Monday, June 30, 2014

DTN News - CANADA DAY NEWS: DTN News Wish All Friends And Canadian A Happy & Sparkling Canada Day

DTN News - CANADA DAY NEWS: DTN News Wish All Friends And Canadian A Happy & Sparkling Canada Day
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 30, 2014 Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st across the country. July 1st marks the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada - that's the technical explanation, but Canada Day also means fireworks and the year's biggest national party. The Canada Day holiday is akin to the U.S. July 4th celebration but on a more Canadian scale.


What To Expect on Canada Day - Schools, banks, government offices and many other stores and businesses are closed on July 1st. Call ahead to restaurants, stores and tourist attractions to confirm Canada Day hours.

Typically, Canada Day celebrations include parades, fireworks, barbecues and other get-togethers. Get the complete Canada Day Checklist, including lyrics to O Canada in French and English.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*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 - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India's Rafale Fighter Jet Deal in Final Lap, Awaits Government's Nod

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India's Rafale Fighter Jet Deal in Final Lap, Awaits Government's Nod
*Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday met French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in New Delhi. Fabius arrived in Delhi on Sunday night for a two-day visit. He will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to make a pitch for speeding up the Rafale aircraft deal.
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Reuters
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 30, 2014(New Delhi)  The Indian Air Force or IAF may lose its traditional conventional edge against Pakistan if the contract to buy 126 Rafale medium multi-role combat aircraft or MMRCA is not clinched immediately, senior IAF officials told Defence Minister Arun Jaitley at an extensive briefing recently. (Defence Minister Briefed on Indian Air Force's Operational Preparedness)

French aerospace major Dassault Aviation had won the contract to supply the fighter jets to the IAF in 2012. 

The Air Force, which ideally requires 44 squadrons but can manage with 39, currently only has 32 squadrons; 12 of them of the near-obsolete MiG-21s. 

Mr Jaitley had only one query: what is the cost of the contract? 

The IAF's answer -- Rs. 100,000 crore spread over 10 years -- immediately evoked a positive reaction from Mr Jaitley, sources in the Ministry of Defence told NDTV. (Dassault Hopes to Sign Rafale India Deal This Year)

The enthused IAF brass now says that if the government gives the final clearance, the massive, and in many ways the first-of-its-kind contract, may be clinched in the next six months. 

Three sub-sets of the complicated deal have been completed, say sources. The committees that were in charge of Offsets, Maintenance, Transfer of Technology have concluded their work; it took them over two years to prepare documents running into thousands of pages. These include details of work share between Dassault and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd or HAL, liabilities and costs to maintain and run the 126 jets. (A big step in India's Rafale jet deal with France)

Over 41 articles in the defence procurement procedure or DPP have been taken on board while arriving at the final documentation. HAL has been designated the lead domestic production agency. 18 of the 126 jets will be produced in France and the remaining 108 will be manufactured at the production unit in India. (Depleted fighter fleet is worrisome, says Air Chief)

But the committee responsible for costs and contract is yet to finalise its report. Once the deal officially receives clearance, this part of the contract may be ready for signing in less than two months, say sources. (France sees first Rafale jet deliveries to India by 2016)

Meanwhile, many of Rafale's competitors are lobbying hard against the contract and running down the fighter aircraft over various counts, including 'prohibitive' costs. 

But the IAF top brass is clear that the process to buy the MMRCA is irreversible, notwithstanding a view that the IAF must induct the HAL-made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas instead of buying the expensive Rafale. 

IAF officials point out that the Tejas is yet to receive final operational clearance despite the home-grown fighter aircraft being in the making for over 30 years. As per revised timelines, the first full Tejas squadron in the Initial Operational Clearance configuration will be in place only by 2016-2017. 

"We have been hand-holding the LCA for a long time and will continue to support it. But it is not a replacement for a medium, multirole fighter aircraft. Its reach is barely 200 km while we need an aircraft with a reach of at least 1000-km if we have to pose any challenge in the Tibet Autonomous Region, where India expects a major threat to its air combat power in case of a conflict with China," said a top IAF officer.

Meanwhile, the Rafale deal is likely to be on top of the agenda during French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius's two-day visit to India, which starts today.

The question now is whether prime minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Arun Jaitley will also treat the deal as a matter of top priority. 


*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Reuters
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*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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Friday, June 27, 2014

DTN News - RAMADAN GREETINGS: Ramadan Mubarak

DTN News - RAMADAN GREETINGS: Ramadan Mubarak
*Ramadan Mubarak....Best Wishes From Staff & Management of DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Canada
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 27, 2014Ramadan in 2014 is set to start tomorrow.

