DTN News - FACEBOOK: 'The Faces of Facebook' Displays All of Facebook's 1.2 billion Profile Pics in One Project

DTN News - FACEBOOK: 'The Faces of Facebook' Displays All of Facebook's 1.2 billion Profile Pics in One Project

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources By Daniel Bean, Yahoo News 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 29, 2013: Facebook has over 1.2 billion users, and a new web project from programmer Natalie Rojas has brought them all together as a mosaic of user pics on The Faces of Facebook.

Visually impressive, the site loads up as a supposed view of Facebook's 1.2 billion users. You can select any area of the picture to zoom in for a closer look at clusters of individual profile images, all chronologically ordered, according to Rojas. Hovering over a user's picture will give you their name and "FACE #," representing the order all profiles were created. Clicking a user's picture will even launch their full profile page on Facebook.

Of course, if a profile is marked as private, no information that isn't publicly available is shown here or when following the link to the full profile. "Relax. We're not breaking any Facebook privacy rule because we don't store anyone's private information, pictures or names," Rojas writes.

"We've just found a harmless way to show 1,260,866,093 Facebook profile pictures and organize them in chronological order"

The Faces of Facebook experience is enhanced if you sign in to your Facebook account while visiting. The project will give you the FACE #s for you and your friends, and also point out the areas where you each lie on the overview.

So visit the page and see which of your friends has the longest Facebook tenure. Just understand that none of you have been around longer than Mark Zuckerberg - he is, naturally, FACE #1.


*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources By Daniel Bean, Yahoo News 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
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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: Indian PM Manmohan Singh's $ 5 Billion Shopping List For C-130 J Hercules Aircrafts, Apache Attack + Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters And More

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Indian PM Manmohan Singh's $ 5 Billion Shopping List For C-130 J Hercules Aircrafts, Apache Attack + Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters And More

 Sources: K. V. Seth - DTN News and  Sudhi Ranjan Sen
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 28, 2013:  India is set to buy American defence equipment worth five billion US dollars and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who left for the United States today, is carrying a long shopping list.

Among the hardware that India is looking to purchase are six additional C-130 J Hercules Medium Lift Aircraft, 22 Apache Attack Helicopters, 15 Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters and about 140 M-777 ultra-light towed Howitzers. Contracts for all of these are expected to be signed before the current financial year is over.

The US-made Apache Attack helicopters will replace India's ageing fleet of Russian-made M-35 helicopters and will cost India about $1.4 billion.

Although the US lost the $15 billion tender for the supply of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft or MMRC to France in 2011, it has in the last decade sold weapons systems worth $8 billion to India and is poised to edge out Russia and Israel as New Delhi's biggest defence equipment suppliers.

The US has recently proposed co-producing aircraft like the C-130 J Hercules and the number of joint military exercises that India has carried out with the US in the last 10 years too now exceeds those with traditional defence partners like Russia, UK and France.

It was perhaps this apparent closeness that provoked Victor Komaradin, who headed a Russian delegation at Aero-India 2013, to observe that "although Russia has virtually created Indian Defence industries in the 1960's and 70's, little attention is being given to the Russian contribution in building India's defence capabilities."

The big purchase order also underscores the fact that despite claiming to be a regional power, India still imports about 70 per cent of all its weapons and equipment.

According to a March 2013 report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute - an independent research body that specialises in conflict and arms sales - New Delhi replaced Beijing as the world's top arms importer accounting for 12 per cent of global arms transfers between 2008 and 2012. China accounted for about six per cent.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth - DTN News and  Sudhi Ranjan Sen
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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 - DEFENSE NEWS: US DoD Has Awarded Contracts To Lockheed Martin For F-35 JSF Aircrafts

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US DoD Has Awarded Contracts To Lockheed Martin For F-35 JSF Aircrafts

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources U.S. DoD #691-13 Dated September 27, 2013 + Baynet.com

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 28, 2013: The U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin signed two F-35 contracts today, valued at $7.8 billion, for a total of 71 F-35 Lightning II aircraft to be produced in the sixth and seventh Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lots. These agreements are a significant milestone for the F-35 Program, and reflect cost reduction initiatives shared by government and industry.
The LRIP 6 contract, valued at $4.4 billion ($3.7 billion awarded through a December 2012 undefinitized contract action; ref: N00019-11-C-0083, and $0.7 billion awarded through today’s contract) funds production of 36 aircraft, with average aircraft unit cost approximately 2.5 percent lower than LRIP 5 aircraft. LRIP 6 per variant unit prices (not including engine cost) follow:

·   23 F-35As CTOL - $103 million/jet

·   6 F-35B STOVL - $109 million/jet

·   7 F-35C CV - $120 million/jet

The LRIP 7 contract, valued at $3.4 billion, funds the production of 35 aircraft, with average aircraft unit cost approximately 6 percent lower than LRIP 5 aircraft. F-35 LRIP 7 per variant unit prices (not including engine cost) follow: 

·   24 F-35As CTOL - $98 million/jet

·   7 F-35B STOVL - $104 million/jet

·   4 F-35C CV - $116 million/jet

The 71 aircraft are currently in various stages of production. Lockheed Martin will begin delivering LRIP 6 aircraft in the second quarter of 2014 and LRIP 7 jets in the second quarter of 2015. LRIP 6 will mark the first delivery of international F-35 jets for Italy and Australia, and LRIP 7 will mark the first delivery to Norway.

