DTN News: Is The US Dictating India’s Defence Deals?

DTN News: Is The US Dictating India’s Defence Deals? * Questions being raised since Antony cancelled $1.6bn airbus deal agreed with EADS

*Source: Daily Times By Iftikhar Gilani (NSI News Source Info) NEW DELHI, India - February 21, 2010: Is the Indian government under pressure from the United States to cancel its defence deals with European companies and purchase defence equipment from American firms? The question is being raised after Defence Minister AK Antony recently struck down a $1.6 billion order bagged by the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) for supplying the Airbus transport planes to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

This is yet another order that has been “legitimately won” by a European defence company last year, with the IAF selecting the multi-role tanker-transport Airbus A330 after negotiating with companies for four year. But the deal was arbitrarily cancelled by Antony without giving any reason. Last year, India concluded a deal with Eurocopter – a French-German conglomeration –for buying 197 helicopters, which was also cancelled by Antony.

The Defence Ministry gave a very “shadowy” financial argument to explain why Boeing’s P81 Poseidon reconnaissance aircrafts were preferred over the Airbus in another deal. Another decision to award a large tender for “secure defence communication” equipment to Motorola – an American firm – instead of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), is also mired in “red tape and secrecy”, with the Defence Ministry failing to provide any plausible explanation for “dumping the winner” and preferring the US company instead.

The IAF officials who laboured for four years to finally pick up Airbus A330 are disturbed over the defence minister’s striking down of the contract as their efforts, energy and money had all gone to waste.

Defence analysts say there may not be a great conspiracy, but there is certainly something wrong in the way the Defence Ministry is cancelling deals with European companies despite of their winning the tenders and fulfilling the quality requirements of the Indian forces.

They pointed out that finalised transactions between sovereign nations do not “just get cancelled”. The question being raised at the moment is whether the Manmohan Singh-government is succumbing to the continued US pressure, or are there some “shadowy agents” who are influencing the government’s decisions.

Analysts say Antony cannot be blamed for cancelling the concluded deals, as he must be acting only on the advice of higher-ranked Defence Ministry officials. Analysts point out that unlike the US, the European firms had always agreed to the complete transfer of technology of the latest weaponry, and that too with no strings attached.

Hence, the denial of opportunity to them is astounding. Is it because the US helped India get into the nuclear nations’ family after over two decades of isolation that US companies are being preferred? Since the signing of the civilian nuclear deal, the US are sitting pretty on actual and potential defence orders worth $10 billion from India.

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DTN News: Philippines TODAY February 21, 2010 ~ 'Militants Killed' In Philippines

DTN News: Philippines TODAY February 21, 2010 ~ 'Militants Killed' In Philippines *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) MANILA, Philippines - February 21, 2010: Philippine troops killed six Islamic militants in an assault on a rebel camp in the south, the military says. It says marines raided the camp of the Abu Sayyaf group on Jolo island. Officials are trying to verify reports that a senior Abu Sayyaf commander was among those killed, Gen Benjamin Dolorfino told AP news agency. Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for bombings, beheadings and kidnappings of Filipinos and foreigners. It has been accused of links with al-Qaeda. Gen Dolorfino said Sunday's raid was carried out after intelligence reports that two Abu Sayyaf leaders were there, AP reported. One marine was killed and three were wounded during the assault. Abu Sayyaf is the smallest and most radical of the Islamic separatist groups in the southern Philippines. Its stated goal is an independent Islamic state in Mindanao and the Sulu islands. The government refuses to hold any form of talks with the rebels. Philippine officials said in December 2009 that they had arrested an Abu Sayyaf founder - Abdul Basir Latip - who has allegedly been involved in kidnapping foreigners and Christians.

Philippine Marines at rebel camp the Abu Sayyaf group Al-Qaida-linked militants where they raised a Philippine flag, background, in Indanan on the island province of Jolo in southern Philippines.

He has also been accused of forging links between Abu Sayyaf and other militant Islamist groups, such as Jemaah Islamiah and al-Qaeda.

DTN News: Iran launches Indigenous Missile Destroyer "Jamaran"

DTN News: Iran launches Indigenous Missile Destroyer "Jamaran" *Source: DTN News / AFP (NSI News Source Info) TEHRAN, Iran - February 20, 2010: The Iran Navy has launched in the Gulf its first domestically made destroyer in a ceremony attend by the supreme leader and the commander-in-chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the media reported.