The Muslim holiday will begin on Saturday, June 28 and run through the evening of Monday, July 28, according to the Fiqh Council of North America.


The dates are based on astronomical calculation, using Makkah al-Mukarrama as a conventional point and takes the position that the conjunction must take place before sunset in Makkah and moon must set after sunset in Makkah.

The end of Ramadan is also known as the 1st of Shawwal.

Many Muslims fast during the daylight hours of Ramadan, which is a period of prayer, fasting, charity-giving, and self-accountability for Muslims.

It is said that the first verses of the Koran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the last third of Ramadan, making that portion an especially holy period.

Some Muslims work to read the entire Qur’an during the holiday, while most conduct acts of charity such as donating to the homeless or others in need.

*Ramadan 2014: http://www.ramadan-2014.net/

The month of Ramadan begins with a new moon, which marks the start of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*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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Thursday, June 26, 2014

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 26, 2014

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 26, 2014
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-121-14 June 26, 2014
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 26, 2014: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued June 26, 2014 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
AIR FORCE
Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, has been awarded a $1,277,618,606 fixed-price-incentive-firm at target price/firm-fixed-price contract for the initial engineering, manufacturing and development Combat Rescue Helicopter (CRH) program. The CRH program will replace the aging HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter with new air vehicles, training systems, and product support required for the Personnel Recovery mission.  The requirement is for 112 new air vehicles (most probable quantity); however, the contract has been structured to handle fluctuations of quantities.  The contract will include the development, integration, production, and initial sustainment of the entire CRH system.  Work will be performed at Stratford, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by June 2029, if all options are exercised.  This award is the result of a competitive acquisition.   If all options are exercised, the total contract amount is estimated at $7,900,000,000.  One offer was received in response to the solicitation issued Oct. 19, 2012.  Fiscal 2013 and 2014 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $298,458,978 are being obligated at time of award.  Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/WISV, Rotary Wing Branch of Special Operations Forces and Personnel Recovery Division/ISR Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8629-14-C-2403).
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has been awarded a $656,656,998 modification (P00532) on a cost-reimbursable, no-fee contract (FA8721-05-C-0002) for the operation of the Lincoln Laboratory Federally Funded Research and Development Center.  This contract modification provides an additional $656,000,000 in contract ceiling for research and development work under the basic contract for several agencies of the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense.  Work will be performed at the Lincoln Laboratory facilities in Lexington, Massachusetts, on Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, and in several remote locations.  This contract is incrementally funded; additional funds are not being  obligated at time of award.  Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Enterprise Acquisition Division/PZM, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity.
General Atomics - Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a $15,293,442 firm-fixed-price contract for the MQ-9 Fuel Bladder Retrofit Kits, Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTO) and initial spares. This contract action is for the build and delivery of certified O-level TCTO to enable the removal of existing Aero Tech Labs fuel bladders and enable the installation of the new fuel bladders on MQ-9 Reaper Block 1 aircraft. This effort is also for the build and delivery of O-level retrofit hardware kits, update existing technical orders and manuals, as well as produce and deliver initial retrofit spares with the components of the respective fuel bladder retrofit kits.  Work will be performed in Poway, California, and is expected to be completed by March 6, 2017.  This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition.  Fiscal 2013 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $8,134,540 and fiscal 2012 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $7,158,902 are being obligated at time of award for Delivery Order 0071.  Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/WIIK, Medium Altitude Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-10-G-3038).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Warner Robins, Georgia, has been awarded a $15,212,790 firm-fixed-price contract for the repair of the AN/ALQ-135 Electronic Countermeasures System's Band 3 and Bands 1&2 Traveling Wave Tubes.  Work will be performed at Warner Robins, Georgia, and is expected to be completed by June 25, 2015. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition and is 100 percent foreign military sales for Saudi Arabia.  FMS funds in the amount of $15,212,790 will be obligated at time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/WNKCB, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8540-14-C-0009).
ARMY
Accenture Federal Services, Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $42,446,917 modification (P00352) to a firm-fixed-price, multi-year contract (WN00104-04-A-ZF12) to exercise option year nine for the general fund enterprise business system.  Funding and performance location will be determined with each order.  The estimated completion date is June 27, 2015.  Army Contracting Command – Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Illinois is the contracting activity.
Smiths Detection, Edgewood, Maryland, was awarded a $21,867,004 modification (P00040) to  firm-fixed-fee contract (W911SR-07-C-0080) to exercise the option to purchase 3,353 M4A1 joint chemical agent detectors, 580 communication adapter kits, one platform interface kit, 2,713 Stryker communication adaptors, 137 sieve packs and 25 nozzles.  Appropriations were obligated at the time of award as follows: fiscal 2014other procurement (Army): $12,653,175, $6,978,033 and $162,462; fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Army): $110,149; fiscal 2013 other procurement (Army): $569,350; fiscal 2012 other procurement (Army): $1,285,473 and $106,888; and other: $1,474.  Work will be performed at Edgewood, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2016.  Army Contracting Command – Edgewood Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland is the contracting activity.