 The LRIP 6 and 7 contract terms reduce the government’s exposure to target cost overruns relative to previous LRIP contracts. In the LRIP 6 and 7 buy, Lockheed Martin will cover all cost overruns. The government and Lockheed Martin will share returns (20/80) derived from any under runs in target cost.

 The LRIP 6 and 7 contracts contain performance-based payments, whereby the contractor will receive incremental payment as measured goals are achieved along the production line until government aircraft acceptance. LRIP 6 and 7 contracts also include a concurrency clause which requires Lockheed Martin to share costs equally with the government (50/50) for known concurrency changes arising from System Development and Demonstration testing and qualification. Newly discovered concurrency changes identified during LRIP 6 and 7 production periods will be authorized via engineering change proposals.

F-35 engines are funded through separate contract actions with Pratt & Whitney.

Lorraine Martin, VP and GM of the F-35 Program, said about the contracts “Lockheed Martin is extremely pleased with the LRIP 6 and 7 contract signing, which represents a significant milestone for the F-35 Program and its path to enhanced affordability. With each successive production lot, unit costs have declined. That’s a trend we look forward to continuing as this program moves toward full rate production and operational maturity. Working together with the Joint Program Office, our entire industrial team is focused on delivering the F-35’s 5th generation capabilities to our Armed Forces and partner nations at a 4th generation price point.”

U.S. DoD #691-13 Dated September 27, 2013

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $3,405,427,661 modification with fixed-price-incentive-firm, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and cost-plus-incentive-fee line items to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-12-C-0004) for Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Lot VII F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft production. This modification provides for the manufacture and delivery of 19 F-35 Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) for the U.S. Air Force; six F-35 Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps; four F-35 Carrier Variant (CV) aircraft for the U.S. Navy; two F-35 CTOL aircraft for Norway; three F-35 CTOL aircraft for Italy; and one (1) F-35 STOVL for the United Kingdom. This modification also provides for LRIP Lot 7 production requirements, including manufacturing support equipment, diminishing manufacturing sources management, ancillary mission equipment, including Pilot Flight Equipment, and concurrency changes to LRIP Lot 7 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Navy, and for non-U.S. DoD Participants in the F-35 Program. Concurrency changes are changes to the LRIP Lot 7 configuration baseline resulting from the F-35 development effort. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (55 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (15 percent); Warton, United Kingdom (10 percent); Orlando, Fla. (5 percent); Nashua, N.H. (5 percent); Baltimore, Md. (5 percent), and Cameri, Italy (5 percent). Aircraft deliveries are expected to be completed in October 2016. Fiscal 2013 Aircraft Procurement, Air Force; Fiscal 2013 Aircraft Procurement Navy; and International Partner funding in the amount of $3,405,427,661 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Air Force ($1,823,737,540; 53.55 percent), U.S. Marine Corps ($567,802,742; 16.67 percent), the U.S. Navy ($401,457,402; 11.79 percent); and the Governments of Italy, Norway, United Kingdom, Australia, Turkey, the Netherlands, Canada, and Denmark ($612,429,977; 34.46 percent) The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $742,657,068 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price-incentive (firm target) modification to the previously awarded F-35 Lightning II Low Rate Initial Production Lot VI advance acquisition contract (N00019-11-C-0083). This modification provides for the manufacture and delivery of two F-35 Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft for the Government of Australia and three F-35 CTOL aircraft for the Government of Italy. In addition, this modification provides for LRIP Lot VI production requirements, including manufacturing support equipment, diminishing manufacturing sources management, ancillary mission equipment including pilot flight equipment, and concurrency changes to LRIP Lot VI aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, and the non-U.S. DoD Participants in the F-35 Program. Concurrency changes are changes to the LRIP Lot VI configuration baseline resulting from the F-35 development effort. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (55 percent); El Segundo, Calif. (15 percent); Warton, United Kingdom (10 percent); Orlando, Fla. (5 percent); Nashua, N.H. (5 percent); Baltimore, Md. (5 percent); and Cameri, Italy (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in April 2016. Fiscal 2012 and 2013 Aircraft Procurement, Air Force; Fiscal 2012 Aircraft Procurement, Navy; and International Partner funding in the amount of $742,657,068 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the U.S. Air Force ($130,677,491; 17.60 percent); the U.S. Navy/Marine Corps ($66,199,572; 8.92 percent); and the Governments of Italy, Australia, United Kingdom, Turkey, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway and Denmark ($545,780,005; 73.49 percent). The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth - DTN News from reliable sources U.S. DoD #691-13 Dated September 27, 2013 + Baynet.com
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*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*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 September 17, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 17, 2013
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. 661-13 September 17, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 17, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  September 17, 2013  are undermentioned;

 CONTRACTS

ARMY

New Generation Power Inc.*, Chicago, Ill., was awarded potential vendor indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, non-option, non-multi-year contract with a cumulative maximum value of $7,000,000,000. The government is awarding this contract for use in competing and awarding power purchase agreement (PPA) task orders. These PPAs will provide for the purchase of energy from renewable and alternative energy production facilities that are designed, financed, constructed, operated and maintained by private sector entities on private land or on installations under jurisdiction of the Department of Defense. These contracts are for the use of geothermal technology. All awarded technologies will share a total estimated value of $7,000,000,000. Performance location and funding will be determined with each order. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with 16 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Engineer Support Center, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912DY-13-D-0113).

