Friday, February 25, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 25, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 25, 2011
Source: U.S. DoD issued No. 155-11 February 25, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - February 25, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued February 25, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

TRICARE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

Humana Military Healthcare Services, Inc., Louisville, Ky., is being awarded a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide managed care support to the Department of Defense TRICARE program. The instant award will comprise of the transition-in base period $4,931,404. The total potential contract value, including the approximate 10-month base period and five one-year option periods for health care delivery, plus a transition-out period, is estimated at $23,526,516,165. The South Region contractor will assist the Military Health System in operating an integrated health care delivery system combining the resources of the contractor and the military’s direct medical care system to provide healthcare, plus medical and administrative support services to eligible beneficiaries in the South Region. The South Region includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky (Fort Campbell area only), Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas (excluding areas of western Texas). The work to be performed includes management of provider networks and referrals, medical management, enrollment, claims processing, customer service and access to data, among other requirements, while providing beneficiary satisfaction at the highest level possible through the delivery of world-class health care. The South Region contractor will also be responsible for administering and complying with all Continued Health Care Benefit Program requirements in all geographic areas. The majority of the work to be performed will be in Louisville, K. This contract was competitively procured via the TRICARE Management Activity e-solicitation website with three initial offers received. The TRICARE Management Activity, Aurora, Colo., is the contracting activity (HT9402-11-C-0003).

NAVY

The Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Laboratory, State College, Pa., was awarded on Feb. 24 a $150,000,000 modification to increase the contract ceiling to existing previously awarded cost-plus-fixed fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00024-02-D-6604). This ceiling increase modification provides for up to an additional 1,560,000 staff hours to provide research, development, engineering, test and evaluation. The core areas include guidance, navigation and control of undersea systems, advanced thermal propulsion, materials and manufacturing technology, atmosphere and defense communications and other related technologies. The capabilities are determined to be essential to support a variety of specific programs managed by different technical sponsor organizations. The thematic areas of research and development include, but are not limited to, missiles, radar, sonar, space, undersea warfare, anti-air warfare, command, control and communications, and other related technologies. No funds are obligated by award of this contract modification. Work will be performed in State College, Pa., and is expected to complete by September 2012. 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.

Rolls Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $43,366,451 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-09-D-0020) to exercise an option for contractor logistics services and technical engineering services in support of the KC-130J aircraft propulsion system for the Marine Corps, which includes the AE 2100D3 turboprop engine and the R 391 propeller. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be completed in February 2012. 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.

Northrop Grumman System Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $34,941,216 cost- plus-incentive-fee undefinitized contract action for non-recurring engineering efforts required to design, integrate, and test all hardware, firmware, and software changes required to incorporate advanced threat warning into the current the Department of Navy Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures AN/AAQ-24(V) 25 Missile Warning Sensor. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill. (82 percent); Goleta, Calif. (6 percent); Owego, N.Y. (5 percent); Middleton, Wis. (2 percent); Tulsa, Okla. (1 percent); Saxonburg, Pa. (1 percent); Kirkland Wash. (1 percent); and various locations in the United States (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed in February 2013. Contract funds will not 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 (N00019-11-C-0017).

L-3 Communication Systems, Salt Lake City, Utah, was awarded on Feb. 24 a $32,010,002 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (N00019-09-C-0059) to exercise an option for the procurement of hardware for the common data link Hawklink system for the MH-60R helicopter, including the manufacture, test, and delivery of six AN/SRQ-4(Ku) radio terminal sets (RTS) for ship small surface combatants and 52 AN/ARQ-59 RTSs. Work will be performed in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is expected to be completed in June 2012. 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.

Lockheed Martin, Mission Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., was awarded on Feb. 24 a $26,743,947 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5110) for the option exercise of the DDG 114 Aegis weapon system, including a multi-mission signal processor, and associated special tooling and special test equipment. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (87 percent), and Clearwater, Fla. (13 percent), and is expected to be completed by November 2013. 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.