EMI Technologies*, Las Cruces, New Mexico, was awarded a $20,000,000 modification (P00004) to a firm-fixed-price contract (W9124R-11-D-0207) to acquire general purpose instrumentation vans shelters and trailers in support of White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.  Funding and performance location will be determined with each order.  Estimated completion date is June 25, 2015.  Army Contracting Command, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, is the contracting activity.
Northrop  Grumman, Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $15,000,000 modification (P00106) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (W31P4Q-08-C-0418) for research and development for Advance Electronic Protect, Integrated Air and Missile Defense system of systems capability, and IAMD Battle Command System system development and demonstration.  Two bids were solicited via the Internet with two received.  Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of  $15,000,000 are being obligated at award.  Work will be performed at Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2015.  Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal – Missile, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
EADS-NA, Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a $14,436,295 modification (P00811) to a firm-fixed-price contract (W58RGZ-06-C-1094) to exercise options for contractor logistics support for the Utility Helicopter 72A Lakota.  Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Army) funds for $14,436,295 were obligated at the time of the award.  Work will be performed at Columbus, Mississippi with an estimated completion date of May 15, 2015.  Army Contracting Command Redstone Arsenal - Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
Carahsoft, Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $14,424,968 modification (P00031) to firm-fixed-price contract (W91QUZ-11-F-0027) to add additional users and products for software and licenses and support for Army Enterprise Resource Planning.  Multiple funding appropriations obligated at the time of the award are: fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Army) funds of $3,623,968; fiscal 2014 other procurement (Army) funds of $10,775,000; and fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation funds of $26,000.  Work will be performed at Reston, Virginia with an estimated completion date of June 23, 2016.  Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity.
Arriba Corp., Norfolk, Virginia was awarded a $7,890,050 firm-fixed-price contract for addition to and alteration of the Curtis Bay Army Reserve Center, Baltimore, Maryland.  Work will be performed in Maryland with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2016.  Fiscal 2010 military construction funds in the amount of $158,963; fiscal 2013 military construction funds in the amount of $7,612,086 and fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $119,000 are being obligated at award.  Bids were solicited via the Web with five received.  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Louisville District, Louisville, Kentucky is the contracting activity (W912QR-14-C-0023).
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, is being awarded a $63,070,969 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-07-C-0055) for the Phase II continuation of post-demonstration activities in support of the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System program.  These activities include continued X-47B aircraft systems, test bed and flight test support at both shore-based locations and associated carrier detachments, continued development of Fleet Concepts of Operations, X-47B maintenance support, lab and test bed operational support and continued flight test opportunities.  Work will be performed in San Diego, California (70 percent) and Patuxent River, Maryland (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in March 2015.  Fiscal 2013 and 2014 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $45,877,152 will be obligated at time of award, of which $42,551,064 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. 
Northrop Grumman Corp., Bethpage, New York, is being awarded $8,258,253 for ceiling priced delivery order 7252 under a previously awarded Basic Ordering Agreement (N00383-12-G-034G) for the repair of 51 line items for the Advanced Hawkeye system used on the E-2D aircraft.  Work will be performed at Melbourne, Florida (40.26 percent); Liverpool, New York (18.39 percent); Baltimore, Maryland (13.74 percent); Davenport, Iowa (6.54 percent); Falls Church, Virginia (5.56 percent); and 12 other various locations in the United States (15.51 percent).  Work will completed by June 25, 2015.   Fiscal 2014 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,258,253 will be obligated at the time of award, and these funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year.  This is a non-competitive requirement in accordance with 10 U.S.C 2304(c)(1).  The NAVSUP Weapons System Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity.
Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $7,694,320 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-priced contract (N00019-09-C-0069) to exercise an option for the procurement of AN/ARC-210(V) Electronic Radios and ancillary equipment for a variety of aircraft.   This option provides for the procurement of 80 RT-1939(C)/ARCs and 80 994M-4 Link 11 Smart Mounts without Isolators.  Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in May 2016.  Fiscal 2014 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,694,320 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
Innova Systems International, LLC, San Diego, California, was awarded a $6,663,365 firm-fixed-price contract in support of the U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command, Aviation Standards Branch, for software maintenance to support and implement enhanced functionality of the Marine Corps Sierra Hotel Aviation Readiness Program (M-SHARP) software.  Work will be performed at Quantico, Virginia, and is expected to be completed June 30, 2015.  With all options exercised, work will continue through June 30, 2017.   Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $6,663,365 are being obligated at the time of award.  Contract funds in the amount of $6,663,365 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities Government website, with one offer received.  The Regional Contracting Office – National Capital Region, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M00264-14-C-1008).
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $8,102,691 firm-fixed-price contract for aircraft blade assemblies. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. This is a 39-month base contract with no option periods.  Location of performance is Texas with an Aug. 31, 2017 performance completion date.  Using military service is Navy.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 Navy working capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPRPA109G004Y-6220). 
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $7,907,537 firm-fixed-price contract for aircraft blade assemblies. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. This is a 39-month base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Texas with an Aug. 31, 2017, performance completion date.  Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 Navy working capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPRPA109G004Y-6221).
*Small business

