DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To General Dynamics Land Systems, Michigan, For All Logistic Requirements of The Buffalo A2 M1272 Vehicle

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To General Dynamics Land Systems,  Michigan, For All Logistic Requirements of The Buffalo A2 M1272 Vehicle

Source: DTN News + CR-051-15 Dated March 19, 2015

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 23, 2015: General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $22,786,250 firm-fixed-price multi-year contract for updates and revisions to all logistic requirements and data, except provisioning, in support of the Buffalo A2 M1272 vehicle, and completion of a total system support package. 

Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of March 10, 2018. 

One bid was solicited with one received. Fiscal 2015 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $22,786,250 are being obligated at the time of the award. 

Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-15-C-0101).

BUFFALO
The Buffalo Mine Protected Clearance Vehicle (MPCV) is the recognized leader in route clearance missions around the globe and is currently in service with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France and Italy. The Buffalo’s improvements include increased engine power and greater compatibility, increased driving range, increased fording and slope angle performance, enhanced HVAC and a common spare for all six tires. The enhanced safety features include, larger roof hatches for crew egress and both crew and engine compartment Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems (AFES). With bar armor and an air spade as optional features, the more powerful, improved Buffalo is ready to roll.

HISTORY
The Buffalo vehicle was designed based on the successful South African Casspir mine-protected vehicle. While the Casspir is a four wheeled vehicle, the Buffalo has six wheels. Buffalo is also fitted with a large articulated arm, used for ordnance disposal. Both vehicles incorporate a "V" shaped monohull chassis that directs the force of the blast away from the occupants.

Buffalo is also now equipped with BAE Systems' LROD cage armor for additional protection against RPG-7 anti-tank rounds. Glass armor is sufficient at 6 inches thickness. Run-flat tires are present in all tires. The Buffalo combines ballistic and blast protection with infrared technology to detect the presence of dangerous ordnance and a robotic arm to disable the explosive ordnance. Personnel operate the Buffalo’s 30-foot robotic arm and claw from within the armoured hull via a mounted camera and sensory equipment, to safely dispose of mines and IEDs.

In 2004, the United States had a limited number of Buffaloes in service, with an order for 15 more, at a cost of $10 million. On June 6, 2008 Force Protection, Inc delivered its 200th Buffalo to the U.S. Military.


In 2009 Force Protection Started work on the A2 version, with major changes in the Axle Tech rear axles, Cat C13 engine, Cat CX31 transmission and suspension, along with addition upgrades to the HVAC system, hood and front bumper. the easiest way to identify an A1 version from the A2 version is the front bumper of the A2 has a larger profile. The last Buffalo A2 truck 795 will be completed in June 2014. Force protection was bought by General Dynamics Land Systems.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources + CR-051-15 Dated March 19, 2015
*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 - DEFENSE NEWS: F-35 Jump Jet Gears Up For Crucial At-Sea Tests

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: F-35 Jump Jet Gears Up For Crucial At-Sea Tests

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources By Lance M. Bacon, Staff writer - NavyTimes
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 23, 2015: The blue-green team is gearing up for operational tests that could build momentum for the embattled F-35B Lightning II — or add more fuel to the fire of outspoken critics.

The first shipboard operational test period for the Marine Corps' short take off and vertical landing version of the Joint Strike Fighter is scheduled to take place May 18-30 aboard the amphibious assault ship Wasp. Six of the jets will participate, four out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, and two from MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina.

Evaluators will assess the stealth jet's integration and operation within the full spectrum of flight and maintenance operations, as well as supply chain support while embarked at sea, said Maj. Paul Greenberg, Marine Corps spokesman. Lessons learned will "lay the groundwork" for future deployments, he said. The aims of the at-sea tests include:

*Assess day and night take-offs and landings, weapons loads, and extended range operations.
*Assess aircraft-to-ship network communications.
*Evaluate the landing signal officer's launch and recovery software.
*Test the crew's ability to conduct scheduled and unscheduled maintenance.
*Determine the suitability of maintenance support equipment for shipboard operations.
*Assess the logistics footprint of a deployed, six-plane F-35B detachment.

The F-35B remains the centerpiece of Marine fixed-wing modernization because "it supports our doctrinal form of maneuver warfare and our operational need for close air support in austere conditions and locations potentially inaccessible for traditional fighters," Greenberg told Navy Times on March 17."The Lightning II will provide effective close-air support to our Marines and sailors when they need it the most."

Twenty-one alterations were required to equip the Wasp for regular operation of the F-35B aircraft, according to Matt Leonard, spokesman for Naval Sea Systems Command. Each alteration will be made on all L-class ships during planned availabilities and in line on newly constructed ships in advance of the F-35B's arrival.

Among the biggest challenges has been the downward force and heat of the F-35B's engines as it lands, which has burned the nonskid deck. A new highly tolerant, temperature resistant thermal spray coating was applied and has been successfully evaluated aboard Wasp during F-35B, V-22, AV-8B and other helicopter flight operations, Leonard said.

