

            Hunt Construction Group, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded a $44,568,206 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction of an Armed Forces Reserve Center Building at Indianapolis, Ind.  Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 24, 2015.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 11 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-12-C-0029). 

            Jorge Scientific Corp., Arlington, Va., was awarded a $41,404,552 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the design and development services in support of new doctrine and training methodologies.  Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 30, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Adelphi, Md., is the contracting activity (W911QX-12-C-0011). 

            Zachary Federal Construction Corp., San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $32,234,496 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the design-build services for a reception complex at Fort Sill, Okla.  Work will be performed in Fort Sill, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 5, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 28 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-12-C-0010). 

            Textron Marine & Land Systems, New Orleans, La., was awarded a $30,512,354 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure field service representative support in Afghanistan.  Work will be performed in Slidell, La., with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2014. One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-C-0114). 

            EADS - NA, Herndon, Va., was awarded a $26,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to supply contractor logistics in support of the Light Utility Helicopter Program.  Work will be performed in Columbus, Miss., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0194). 

            ImSAR, L.L.C., Salem, Utah, was awarded a $24,000,000 firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the services to build, test, and assess a lightweight ultra wide band synthetic aperture radar for use on small unmanned aerial vehicles.  Work will be performed in Salem, Utah, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2017.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-12-D-0011). 

            TJC Engineering, Inc., Louisville, Ky., was awarded a $23,597,213 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the design/build of two tactical equipment maintenance facilities in Fort Campbell, Ky.  Work will be performed in Fort Campbell, Ky., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 13 bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville, Ky., is the contracting activity (W912QR-12-C-0037). 

            Alliant Techsystems Operations, L.L.C., Plymouth, Minn., was awarded a $20,580,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure precision guided kits.  Work will be performed in Plymouth, Minn., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, N.J., is the contracting activity (W15QKN-06-C-0130). 

            Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc., Milford, N.H., was awarded a $20,024,189 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of Sapphire glass armor and new tooling for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.  Work will be performed in Milford, N.H., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2015.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-12-C-0168). 

            FN Manufacturing, L.L.C., Columbia, S.C., was awarded an $18,702,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for a maximum of 27,000 M240L lightweight short barrels.  Work will be performed in Columbia, S.C., with an estimated completion date of May 22, 2015.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with four bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-12-D-0074). 

            Harris IT Services Corp., Dulles, Va., was awarded a $17,214,375 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the information technology support services.  Work will be performed in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2015.  Sixteen bids were solicited, with two bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Milford, Mass., is the contracting activity (W91QUZ-07-D-0001). 

            NAN, Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii, was awarded a $17,141,771 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction of a munitions complex at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.  Work will be performed in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 6, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with five bids received.  The National Guard Bureau, Honolulu, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (W912J6-12-C-0002). 

            Alliant Techsystems Operations, L.L.C., Mesa, Ariz., was awarded a $16,152,872 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of 600,000 lightweight 30mm M788 target practice cartridges; 300,000 25mm M793 target practice traced cartridges; and 11,000 30mm M883 high pressure test cartridges.  Work will be performed in Mesa, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of June 27, 2014.  Two bids were solicited, with two bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-12-C-0037). 

            Aerovironment, Monrovia, Calif., was awarded a $15,813,405 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure Raven Digital Data Link Gimball Systems and initial spares packages with Vampire simulator.  Work will be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2013.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-11-C-0055). 

            Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $15,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract.  The award will provide for the industrial engineering services in support of missile, rocket, and launcher systems.  Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 2, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-12-C-0048). 

            General Dynamics Ordnance & Tactical Systems, Marion, Ill., was awarded a $14,763,572 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of 400,000 lightweight 30mm M788 target practice cartridges and 440,000 25mm projectile gun unit 23/U target practice cartridges.  Work will be performed in Marion, Ill., with an estimated completion date of June 27, 2014.  Two bids were solicited, with two bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-12-C-0042). 