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-121-14 June 26, 2014 
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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 - INDIA NEWS: Delhi Court Summons Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi In National Herald Case

DTN News - INDIA NEWS: Delhi Court Summons Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi In National Herald Case
**DTN News - INDIA NEWS: Sonia Gandhi ~ Congress Debacle In Elections 2014 - Due To Unending Scams And Corruption In UPA Government
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources TOI
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 26, 2014: (NEW DELHI) Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and vice-president Rahul Gandhi were on Thursday summoned by a local court as accused in a criminal complaint lodged by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy for alleged cheating and misappropriation of funds in acquiring ownership of now-defunct daily National Herald.

Metropolitan magistrate Gomati Manocha issued summons to Sonia and Rahul Gandhi besides AICC treasurer Moti Lal Vohra, general secretary Oscar Fernandes, and Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda, the other directors of Young Indian Ltd (YI), a company that was incorporated in 2010 and which took over the "debt" of Associated Journals Ltd (AJL), the publisher of National Herald.

Swamy had accused Sonia and Rahul Gandhi and others of conspiring to cheat and misappropriate funds by just paying Rs.50 lakh by which YI obtained the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore which the AJL had owed to the Congress party.

"Complainant has established a prima facie case against the accused under section 403 (dishonest misappropriation of property, 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) read with section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC.

"Hence, let the accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Moti Lal Vohra, Oscar Fernandes, Suman Dubey and Sam Pitroda be summoned for August 7, 2014. Let the Young Indian be summoned through it's authorised representative for the same date," said Manocha.

Reacting to the development, Congress spokesman and a senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the party will respond "vigorously" to the allegations made by Swamy.

"Dr Swamy is known for his personal, motivated campaign against the Congress and you can take it that as and when we receive the papers and take the full legal advice a very vigorous response will be filed in respect of this completely false and motivated complaint.

"Issuance of process over a stale complaint made a year ago is not something to be excited about. Let's seek comprehensive legal advice and you will see how all allegations are legally demolished," Singhvi said.



The court, in its order, said, "From the complaint and the evidence led so far, it appears that YI was in fact created as a sham or a cloak to convert public money to personal use or as a special purpose vehicle for acquiring control over Rs 2000 crores worth of assets of The Associated Journals Ltd.(AJL).

"Since all the accused persons have allegedly acted in consortium with each other to achieve the said nefarious design, there are sufficient grounds for proceeding against all of them," the court said.

It said the accused Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Moti Lal Vohra, Oscar Fernandes were the office bearers and trustees of the funds of the Congress party and the funds of the party were not the personal property of the accused.

"The funds entrusted to them by the party were to be utilised to advance the purposes for which the Congress party was formed ...

"These funds could not have been advanced in the form of an interest-free loan to AJL, as no provisions exists in the Representation of the People Acts or the constitution of the party permitting grant of any such loan to a company engaged in commercial activities," the court said.

"The accused, prima facie appears to have committed criminal breach of trust on the existing share holders of AJL as well as against the company," it added.

The court further said that the accused appeared to have cheated the state exchequer as well by claiming tax exemption by showcasing the objective the donations, etc. were sought by the Congress from the people and diverting those funds to commercial purposes.

Swamy, in his complaint, alleged that AJL was formally closed in 2008 as it was under a huge unpaid debt of around Rs 90 crores.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources TOI
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*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
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DTN News - IRAQ IN TURMOIL: Iraq's Crisis Changes The Battle Space In Syria

DTN News - IRAQ IN TURMOIL: Iraq's Crisis Changes The Battle Space In Syria
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Stratfor
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 26, 2014Concerns that violence in Iraq could disrupt supplies have stoked volatility and driven international benchmark Brent above $114 a barrel. OPEC is ready to pump extra oil in the event of any supply disruptions caused by Iraq and its biggest producer, Saudi Arabia, can ramp up to capacity if needed, oil officials said on Tuesday. For now the market is well-supplied and prices above $114 a barrel are the result of market nervousness, OPEC Secretary General Abdullah al-Badri said. Here’s a look at Iraq’s oil and gas production.