The Wasp also underwent seven "cornerstone" alterations that provide necessary electrical servicing upgrades, expand weapons handling and storage, provide for the F-35B Autonomic Logistics Information System, secure access facilities, and relocate the flight deck tramline for flight safety.

The Wasp is the test ship for the F-35B and has not made a major deployment in over a decade.

While the Air Force's decision to replace the venerable A-10 with its F-35A variant has nabbed headlines, some analysts and lawmakers remain critical of the Corps' next-generation jump jet for three reasons. It has the shortest range and smallest payload of any F-35, its capabilities are reduced and it's the most expensive. An Air Force F-35A airframe and engine runs $77.7 million, as compared to $105.5 million for the F-35B, and $89.7 million for the F-35C, according to an April 2014 Congressional Research Service report. The Marine Corps also plans to buy the carrier-based F-35C.

Supporters point out that few (if any) potential adversaries can beat the fifth-generation fighter, and this design amounts to a leap ahead for reconnaissance, electronic warfare and close-air support missions

"This actually doesn't just replace the F/A-18, the AV-8 or the EA-6. It's a fundamentally different capability," Marine Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford said in March 10 testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee. "It's a transformational capability. It'll do everything that those three aircraft will do, but also, in terms of the information environment, it'll do a significant amount more for the Marine air-ground task force."

Initial operating capability for the F-35B is scheduled for July.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources By Lance M. Bacon, Staff writer - NavyTimes
*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 - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To MTU America Inc., Novi, Michigan Involves Foreign Military Sales To Israeli Navy

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To MTU America Inc., Novi, Michigan Involves Foreign Military Sales To Israeli Navy

Source: DTN News + CR-052-15 Dated March 20, 2015
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 23, 2015:  MTU America Inc., Novi, Michigan, is being awarded a $6,868,800 firm-fixed-price contract for three shipsets of propulsion system hardware and two spare marine gears for the Israeli Navy Super Dvora fast patrol boats. 

This contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Israel (100 percent). This contract to support the Israeli Navy under FMS case IS-P-LHC is a follow-on effort, which was previously performed under contract N00104-06-C-K058. 

This contract will provide the propulsion system equipment necessary to support the ongoing fleet maintenance and life cycle support of the Israeli Navy. 

Work will be performed in Friedrichshafen, Germany (70 percent), and Kristinehamn, Sweden (30 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2017. 

FMS funding in the amount of $6,868,800 will be obligated at the time of award, and contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. 

This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(4) and FAR 6.302-4 International Agreement. 

The government of Israel is designated the sole source in its letter of offer and acceptance. 


The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-15-C-4127).

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources  + CR-052-15 Dated March 20, 2015
*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 - SINGAPORE NEWS: Lee Kuan Yew, Founding Father and First Premier of Singapore, Dies at 91

DTN News - SINGAPORE NEWS: Lee Kuan Yew, Founding Father and First Premier of Singapore, Dies at 91

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Seth Mydans - The New York Times
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 22, 2015 (SINGAPORE): — Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father and first prime minister of Singapore who transformed that tiny island outpost into one of the wealthiest and least corrupt countries in Asia, died on Monday morning. He was 91.

“The prime minister is deeply grieved to announce the passing of Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, the founding prime minister of Singapore,” said a statement posted on the Singapore prime minister’s official website. “Mr. Lee passed away peacefully at the Singapore General Hospital today at 3:18 am.”

Mr. Lee was prime minister from 1959, when Singapore gained full self-government from the British, until 1990, when he stepped down. Late into his life he remained the dominant personality and driving force in what he called a First World oasis in a Third World region.

The nation reflected the man: efficient, unsentimental, incorrupt, inventive, forward-looking and pragmatic.

“We are ideology-free,” Mr. Lee said in an interview with The New York Times in 2007, stating what had become, in effect, Singapore’s ideology. “Does it work? If it works, let’s try it. If it’s fine, let’s continue it. If it doesn’t work, toss it out, try another one.”

The formula succeeded, and Singapore became an international business and financial center admired for its efficiency and low level of corruption.

An election in 2011 marked the end of the Lee Kuan Yew era, with a voter revolt against the ruling People’s Action Party. Mr. Lee resigned from the specially created post of minister mentor and stepped into the background as the nation began exploring the possibilities of a more engaged and less autocratic government.

Since Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965 — an event Mr. Lee called his “moment of anguish” — he had seen himself in a never-ending struggle to overcome the nation’s lack of natural resources, a potentially hostile international environment and a volatile ethnic mix of Chinese, Malays and Indians.

“To understand Singapore and why it is what it is, you’ve got to start off with the fact that it’s not supposed to exist and cannot exist,” he said in the 2007 interview. “To begin with, we don’t have the ingredients of a nation, the elementary factors: a homogeneous population, common language, common culture and common destiny. So, history is a long time. I’ve done my bit.”