Science Applications International, McLean, Va., was awarded a $179,585,058 firm-fixed-price, non-option-eligible, non-multi-year contract in support of the Saturn Arch program and provides continued operations, sustainment and integration of aircraft platforms configured to host a suite of sensors deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This is a hybrid contract containing both fixed-price and cost-reimbursement line items. Performance locations will be: Beavercreek, Ohio; California, Md.; Hanahan, S.C.; Arlington, McLean and Bridgewater, Va.; Djibouti and Afghanistan; with funding from fiscal 2013 other authority funds. This contract was a non-competitive acquisition with one bid solicited and with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Redstone Arsenal (Aviation), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-C-0134).

Amyx Inc.*, Reston, Va. (W81XWH-13-D-0014); Dynamic Systems Technology Inc.*, Fairfax, Va. (W81XWH-13-D-0015); Ho-Chunk Technical Solutions*, Winnebago, Neb. (W81XWH-13-D-0016); Stratitia Inc.*, Washington, D.C. (W81XWH-13-D-0017); Allied Technologies and Consulting LLC*, Frederick, Md. (W81XWH-13-D-0024); Axiom Corp.*, Atlanta, Ga. (W81XWH-13-D-0025); Enterprise Resource Planning International LLC*, Laurel, Md. (W81XWH-13-D-0026); Indrasoft Inc.*, Reston, Va. (W81XWH-13-D-0027), were awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price, non-option-eligible, non-multi-year, multiple-vendor, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide continuous professional administrative and management support services for the U.S. Army Medical Material Agency core competencies in all its daily business operations. This contract period of performance has a12-month base period and four option periods. Performance locations and funding will be determined with each order. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with 19 bids received. The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Frederick, Md., is the contracting activity.

SRI International, Menlo Park, Calif., was awarded a $62,337,287 firm-fixed-price, non-option-eligible, non-multi-year contract in support of the Desert Owl program and provides continued operations, sustainment and integration of aircraft platforms configured to host a suite of sensors deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This is a hybrid contract containing both fixed-price and cost-reimbursement line items. Performance locations will be: Menlo Park and San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Durango, Colo.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Beavercreek, Ohio; Arlington, McLean and Bridgewater, Va.; and Afghanistan, with funding from fiscal 2013 other authority and fiscal 2013 operations and maintenance Army funds. This contract was a non-competitive acquisition with one bid solicited and with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Redstone Arsenal (Aviation), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-C-0135).

Wycliffe Enterprises Inc.*, Frederick, Md., was awarded a $49,150,525 firm-fixed-price, non-option-eligible, non-multi-year contract to provide all plant, labor, material, equipment and transportation necessary to perform facility maintenance, alterations, repair and minor construction work in the Aberdeen and Edgewood areas of Aberdeen Proving Ground as well as various satellite off-post site locations. Performance locations and funding will be determined with each order. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with 37 bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Installation Contracting, Aberdeen, Md., is the contracting activity (W91ZLK-13-D-0030).

Banneker Ventures LLC*, Baltimore, Md., was awarded a $46,220,000 firm-fixed-price, option-eligible, non-multi-year contract to provide all plant, labor, material, equipment and transportation necessary to perform facility maintenance, alterations, repair and minor construction work in the Aberdeen and Edgewood areas of Aberdeen Proving Ground as well as various satellite off-post site locations. Performance locations and funding will be determined with each order. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with 37 bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Installation Contracting, Aberdeen, Md., is the contracting activity (W91ZLK-13-D-0027).

Akima Construction Services LLC, Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded a $45,789,000 firm-fixed-price, option-eligible, non-multi-year contract to provide all plant, labor, material, equipment and transportation necessary to perform facility maintenance, alterations, repair and minor construction work in the Aberdeen and Edgewood areas of Aberdeen Proving Ground as well as various satellite off-post site locations. Performance locations and funding will be determined with each order. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with 37 bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Installation Contracting, Aberdeen, Md., is the contracting activity (W91ZLK-13-D-0026).

Technical Services LLC, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., was awarded a $39,660,705 firm-fixed-price, option-eligible, non-multi-year contract to provide all plant, labor, material, equipment and transportation necessary to perform facility maintenance, alterations, repair and minor construction work in the Aberdeen and Edgewood areas of Aberdeen Proving Ground as well as various satellite off-post site locations. Performance locations and funding will be determined with each order. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with 37 bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Installation Contracting, Aberdeen, Md., is the contracting activity (W91ZLK-13-D-0028).

Patriot Construction LLC*, Dunkirk, Md., was awarded a $33,195,000 firm-fixed-price, option-eligible, non-multi-year contract to provide all plant, labor, material, equipment and transportation necessary to perform facility maintenance, alterations, repair and minor construction work in the Aberdeen and Edgewood areas of Aberdeen Proving Ground as well as various satellite off-post site locations. Performance locations and funding will be determined with each order. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with 37 bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Installation Contracting, Aberdeen, Md., is the contracting activity (W91ZLK-13-D-0029).

Tompkins Associates Inc., Lee’s Summit, Mo., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, non-option-eligible, non-multi-year contract for $9,500,000 to provide architectural and engineering design and planning services for military and civilian work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kansas City District. Performance location and funding will be determined with each order. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with thirty-six bids solicited. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Kansas City District, Kansas City, Mo., is the contracting office (W912DQ-13-D-4000).

AIR FORCE

CSC Applied Technologies LLC., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $71,650,362 modification (P00101) to previously awarded FA3002-08-C-0007 for base operating support and aircraft maintenance for T-38C/T-1A/T-6 undergraduate pilot training. Work will be performed at Vance Air Force Base, Okla., with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2014. No funds are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Air Education and Training Command is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, Williston Vt., was awarded a maximum $8,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering services for medium caliber aircraft guns and ammunition handling systems. Work will be performed at Williston Vt., and Saco Maine, with an expected completion date of Sept. 16, 2014. Fiscal 2013 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $184,957 are being obligated at time of award. This contract was a sole source acquisition. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8520-13-D-0001).

BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Rockville, Md., has been awarded a $7,300,000 modification (P00106) to previously awarded FA2517-09-C-8000 for the fifth option-year renewal. BAE shall provide non-personal services to operate, maintain, and support the perimeter acquisition radar attack characterization system and site. Work will be performed at Cavalier Air Force Station, N.D., with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2017. The 21st Contracting Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Pfizer, New York, N.Y., has been awarded an estimated $69,277,990 fixed-price with an economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification (P00012) to contract (SPM2D0-12-D-0022) exercising the first option-year period on a one year base contract with seven one-year option periods for various pharmaceutical products. Location of performance is New York, with a Sept. 26, 2014 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 warstopper funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

Revision Military Ltd.*, Essex Junction, Vt., has been awarded a maximum $46,170,844 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract makes available universal prescription lens carriers to military services. This is a one year base, sole-source contract with seven one-year option periods. Location of performance is Vermont, with a Sept. 16, 2015 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DE-13-D-7558).

Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, R.I., has been awarded a maximum $45,179,000 undefinitized contractual action (5026) against basic ordering agreement (SPRPA1-09-G-001Y) for the manufacture and delivery of airborne low frequency sonar helicopter dipping sonar systems. Location of performance is Rhode Island, with a November 2017 performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2017 Navy working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pa.

NAVY

Northrop Grumman Corp., Aerospace Systems, Bethpage, N.Y., is being awarded $11,655,626 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #0009 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N68335-10-G-0021) for the design, development, first article, and production units for ten pieces of peculiar support equipment (PSE); and the procurement of 29 additional pieces of previously developed PSE for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Bethpage, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in March 2016. Fiscal 2011 aircraft procurement Navy contract funds in the amount of $11,655,626 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J., is the contracting activity.

Insitu Inc., Bingen, Wash., is being awarded $7,264,250 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #0016 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-12-G-0008) for hardware repairs and modifications to previously procured ScanEagle Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) for the government of Poland under the foreign military sales program. This effort procures spares, operations and maintenance training, and technical UAS publications. The hardware includes air vehicles, their components, and improvements to the systems ancillary equipment, including ground control stations and launch and recovery equipment. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash., and is expected to be completed in September 2014. Fiscal 2013 operations and maintenance, Defense Agency contract funds in the amount of $7,264,250 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

*Small Business

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No. 661-17 September 16, 2013
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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 September 16, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 16, 2013
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. 659-13 September 16, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 16, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  September 16, 2013  are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

           Insitu Inc., Bingen, Wash., is being awarded a $300,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for hardware and operational and maintenance services in support of the ScanEagle Unmanned Aerial Systems operated by the U.S. Special Operations Command. The hardware and services to be provided include replacement air vehicles, spare and consumable parts, and in-theatre field service representatives to supplement naval special warfare operators. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash., and is expected to be completed in September 2016. Fiscal 2013 operations and maintenance, Navy, overseas contingency operations contract funds in the amount of $85,000,000 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which 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 (N00019-13-D-0016).

           Hydroid Inc, Pocasset, Mass., is being awarded a $36,323,734 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the procurement of unmanned underwater vehicles. The unmanned underwater vehicles provide the military force with very shallow water and shallow water mine countermeasures as well as underwater object localization tools. Work will be performed in Pocasset, Mass., and is expected to be completed by September 2018. Fiscal 2011 other procurement, Navy funding in the amount of $862,202 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with the statutory authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) as implemented by FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, Indian Head, Md., is the contracting activity (N00174-13-D-0005).

           Environmental Management Resources Inc.*, Lawrence, Kan., is being awarded $11,444,076 for firm-fixed-price task order #0006 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N69450-10-D-0787) for renovation and repair of Corry “A” School Bachelor Quarters 3707 and 3708 at Corry Station, Naval Air Station Pensacola. The work to be performed provides for interior demolition, minor structural repairs, sheet rock replacement on walls and ceilings, interior electrical repairs, interior plumbing replacement, installation of fire suppression system and detection systems, floor covering replacement, interior and exterior door replacement, roof replacement, stairwell repairs, heating, ventilation and air conditioning system replacement, and miscellaneous interior and site repairs. Work will be performed in Pensacola, Fla., and is expected to be completed by March 2015. Fiscal 2013 operations and maintenance, Navy contract funds in the amount of $11,444,076 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Three proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla., is the contracting activity.

           World Wide Technology, Maryland Heights, Mo., is being awarded a $9,967,138 firm-fixed-price contract for support to the Defense Logistics Agency Radio-Frequency Identification Program upgrade. Work will be conducted in Maryland Heights, Mo., and is expected to complete by November 2013. Fiscal 2013 working capital funds in the amount of $9,967,138 will be obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement, with four offers received. Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Ind., is the contracting activity (N00164-13-F-0167).

           Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Training, Owego, N.Y., is being awarded $7,037,522 for firm-fixed-price delivery order #4090 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-09-G-0005) for ten organic airborne mine countermeasures technical insertion common console kits in support of the MH-60S program. Work will be performed in Owego, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in September 2015. Fiscal 2013 aircraft procurement Navy contract funds in the amount of $7,037,522 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

           Ceradyne Inc., Costa Mesa, Calif., has been awarded an estimated $151,200,000 firm-fixed-price modification (P00010) to contract (SPM1C1-11-D-1061) exercising the second option-year period on a one-year base contract with two one-year option periods for enhanced small arm protective inserts. Locations of performance are California and Kentucky, with a July 2015 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

           Science Application International Corp., Fairfield, N.J., has been awarded an estimated $45,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification (P00034) to contract (SPM500-02-D-1021) for maintenance, repair, and operations prime vendor bridge contract for the Southeast Zone 1 region. Location of performance is New Jersey, with a March 31, 2014 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

           NASCO Aircraft Brake Inc., Gardena, Calif., has been awarded a maximum $29,080,238 firm-fixed-price contract for aircraft wheels and brakes, and spare/repair parts. This is a five year base, sole-source contract with no option year periods. Location of performance is California with an Aug. 31, 2018 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2018 Defense Logistics Agency Revolving Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Richmond, Va., (SPE4AX-13-D-9419).

           SupplyCore Inc.*, Rockford, Ill., has been awarded an estimated $23,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification (P00032) to contract (SPM500-02-D-1022) for maintenance, repair, and operations prime vendor bridge contract for the Southeast Zone 2 region. Location of performance is Illinois, with a March 31, 2014 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

           Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $18,786,469 firm-fixed-price contract for main rotor gearbox assemblies. Location of performance is Texas, with a Dec. 31, 2016 performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2016 Navy funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pa., (W58GZ-12-G-0001-THEB).

           Lockheed Martin MS2, Owego, N.Y., has been awarded a maximum $7,382.694 firm-fixed-price order (THA7) against contract (SPRWA1-13-D-20000) for radar data processors. Location of performance is New York, with an August 2016 performance completion date. This was a sole-source acquisition. Using military service is Royal Australian Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 foreign military sales funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pa.

ARMY

           NCI Information Systems Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded a $53,018,129 cost-plus-fixed-fee, option-eligible, non-multi-year contract modification (P00010) of contract (W91CRB-12-C-0058) for fielding and logistics services performed in support of Program Executive Office Soldier and its subordinate project managers. Performance locations will be Afghanistan and Ft. Belvoir, Va., with funding from fiscal 2013 other procurement authorization funds. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with six bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Aberdeen Division, Aberdeen, Md., is the contracting activity.

           Great Lakes Dredge Dock LLC, Oakbrook, Ill., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, non-option-eligible, non-multi-year contract for $36,900,000 to provide placement of beachfill, dredged from the Sea Bright borrow area, along the length of the constructed project footprint in Keansburg, N.J. Performance location will be Keansburg, N.J., with funding from fiscal 2013 other authorizations funds. This contract was a non-competitive acquisition with one bid solicited and with one bid received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - New York District, N.Y., is the contracting office (W912DS-13-C-0047).

           The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Pa., was awarded a $19,253,048 cost-plus-fixed-fee, non-option-eligible, non-multi-year contract modification (026106) of contract (W58RGZ-04-G-0023) to obligate funding for sustaining engineering on delivery order 0261 of basic ordering agreement for the MH-47G new build. Performance location will be Ridley Park, Pa., with funding from fiscal 2013 other procurement authority funds. This contract was a non-competitive acquisition with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Redstone Arsenal (Aviation), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity.

           Raytheon Co., McKinney, Texas, was awarded a $19,050,973 firm-fixed-price, non-option-eligible, non-multi-year contract modification (P000014) to contract (W56HZV-11-C-0130) for 41 improved thermal sight system for foreign military sales (FMS), light armored vehicle LAV-25. This is a FMS to Saudi Arabia. Performance location will be McKinney, Texas, with funding from other authorization funding. This contract was a non-competitive acquisition with one bid solicited and one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Tank and Automotive (Warren), Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity.