SunEdison*, Beltsville, Md. (N62583-10-D-0326); AECOM Energy/Solar Power Partners, Inc.*, Mill Valley, Calif. (N62583-10-D-0327); Chevron Energy Solutions Co., a division of Chevron U.S.A., Inc., San Francisco, Calif. (N62583-10-D-0328); SunPower Corp., Richmond, Calif. (N62583-10-D-0329); and SunDurance Energy, LLC*, South Plainfield, N.J. (N62583-10-D-0330), were each awarded on Feb. 24 a option year one under an indefinite-quantity/indefinite-delivery, fixed-price multiple award contract for the purchase of renewable electrical power through power purchase agreements at Naval and Marine Corps installations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The combined total value for all five contractors is $25,000,000. No task orders are being issued at this time. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $125,000,000. The work to be performed provides for the generation of electric power from renewable power systems that are constructed, owned, operated, and maintained by the contractor on government property located within the installation boundaries. Work will be performed at various federal sites within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Task orders issued under the contract are contemplated to be for a period of up to 30 years pursuant to the statutory authority of 10 United States Code (USC) 2922a. The term for this option is from February 2011 to February 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Specialty Center Acquisitions, Port Hueneme, Calif., is the contracting activity.

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Inc., Newport News, Va., was awarded a $25,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for preparation and accomplishment of the fiscal 2011 dry-docking continuous maintenance availability of USS Albany (SSN 753). The contractor will perform advance planning, design documentation, engineering, procurement, ship-checks, fabrication and preliminary shipyard work and/or any other work necessary to prepare for the accomplishment of, as well as accomplish all the necessary alterations, repairs, maintenance, modernization, testing and routine work required to return the submarine to the fleet. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be completed by July 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $25,000,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-11-C-4300).

Lafayette Group, Inc.*, Vienna, Va., is being awarded an $18,042,428 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contact with cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing for technical support to federal, state, and local government agencies engaged in a wide range of command, control, communications, computers and intelligence activities supporting communications interoperability for public safety. This three-year contract includes two one-year options which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to an estimated $30,954,047. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif. (85 percent), and Vienna, Va. (15 percent), and is expected to be completed March 1, 2014. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website, and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with seven offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-11-D-0013).

All Native Service Co., Bellevue, Neb., is being awarded a $14,634,744 cost-plus-fixed fee research and development contract for technology advancement support services to enhance sensor technologies in areas such as infrared, laser, thermal imaging and other related sensor technologies. The Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate currently has a Cerberus Lite system which requires a trailer mounted vehicle to transport the system. Contractor support services are required to promote research and development which will result in a prototype of a Cerberus Lite system, capable of becoming a four-person, hand-carried portable unit. The contract includes two options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $44,398,511. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Va. (23 percent); Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz. (11 percent); Fort Rucker, Ala. (11 percent); Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif. (11 percent); Fort Sill, Okla. (11 percent); Fort Huachuca, Ariz. (11 percent); Redstone, Ala. (11 percent); and Jefferson Proving Grounds, Ind. (11 percent). Work is expected to be completed by February 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured. This contract was procured as an 8(a) requirement acquisition in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(5). The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-11-D-0009).

Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Amarillo, Texas, was awarded on Feb. 24 a $13,115,150 cost-plus-fixed-fee order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-07-G-0008) for non recurring engineering associated with the upgrade of the CV-22 dual digital map system and the electrical system, including system improvements, integration and program management. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pa. (92 percent), and Fort Worth, Texas (8 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 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.

Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., is being awarded a $12,587,942 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0020) to exercise an option for maintenance services in support of the MV-22 and CV-22 AE1107C engines, to include 14 low power repairs and 6,565 engine flight hours. Work will be performed in Oakland, Calif. (70 percent), and Indianapolis, Ind. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $12,587,942 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Feb. 24 a $10,785,892 order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-11-G-0001) for the procurement of 24 multipurpose display indicators; 12 horizontal situation displays; and 37 install kits (AFC-430, AFC-493, and AYC-1363) in support of the Navy aircrew common ejection seat retrofit for the F/A-18A/B/C/D aircraft. Work will be performed in Toronto, Ontario (57 percent); St. Louis, Mo. (24 percent); Halifax, Nova Scotia (3 percent); Grand Rapids, Mich. (2 percent); Sylmar, Calif. (1 percent); Tempe, Ariz. (1 percent); El Paso, Texas (1 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (1 percent); and various locations throughout the United States (10 percent). Work is expected to be completed in February 2013. Contract funds in the amount of $10,785,892 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin, Mission Systems and Sensors (MS2), Moorestown, N.J., was awarded Feb 24, 2011, a $10,116,364 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-5124) for the option exercise of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense technical and engineering support and related operation and maintenance of the Navy’s Combat Systems Engineering Development Site, the SPY-1A Test Lab, and the Naval Systems Computing Center. The contractor will provide continuing technical engineering support, configuration management, quality assurance, operation and maintenance, and scheduling for the Navy’s Combat Systems Engineering Development Site, as well as continued technical engineering and scheduling support for those integrated facilities owned and operated by Lockheed Martin MS2. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by October 2011. 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.

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Conn., was awarded on Feb. 24 an $8,659,976 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0004) to exercise an option for the procurement of VH-3D executive helicopter special progressive aircraft rework, vendor repairables and component overhaul. Work will be performed in Stratford, Conn., and is expected to be completed in January 2012. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year in the amount of $8,659,976. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin MS2, Moorestown, N.J., was awarded on Feb. 24 a $7,500,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-5115) to exercise an option for engineering services for DDG 51 class and CG 47 class Aegis combat system installation, integration and test, and fleet life cycle engineering support for the program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (50 percent); Baltimore, Md. (25 percent); Norfolk, Va. (8 percent); Washington, D.C. (5 percent); Akron, Ohio (5 percent); Mayport, Fla. (2 percent); San Diego, Calif. (1 percent); Oxnard, Calif. (1 percent); Bath, Maine (1 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (1 percent); and Dahlgren, Va. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September 2011. 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.

Lockheed Martin MS2, Moorestown, N.J., was awarded on Feb. 24 a $6,972,894 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5103) to exercise fiscal 2011 options for Aegis platform systems engineering agent activities and Aegis modernization advanced capability build engineering efforts. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $500,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.

URS-IAP, LLC, Austin, Texas, is being awarded a $6,689,056 cost-plus-award-fee modification to increase the maximum dollar value of task order 0008 under previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62470-06-D-6009) for the design and construction of a water production plant and distribution loop at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. After award of this modification, the total cumulative task order value will be $19,838,264. Work will be performed in Djibouti, Africa, and is expected to be completed by June 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia, Naples, Italy, is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Boeing, Defense, Space & Security, St. Louis, Mo., was awarded a $25,772,057 contract which will procure, for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), one C-17 with simulated aircraft systems; simulated aircraft structure; cargo compartment floor and rail systems; cargo compartment ramp and door; forward loadmaster station; aft loadmaster stations and remote panels; cargo compartment lighting; tie down equipment; aerial deliver systems equipment; cargo winch equipment; passenger/troop equipment; intercommunication equipment; and public address system. RAAF unique requirements consist of the following: requirements for functional litter stations, functional hookups for oxygen, functional electrical outlets, and other equipment to support aeromedical training; requirements to include all sidewall seating on the right side of the cargo bay and requirements for actual representation of a first aid kit, thirty-six litters, a mock-up of the comfort pallet, and all sidewall seating down the left side of the cargo bay. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ASC/WNSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8621-11-C-6299).

L-3 Communications Integrated Systems, Greenville, Texas, was awarded a $23,846,723 contract which will expedite the purchase of three spare engines and nine spare propellers required to support the deployment of C-27J aircraft to Afghanistan. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ASC/WLNJ, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-07-D-0099; DO-0040).

Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions, Goodyear, Ariz., was awarded a $22,762,446 contract which will procure Peace Krypton prime mission equipment follow-on support III, comprised of core engineering, a system depot support facility, and in-country technical support. This procurement is on behalf of the foreign military sale customer, the Republic of Korea government, through a letter of offer and acceptance agreement with the U.S. Air Force. At this time, $21,379,759 has been obligated. ASC/WINK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-11-C-3007).

Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., was awarded a $22,320,932 contract modification which will provide interim contract support under the Dragon Spear program for 12 MC-130Ws modified to include a precision strike package. At this time, $10,400,000 has been obligated. WRALC/GRUKA, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8509-10-C-0013; PO0003).

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Sector, San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $10,375,000 contract modification which will purchase the initial capabilities for a building based ground station for the Air Force Global Hawk Program. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. ASC/WIGK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-08-G-3005 0020).

ARMY

Atlantic Diving Supply, Inc., Virginia Beach, Va., was awarded on Feb. 22 an $18,223,661 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of 16,004 generation III extreme cold weather clothing system kits. Work will be performed in Virginia Beach, Va.; Fall River, Mass.; Newark, N.J.; North Conway, N.H.; Lancing, Mich.; Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Post Falls, Idaho; Tullahoma, Tenn.; and Mukilteo, Wash., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 20, 2011. The bid was solicited through the Internet with three bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W911QY-07-D-0003).

SHAW Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., Edgewood, Md., was awarded on Feb. 22 a $17,653,737 firm-fixed-price, requirements contract. The award will provide for labor, personnel, supervision, administration, materials, equipment, tools, and transportation necessary to perform public works functions is various areas throughout Alaska. Work will be performed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. The bid was solicited through the Army Single Face to Industry website with three bids received. The U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W912CZ-09-D-0004).

J.I. Garcia Construction, Inc., Fresno, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 22 a $7,990,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the construction of Squadron Operations Building at the Fresno Air National Guard Station, Fresno, Calif. Work will be performed in Fresno Country, Calif., with an estimated completion date of June 1, 2012. The bid was solicited through the Internet with eight bids received. The National Guard Bureau, Purchasing and Contracting, San Luis Obispo, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912LA-11-C-0002).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

South Alabama Regional Airport Authority, Andalusia, Ala., is being awarded a maximum $11,079,665 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 145 proposals solicited with 158 responses. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-11-D-0007).

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DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: Libya Faces Widespread Anti-Government Protests

DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: Libya Faces Widespread Anti-Government Protests

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 25, 2011:

Thousands of opposition protesters staged a new push Friday to oust Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, with reports of government forces shooting at demonstrators in the capital Tripoli.

Protesters amassed in cities including Benghazi, where anti-Gadhafi forces appear to be in control. News agencies quote residents as saying forces loyal to Gadhafi opened fire in several districts of Tripoli after protesters began marching in the capital following Friday prayers.

Gadhafi speaks again Towards dusk, Libyan state television showed Gadhafi addressing supporters in Tripoli.

The impassioned speech was directed at the the country's youth, with the Libyan leader urging them to defend the nation. Gadhafi spoke from a perch above Tripoli's Green Square, telling supporters "I am one of you." The address was Gadhafi's third speech this week. In an audio speech carried on state television on Thursday, he accused al-Qaida forces of playing a role in the country's unrest.