His “Singapore model,” sometimes criticized as soft authoritarianism, included centralized power, clean government and economic liberalism along with suppression of political opposition and strict limits on free speech and public assembly, which created a climate of caution and self-censorship. The model has been admired and studied by leaders in Asia, including in China, and beyond as well as being the subject of countless academic case studies.

The commentator Cherian George described Mr. Lee’s leadership as “a unique combination of charisma and fear.”

As Mr. Lee’s influence waned, the questions were how much and how fast his model might change in the hands of a new, possibly more liberal generation. Some even asked, as he often had, whether Singapore could survive as a nation in a turbulent future.

Mr. Lee was a master of “Asian values,” a concept in which the good of society took precedence over the rights of the individual and citizens ceded some autonomy in return for paternalistic rule.

Generally passive in political affairs, Singaporeans sometimes chide themselves as being overly preoccupied with a comfortable lifestyle, which they sum up as the “Five C’s” — cash, condo, car, credit card, country club.

In recent years, though, a confrontational world of political websites and blogs has given new voice to critics of Mr. Lee and his system.

Even among people who knew little of Singapore, Mr. Lee was famous for his national self-improvement campaigns, which urged people to do such things as smile, speak good English and flush the toilet, but never to spit, chew gum or throw garbage off balconies.

“They laughed, at us,” he said in the second volume of his memoirs, “From Third World to First: The Singapore Story 1965-2000.” “But I was confident that we would have the last laugh. We would have been a grosser, ruder, cruder society had we not made these efforts.”

Mr. Lee developed a distinctive Singaporean mechanism of political control, filing libel suits that sometimes drove his opponents into bankruptcy and doing battle with critics in the foreign press. Several foreign publications, including The International Herald Tribune, which is now called The International New York Times, have apologized and paid fines to settle libel suits.

The lawsuits challenged accusations of nepotism — members of Mr. Lee’s family hold influential positions in Singapore — and questions about the independence of the judiciary, which critics have said follows the lead of the executive branch.

Mr. Lee denied that the suits had a political purpose, saying they were essential to clearing his name of false accusations.

He seemed to genuinely believe that criticisms would gain currency if they were not vigorously disputed. But the lawsuits themselves did as much as anything to diminish his reputation.

He was proud to describe himself as a political street fighter more feared than loved.

“Nobody doubts that if you take me on, I will put on knuckle-dusters and catch you in a cul-de-sac,” he said in 1994. “If you think you can hurt me more than I can hurt you, try. There is no other way you can govern a Chinese society.”

A jittery public avoided openly criticizing Mr. Lee and his government and generally obeyed its dictates.

“Singaporeans are like a flea,” said Mr. Lee’s political tormentor, J.B. Jeyaretnam, who was financially broken by libel suits but persisted in opposition until his death in 2008. “They are trained to jump so high and no farther. Once they go higher they’re slapped down.”

In an interview in 2005, Mr. Jeyaretnam added: “There’s a climate of fear in Singapore. People are just simply afraid. They feel it everywhere. And because they’re afraid they feel they can’t do anything.”

Mr. Lee’s vehicle of power was the People’s Action Party, or P.A.P., which exercised the advantages of office to overwhelm and intimidate opponents. It embraced into its ranks the nation’s brightest young stars, creating what was, in effect, a one-party state.

Continue reading the main story
In a policy intended to remove the temptation for corruption, Singapore linked the salaries of ministers, judges and top civil servants to those of leading professionals in the private sector, making them some of the highest-paid government officials in the world.

It was only in 1981, 16 years after independence, that Mr. Jeyaretnam won the first opposition seat in Parliament, infuriating Mr. Lee. Two decades later, after the 2006 election, just two of the Parliament’s 84 elected seats were held by members of opposition parties.

But in 2011, the opposition won an unprecedented six seats, along with an unusually high popular vote of close to 40 percent, in what was seen as a demand by voters for more accountability and responsiveness in its leaders. Pragmatic as always, the P.A.P. reacted by modifying its peremptory style and acknowledging that times were changing.

But the new approach still fell short of true multiparty democracy, and Singaporeans continued to question whether the party intended to change itself or would even be able to do so.

“Many people say, ‘Why don’t we open up, then you have two big parties and one party always ready to take over?’ ” Mr. Lee said in a speech in 2008. “I do not believe that for a single moment.”

He added: “We do not have the numbers to ensure that we’ll always have an A Team and an alternative A Team. I’ve tried it; it’s just not possible.”

What Singapore got was centralized, efficient policy making unencumbered by what Mr. Lee called the “heat and dust” of political clashes, and social campaigns.

In one, the government tried vigorously to combat a falling birthrate, organizing what was in effect an official matchmaking agency aimed particularly at affluent ethnic Chinese.

Mr. Lee also promoted the use of English as the language of business and the common tongue among the ethnic groups, while recognizing Malay, Chinese and Tamil as other official languages.