            Oyster Point Construction Co., Newport News, Va., was awarded a $13,849,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction of three applied instruction (aircraft maintenance) high-bay area building additions.  Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2013.  Fifteen bids were solicited, with fifteen bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (W91236-12-C-0035). 

            QinetiQ North America, Watham, Mass., was awarded an $11,689,860 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the procurement of 420 rocket-propelled grenade defeating nets, 420 battle damage Q-net kits, and proprietary tubes.  Work will be performed in Franklin, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 13, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HAV-12-C-0240). 

            Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co., L.L.C., Oak Brook, Ill., was awarded a $10,753,750 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the dredging services in St. Mary Parish, La.  Work will be performed in St. Mary Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with two bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-12-C-0033). 

            Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $10,500,484 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure vehicles from the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles.  Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2014.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0159). 

            ASRC Primus, Greenbelt, Md., was awarded a $10,115,260 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the services in support of aircraft refuel/defuel at Fort Rucker, Ala.  Work will be performed in Fort Rucker, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 16, 2013.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  The Mission and Installation Contracting Center, Fort Bragg, N.C., is the contracting activity (W91247-12-C-0023). 

            Guild Associates, Inc., Dublin, Ohio, was awarded a $9,830,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the RESET of Laundry Advanced Systems.  Work will be performed in Dublin, Ohio, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 18, 2014.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-12-D-0055). 

            CH2M Hill Constructors, Inc., Chantilly, Va., was awarded a $9,394,171 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the construction of facilities in Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.  Work will be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of April 3, 2013.  There were 99 bids solicited, with nine bids received.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Winchester, Va., is the contracting activity (W912ER-12-C-0029). 

            Complete Parachute Solutions, Inc., DeLand, Fla. (W911QY-12-D-0017), and Aerial Machine & Tool Corp., Meadows of Dan, Va. (W911QY-12-D-0018), were awarded a $9,253,325 firm-fixed-price contract between two contractors.  The award will provide for the procurement of modular airborne weapon cases for use in airborne assault training and missions.  Work location will be determined with each task order, with an estimated completion date of May 17, 2017.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with two bids received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity. 

            General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded an $8,511,974 cost-plus-incentive-fee contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to supply incremental funding in support of operational test and evaluation.  Work will be performed in Poway, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0069). 

            Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, Tucson, Ariz., was awarded an $8,168,950 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the modification of an existing contract to procure Griffin stand-off precision guided munitions and engineering services support.  Work will be performed in Tucson, Ariz., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-10-C-0239). 

            Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., was awarded a $7,055,000 firm-fixed-price contract.  The award will provide for the installation of the underbody improvement kits for the Special Operations Command Marine All-Terrain Vehicle.  Work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wis., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2012.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-12-C-0281).

NAVY
            M. A. Mortenson Construction, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $57,709,000 firm-fixed-price contract for construction of the hangar, apron, parking garage and ordnance loading area addition at Marine Corp Air Station, New River, Camp Lejeune.  The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of a Type II hangar, parking apron, privately-owned vehicle parking garage, arming de-arming pad, a combat aircraft loading area, asphalt taxiway, and a concrete taxiway.  Sustainable design principles will be included in the design and construction in accordance with Executive Order 13123 and other laws and Executive Orders.   Facilities will meet a minimum of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver rating and comply with Energy Policy Act of 2005.  The contract also contains one planned modification, which, if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $59,747,050.  Work will be performed in Jacksonville, N.C., and is expected to be completed by July 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 18 proposals received.  The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the contracting activity (N40085-12-C-7722). 

            Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Aerospace Systems, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded a $32,774,936 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-08-C-0023) in support of the broad area maritime surveillance unmanned aircraft system system development and demonstration.  This modification provides for a maintenance concept change that will allow for the development of a logistics management system and implement the transition from contractor logistics support to organic military maintenance.  No funding will be obligated at time of award.  Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., (74.54 percent), Rancho Bernardo, Calif. (20.82 percent), Melbourne, Fla. (4.59 percent), and Palmdale, Calif. (0.05 percent).  Work is expected to be completed in September 2015.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. is the contracting activity. 