           The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded an $11,427,527 firm-fixed-price, option-eligible, non-multi-year contract modification (P00001) of contract (W58RGZ-13-C-0086) to exercise the option to procure one additional Longbow crew trainer for the Apache helicopter program. Performance location will be St. Louis, Mo., with funding from fiscal 2013 other procurement authority funds. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Redstone Arsenal (Aviation), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity.

           Veteran's Contractor's Group, JV, LLC, Metaire, La., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, non-option eligible, non-multi-year contract for $10,696,914 to provide support to the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control Project (SELA-09a) and construction of Soniat Canal Pump to the River Intake at Jefferson Parish, La. Performance location will be Harahan, La., with funding from fiscal 2013 other authorizations funds. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with six bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting office (W912P8-13-C-0044).

           Inglett and Stubbs International Ltd., Smyrna, Ga., was awarded an $8,198,147 firm-fixed-price, non-option eligible, non-multi-year contract to provide routine operation and maintenance of the 56 Megawatt turbine/diesel generator power plant at Bagram Airfield. Performance location will be in Afghanistan, with funding from fiscal 2013 operations and maintenance, Army funds. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with one bid received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Philadelphia District, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting office (W912BU-13-F-0050).

           Ordnance Systems Inc., Kingsport, Tenn., was awarded an $8,032,815 firm-fixed-price, non-option-eligible, non-multi-year contract modification (P00524) of contract (DAAA09-98-E-0006) for reactivation of magnesium nitration nitric acid unit 5 at Holston Army Ammunition Plant. Performance locations will be Kingsport, Tenn., with funding from fiscal 2013 other authorization funds. This contract was a non-competitive acquisition with one bid solicited and one received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command - Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

           ARCTEC Alaska Joint Venture, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska is being awarded a $39,327,456 modification (P00366) to previously awarded contract FA5000-04-C-0011 for the operation and maintenance of the Alaska Radar System, consisting of 15 remote radar sites. The location of performance is Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska with an expected completion of Sept. 30, 2014. A subsequent modification will be executed to obligate fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance funds on Oct. 1, 2013. The contracting activity is the 673rd Contracting Squadron/LGCZ.

           FlightSafety Services Corp., Centennial, Colo., has been awarded a $19,876,585 modification (P02A5) to previously awarded contract F33657-01-D-2078 for support of the KC-10 Aircrew Training Systems. The contract modification exercises the seventh program year to provide total acquisition and support for all KC-10 training devices to include Operation and Training System Support Center, Training Management System support, on-site contractor logistics support (CLS), obsolescence and technology insertion, student instruction, CLS on-site maintenance/spares/consumables/repairs, and support equipment maintenance/calibration for aircrew training devices. Work will be performed at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., and McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2014. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance funds of $19,876,585 will be obligated in a subsequent modification when funds are made available. Contracting activity is the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

           Crane Electronics Inc., doing business as STC Microwave Systems, Signal Technology Corp., Chandler, Ariz., has been awarded an estimated $12,399,945 indefinite-delivery, requirements, firm-fixed-price contract for repair efforts of ALQ-161A radio frequency surveillance/electronic countermeasure (RFS/ECM) system shop replaceable units. Contract is to acquire depot level repair of nine shop replaceable units in support of ALQ-161A RFS/ECM used on the B-1 aircraft. Work will be performed in Chandler, Ariz., and is expected to be complete by Sept. 11, 2018. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Air Force Sustainment Center/PZABB, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8522-13-D-0006).

           Jacobs Technology Inc., Tullahoma, Tenn., has been awarded an $11,711,449 modification (P00063) to previously awarded contract FA9300-11-C-0001 for research operations support services. The contract modification provides operations support of the Experimental Liquid Rocket program within the scope of the basic contract. Work will be performed at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., with an expected completion date of March 24, 2014. Fiscal 2013 research and development funds in the amount of $2,196,529 have been obligated at time of award. Air Force Test Center, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity.

           Ayak LLC, Southport, N.C., was awarded a maximum $7,500,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price contract for repair, replacement and installation of various electrical distribution components. Work will include overhead, underground and facilities electrical distribution components. Electrical distribution includes all facility electrical distribution systems such as overhead and underground distribution lines from delivery points to all main service entrance demand meters at buildings, including substations and accessories along with secondary drops to the building service disconnect or first connection into a building’s electrical system. Work will be performed at Joint Base Charleston, Goose Creek and North, S.C., with an expected completion date of Sept. 15, 2018. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and six offers were received. No funds will be obligated at time of award. The 628th Contracting Squadron located at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity (FA4418-13-D-0009).

           The Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, Madison, Miss., has been awarded a $6,827,220 modification (P00003) to previously awarded contract FA3010-13-C-0005 for full food services. The contract modification exercises the first option for full food services being procured under the base contract. Work will be performed at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2017. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance funds will be obligated in a subsequent modification when funds are made available. The 81st Contracting Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., is the contracting activity.