Summary

The conflicts in Syria and Iraq are connected. The border between the two countries has become meaningless, and the emerging crisis in Iraq has direct consequences on the fighting in Syria. Neither the Syrian regime nor the rebels that oppose it stand to gain a decisive advantage from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant's recent actions in Iraq. As things stand now, the primary beneficiary will be the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant itself.

Analysis

Because of the way its military advance in Iraq has played out, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant has earned prestige and a propaganda boost -- it is viewed as a competent organization capable of decisive results. This growing perception will be crucial in the group's ability to attract a growing share of the foreign fighters heading toward the region, and possibly draw additional Syrian rebel fighters to its ranks. The group's seizure of weapons and vehicles -- much of this equipment taken from retreating Iraqi soldiers -- and reportedly more than $1 billion in funds during the recent Iraq offensive will only increase its attractiveness to jihadist fighters. 


The equipment taken includes armored vehicles, small arms, ammunition, artillery, communication devices, uniforms and logistical vehicles. The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant may have also seized night vision equipment and air defense weaponry. This gear would provide a substantial boost on the battlefield in Syria, and the group has indeed already begun to transfer some of this equipment across the border.
The growth in the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant's prestige could in theory have detrimental effects on the rebels and on the Syrian regime. Since the transnational jihadists serve the cause of neither, their efforts in Iraq will create a mixed set of variables for the combatants in Syria.

Effects on the Syrian Regime

Perhaps the greatest negative consequence for the regime of Syrian President Bashar al Assad is the shift of Iraqi Shiite militants back to their homeland to confront a resurgent Sunni opposition. The Syrian regime has come to rely heavily on foreign fighters -- be they Hezbollah combatants, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps advisers or Shiite volunteers from across the region -- to bolster its ranks and negate its demographic disadvantage. These foreign fighters, most notably the Hezbollah members, played a critical role in halting the string of defeats that beset the regime in late 2012, and they continue to spearhead regime offensives across Syria. Furthermore, and unlike what has happened with the Syrian rebels, the regime has not suffered from divisive infighting due to the influx of foreign fighters.



With the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and its allies advancing south toward Baghdad from Mosul, and with sectarian emotions flaring across the region, Iraqi Shiite fighters are keen to return to their homeland -- they have made this desire abundantly clear in statements and videos. Even Hezbollah has threatened to dispatch fighters to Iraq. Though Hezbollah is unlikely to shift much of its efforts from Syria to Iraq -- partly for logistical reasons, but mostly due to the regime's critical dependence on the group -- it will probably move additional fighters to Syria to help offset losses of Iraqi militia. There is already substantial evidence that thousands of Iraqi Shiite fighters are on their way home. Iraqi fighters have reportedly withdrawn from Syrian fronts in the coastal province of Latakia and in al-Meliha, in the suburbs of Damascus, while witnesses have reported seeing convoys of trucks leaving the football stadium that served as the Iraqi militia base in the northern city of Aleppo. 

The Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant's current focus on Iraq has also wrought a notable decline in the intensity of rebel infighting. In the months prior to the fall of Mosul, rebel infighting in Deir el-Zour province in particular resulted in hundreds of rebel casualties as Jabhat al-Nusra and its rebel allies battled against Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant fighters. Though these clashes continue, particularly in Aleppo and Deir el-Zour provinces, the intensity of the fighting has markedly decreased, a clear sign that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant has turned its attention, and likely a large number of its fighters, to Iraq. It could always move its forces back across the unrecognized border, but for now, the group appears to be prioritizing Iraq and will likely keep reinforcing its fight there against Iraqi government counteroffensives.


However, Washington and its allies will be increasingly nervous about supplying advanced weaponry to the rebels in Syria. Having shown it can seize weaponry from the Iraqi army, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant's potential ability to seize weapons delivered by the United States to often ragtag rebel groups worries the Americans. This re-evaluation comes at a particularly bad time for the rebels, who seemed on the verge of finally convincing the United States and other allies to deliver substantially more weapons to their fighters. 
Interestingly, while the regime preferred not to interrupt its enemies' infighting, it undertook a notable aerial bombing campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, both within Syria and across the border in Iraq, after the fall of Mosul. Two things can explain this turn of events. First and less important, the regime may sense an opportunity to strike at the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and relieve pressure on regime forces that come into contact with the militant rebels -- particularly the 17th division in Raqqa province -- while the group is busy in Iraq. The primary reason, however, is the regime's need to demonstrate that it is invested in the well-being of its allies, and in particular that it is attuned to the concerns of its patron, Iran. With the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant becoming a major threat to Baghdad, Hezbollah and Tehran's interests in Iraq, the Syrian regime will try to show that it is doing its part in the wider struggle. The al Assad regime can leverage an opportunity to share intelligence with others, since the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant is now the prevalent regional threat.