With tourists and investors in mind, Singapore sought to become a cultural and recreational hub, with a sprawling performing arts center, museums, galleries, Western and Chinese orchestras and not one but two casinos.

Despite his success, Mr. Lee said that he sometimes had trouble sleeping and that he calmed himself each night with 20 minutes of meditation, reciting a mantra: “Ma-Ra-Na-Tha.”

“The problem is to keep the monkey mind from running off into all kinds of thoughts,” he said in an interview with The Times in 2010. “A certain tranquillity settles over you. The day’s pressures and worries are pushed out. Then there’s less problem sleeping.”

Lee Kuan Yew, who was sometimes known by his English name, Harry Lee, was born in Singapore on Sept. 16, 1923, to a fourth-generation, middle-class Chinese family.

He worked as a translator and engaged in black market trading during the Japanese occupation in World War II, then went to Britain, where he earned a law degree in 1949 from Cambridge University. In 1950 he married Kwa Geok Choo, a fellow law student from Singapore. She died in 2010.

After serving as prime minister from 1959 to 1990, Mr. Lee was followed by two handpicked successors, Goh Chok Tong and Mr. Lee’s eldest son, Lee Hsien Loong, who, groomed for the job, has been prime minister since 2004.

Besides the prime minister, Mr. Lee is survived by his younger son, Lee Hsien Yang, who is the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore; a daughter, Dr. Lee Wei Ling, who runs the National Neuroscience Institute; a younger brother, Suan Yew; and a younger sister, Monica.

Ho Ching, the wife of the prime minister, is executive director and chief executive of Temasek Holdings, a government holding company.

“His stature is immense,” Catherine Lim, a novelist and frequent critic of Mr. Lee, said in an interview. “This man is a statesman. He is probably too big for Singapore, on a level with Tito and de Gaulle. If they had three Lee Kuan Yews in Africa, that continent wouldn’t be in such a bad state.”

The cost of his success, she said, was a lack of emotional connection with the people he governed.

“Everything goes tick-tock, tick-tock,” she said. “He is an admirable man, but, oh, people like a little bit of heart as well as head. He is all hard-wired.”

In the 2010 interview with The Times, though, he took a reflective, valedictory tone.

“I’m not saying that everything I did was right, but everything I did was for an honorable purpose,” he said. “I had to do some nasty things, locking fellows up without trial.”

He said he was not a religious man and that he dealt with setbacks by simply telling himself, “Well, life is just like that.”

Mr. Lee maintained a careful diet and exercised for most of his life, but he admitted to feeling the signs of age and to a touch of weariness at the self-imposed rigor of his life.

“I’m reaching 87, trying to keep fit, presenting a vigorous figure, and it’s an effort, and is it worth the effort?” he said. “I laugh at myself trying to keep a bold front. It’s become my habit. So I just carry on.”

Thomas Fuller contributed reporting.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Seth Mydans - The New York Times
*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: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated February 28, 2015

DTN News: Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News Dated February 28, 2015 

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources including latest updates Defense News,Aerospace/Defense Headlines - News & Yahoo

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 28, 2015: Comprehensive daily news related to Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY.

*Comprehensive daily news related on Aerospace/Defense for the world of TODAY

Saturday February 28, 2015

• India to spend $40 bln on defence in 2015/16 - finmin
  1:45 am - Reuters

Friday February 27, 2015

• Blackstone's Schwarzman tops 2014 private equity earnings
  7:59 pm - Reuters
• Bombardier annonce la fixation du prix de sa nouvelle émission de billets de premier rang échéant en 2018 et de billets de premier rang échéant en 2025
  5:52 pm - Marketwire
• Bombardier CS300 Aircraft Successfully Completes Maiden Flight
  5:51 pm - Marketwire
• Lockheed, Sikorsky venture awarded $2.0 billion helicopter support deal
  5:39 pm - Reuters
• Lockheed, Sikorsky venture awarded $2.0 bln helicopter support deal
  5:33 pm - Reuters
• Bombardier Announces Pricing of its New Issuance of Senior Notes Due 2018 and Senior Notes Due 2025
  5:23 pm - Marketwire
• AlarmForce to Release First Quarter 2015 Financial Results on March 12, 2015
  4:30 pm - Marketwire
• U.S. Air Force says new bomber essential, vows to control costs
  4:22 pm - Reuters
• Smith & Wesson to Present at UBS Global Consumer Conference
  4:05 pm - PR Newswire
• Bombardier's CSeries 300 jet takes to the skies; outlook cloudy
  3:22 pm - Reuters
• Stressed, shrinking Air Force needs more funding -U.S. officials
  3:20 pm - Reuters
• Southwest Airlines nears end of inspections that grounded 128 planes
  2:57 pm - Reuters
• Honeywell To Present At J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Industrials Conference
  2:35 pm - PR Newswire
• MEDIA ALERT: Breker Verification Systems to Exhibit Cache Coherency TrekApp Verification Software at DVCon
  2:11 pm - Marketwire
• Eid Passport Expands its Headquarters to Accommodate Continued Growth
  2:00 pm - Business Wire
• Booz Allen CFO Kevin Cook and Investor Relations Vice President Curt Riggle to Speak March 2 at Raymond James 36th Annual Institutional Investors Conference
  1:45 pm - Business Wire
• Harris Corporation Declares Quarterly Dividend
  1:29 pm - Business Wire
• Senator Tester Introduces the Veterans Education Empowerment Act
  1:03 pm - Business Wire
• Paralyzed Veterans of America Responds to Proposed Veterans Healthcare Reform
  12:20 pm - Business Wire
• Fastest-growing large hub US airport selects Exelis noise monitoring and flight tracking solutions
  12:00 pm - Business Wire
• Bombardier's CSeries 300 jet begins first test flight
  11:06 am - Reuters
• Vishay Intertechnology to Highlight Leading Military-Qualified Resistors and Custom Magnetics at CMSE 2015
  11:00 am - Business Wire
• First Command Will Cover Coast Guard Pay In Event of Government Funding Crisis
  11:00 am - Business Wire
• Cuts to Military Pay and Benefits Threaten Family Finances, First Command Reports
  10:28 am - Business Wire
• Albany International Declares Dividend
  10:00 am - Business Wire
• Bombardier Closes Cdn$1.1 Billion (Approximately US$868 Million) Public Offering of Equity (Including Over-Allotment Option)
  9:45 am - Marketwire
• JBT Corporation Announces 2015 Technology Day
  9:15 am - PR Newswire
• Despite Decline, Military Rotorcraft Segment an Important Niche for Manufacturers
  9:09 am - GlobeNewswire
• Stratasys Strengthens Services Offering with Addition of Dr. Phil Reeves and Consulting Team from Econolyst
  9:00 am - Business Wire
• CANADA STOCKS-Futures point to lower start for TSX
  8:36 am - Reuters
• Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) Films Market Will Witness Growth In Revenue To $724.6 Million By 2020: New Report By Grand View Research, Inc.
  8:11 am - GlobeNewswire
• Avolon to Present at JP Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Industrials Conference on March 4, 2015
  7:00 am - Business Wire
• Exelis reports fourth-quarter and full-year 2014 financial results
  6:30 am - Business Wire
• Groupe Gorgé: Growth Recorded in All Business Lines for the Year
  6:00 am - Business Wire
• Bolstering technology Turkey's priority in defence deal -official
  5:40 am - Reuters
• Airbus says studying A320 production ramp-up beyond 50/month
  4:34 am - Reuters
• Technology transfer is missile defence project priority, Turkish official says
  4:16 am - Reuters
• Airbus says will do utmost to prevent new A400M charges
  2:55 am - Reuters
• Airbus takes new A400M hit, juggles jetliner output
  2:17 am - Reuters
• Airbus Group takes 551 mln eur A400M charge
  1:19 am - Reuters
• Airbus to cut A330 production rate as ramps up A320
  1:19 am - Reuters

Thursday February 26, 2015

• PRESS DIGEST- British Business - Feb 27
  8:14 pm - Reuters
• Bombardier's larger CSeries jet to begin flight testing
  7:32 pm - Reuters
• U.S. Navy opens door to more orders of Boeing jets
  6:38 pm - Reuters
• Bid for more US defense funds gets chilly House reception
  6:01 pm - Reuters
• Era Group Inc. Announces Record Date and Meeting Date for 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
  5:34 pm - Marketwire
• VSE Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Year Ended 2014
  5:30 pm - Business Wire
• Ball's Arnold, Wolny Recognized for Excellence in Manufacturing
  5:20 pm - PR Newswire
• U.S. aviation giants split on Gulf carrier subsidy row
  5:10 pm - Reuters
• Ecolab Schedules Webcast of Industry Conference for March 4
  5:00 pm - Business Wire
• ITT Elects Timothy H. Powers to Its Board of Directors
  5:00 pm - Business Wire
• Trax Technologies Announces Majority Investment by Strattam Capital
  5:00 pm - Business Wire
• North America Perimeter Security Market Research Report
  4:45 pm - PR Newswire
• NASA and Houston Cinema Arts Society Create 'CineSpace' Film Competition
  4:43 pm - PR Newswire
• CPI Aerostructures to Report 2014 Year-End Financial Results on Wednesday, March 4th and Hold Conference Call on Thursday, March 5th
  4:05 pm - Marketwire
• Air Lease Corporation Announces Fiscal Year and Fourth Quarter 2014 Results
  4:01 pm - Business Wire
• Air Methods Reports Year 2014 Results and 1Q2015 Update
  4:01 pm - GlobeNewswire
• PHOTO RELEASE-Ingalls Shipbuilding Awarded ProPatria Award for National Guard and Reserve Support
  4:00 pm - GlobeNewswire
• Strike ends at Brazil GM plant after union flexes muscle
  3:40 pm - Reuters

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources DTN News
*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: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 27, 2015

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 27, 2015
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-038-15 February 27, 2015
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 27, 2015: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued February 27, 2015 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS
 

NAVY
 

Marine Helicopter Support Co., Trevose, Pennsylvania, is being awarded a $1,999,812,283 fixed-price performance based logistics requirements contract for 1,710 weapon replaceable assemblies/shop replaceable assemblies’ components in support of the H-60 aircraft. This effort will encompass the repair, modification, overhaul and replacement of hardware, including manufacturing of new material, as well as storage, requisition processing, obsolescence management and availability/reliability improvement. Work will be performed at Stratford, Connecticut (50 percent) and Owego, New York (50 percent), and work will be completed by Jan. 31, 2020. Fiscal 2015 Navy working capital funds in the amount of $260,468,968 will be obligated on the first delivery order running concurrently with the contract award. These funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1) with one offer received in response to this solicitation. The Naval Supply Systems Command, Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00383-15-D-008F).
 

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Aerospace Systems, Melbourne, Florida, is being awarded a $148,335,501 modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive (firm target) E-2D Advanced Hawkeye multi-year contract (N00019-13-C-9999) for the procurement of one E-2D Full Rate Production Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (28 percent); St. Augustine, Florida (25 percent); El Segundo, California (5 percent); Indianapolis, Indiana (4 percent); Menlo Park, California (4 percent); Rolling Meadows, Illinois (2 percent), and various locations throughout the United States (32 percent); and is expected to be completed in July 2018. Fiscal 2015 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $148,335,501 are being 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.


Pro-Active Technologies Inc., Oviedo, Florida, is being awarded a $45,000,000 ceiling-priced indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the development and sustainment of training solutions for the Multi-Purpose Reconfigurable Training System. Work will be performed in Oviedo, Florida, and is expected to be completed in February 2020. Fiscal 2013 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $38,632 are being obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals, as a 100 percent small business set-aside, and four offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (N61340-15-D-0003).


Raytheon Technical Services Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, is being awarded $33,665,783 for firm-fixed-priced delivery order 7002 against previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00383-14-G-006D) for various repairs on numerous subassemblies in support of the F-18 aircraft. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, and work will be completed by February 2017. Fiscal 2015 Navy working capital funds in the amount of $16,496,233 will be obligated at the time of award and will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured and is issued on a sole-source basis in accordance with FAR 6.302.1. Naval Supply Systems Command, Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity.


Raytheon Technical Services Co., Norfolk, Virginia, is being awarded a $16,638,011 firm-fixed-price five year performance based logistics contract for the support of the Navy’s MK 57 NATO Sea Sparrow Surface Missile System (NSSMS) and MK 23 Target Acquisition System systems. The MK 57 NSSMS system is a short range, rapid reaction self-defense system for use against airborne and surface threats, surface and air launched missiles and surface targets. Work will be performed at Norfolk, Virginia (50 percent) and Chula Vista, California (50 percent), and work is expected to be completed by February 2020. Fiscal 2015 Navy working capital funds in the amount of $4,263,529 will be obligated on the first delivery order running concurrently with the contract award. The contract funds will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(1) with one offer received in response to this solicitation. Naval Supply Systems Command, Weapon Systems Support Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the contracting activity (N00104-D-ZD41).


Airborne Tactical Advantage Co., Newport News, Virginia, is being awarded a $12,798,915 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, cost reimbursement, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-14-D-0010) to exercise an option for services in support of the Contracted Air Services (CAS) Program. The CAS Program provides contractor owned and operated Type III High Subsonic & Type IV Supersonic aircraft to United States Navy Fleet customers for a wide variety of airborne threat simulation capabilities. This provides for training shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia (45 percent); Pt. Mugu, California (35 percent); and various locations outside the continental United States (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2015. Fiscal year 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,069,268 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.


Whitesell-Green Inc.,* Pensacola, Florida, is being awarded $9,385,500 for firm-fixed-price task order 0006 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-13-D-7776) for replacement of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems for the Navy Marine Corps Intranet system at Naval Station Norfolk. The work to be performed provides for a multiple phased project that consists of replacement of the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems serving the Navy Marine Corps Intranet, the Global Network Operation Center and adjacent support spaces on the sixth floor of Building W-143. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by June 2017. Fiscal 2015 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $9,385,500 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, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.


Science Applications International Corp., McLean, Virginia, is being awarded an $8,068,727 cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-only contract for engineering support services in support of Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) 1.0 for Aegis and Aegis Fleet Readiness, 4.0 Foreign Military Sales (FMS), 7.0 Future Combat Systems, and 9.0 DDG 1000. Specifically, PEO IWS 1.0, 7.0 and 9.0 require engineering analysis and expertise in support of the portfolio of programs which include Aegis, Aegis Fleet Readiness, DDG 1000, Enterprise Configuration Management, Future Combat Systems, Training Systems, Systems Engineering and Information Assurance. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $26,212,923. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (83 percent) and the governments of Australia, Japan, Korea, Norway and Spain (17 percent) under the FMSProgram. Work will be performed in Washington, District of Columbia (88 percent); Dahlgren, Virginia (3 percent); Norfolk, Virginia (2 percent); Japan (2 percent); Australia (2 percent); Korea (1 percent); Norway (1 percent); and Spain (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by May 2015. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Navy), fiscal 2014 and 2015 research and development funds; and FMS Case funding in the amount of $6,704,092 will be obligated at time of award. Contract funds in the amount of $5,611,938 will 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) - only one responsible source. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-15-C-5103).
 

Whitesell-Green Inc.,* Pensacola, Florida, is being awarded $7,884,989 for firm-fixed-price task order 0005 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-13-D-7776) for the structural repairs of Pier R3 at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. Repairs associated with this project include repairing concrete that has become delaminated, spalled and cracked resulting in corrosion to rebar steel, repairs to pile cap and piles and repairs to fendering system. Work will be performed in Yorktown, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by July 2016. Fiscal 2015 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $7,884,989 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, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity.


Schuyler Line Navigation Co., Annapolis, Maryland, is being awarded $7,783,802 for the exercise of a 12-month option period under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00033-13-C-5401) for the worldwide charter of one U.S.-flagged, shallow draft, double-hull product tanker. The vessel provides worldwide bulk fuel support to the U.S. Department of Defense, including operations in Japan and the North West Pacific, for the Department of Defense, Defense Logistics Agency Energy. Work for this option period will be performed at sea worldwide and is expected to be completed by February 2016. Fiscal 2015 Transportation Working Capital funds in the amount of $4,551,185 are being obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Military Sealift Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.
 

JSR-ECC LLC,* Schertz, Texas, is being awarded $7,584,034 for firm-fixed-price task order KB01 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62478-14-D-4003) for the design and construction of a Submarine Maneuvering Room Trainer Facility at Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The work to be performed provides for the design and construction of new interior spaces and renovation of existing spaces to house a submarine S9G Fleet Interactive Display Equipment (FIDE) Trainer and associated support equipment spaces and instruction spaces along with the renovation of various building improvements needed to support the S9G FIDE Trainer. The task order also contains one unexercised option, which if exercised would increase cumulative task order value to $7,662,784. Work will be performed in Oahu, Hawaii, and is expected to be completed by October 2016. Fiscal 2011 and 2015 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $7,584,034 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
 

AIR FORCE
 

COLSA Corp., Huntsville, Alabama, has been awarded a $153,137,208 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Mobility Directorate Advisory and Assistance Services. The Air Force Program Executive Officer for Mobility leads the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Mobility Directorate and directs the modernization, development, testing, production, fielding and sustainment of mobility and training aircraft systems for the United States Air Force and foreign allies. In order to meet current and projected workload requirements, the government must augment its organic (military and civil service). Work will be performed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; Robins Air Force Base, Georgia; Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma; Hill Air Force Base, Utah; and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, and is expected to be complete by Feb. 29, 2020. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with 12 offers received. Fiscal year 2015 research, development, test and evaluation, procurement and operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,100,385 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8622-15-F-8102).
 

Scientific Research Corp., Atlanta, Georgia, has been awarded a $41,849,660 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Digital Integration for Combat Engagement Program. Contractor will provide commercial services for 25th AF 24/7 global situational awareness that is connected to every combatant commander that is capable of moving near real time ISR data to warfighter. Location of performance will be determined on individual task orders and are expected to be complete by Feb. 29, 2020. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with two offers received. Fiscal year 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $900,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The 25th Air Force Contracting Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA7037-15-D-0001).
 

Northrup Grumman Technical Services, Herndon, Virginia, has been awarded a $17,920,490 modification (06) to delivery order (0035) of previously awarded contract FA8106-10-D-0001. The modification obligates funding for the 3rd quarter of contractor logistics services for aircraft and spares to support the KC-10 program. Work will be performed worldwide to include McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey; Travis Air Force Base, California; Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii; Yokota Air Base, Japan; and Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2015. Fiscal year 2015 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $17,920,490 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8106-10-D-0001).
 

Intelligent Software Solutions, Colorado Springs, Colorado, has been awarded a $14,690,185 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Joint Space Operations Center Mission Systems Increment 2. Contractor will provide infrastructure development and integration/engineering support of JSpOC Mission System Increment 2. Work will be performed at are Colorado Springs, Colorado; El Segundo, California; Vandenberg Air Force Base, California; and San Diego, California, and is expected to be complete by Sept. 30, 2016. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition based on the contractor's Small Business Innovation Research Phase III Project. Fiscal year 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $812,469 are being obligated at the time of award. Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA8819-15-C-0003).
 

Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, has been awarded a $14,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for research and development. The Sensor and Information Research Center for Understanding Systems program will carry out fundamental research in sensing and sensor exploitation technologies. These projects will span several disciplines in engineering, science, computer science and mathematics. This program will be made up of multiple short term projects running simultaneously and addressing several technical topics areas. The objective is to have researchers working on innovative ground-breaking solutions for fundamental research projects that address some of the most difficult sensor challenges and to find technology breakthroughs that will advance the range of technology represented within Air Force Research Laboratory. Work will be performed at Dayton, Ohio, and is expected to be complete by Feb. 28, 2022. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with nine offers received. Fiscal year 2015 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $324,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-15-D-1845).
 

CORRECTION: The United Technologies Corp. (Pratt &Whitney) contract (FA8626-15-D-0015) awarded on Feb. 25, 2015 lists the incorrect contract award amount. The actual amount was $407,800,000. The rest of the announcement is accurate.
 

ARMY
 

Alliant Techsystems Operations LLC (ATK), Plymouth, Minnesota, was awarded a $119,768,362 modification (P00018) to contract W15QKN-13-C-0074 to acquire Option 1Precision Guidance Kit XM1156 for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, Australia and Canada. Fiscal 2010/2013/2014/2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $101,226,694 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is March 27, 2018. Work will be performed in Plymouth, Minnesota. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, is the contracting activity.
 

Vectrus Systems Corp., Colorado Springs , Colorado, was awarded a $48,349,717cost-plus-fixed-fee foreign military sales contract (Spain, Iraq, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates), for receiving, repairing, maintaining, storing, preparing for issue and issuing APS-5 equipment in support of the 402nd Army Field Support Battalion – Kuwait. Work will be performed in Kuwait, with an estimated completion date of March 1, 2015. One bid was solicited with one received. Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $48,349,717 are being obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-15-C-0016).
 

Center for Disease Detection LLC, San Antonio, Texas (W81K04-15-D-0006), was awarded a $39,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract to provide diagnostic testing services. Funding and work location will be determined with each order with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2018. Bids were solicited via the Internet with one received. Army Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, is the contracting activity.
 

IHK JV,* Rapid City, South Dakota (W9128F-15-D-0016); Canyon-Ayuda SDVOSB JV LLC,* Colorado Springs, Colorado (W9128F-15-D-0017); MDM Construction LLC, West Fargo, North Dakota (W9128F-15-D-0018); Sygnos Inc.,* San Diego, California (W9128F-15-D-0019), were awarded a $30,000,000 shared firm-fixed-price multiple award task order contract contract with options to design and construct military and civil works projects. Work will be performed in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 26, 2020. Bids were solicited via the Internet with nine received. Funding will be determined with each order. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, Nebraska, is the contracting activity.
 

STG Inc.,* Reston, Virginia, was awarded a $14,999,951 modification (1Q01) to contract W91QUZ-06-D-0015 for Enterprise Information Technology Service Support for the Army Test and Evaluation Command, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. Funding and work location will be determined with each order. Estimated completion date is Feb. 29, 2016. Army Contracting Command, Fort Hood, Texas, is the contracting activity.
 

IBIS TEK LLC,*Butler, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $9,741,852 modification (P00012) to contract W56HZV-13-C-0036 to exercise Option 2 for the purchase of 58-gallon and 78-gallon Armor B-Kits for Medium Tactical Vehicles. Fiscal 2015 other procurement funds in the amount of $9,741,852 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Jan. 31, 2016. Work will be performed Butler, Pennsylvania. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
 

Southwest Airport Services Inc., Houston, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $38,393,369 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for jet fuel. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. This is a four-year base contract. Location of performance is Texas, with a March 31, 2019 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SP0600-15-D-0033).
 

AVFuel Corp.,* Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been awarded a maximum $7,100,471 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, into-plane requirement contract for jet fuel. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. This is a four-year base contract. Locations of performance are Michigan and Alabama, with a March 31, 2019 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2015 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SP0600-15-D-0084).
 

Atmos Energy Marketing, LLC, Houston, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $25,432,019 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for natural gas. This contract was a competitive acquisition and 12 offers were received. This is a two-year contract. Locations of performance are Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas, with a May 31, 2017 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal years 2015-2017 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE600-15-D-7506).

WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES
 

Vergis Group LLC, Vienna, Virginia, is being awarded a $7,135,339 modification (P00002) to previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (HQ0034-14-C-0057) to provide responsive and high quality information assurance support services to all customers and stakeholders on behalf of the Washington Headquarters Services, Enterprise Information Technology Services Directorate, the Office of the Secretary of Defense and other Department of Defense agencies. Work will be performed in Alexandria, Virginia and Arlington, Virginia, with an expected completion date of Feb. 28, 2019. Fiscal Year 2015 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,135,339 are being obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured, with ten proposals received. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity.
 

*Small business

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-038-15 February 27, 2015 
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