*Small Business

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No. 659-13 September 16, 2013
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DTN News - HELITECH INTERNATIONAL 2013: Russian Helicopters To Display Ka-32, Ka-62 At Helitech

DTN News - HELITECH INTERNATIONAL 2013: Russian Helicopters To Display Ka-32, Ka-62 At Helitech

Source: K. V. Seth DTN News &  By Pete Donaldson
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 16, 2013: The Ka-32A11BC’s coaxial rotor system has number of advantages in hover accuracy and maneuverability, allowing it to perform complex installation and construction tasks, the company emphasizes, along with a wide variety of other demanding specialized tasks such as “horizontal” firefighting using a water cannon against blazes high up in tall buildings.

The Ka-62 has a single five-bladed main rotor, with an enclosed tail rotor and more than 50 percent of its airframe structure and its rotor blades made from composite materials. 

Powered by two Turbomeca Ardiden 3G turboshafts, the Ka-62 will also feature a glass cockpit and wheeled landing gear. The Ka-62 is designed for missions including cargo transportation, medevac and SAR, and is also aimed at the oil/gas and corporate sectors.

Kamov Ka-62 prototype during its public debut at MAKS. Photo courtesy of Russian Helicopters

Russian Helicopters plans to conduct the Ka-62’s first flight this year and deliver the first examples to launch customer Atlas Taxi Aereo of Brazil in mid-2015.

Headquartered in Moscow, Russian Helicopters, JSC is a subsidiary of UIC Oboronprom, which in turn is a part of State Corporation Rostec. Encompassing the Kamov, Kazan and Mil brands, the company comprises five helicopter production facilities, two design bureaus, a spare parts production and repair facility, as well as an aftersale service branch responsible for maintenance and repair in Russia and all over the world. 

More than 8,000 helicopters of Soviet/Russian make are operated in more than 100 countries worldwide. Demand for these aircraft is traditionally highest in the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Russia, and CIS countries. Russian Helicopters was established in 2007. In 2012 it delivered 290 helicopters and increased its revenues by 21 percent to 125,7 billion rubles.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth DTN News & sourced by Pete Donaldson
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DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Taliban Strike U.S. Consulate in Afghanistan - Killing At Least 4

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR NEWS: Taliban Strike U.S. Consulate in Afghanistan - Killing At Least 4

Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News & CTV News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 15, 2013: The Taliban attacked a U.S. Consulate in western Afghanistan with car bombs and guns on Friday, killing at least four Afghans but failing to enter the compound or hurt any Americans.

The attack in the city of Herat underscored concerns about an insurgency that shows no signs of letting up as U.S.-led troops reduce their presence ahead of a full withdrawal next year.

Within hours of the assault, the U.S. temporarily evacuated many of its consular personnel to the embassy in Kabul, 650 kilometres (400 miles) to the east
Herat lies near Afghanistan's border with Iran and is considered one of the safer cities in the country, with a strong Iranian influence. Friday's attack highlighted the Taliban's reach: The militants once concentrated their activities in the east and the south, but in recent years have demonstrated an ability to strike with more frequency in the once-peaceful north and west.

In a phone call, Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi took responsibility for the assault.

An interpreter and three members of the Afghan security forces were killed, said U.S. State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf.

Seven militants, including two drivers of explosives-laden vehicles, also died, according to Gen. Rahmatullah Safi, Herat province's chief of police.

At least 17 people were wounded, said Herat hospital official Sayednaim Alemi.

The attack began about 6 a.m. when militants in an SUV and a van set off their explosives while others on foot fired on Afghan security forces guarding the Consulate, Safi said.
He said the militants were not able to breach the compound, where Americans live and work.

Harf said the attackers fired rocket propelled grenades and that the compound's front gate was extensively damaged in one of the bombings.

Footage broadcast on Afghanistan's Tolo television network showed Afghan police dragging away a badly bloodied man from the scene. Rubble and twisted pieces of metal lay strewn in a seemingly wide area near the consulate.

American security personnel were among those responding to the attack, Harf said.
Robert Hilton, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, said "all consulate personnel are safe and accounted for." Most of the staff were temporarily relocated to the capital, but some essential personnel stayed in Herat, he said.

U.S. and other foreign missions are attractive targets for militants in Afghanistan, but their high walls and strict security also make them difficult to penetrate. The militants also often carry out complex attacks that include suicide car bombers and fighters on foot.

Last month, a botched bombing against the Indian Consulate in the Afghan city of Jalalabad killed nine people, including six children. No Indian officials were hurt. And two years ago to the day, insurgents fired rocket-propelled grenades and assault rifles at the U.S. Embassy, NATO offices and other buildings in Kabul.

Also Friday morning, a suicide truck bombing wounded seven Afghans in eastern Paktika province's Sar Hawza district, said Mokhlis Afghan, a spokesman for the provincial governor. Paktika province lies along the border with Pakistan, and militants affiliated with the Taliban and al-Qaida are active in the region.

Friday's attacks came in the wake of nationwide celebrations after the Afghan soccer team won the South Asian Football Federation Championship on Wednesday. The win produced a rare moment of national unity in this ethnically divided country, and euphoric Afghans poured into the streets to express their joy over the victory.

Related images

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DTN News - WORLD OF TODAY: Philippines News ~ No Ceasefire With MNLF

DTN News - WORLD OF TODAY: Philippines News ~ No Ceasefire With MNLF

Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News & Inquirer
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2013:  What ceasefire?