It is clear that the fall of Mosul and the spike in the fighting in Iraq have further complicated an already elaborate regional conflict where borders are fast losing their importance. For the Syrian battle space, the developments in Iraq bring a mixed array of advantages and disadvantages to the varying combatants. Even if it does not decisively tilt the battle, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant's Iraq pivot will play an important role in the conflict in Syria.
Read more: Iraq's Crisis Changes the Battle Space in Syria | Stratfor
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*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Stratfor
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*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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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Raytheon Co., (Missile Systems) For The Procurement of 485 AIM-9X Block II For U.S. Military And Other Countries

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Raytheon Co., (Missile Systems)  For The Procurement of  485 AIM-9X Block II For U.S. Military And Other Countries
Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-120-14 June 25, 2014
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 25, 2014: Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a $223,081,894 fixed-price-incentive-firm contract for the procurement of 485 AIM-9X Block II All Up Round Tactical Low Rate Initial Production Lot 14.

Missiles for the U.S. Navy (161), U.S. Air Force (158), and the governments of Singapore (20), the Netherlands (28), Kuwait (1), and Turkey (117). In addition, this contract provides for the procurement of 132 Block II Captive Air Training Missiles for the U.S. Navy (47), U.S. Air Force (55), and the governments of the Netherlands (20), Singapore (8), and Morocco (2); 27 Special Air Training Missiles for the U.S. Navy (13), U.S. Air Force (12), and the government of the Netherlands (2); 180 All Up Round Containers for the U.S. Navy (59), U.S. Air Force (60), and the governments of the Netherlands (18), Morocco (1), Singapore (8), and Turkey (34); two Spare Advanced Optical Target Detectors for the governments of Singapore (1), and Morocco (1); 10 Spare Tactical Guidance Units for the governments of the Netherlands (2), Singapore (2), and Turkey (6); and seven Spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units for the governments of the Netherlands (2), and Singapore (5). Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (43.74 percent); Andover, Massachusetts (10.08 percent); Valencia, California (6.10 percent); Midland, Ontario, Canada (5.54 percent); Rocket Center, West Virginia (5.49 percent); Vancouver, Washington (5.07 percent); Goleta, California (2.86 percent); Cheshire, Connecticut (2.05 percent); Heilbronn, DE, Germany (1.88 percent); Simsbury, Connecticut (1.61 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio (1.22 percent); San Jose, California (1.48 percent); Anniston, Alabama (1.31 percent); Maniago, Italy (1.21 percent); Chatsworth, California (1.11 percent); San Diego, California (1.04 percent); Montgomery, Alabama (.60 percent); Orlando, Florida (.55 percent); Valencia, California (.53 percent); Newbury Park, California (.50 percent); El Segundo, California (.50 percent); Claremont, California (.43 percent); Joplin, Missouri (.39 percent); Lombard, Illinois (.28 percent); El Cajon, California (.15 percent); and various locations inside and outside the continental United States (3.98 and .30 percent, respectively). Work is expected to be completed in December 2016. 

Fiscal 2014 weapons procurement (Navy) and missile procurement (Air Force), as well as foreign military funds in the amount of $223,081,894 are being obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 

This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($74,071,450; 33.20 percent); U.S. Air Force ($74,148,758; 33.24 percent); and the governments of Turkey ($46,902,085; 21.03 percent); the Netherlands ($16,471,972: 7.38 percent); Singapore ($10,574,904: 4.74 percent); Morocco ($522,442; .23 percent); and Kuwait ($390,283; .18 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. 


The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-14-C-0053).

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-120-14 June 25, 2014
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*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 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 25, 2014