Tripoli is the center of the shrinking territory that Gadhafi's regime still controls. The uprising that began last week has put the eastern part of the country under rebel control, and support for the anti-government movement is growing in the west. On Thursday, an estimated 23 people died as violence broke out in the city of Zawiya, just 50 kilometers west of Tripoli. Heavy fighting also was reported in the city of Misurata. Reports say a close advisor to Gadhafi has stepped down to protest the bloody crackdown. Ahmed Gadhaf al-Dam is one of the highest level defectors to leave the regime. Many Libyan ambassadors around the world, the justice minister and the interior minister all sided with the protesters. The force that has attacked rebels on behalf of the government is one that Colonel Gadhafi - distrustful of his own generals - has built up steadily for years. It is made up of special brigades headed by his sons, segments of the military loyal to his native tribe and its allies, and legions of African mercenaries. Armed militiamen and pro-Gadhafi loyalists are reportedly roaming through Tripoli shooting opponents from sport utility vehicles. Security agents are said to be searching for people considered disloyal to the regime.

Death toll

The overall death toll has been impossible to determine, but is said to be in the hundreds. Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said Wednesday more than 1,000 people likely have been killed in Libya's week-long uprising. Tens of thousands are fleeing the country - to Tunisia, Egypt and Malta - including members of the government. Gadhafi's son Saif al-Islam Gadhafi claimed the number of people killed by government crackdowns has been exaggerated.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters

DTN Libya Unrest

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DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated February 25, 2011

DTN News: Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News Dated February 25, 2011
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The New York Times & Yahoo News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 25, 2011: Comprehensive daily news related to Afghanistanfor the world of TODAY.
*Comprehensive daily news related to Afghanistan Top Stories / Headlines News for the world of TODAY
New York Times

Articles

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Afghan Officials Say Jailed Christian Convert Is Free

Officials say Sayed Mussa, who faced the death penalty for his conversion from Islam to Christianity, was released Monday, but his whereabouts remain unknown.

February 24, 2011
    Military to Investigate Whether General Ordered Improper Effort to Sway U.S. Lawmakers
    Military to Investigate Whether General Ordered Improper Effort to Sway U.S. Lawmakers

    The investigation was prompted by an article by Rolling Stone, which described a “psychological operation” ordered in Afghanistan by Lt. Gen. William Caldwell.

    February 24, 2011
      U.S. Pulling Back in Afghan Valley It Called Vital
      U.S. Pulling Back in Afghan Valley It Called Vital

      American officials say the Pech Valley consumed resources disproportionate with its importance and there are not enough troops to win decisively against the Taliban and Al Qaeda.

      February 24, 2011
        U.S. Military Deaths in Afghanistan

        The Department of Defense recently confirmed the deaths of the following Americans.

        February 23, 2011
        MORE ON AFGHANISTAN AND: AFGHANISTAN WAR (2001- )
          Development in Kabul Sparks Need for Elevators
          Development in Kabul Sparks Need for Elevators

          Now that a multibillion-dollar reconstruction boom in Kabul has created something akin to a skyline, the city is trying to reintroduce the concept of the elevator.

          February 21, 2011
            Reporter's Notebook: In Afghanistan, Glimpses of the Soviet Try

            The American outpost at Band-e Sardeh, in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, lies within the confines of what was once a much larger Soviet Army position. Signs of the prior command remain.

            February 21, 2011
              31 Killed as Suicide Bomber Attacks Census Office in Northern Afghanistan

              Police officials said 31 were killed when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a government office in northern Afghanistan.

              February 21, 2011
              MORE ON AFGHANISTAN AND: TERRORISM
                U.S. Military Deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan

                The Department of Defense has identified 4,429 American service members who have died since the start of the Iraq war and 1,464 who have died as a part of the Afghan war and related operations.

                February 21, 2011
                  A Silver Star Recipient's Heroism and Humility

                  "There was no time to be scared," Sgt. Joshua R. Labbe said of a battle in which everything seemed to be working against an Army platoon fighting in Afghanistan's Baghlan Province.

                  February 21, 2011
                    Some Taliban Commanders Reluctant to Re-Enter War Zones
                    Some Taliban Commanders Reluctant to Re-Enter War Zones

                    Defeats and weariness are creating fissures between the top leadership based in Pakistan and midlevel field commanders, who have borne the brunt of fighting.

                    February 21, 2011
                      The ‘Long War’ May Be Getting Shorter

                      A veteran returning to Afghanistan sees many signs of progress.

                      February 20, 2011
                        NATO Airstrike Is Said to Kill Afghan Civilians
                        NATO Airstrike Is Said to Kill Afghan Civilians

                        NATO airstrikes killed at least 35 people in a remote mountainous area of eastern Afghanistan last week.

                        February 20, 2011
                          Attackers Wearing Army Uniforms Make Deadly Assault on Bank in Afghanistan

                          As soldiers and police officers lined up at a bank, they became targets of attackers in Army uniforms.

                          February 19, 2011
                            Deadly Day Around Afghanistan, as Attacks Kill 18

                            Four NATO service members, four Afghan police officers and 10 civilians, were killed in attacks that showed the tenaciousness of the insurgency even through the winter.

                            February 18, 2011
                              U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Afghan Money Exchange House

                              The Treasury Department contends that the New Ansari Money Exchange used billions of dollars transferred in and out of Afghanistan to help hide proceeds from illegal drug sales.

                              February 18, 2011
                                Afghanistan: Ministry Says Clean Audit Compounded Kabul Bank’s Troubles

                                The Finance Ministry said Thursday that an “erroneous” audit and inadequate help from international banking advisers compounded financial problems at the embattled Kabul Bank.

                                February 18, 2011
                                  Staying in Touch With Home, for Better or Worse
                                  Staying in Touch With Home, for Better or Worse

                                  The communication gap that once kept troops from staying looped into the details of home life has all but disappeared. But there are drawbacks to the connectedness.

                                  February 17, 2011
                                    Kabul Bank’s Prospect’s Bleak, I.M.F. Says

                                    The findings on problems at the bank jeopardize at least $1 billion in foreign donations to Afghanistan.

                                    February 16, 2011
                                      Afghan Official Accuses Women’s Shelters of Corruption
                                      Afghan Official Accuses Women’s Shelters of Corruption

                                      Afghanistan’s top female official launched a sustained verbal assault on women’s shelters on Tuesday.

                                      February 16, 2011
                                        No Refuge From Fear in Afghanistan, Even at Prayer

                                        Choices for Afghan parents seeking to educate their children continue to dwindle, as religious schools can turn out to be a training ground for terrorism.

                                        February 16, 2011
                                          Richard Holbrooke to Be Replaced by Marc Grossman

                                          Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton chose Marc Grossman, a retired senior diplomat and former ambassador to Turkey, as the Obama administration’s new special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan.

                                          February 15, 2011
                                            When the Wave Hits Afghanistan

                                            It's hard to tell an Afghan tribal elder to liberalize his village and let women go to school when he hears of threats to power taking place in other majority-Muslim countries in the Middle East.

                                            February 15, 2011
                                              Afghan Security Guards Die Thwarting Suicide Attack
                                              Afghan Security Guards Die Thwarting Suicide Attack

                                              The guards, Gul Agha and Lal Mohammed, were being called heroes after they were killed in stopping a bomber from entering a shopping area.

                                              February 15, 2011
                                              MORE ON AFGHANISTAN AND: TERRORISM
                                                U.S. Postpones Meeting With Pakistan and Afghanistan

                                                Pakistan’s treatment of an American being held in the shooting of two motorcyclists has angered Washington.

                                                February 14, 2011
                                                  Police Headquarters in Kandahar Attacked
                                                  Police Headquarters in Kandahar Attacked

                                                  The fighting continued for nearly five hours before the police succeeded in killing three of the bombers and wounding and detaining the fourth, officials said.

                                                  February 13, 2011
                                                  Yahoo! News

                                                  Report: Billions lost on contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan

                                                  CNN - 57 minutes ago

                                                  A new report blasts the United States government for wasting tens of billions of dollars in Iraq and Afghanistan by relying too much on contractors and doing too little to monitor their performance.

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