            BAE Systems, U.S. Combat Systems (formerly BAE Systems, Land & Armaments, Inc), Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $24,300,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-4137) for manufacture and delivery of propulsor systems in support of the Virginia-class submarine propulsor system requirements.  This modification is for propulsor system shipsets for SSN 788 and SSN 789, and long-lead-time material for SSN 790 and SSN 791.  Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky., and is expected to completed by May 2015.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. 

            Raytheon Co., Goleta, Calif., is being awarded a $9,399,992 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-10-G-0006) for the conversion and testing of 56 AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver countermeasure receivers to digital countermeasure receivers in support of F/A-18 E/F aircraft.  Work will be performed in Forest, Miss. (48 percent), San Diego, Calif. (38 percent), and Goleta, Calif. (14 percent).  Work is expected to be completed in September 2014.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. 

U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND
            Protective Products Enterprises, Sunrise, Fla., was awarded a firm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to procure soft armor ballistic inserts with an estimated value up to $46,726,474.  The delivery period is not to exceed five years, and the contract minimum in accordance with the request for proposal is $150,000.  U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (H92222-12-D-0014).

WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES
            NetCentrics Corp., Herndon, Va., is being awarded a $20,684,453 firm-fixed-price contract to obtain information technology solutions development services for the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services (WHS), WHS supported organizations, and the Pentagon Force Protection Agency.  Work will be performed in Arlington, Va., Alexandria, Va., and Fort Belvoir, Va., with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2015.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received.  Washington Headquarters Service is the contracting activity (HQ0034-11-D-0002).

AIR FORCE
            Semiconductor Components Industries, L.L.C., Pocatello, Idaho, is being awarded a $16,779,450 cost share/technology investment agreement to increase the availability of domestically produced visible imagers, manufactured using advanced complementary metal oxide semiconductors technology, that are designed to enable flexible visible imaging systems for use on-board satellite systems for Department of Defense and other U.S. government needs.  The location of the performance is Pocatello, Idaho.  Work is to be completed by August 2016.  AFRL/PKMD, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-12-3-5504). 

            Cessna Aircraft Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $12,377,992 firm-fixed-price contract to purchase four C-208B aircraft for the Special Defense Acquisition Fund inventory, as well as training for 16 pilots and 14 maintainers for future international partner needs by exercising the option against the subject contract.  The location of the performance is Wichita, Kan.  Work date for completion is undetermined.  ASC/WNZI, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8617-11-C-6209 P0009).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
            Invivo Corp., Orlando, Fla., was issued a modification exercising the first option year on contract SPM2D1-11-D-8346.  The award is a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract with a maximum $11,912,478 for radiology systems, subsystems, and components.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies.  There were 48 responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012-2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is May 31, 2013.  The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. 

            Digirad Corp., Poway, Calif.*, was issued a modification exercising the third option year on contract SPM2D1-09-8330.  The award is a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract with a maximum $11,745,917 for radiology systems, components, upgrades, accessories, and installation.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies.  There were 48 responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012-2013 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is May 31, 2013.  The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity. 

            Hartland Fuel Products, L.L.C., Onalaska, Wis.*, was awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract with a maximum $9,373,405 for fuel.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Air Force and federal civilian agencies.  There were 42 responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is June 30, 2015.  The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-12-D-4511). 

            Agland, Inc., Lucerne, Colo.*, was awarded a fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract with a maximum $6,935,958 for fuel.  There are no other locations of performance.  Using services are Air Force and federal civilian agencies.  There were 42 responses to the Web solicitation.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 Defense Working Capital Funds.  The date of performance completion is June 30, 2015.  The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-12-D-4501). 

*Small business

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  434-12 May 29, 2012
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