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 25, 2014
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-120-14 June 25, 2014
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 25, 2014: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued June 25, 2014 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
NAVY
Raytheon Co., Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a $223,081,894 fixed-price-incentive-firm contract for the procurement of 485 AIM-9X Block II All Up Round Tactical Low Rate Initial Production Lot 14 Missiles for the U.S. Navy (161), U.S. Air Force (158), and the governments of Singapore (20), the Netherlands (28), Kuwait (1), and Turkey (117). In addition, this contract provides for the procurement of 132 Block II Captive Air Training Missiles for the U.S. Navy (47), U.S. Air Force (55), and the governments of the Netherlands (20), Singapore (8), and Morocco (2); 27 Special Air Training Missiles for the U.S. Navy (13), U.S. Air Force (12), and the government of the Netherlands (2); 180 All Up Round Containers for the U.S. Navy (59), U.S. Air Force (60), and the governments of the Netherlands (18), Morocco (1), Singapore (8), and Turkey (34); two Spare Advanced Optical Target Detectors for the governments of Singapore (1), and Morocco (1); 10 Spare Tactical Guidance Units for the governments of the Netherlands (2), Singapore (2), and Turkey (6); and seven Spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units for the governments of the Netherlands (2), and Singapore (5). Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (43.74 percent); Andover, Massachusetts (10.08 percent); Valencia, California (6.10 percent); Midland, Ontario, Canada (5.54 percent); Rocket Center, West Virginia (5.49 percent); Vancouver, Washington (5.07 percent); Goleta, California (2.86 percent); Cheshire, Connecticut (2.05 percent); Heilbronn, DE, Germany (1.88 percent); Simsbury, Connecticut (1.61 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio (1.22 percent); San Jose, California (1.48 percent); Anniston, Alabama (1.31 percent); Maniago, Italy (1.21 percent); Chatsworth, California (1.11 percent); San Diego, California (1.04 percent); Montgomery, Alabama (.60 percent); Orlando, Florida (.55 percent); Valencia, California (.53 percent); Newbury Park, California (.50 percent); El Segundo, California (.50 percent); Claremont, California (.43 percent); Joplin, Missouri (.39 percent); Lombard, Illinois (.28 percent); El Cajon, California (.15 percent); and various locations inside and outside the continental United States (3.98 and .30 percent, respectively). Work is expected to be completed in December 2016. Fiscal 2014 weapons procurement (Navy) and missile procurement (Air Force), as well as foreign military funds in the amount of $223,081,894 are being obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($74,071,450; 33.20 percent); U.S. Air Force ($74,148,758; 33.24 percent); and the governments of Turkey ($46,902,085; 21.03 percent); the Netherlands ($16,471,972: 7.38 percent); Singapore ($10,574,904: 4.74 percent); Morocco ($522,442; .23 percent); and Kuwait ($390,283; .18 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-14-C-0053).
Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a $28,186,692 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-11-C-0001) for the procurement of 774 AIM-9X Production Inertial Measurement Units retrofits and upgrades, and an engineering investigation for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. In addition, this modification provides for the procurement of 30 AIM-9X Block II All Up Round Tactical Low Rate Initial Production Lot 14 Missiles, 30 Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, 18 All Up Round Containers, one Spare Advanced Optical Target Detector, two Spare Tactical Guidance Units, eight Spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units, and one lot of tooling for the government of Belgium. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (43.74 percent); Andover, Massachusetts (10.08 percent); Valencia, California (6.10 percent); Midland, Ontario, Canada (5.54 percent); Rocket Center, West Virginia (5.49 percent); Vancouver, Washington (5.07 percent); Goleta, California (2.86 percent); Cheshire, Connecticut (2.05 percent); Heilbronn, DE, Germany (1.88 percent); Simsbury, Connecticut (1.61 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio (1.22 percent); San Jose, California (1.48 percent); Anniston, Alabama (1.31 percent); Maniago, Italy (1.21 percent); Chatsworth, California (1.11 percent); San Diego, California (1.04 percent); Montgomery, Alabama (.60 percent); Orlando, Florida (.55 percent); Valencia, California (.53 percent); Newbury Park, California (.50 percent); El Segundo, California (.50 percent); Claremont, California (.43 percent); Joplin, Missouri (.39 percent); Lombard, Illinois (.28 percent); El Cajon, California (.15 percent); and various locations inside and outside the continental United States (3.98 and .30 percent, respectively). Work is expected to be completed in December 2016. Fiscal 2013 weapons procurement (Navy) and fiscal 2012 missile procurement (Air Force), as well as FMS funds in the amount of $28,186,692 are being obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy ($2,877,451; 10.2 percent); U.S. Air Force ($3,410,626; 12.1 percent), and the government of Belgium ($21,898,615; 77.7 percent) under the FMS Program. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
American Systems Corp., Chantilly, Virginia (N62583-12-D-0780), and Advanced Technology International, Anderson, South Carolina (N62583-12-D-0781), are each being awarded option year two under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price multiple award contract for field test and evaluation support services in support of the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, Port Hueneme. The work to be performed provides for technology research and development support, field test and evaluation support, program/project planning, project management, equipment/components development and fabrications, administrative support, and assessment, analytical, and documentation throughout the world. The combined total value for both contractors is $15,000,000. No task orders are being issued at this time. All work on this contract will be performed at various installations world-wide, and work for this option period is expected to be completed June 2015. No funds will be obligated at time of award; fiscal 2014 and 2015 operation and maintenance (Navy), and fiscal 2014 and 2015 other procurement (Navy) funds, will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. The Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, California, is the contracting activity.