Fighting between government troops and Moro rebels holding hostages in coastal villages in Zamboanga City intensified on Saturday despite reports of a ceasefire taking effect at midnight on Friday.

By late Saturday, government troops had started to advance on rebel positions in a “calibrated” offensive to free the hostages and retake the villages from the rebels.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told the Inquirer by phone that a ceasefire had not been declared, contrary to statements by Vice President Jejomar Binay late on Friday.

Binay said he had spoken by telephone to Nur Misuari, leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction involved in the crisis here, and to Gazmin and they agreed to a ceasefire and talks to resolve the conflict.

The Vice President said the ceasefire was to take effect at midnight.

But Gazmin said there was no ceasefire.

“What I said was there would be a ceasefire only if they (MNLF rebels) would stop firing. Then we will follow suit. They were the ones who started this,” Gazmin said.

Gazmin said the order from President Benigno Aquino III was to ensure that the hostages would be “protected” as government forces moved in to rescue them.

Binay traveled to Zamboanga City on Friday and met with President Aquino at the military’s Western Mindanao Command headquarters.

He returned to Manila in the evening with fighting still going on in Zamboanga.

Binay said his efforts to broker a peaceful end to the conflict failed because both the government and the MNLF rejected conditions each set to halt the fighting.

“It’s a pity,” Binay said when reached by phone after he landed in Manila.

“There was a good start. Both were for peaceful settlement. But the President did not accept the conditions [set by Misuari],” Binay said.

Safe passage
He declined to disclose the conditions, but sources said one of Misuari’s conditions was safe passage for his followers who were boxed in four coastal villages here.

Gazmin said he was not privy to the discussions between the President and Binay and Misuari.
“But I know the President. He would not like that,” Gazmin said, referring to the safe-conduct supposedly demanded by Misuari for his men.

But Gazmin said he met with Binay in Zamboanga City and discussed with the Vice President his ceasefire announcement on Friday night.

“We discussed [what happened] last night. I told him my condition was very clear. They stop firing, we stop firing,” Gazmin said.

Heavy fighting broke out after midnight Friday in Kasanyangan village as government troops began to retake rebel positions, killing four rebels.

One soldier was killed and five others were wounded in the fighting, said Maj. Angelo Guzman of the AFP Public Affairs Office.

Rising death toll
The deaths brought the toll from six days of fighting to 53 dead and 70 wounded, more than double the previously announced total as of Friday.

The dead included three soldiers, three policemen, four civilians and 43 rebels.

Of the wounded, 35 were soldiers, six policemen, 20 civilians and nine rebels.

Nineteen MNLF rebels have either surrendered or been captured.

In the morning, fighting erupted again in the village, lasting for half an hour. After that, sporadic exchanges of gunfire went on throughout the day.

The national government took over the handling of the crisis on Saturday, with President Aquino personally overseeing the situation, Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said.

That meant the city government would deal with the humanitarian problem caused by the crisis while the national crisis management committee would handle the tactical and other security matters, Salazar explained.

With help from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the city government is caring for tens of thousands of evacuees jamming the sports complex and other shelters in the city.

The DSWD said that as of Saturday, the evacuees numbered 62,329.

President Aquino ordered a “calibrated offensive” to stop the rebels from endangering the lives of the hostages, according to Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, spokesperson for the military.

Gazmin explained that troops were moving to “get the hostages alive and safe.”

He said the military could have launched an attack on the rebels because the armed forces knew the exact positions of the insurgents, but that would not be easy as it might endanger the lives of the hostages.

In Santa Catalina village, where about 100 hostages were being held, the rebels and the soldiers exchanged gunfire and grenade attacks at dawn on Saturday.

Sporadic gunfire rang out in the village throughout the day.

Going hungry
The soldiers were fighting on empty stomachs, military relatives said.

Wives, mothers and daughters of Marines, Scout Rangers, Army, Air Force, Special Action Forces and policemen told the Inquirer that the government troops were getting hungrier by the hour.

A soldier’s wife called the Inquirer asking how military relatives could send food to the troops.

“We are worried here. Almost all of us have received text messages from our husbands that they ran out of food on Friday. They thought this conflict would not last this long,” the wife said.

Another military wife sent a text message to the Inquirer saying, “They’ve been subsisting on water since yesterday (Friday).
”
The Inquirer decided to withhold the names of the military wives, as their husbands might become targets for disciplinary action by their superior officers.
Cigarettes for water
At the height of fighting in Santa Catalina on Friday afternoon, some soldiers offered to trade with journalists their cigarettes for water, candies and biscuits.

Capt. Arvin Lawrence Llenaresas of the 7th Scout Ranger Company said some of the troops received bread from some kind-hearted people on Friday, but that was “not enough.”

In Santa Catalina, people gave the troops hard-boiled eggs, noodles, cigarettes, coffee and purified water, but they did not have enough to feed nearly a hundred soldiers.

Some village residents boiled bananas for the troops.

The troops made short work of the bananas, a soldier told the Inquirer.

The policemen had run out of rice.


“Every time we cook rice here, we share it with the soldiers. It’s not nice that we alone eat,” SPO3 Remigio Proceso of the City Mobile Group said. With reports from AP, AFP, Frances Mangosing, INQUIRER.net

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth - DTN News & Inquirer
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