"Iran's navy today took the delivery of the first indigenously designed and developed guided missile destroyer "Jamaran" in the Persian Gulf," Iran'sEnglish-language Press TV reported.

The vessel has a displacement of around 14,000 tonnes and is equipped with modern radars and electronic warfare capabilities, the report said.

"Jamaran, a multi-mission destroyer, can carry 120-140 personnel on board and is armed with a variety of anti-ship and surface-to-air missiles with a top speed of up to 30 knots and has a helipad," the report added.

"The vessel has also been equipped with torpedoes and modern naval cannons." State television also showed footage of the vessel and the ceremony at which it was launched by Khamenei flanked by the top Iranian military commanders.

Much of Iran's naval equipment dates from before the 1979 Islamic revolution and is US made. Since the revolution, Tehran has purchased a number of Russian-made submarines.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (C) visiting the country's first domestically-made destroyer Jamaran, which was launched in undisclosed waters of the Persian Gulf in south Iran February 19, 2010.

In the past year Iranian navy has carried out a number of missions in the Gulf of Aden and offshore Somalia where it was commissioned to escort Iranian merchant ships and oil tankers.

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY February 20, 2010 ~ Air Strike Kills 30 Militants In South Waziristan

DTN News: Pakistan TODAY February 20, 2010 ~ Air Strike Kills 30 Militants In South Waziristan *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - February 20, 2010: At least 30 militants were killed in an air strike by the Pakistani military on their hideout in a restive tribal area bordering Afghanistan on Saturday, the military said. The attack took place in South Waziristan district where the military in October launched an air and ground offensive to flush out Taliban militants. The Saturday air raid was in Shawal, a militant sanctuary near the border of the South and North Waziristan regions, where many militants are believed to have sought refuge from the October offensive.A Pakistani policeman takes up position on a rooftop at the site of a shooting at a police station in Mansehra, Pakistan's northwest frontier province, February 20, 2010. Police gunned down a would-be bomber as he tried to force his way into the police station. One policeman was killed and three wounded in another suicide attack in the nearby town of Balakot on Saturday morning. Al Qaeda militants are also known to operate in the area. “The hideout in Shawal was targeted after we were tipped off that terrorists were hiding in the mountains,” a military spokesman said, adding 30 of them had been killed.Pakistani policemen race to secure a position near the site of a shootout with a would-be bomber at a police station in Mansehra, Pakistan's northwest frontier province, February 20, 2010. Police gunned down the would-be bomber as he tried to force his way into the police station. One policeman was killed and three wounded in another suicide attack in the nearby town of Balakot on Saturday morning. There was no independent verification of the toll.

DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY February 20, 2010 ~ Marines Do Heavy Lifting As Afghan Army Lags In Battle

DTN News: Afghanistan TODAY February 20, 2010 ~ Marines Do Heavy Lifting As Afghan Army Lags In Battle *Source: DTN News / By C. J. Chivers ~ The New York Times (NSI News Source Info) MARJA, Afghanistan- February 20, 2010: As American Marines and Afghan soldiers have fought their way into this Taliban stronghold, the performance of the Afghan troops has tested a core premise of the American military effort here: in the not-too-distant future, the security of this country can be turned over to indigenous forces created at the cost of American money and blood.U.S. Marine St SGT Christopher Whitman, from Clearwater FL, and from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment runs carrying an Afghan National Army soldier who was shot in the lower leg during a battle with the Taliban in Marjah in Afghanistan's Helmand province on Saturday Feb. 20, 2010. Scenes from this corner of the battlefield, observed over eight days by two New York Times journalists, suggest that the day when the Afghan Army will be well led and able to perform complex operations independently, rather than merely assist American missions, remains far off. The effort to train the Afghan Army has long been troubled, with soldiers and officers repeatedly falling short. And yet after nearly a decade of American and European mentorship and many billions of dollars of American taxpayer investment, American and Afghan officials have portrayed the Afghan Army as the force out front in this important offensive against the Taliban. Statements from Kabul have said the Afghan military is planning the missions and leading both the fight and the effort to engage with Afghan civilians caught between the Taliban and the newly arrived troops.In this Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 image made from video, a U.S. Marine carries a wounded Afghan National Army soldier onto a Task Force Pegasus Black Hawk medevac helicopter, where U.S. Army flight medic Sgt. Michael G. Patangan, right, from Houston, Texas, waits for his patient, in Marjah, Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. Pegasus crews have come under fire daily in Marjah while on missions evacuating those wounded as U.S. and Afghan troops take part in an assault on the Taliban stronghold. But that assertion conflicts with what is visible in the field. In every engagement between the Taliban and one front-line American Marine unit, the operation has been led in almost every significant sense by American officers and troops. They organized the forces for battle, transported them in American vehicles and helicopters from Western-run bases into Taliban-held ground, and have been the primary fighting force each day. The Afghan National Army, or A.N.A., has participated. At the squad level it has been a source of effective, if modestly skilled, manpower. Its soldiers have shown courage and a willingness to fight. Afghan soldiers have also proved, as they have for years, to be more proficient than Americans at searching Afghan homes and identifying potential Taliban members — two tasks difficult for outsiders to perform. By all other important measures, though — from transporting troops, directing them in battle and coordinating fire support to arranging modern communications, logistics, aviation and medical support — the mission in Marja has been a Marine operation conducted in the presence of fledgling Afghan Army units, whose officers and soldiers follow behind the Americans and do what they are told. That fact raises questions about President Obama’s declared goal of beginning to withdraw American forces in July 2011 and turning over security to the Afghan military and the even more troubled police forces. There have been ample examples in the offensive of weak Afghan leadership and poor discipline to boot. In northern Marja, a platoon of Afghan soldiers landed with a reinforced Marine rifle company, Company K, Third Battalion, Sixth Marines, which was inserted by American Army helicopters. The Marine officers and noncommissioned officers here quickly developed a mixed impression of the Afghan platoon, whose soldiers were distributed through their ranks. After several days, no Marine officer had seen an Afghan use a map or plan a complicated patrol. In another indicator of marginal military readiness, the Afghan platoon had no weapons heavier than a machine gun or a rocket-propelled grenade. Afghan officers organized no indirect fire support whatsoever in the week of fighting. All supporting fire for Company K — airstrikes, rockets, artillery and mortars — was coordinated by Marines. The Afghans also relied entirely on the American military for battlefield resupply. Moreover, in multiple firefights in which Times journalists were present, many Afghan soldiers did not aim — they pointed their American-issued M-16 rifles in the rough direction of the incoming small-arms fire and pulled their triggers without putting rifle sights to their eyes. Their rifle muzzles were often elevated several degrees high. Shouts from the Marines were common. “What you shooting at, Hoss?” one yelled during a long battle on the second day, as an Afghan pulled the trigger repeatedly and nonchalantly at nothing that was visible to anyone else. Not all of their performance was this poor.

Sgt. Joseph G. Harms, a squad leader in the company’s Third Platoon, spent a week on the western limit of the company’s area, his unit alone with what he described as a competent Afghan contingent. In the immediacy of fighting side by side with Afghans, and often tested by Taliban fighters, he found his Afghan colleagues committed and brave. “They are a lot better than the Iraqis,” said the sergeant, who served a combat tour in Iraq. “They understand all of our formations, they understand how to move. They know how to flank and they can recognize the bad guys a lot better than we can.” Capt. Joshua P. Biggers, the Company K commander, said that the Afghan soldiers “could be a force multiplier.” But both Marines suggested that the Afghan deficiencies were in the leadership ranks. “They haven’t had a chance yet to step out on their own,” Sergeant Harms said. “So they’re still following us.” Shortfalls in the Afghan junior officer corps were starkly visible at times. On the third day of fighting, when Company K was short of water and food, the company command group walked to the eastern limit of its operations area to supervise two Marine platoons as they seized a bridge, and to arrange fire support. The group was ambushed twice en route, coming under small-arms fire from Taliban fighters hiding on the far side of a canal. After the bridge was seized, Captain Biggers prepared his group for the walk back. Helicopters had dropped food and water near the bridge. He ordered his Marines and the Afghans to fill their packs with it and carry it to another platoon to the west that was nearly out of supplies. The Marines loaded up. They would walk across the danger area again, this time laden with all the water and food they could carry. Captain Biggers asked the Afghan platoon commander, Capt. Amanullah, to have his men pack their share. He refused, though his own soldiers to the west were out of food, too. Captain Biggers told the interpreter to put his position in more clear terms. “Tell him that if he doesn’t carry water and chow, he and his soldiers can’t have any of ours,” he said, his voice rising. Captain Amanullah at last directed one or two of his soldiers to carry a sleeve of bottled water or a carton of rations — a small concession. The next day, the Afghan soldiers to the west complained that they had no more food and were hungry. It was not the first time that Captain Amanullah’s sense of entitlement, and indifference toward his troops’ well-being, had manifested itself. The day before the helicopter assault, at Camp Leatherneck, the largest Marine base in Helmand Province, a Marine offered a can of Red Bull energy drink to an Afghan soldier in exchange for one of the patches on the soldier’s uniform. Captain Amanullah, reclining on his cot, saw the deal struck. After the Afghan soldier had taken possession of his Red Bull, the captain ordered him to hand him the can. The captain opened it and took a long drink, then gave what was left to his lieutenant and sergeants, who each had a sip. The last sergeant handed the empty can back to the soldier, and ordered him to throw it away. The Marines watched with mixed amusement and disgust. In their culture, the officers and senior enlisted Marines eat last. “So much for troop welfare,” one of them said. Lackluster leadership took other forms. On Friday night, a week into the operation, Captain Biggers told the Afghan soldiers that they would accompany him the next day to a large meeting with local elders. In the morning, the Afghans were not ready. The Marines stood impatiently, waiting while the forces that were said by the officials in Kabul to be leading the operation slowly mustered. Captain Biggers, by now used to the delays, muttered an acronym that might sum up a war now deep into its ninth year. “W.O.A.,” he said. “Waiting on the A.N.A.”

DTN News: Northrop Seeks Greenlight For E-2D Export

DTN News: Northrop Seeks Greenlight For E-2D Export *Source: DTN News / Defense News (NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - February 20, 2010: Northrop Grumman hopes to get U.S. authorizations by the end of the year to market its Advanced Hawkeye E-2D airborne early warning and control aircraft to a short list of interested countries, said international program manager Tom Trudell, speaking at the Singapore Airshow. Northrop Grumman is hoping to get the okay from the U.S. government to export the Advanced Hawkeye E-2D airborne early warning and control aircraft. ( Northrop Grumman) "We're hoping by the end of the year," said. "We see opportunities in the marketplace. We're assessing those now." The company looks to find new export clients for the Hawkeye, which is operated by Egypt, France, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Only France and the U.S. Navy operate their E-2 planes from carriers, with the others working from shore-based facilities. The clearance process for exporting U.S. military technology is long and highly detailed, he said, and although the short list runs to single figures, Trudell said there is wide interest among foreign forces. The United Arab Emirates was one of the countries which has expressed interest. India asked for information on the Hawkeye 2000 around 2003. A third of the E-2 fleet flies under foreign flags, pointing up the importance of the international community of operators, Trudell said. The next international users conference is due to be held in April at St Augustine, Florida, where the aircraft is built. The program has met all major milestones so far. "The test program is on track," Trudell said. "This is unique for a program this sophisticated," he added. The two development aircraft are due to enter a six-month operational assessment in the autumn at the U.S. Navy test center at Patuxent River, Maryland. Clearing that hurdle allows production of the aircraft to continue. A next major "C" milestone is due in spring 2009. Under the 2003 contract worth $2.4 billion, Northrop Grumman signed up to develop and produce two development and three pilot production aircraft. The contract runs to 2012. The total buy is for 75 of the new aircraft for the U.S. Navy. An initial operating capability is scheduled in 2011, allowing the U.S. Navy to stand up a first squadron. Pilot production begins this year, followed by low rate initial production in 2009, and full production starts in 2013. To extend endurance of the new carrier-based E-2s to 12 hours, in-flight refueling tests have been done with C-130 and F-18 aircraft, although fuel transfers will only be made next year. For shore-based aircraft, extra fuel panels on the wings are planned, offering eight hours compared to the current six hours for the Hawkeye 2000, which is being phased out of production. For the new Hawkeye version, the airframe has been strengthened and a Lockheed Martin ADS-18 electronic scanned array radar replaces a mechanical rotating antenna, extending coverage. Other changes include more powerful Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A engines, six-bladed NP2000 Ratier-Figeac propellers, a glass cockpit and new mission systems computer. New communications and datalink gear and a fourth operator station have also been added.

DTN News: Indian Navy Inducts Its Most Modern Fighters

DTN News: Indian Navy Inducts Its Most Modern Fighters *Source: DTN News / Int'l Media (NSI News Source Info) DABOLIM (GOA), India - February 20, 2010: The Navy inducted its most modern fighter — the MiG-29 K — at a ceremony here on Friday but the fighting machines will remain landlocked for the next three years due to the massive delay in the Gorshkov aircraft carrier that was to arrive from Russia in 2008. While six of the modern fighters — which the Navy says with some justification are even more advanced than the IAF’s Su-30 MKI — have arrived in Goa and have been inducted into the Black Panthers squadron, they will remain confined to shore-based operations and training programme till 2013-14 when the aircraft carrier is finally expected to arrive. The aircraft were inducted at a ceremony at the Hansa airbase by Defence Minister A K Antony in the presence of Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma.

The sophisticated Russian-made MiG-29K maritime fighter aircraft, which will be based on under-construction aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, were on Friday formally inducted into the Navy by Defence Minister AK Antony. Four MiG 29Ks of the 'Black Panthers' squadron were inducted at a ceremony that was also attended by Navy chiefAdmiral Nirmal Verma. India had placed orders for 16 MiG-29K in 2004 along with Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier from Russia, four of which landed in India on December 4 last year. "After induction, the fighter jets would be operated for around two years from the under-development shore-basedtesting facility (SBTF) at INS Hansa till the actual delivery of Gorshkov, rechristened as INS Vikramaditya, slated for2012," a senior naval officer said. He said pilots will have to undergo training at the Intensive Flying and Testing Unit and a syllabus has beenevolved for all future pilots, who would fly the aircraft. For operating the fleet of MiG 29Ks, India had sent 10 pilots for training to Russia and also to the US for decklanding training and on board a French aircraft carrier for operations training, he said. India has only one aircraft carrier INS Virat but the MiG 29Ks can't be operated from it as they are too big to take off or land at the around 28,000-tonne warship. While the Navy is trying to make the most of the aircraft and is even setting up a land-based training facility — complete with aircraft carrier style ski jump and arrestor wires — at the Hansa airbase, the fact remains that the fighters will spend one tenth of their flying life — they have a shelf life of 30 years — flying only from land.

DTN News: The T-50 Fifth-Generation Fighter ~ INFOGRAPHICS

DTN News: The T-50 Fifth-Generation Fighter ~ INFOGRAPHICS *Source: DTN News / RIA Novosti (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - February 20, 2010: PAK FA T-50, A fifth generation jet fighter, it is designed to directly compete with the American F-22 Raptor and American/British F-35 Lightning II. The T-50 performed its first flight January 29, 2010. Second flight was on February, 6. Third one on February, 12. The PAK FA when fully developed is intended to replace the MiG-29 Fulcrum and Su-27 Flanker in the Russian inventory and serve as the basis of the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA project being developed with India.

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 19, 2010

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated February 19, 2010 *Source: U.S. DoD issued February 19, 2010

(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - February 20, 2010: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued February 19, 2010 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

~ iGov Technologies of McLean, Va., is the current contractor for the USSOCOM Tactical Local Area Network contract providing TACLAN family of system acquisition, design, integration, production, and delivery in support of Special Operations Forces' mission requirements. This sole source effort is to increase the TACLAN contract maximum from $300,000,000 to $450,000,000. The original contract was awarded through a competitive action. The contract number for the increase is 92222-08-D-0017, Modification. ARMY ~ GM GDLS Defense Group LLC., Sterling Heights, Mich., was awarded on Feb. 8, 2010 a $176,185,164 firm-fixed-price contract for 103 each of Stryker vehicles. Work is to be performed in Sterling Heights, Mich., (60 percent), and London, Ontario, and Canada, (40 pecent) with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2012. One bid was solicted with one bid recived. Tank Automotive & Armament Command, SFAE-GCS-BCT-P, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-07-D-M112). ~ Lockheed Martin Missiles and fire control, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 5, 2010 a $76,578,606 firm-fixed-price and time and material contract. This contract is for the issuance of an underfinitized contract action for the purchase of AH-64 Apache modernized target acquisition designation sight/pilots night vision sensor arrowhead kits, partial B-kits, tad electronic display and control, associated spares and support for the United States, Taiwan and the government of Israel. Work is to be performed in Orlando, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2013. One bid solicted with one bid received. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, CCAM-AP-B, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-06-C-0169). ~ Oshkosk Corp., Oshkosh, Wisc., was awarded on Feb. 5, 2010 a $52,090,900 firm-fixed-price contract for 1,451 each quanity of retrofit kits for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance suite and battery upgrade/silent watch on the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle. Work is to be performed in Ishkosh, WI., with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2012. Five bids were solicted with five bids received. TACOM, CCTA-ADC-A, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-D-0111). ~ Dyncorp International LLC., Falls Church, Va., was awarded on Feb. 12, 2010 a $44,881,488 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for the Combined Sercurity Transition Command. This is training and mentoring services contract with a two-year base period of performance and one (1) one-year option. Work is to be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Apr. 13, 2013. Bids were solicted on the World Wide Web with five bids received. U.S. Army research, Development and Engineering Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-10-C-0030). ~ Cajun Constructors, Inc., Baton Rouge, La., was awarded on Feb. 10, 2010 a $42,805,800 construction-firm-fixed-price contract for the West Bank and vicinity, New Orleans, Louisiana, Hurrican Protection Project, Westwego to Harvey Canal. Work is to be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 14, 2011. Bids were solicted on the World Wide Web with seven bids recived. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-10-C-0046). ~ Phylway Construction, LLC., Thibodaux, La., was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $41,308,168 firm-fixed-price contract for the West Bank and vicinity, New Orleans, Louisiana, Hurrican Protection Project, Westwego to Harvey Canal, New Westwego Pumping Stations to Orleans Village Levee, third enlargement. Work is to be performed in Jefferson Parish, La., with an estimated completion date of June 20, 2011. Bids were solicted via Fedteds with four bids recived. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, New Orleans, La., is the contracting activity (W912P8-09-D-0046). ~ Opus Northwest Construction LLC., Denver, Colo., was awarded on Feb. 9, 2010 a $37,759,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the desgn/build contract for the design and construction of a new Armed Forces Reserve Center with field maintenance shop in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Work is to be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 18, 2011. Bids were solcited through ASFI with 40 bid recived. USPFO for Iowa, Johnston, Iowa, is the contracting activity (W912LP-10-C-0002). ~ Hensel Phelps Contruction, Orlando, Fla., was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $37,583,000 firm-fixed-price contract for Special Forces complex Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. This project will require construction of the primary facilities. Work is to be performed in Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 8, 2011. Bids were solicted on the World Wide Web with 16 bids received. U.S. Corps of Engineers, Moblie Regional Contracting Center, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-10-C-0026). ~ Genral Atomics Aeronautical System, Poway, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 12, 2010 a $36,683,850 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. This contract is for logistics support contract for warrior alpha/warrior block 0 unmanned aircraft systems at multiple OCONUS locations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Work is to be performed in San Diego, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 15, 2011. One bid was solicted with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, AMCOM Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-10-C-0044). ~Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $26,884,609 firm-fixed-price contract for High Moblity Artillery Rocket System Full Rate Production 5, option exercise for 12 Jordan Launchers. Work is to be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, (40 percent) and East Camden, Ark., (60 percent) with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2012. One bid was solicted with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aviation & Missile Command Contracting Center, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting actiivty (W31P4Q-08-C-0001). ~ Lyda Swinerton, San Antonio, Texas., was awarded on Feb. 11, 2010 a $23,483,762 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the construction of the Lackland Airman Training Center dining/classroom Facility #1. Work is to be performed on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 2, 2011. Bids were solicted on the World Wide Web with 16 bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Distict, Fort Worth, Texas, is the contracting activity (W9126G-10-C-0017). ~ Mantech Telecommunications and Information Systems Corp, Chantilly, Va., was awarded on Feb. 12, 2010 a $23,389,656 time and material contract for services in Afghanistan. Work is to be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicted with one bids received. TACOM- Warren, AMSTA-AQ-ADED, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0540). ~ AveroVironment, Incorp., Simi Valley, Calif., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2010 a $20,731,991 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract exercises priced options for 113 Army Digital Data Link (DDL) Systems, 113 Army initial spares packages and 127 Army DDL retrofit kits. Work is to be performed in Simi Valley, Calif., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 1, 2010. One bid was solicted with one bid received. U.S. Army Contracting Command/CCAM-AR-A is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-05-C-0338). ~DRS Sustainment Systems, Inc., St. Louis, Mo., was awarded on Feb. 10, 2010 a $20,231,594 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for resent of 42 each of M1200 armored Knight vehicles. Work is to be performed in St.Louis, Mo., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2011. One bid was solicted with one bids received. TACOM Contracting Center, Warren, CCTA-AHL-C, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-C-0173). ~ Head, Inc., Columbus, Ohio, was awarded on Feb. 4, 2010 a $19,032,984 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract includes, but is not limited to replacement of the existing asphalt taxiway keels, widening the taxiway keel, and narrowing the existing taxiway width. Work also includes mill and overlay of existing taxiway shoulders, replacement of taxiway edge lighting and airfield pavement markings. Work is to be performed at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., with an estimated completion date of Nov. 29, 2012. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web with six bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District, Tulsa, Okla., is the contracting activity (W912BV-10-C-2001). ~Edward Kraemer & Sons, Inc., Plain, WI., was awarded on Feb. 12, 2010 a $19,025,000 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract is for the design/build constuction contract to design and construct safety improvements on the Mississippi River along the lower embankments at Lock & Dam 3, near Red Wing, Minn. Work is to be performed in Diamond Bluff, WI., with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2011. Three bids were solicted with two bids received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, St. Paul, Minn., is the contracting activity (W912ES-10-C-0011).

~TRU-Hitch, Inc., Pleasant, Vallet, Conn., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2010 a $17,733,259 firm-fixed-price contract for 105 each Interim Stryker recovery systems with associated basic issue items, logistic packages and authorized stockage list package. Work is to be performed in Pleasant Vally., Conn., with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2010. One bid was solicted with one bid received. TACOM-Warren, CCTA-ATB-D-Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-09-C-0498). ~Niche, Inc., New Bedford, Mass., was awarded on Feb. 16, 2009 a $16,718,685 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 9,111 each low velocity parachute systems. Work is to be performed in New Bedford, Mass., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2010. Four bids were solicted with fpur bids received. Research Development & Engineering Command Contracting Center, Natick Contracting Division, Natick, Mass., is the contracting activity (W58P05-09-D-0007). NAVY ~Parker-Hannifin Corp., Irvine Calif., is being awarded a $46,044,353 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a maximum ordering quantity of 141 hydraulic subsystems kits. The initial delivery order is for ten kits and is valued at $3,154,740. Additional support items procured under this action include technical and program support items such as manuals, configuration management, and spare parts kits. Work will be performed in Albany, Ga., and work is expected to be complete by Feb 19, 2015. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is a full and open competition award to Parker-Hannifin Corporation as they won the competition for the M9 Ace Hydraulic Upgrades. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity (M67854-09-D-5019). ~Raytheon Co., Integrated Defense Systems, Tewksbury, Mass., is being awarded a $27,828,683 not-to-exceed modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-05-C-5346) for common display system (CDS) hardware and software integration with the Integrated Bridge Console and Distributed Control Workstation hardware in support of shipyard hull mechanical and electrical activation. The purpose of this modification is to incorporate the CDS hardware and software integration related changes in support of DDG 1000 program ship activation activities in the 2011 timeframe. These integration efforts represent changes to the current requirements of total ship computing environment software development. Work will be performed in Portsmouth, R.I., (66.1 percent); Tewksbury, Mass., (22.9 percent); Moorestown, N.J., (8.3 percent); and the remaining 2.7 percent of effort will be performed in San Diego, Calif., Andover, Mass., and Sudbury, Mass. Work is expected to be completed by May 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. ~Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, Va. (N00421-10-D-0005);

~Deloitte Consulting, LLP, Alexandria, Va., (N00421-10-D-000);

~National Technologies Associates, Inc., Alexandria, Va. (N00421-10-D-0007); and

~Science Applications International Corp., San Diego, Calif. (N00421-10-D-0008), are each being awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts for management, organizational, and business improvement services, financial and business solutions, and human resources services supporting Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Corporate Operations and Comptroller offices. The aggregate not-to-exceed amount for these multiple award contracts combined is $16,338,000, and the companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md., however, services may be performed at any of the following NAVAIR sites: St. Inigoes, Md.; Lakehurst N.J.; Point Mugu, Calif.; China Lake, Calif.; Orlando Fla.; Cherry Point, N.C.; Jacksonville, Fla., and North Island, Calif. Work performed under these contracts is expected to be completed in February 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $40,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were solicited via a multiple award electronic request for proposals and five offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. ~Boeing Co., Huntington Beach, Calif., is being awarded an $8,010,427 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering and technical services in support of the AN/USQ-82(V) design agent, and configuration management and technical engineering services lifecycle support of the Data Multiplex System, Fiber Optic Data Multiplex System, Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System and Ship’s Data Multiplex System networks installed in the fleet and at land-based test sites. Work will be performed in Huntington Beach, Calif., (40 percent); Philadelphia, Pa., (25 percent); Moorestown, N.J., (6 percent); Wallops Island, Va., (6 percent); Orlando, Fla., (6 percent); Dam Neck, Va., (6 percent); Great Lakes, Ill., (6 percent); and various other locations (5 percent), and is expected to be completed by February 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $213,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (N65540-10-D-0006). ~The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Mo., is being awarded a $6,067,051 not-to-exceed modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-08-D-0013) to provide 300 hours of persistent unmanned aerial vehicle intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services in support of naval maritime missions. Work will be performed in Bingen, Wash., (65 percent) and St. Louis, Mo., (35 percent), and is expected to be completed in July 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $6,067,051 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. AIR FORCE ~Lockheed Martin Corp, of Marietta, Ga., was awarded a $86,200,000 contract which will provide for the C-5M reliability enhancement and reengineering program. At this time, $23,169,488 has been obligated. 716 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (FA8625-09-D-6485). ~Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., of San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $15,386,715 contract which will provide design of test articles, fabrication of test articles, integration, qualification and tests as appropriate for Spiral 3 changes. At this time, $9,500,000 has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is the contracting activity (F33657-0I-C-4600). ~Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of Herndon, Va., was awarded a $10,114,526 contract which will provide the Air Force Material Command Air Force global logistics support with emerging automation identification technology analysis, enterprise data reports and control validation reports in order to develop innovative and secure solutions for potential application throughout the Air Force enterprise. At this time, $129,446 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002). ~Applied Research Associates, Incorporated of Albuquerque, New Mexico was awarded a $7,827,547 contract which will provide the development and demonstration of one Automated Field Intravenous Reconstitution System to Air Force requirement specifications. This unit is to develop compact, energy-efficient automated systems that will be capable of producing packaged intravenous fluids on demand for use in military field hospitals. At this time, $2,209,000 has been obligated. 77th AESG/PSK, Brooks City-Base, Texas is the contracting activity (FA8902-07-C-1012). ~Rockwell Collins, Inc. of Cedar Rapids, Iowa was awarded a $6,497,108 contract which will provide for the building and testing of ten tactical targeting network technology terminals that meet very specific requirements. At this time, $6,497,108 has been obligated. AFRL/RIKD of Rome, New York is the contracting activity (FA8650-06-D-7636). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY ~Integrys Energy Services, Inc., De Pere, Wis. is being awarded a maximum $12,946,555 firm fixed price contract for electricity. Other locations of performance are throughout Illinois. Using services are Army, Air Force and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 74 proposals solicited with three responses. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is May 31, 2012. The contracting activity is the Defense Energy Support Center (DESC), Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-10-D-8005). ~Omega Apparel, Incorporated, Smithville, Tenn.,* is being awarded a maximum $6,868,800 firm fixed price, total set-aside, indefinite delivery and indefinite quantity contract for men’s dress trousers. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The original proposal was solicited with ten responses. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is June 18, 2011. The contracting activity is the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-10-D-1041). *Small Business

DTN News: US Missile Plans Holding Up Nuclear Treaty ~ Report

DTN News: US Missile Plans Holding Up Nuclear Treaty ~ Report *Source: DTN News / AP (NSI News Source Info) MOSCOW, Russia - February 19, 2010: A Russian official said Friday that U.S. plans for a revamped missile defense system in Romania are stalling talks on a new nuclear arms reduction treaty. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Interfax news agency that Washington's plans "in the most immediate sense" are "influencing" Russian-U.S. negotiations on a replacement to a Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty that expired in 2009. Washington and Moscow said minor issues in the new treaty prevented a signing last year. Washington is in negotiations to station anti-ballistic missile interceptors in Romania, which Russia considers too close and a detriment to its own defense capability. Meanwhile, Bulgaria said Friday that it has not held talks with the U.S. about hosting part of a U.S. missile shield, despite an earlier indication that it planned such a meeting. U.S. Ambassador to Moscow John Beyrle said earlier this month that the U.S. has agreed to include treaty language sought by Russia that would acknowledge the link between defensive systems - such as the missile shield - with offensive systems.