The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, is being awarded $14,863,552 for delivery order 3051 against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-11-G-0001) for the P-8A Poseidon Increment 3 Interface Development. This order includes two Mission Systems Emulation Environment (MSEE) units with all required hardware, Tactical Open Mission software with P-8 baseline architecture interface data exposure modifications, interface adapter computer software configuration items, and P-8A real-time simulator and interactive warfare simulator. In addition, this order includes the development, documentation, and delivery of hardware and software updates for four MSEE units. Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington, and is expected to be completed in September 2016. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,343,506 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, San Diego, California, is being awarded a $14,772,006 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00024-12-C-4403) for USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) fiscal 2014 phased maintenance availability. A phased maintenance availability includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by November 2014. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Navy) and fiscal 2014 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $14,772,006 will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is being awarded a $14,078,807 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for NATO SEASPARROW Surface Missile System (NSSMS) design agent and special engineering tasks, land-based test site support, software maintenance support, and logistics management support services. This contract will provide the engineering and technical services necessary to support the ongoing development and life cycle support of the NSSMS. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and is expected to be completed by June 2016. Fiscal 2014 other procurement (Navy), fiscal 2014 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy), fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation, fiscal 2014 international funding and FMS funding in the amount of $7,896,498 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-14-C-5400).
ARMY
Voith Hydro, Inc., York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $47,257,431 firm-fixed-price contract with options for rehabilitation of three turbine generator units. Work will be performed at Center Hill Dam, Lancaster, Tennessee, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 28, 2018. Bids were solicited via the Internet with three received. Fiscal 2014 other procurement funds are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Nashville District, Nashville, Tennessee, is the contracting activity (W912P5-14-C-0002).
RDR, Inc., Centreville, Virginia, was awarded a $7,492,815 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract with options for specialized professional services and training support for the Program Manager Special Programs program office. Work will be performed in Centreville, Virginia, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2015. Five bids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $1,786,551 are being obligated in this increment. Army Contracting Command – Natick Division, Natick, Massachusetts is the contracting activity (W911QY-14-C-0058).
ICx Technologies, Inc., doing business as Agentase, Inc., Elkridge, Maryland, was awarded a $6,574,220 modification (P00091) to contract (W911SR-08-C-0075) in support of the joint program manager, “Nuclear Biological Chemical Contamination Avoidance,” to procure spare parts for the low rate initial production, dismounted reconnaissance, sets, kits, and outfits configuration systems for the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy and civil support team. Fiscal 2014other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $6,574,220 are being obligated at award. Work will be performed at Elkridge, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2014. Army Contracting Command – Edgewood Division, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, is the contracting activity.
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman, San Diego, California, has been awarded a $24,000,000 modification (P00005) for FA8650-10-D-1784 for Navigation Warfare Technology Research Modeling, Simulation, Wargaming and Analyses. The total cumulative face value of the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity cost-plus-fixed-fee contract is now $48,000,000, with the modification providing for a ceiling increase from $24,000,000 to $48,000,000 under the basic contract. This modification will provide a bridge for the time necessary to prepare for re-competition of a follow-on contract. Work will be performed at San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by April 26, 2017. New task orders will be awarded and funded by Air Force research and development, operations and maintenance, and aircraft and missile procurement funds. Air Force Research Laboratory/RQKS, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.
Exelis Systems Corp., Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded an estimated $6,536,121 requirements-type contract with firm-fixed unit prices and cost reimbursable contract line numbers for material, appliances and above and beyond services for Family Housing maintenance services. The required maintenance services apply to all facilities, housing units and appurtenant housing support systems, such as garages, storage sheds, fences, grounds, landscaping, maintenance support buildings, utility lines, outdoor recreation areas and playgrounds. The contract supports military members and their families residing in government family housing facilities. The objective is to maintain housing facilities (1,903+ units) properly for facility life cycle sustainment and provide the expected quality and safe living conditions in compliance with U.S. Air Force family housing standards. Work will be performed at the Kaiserslautern Military Community in Germany comprising Landstuhl, Ramstein Air Base and Vogelweh Air Base, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2019. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition; the solicitation was posted electronically on the Federal Business Opportunities website and three offers were received. Military Family Housing appropriation for fiscal 2015, through the execution of individual task orders, will be used for the period Oct. 1, 2014 through Sept. 30, 2015. This is not a multi-year contract. The 700th Contracting Squadron, Kapaun Air Station, Kaiserslautern, Germany is the contracting activity (FA5613-14-D-0008).

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-120-14 June 25, 2014 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*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 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS