DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Is China Ready To Use Military Might in Southeast Asia

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Is China Ready To Use Military Might in Southeast Asia 

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth - DTN Defense News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 11, 2014: China's Harbin (112) guided missile destroyer takes part in a week-long China-Russia "Joint Sea-2014" navy exercise at the East China Sea off Shanghai, China. 

In an annual report to Congress, the Pentagon said China is developing and testing new types of missiles, expanding the reach of its navy and upgrading its air force. China is also investing in military capabilities in cyberspace, space and electronic warfare.

The report said China’s military modernization was driven primarily by potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait, but also by its expanding interests and influence abroad, and increased tensions in the East China and South China seas. In November, China conducted its largest naval exercise to date in the Philippine Sea.

China has been engaged in territorial disputes with several of its neighbors, including U.S. allies Japan and the Philippines. China is currently locked in a tense, offshore standoff with the Vietnam.

In a long-standing U.S. criticism of China’s military expansion over the past two decades, the Pentagon criticized China’s lack of openness about its strategy, which it said has caused concerns in Asia.

“Absent greater transparency from China and a change in its behavior, these concerns will likely intensify as the PLA’s military modernization program progresses,” the report said, referring to China’s People’s Liberation Army.


China’s government in March announced a 12.2 percent increase in military spending to $132 billion. That followed last year’s 10.7 percent increase to $114 billion, giving China the second-highest defense budget for any nation behind the U.S., which spent $600.4 billion on its military last year.

Several Asian nations are arming up, their wary eyes fixed squarely on one country: a resurgent China that’s boldly asserting its territorial claims all along the East Asian coast. 

The scramble to spend more defense dollars comes amid spats with China over contested reefs and waters. 

Other Asian countries such as India and South Korea are quickly modernizing their forces, although their disputes with China have stayed largely at the diplomatic level.

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The Bell AH-1 Super Cobra is The US Marines' Attack Helicopter

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The Bell AH-1 Super Cobra is The US Marines' Attack Helicopter

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Bell Helicopter
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 10, 2014: The AH-1W Super Cobra is the US Marines' attack helicopter. It is supplied by Bell Helicopter Textron, and entered service in 1985.

As well as the US Marine Corps (USMC), the Super Cobra is operational with the Turkish Land Forces and the armed forces of Taiwan. The AH-1W was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003.

AH-1W Super Cobra orders and deliveries

Around 63 AH-1W helicopters were acquired by the Republic of China Army in 1990. As of January 2010, 59 helicopters were operational.

In 1990, the Turkish Army procured ten AH-1W Super Cobras. Six helicopters were operational as of July 2010. Two more AH-1W helicopters were delivered by the US in 2011 under a foreign military sales contract. About 167 AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters are being operated by the USMC.

The Republic of Korea Army obtained eight AH-1J Cobras in 1978 and three are in service as of January 2010.

The US Navy uses seven AH-1Ws for test and rating purposes on behalf of the USMC. The marine corps took delivery of three upgraded AH-1s from Bell in February 2008. Bell received a contract for 15 upgraded aircraft (11 UH-1Ys and four AH-1Zs) in September 2008 and delivered 20 upgraded H-1 helicopters (14 UH-1Ys and six AH-1Zs) in 2008.

The US Navy ordered 16 Lot 6 H-1 helicopters (five AH-1Zs and 11 UH-1Ys) in March 2009 totalling the entire contract to produce 65 upgraded H-1 aircraft (17 AH-1Zs and 48 UH-1Ys). Bell delivered six AH-1Zs and 17 UH-1Ys in March 2009.
In September 2008, NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) ordered 46 AH-1Zs bringing its total orders to 226.

Super Cobra attack helicopter upgrade programme

A major upgrade of the Bell Super Cobra known as the H-1 programme is underway. The programme calls for the remanufacture of the US Marine Corps fleet of 180 AH-1W Super Cobra and 100 UH-1N utility helicopters to an advanced four-bladed configuration, which will operate to beyond 2020. An upgraded cockpit configuration allows easy co-pilot access to the night targeting system (NTS). These are also remanufactured with "zero-time" airframes comprising advanced technology.

The original two-bladed semi-rigid, teetering rotor system has been replaced with a four-bladed, hingeless, bearingless rotor system. The improvement in flight characteristics provided by the four-bladed configuration has led to increases in flight envelope, maximum speed, vertical rate-of-climb, payload and rotor vibration level.

The USMC subsequently decided on new-build rather than remanufactured UH-1Y helicopters and, in February 2008, awarded Bell a contract for the new build of 40 of the proposed 189 AH-1Z helicopters. Four additional helicopters were ordered in September 2008.

First flight of the AH-1Z took place in December 2000. The AH-1W entered low-rate initial production (LRIP) in October 2003. Five AH-1W helicopters were remanufactured to AH-1Z standard and took part in flight testing at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Sea trials in May 2005 included the first shipboard landing on USS Bataan, Wasp Class amphibious assault ship.

Developmental testing was completed in February 2006 and two test aircraft began operational evaluation (OPEVAL) with the USMC in May 2006. The first production AH-1Z helicopter was delivered to the USMC in January 2007. Phase II of OPEVAL began in February 2008, and the OPEVAL was completed in October 2010. In November 2010, the AH-1Z was approved for the full-rate production. Initial operating capability of the AH-1Z Cobra took place in February 2011.

The Turkish Army selected the AH-1Z King Cobra in July 2000 with a request for 50 out of a total requirement for 145 helicopters. In May 2004, it was announced that the acquisition was to be cancelled. The helicopters were to be built in Turkey by Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Super Cobra cockpit

Northrop Grumman has developed the integrated avionics systems for the AH-1Z. The systems include two mission computers and an automatic flight control system with four-axis stability control augmentation system. Each crew station has two 8in×6in multifunction displays and one 4.2in×4.2in dual function display, based on active matrix liquid crystal colour technology.

The displays are supplied by L-3 Ruggedised Command and Control Solutions. Smiths Aerospace supplied the weapon stores control and data transfer system.

"The AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003."

The communications suite combines the new US Navy RT-1824 integrated radio, UHF/VHF, COMSEC and modem in a single unit. The navigation suite includes an embedded GPS inertial (EGI), a low-airspeed air data subsystem, which allows weapons delivery when hovering and a digital map.

In June 2002, Thales Avionics' TopOwl helmet-mounted display system was chosen for the USMC AH-1Z. The first system was delivered in January 2003. TopOwl, also fitted on Tiger, NH90 and Rooivalk helicopters, has integrated Gen IV image intensifier and FLIR capability and provides transition from day to night use at the push of a button.
Weapons and missiles

The Super Cobra can carry both TOW and Hellfire anti-armour missiles and is being qualified to carry the Maverick missile. The Raytheon BGM-71 TOW missile has a range of more than 3km and semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight guidance. The AGM-114 Hellfire missile is manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is equipped with a semi-active laser seeker and has a range of 7km. The Super Cobra has fire-and-forget capability when firing the Hellfire missile in co-operative mode with laser target illumination.

The Super Cobra was the first attack helicopter to qualify both the Sidewinder air-to-air missile and the Sidearm anti-radiation missile. Both missiles can use the same LAU-7 rail launcher. Sidearm has a range of more than 15km. AIM-9L Sidewinder is an all-aspect, short-range, air-to-air missile produced by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The missile has a range of 15km.

The Super Cobra can fire the Hydra family of unguided 70mm rockets or the larger 127mm Zuni rocket bombs. Since 2008, all units have been armed with the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS), a guided version of the Hydra. The US Army reopened the competition for the APKWS in September 2005 and BAE Systems was selected as the prime contractor on 27 April 2006. A $96.1m contract was awarded to BAE systems by the US Army for design and development of APKWS II laser guided rockets.

The Super Cobra carries a three-barrel, 20mm Gatling gun for close range (up to 2km) engagement and 750 rounds of ammunition. With the gun in a fixed forward position, the pilot can aim by manoeuvring the helicopter. Either crew member can slave the turret to the helmet-mounted sight and aim the gun by looking at the target.

"The Super Cobra carries a three-barrel, 20mm Gatling gun for close range engagement."
The AH-1Z for the USMC will be armed with: 16 Hellfire missiles, six AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, 70mm rocket pods (7- and 19-shot), and a 20mm gun.
Sensors

Targeting for the AH-1W is provided by the night targeting system (NTS), jointly produced by Tamam Division of Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd and Kollsman.

NTS integrates a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) which provides automatic target tracking with a laser designator / rangefinder and video recorder.

Lockheed Martin has developed a longer range AN/AAQ-30 target sight system (TSS) for the AH-1Z to replace the NTS. TSS includes a third-generation four field-of-view FLIR based on a 3-5-micron staring array, CCD colour TV, Kollsman eyesafe laser rangefinder / designator and multi-target autotracker. L-3 Communications Wescam supplies the turret assembly. Lockheed Martin was awarded a contract to supply the first 16 systems to the USMC in March 2008.

Longbow International (a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) is developing the Cobra Radar System for the AH-1Z, based on the Longbow millimetre wave radar on the AH-64D Apache. Cobra is a pod-based radar that can be mounted on a wingtip or in a stores position. Cobra can automatically search, detect, classify and prioritise multiple moving and stationary targets. It has a range of 8km against moving and 4km against stationary targets.

Countermeasures

The H1 Super Cobra upgrade includes provision of a new electronic warfare suite. A new radar warner, the AN/APR-39(XE2) from Lockheed Martin, replaces the Lockheed Martin AN/APR-39(V)2 pulse radar warner and the AEL Industries AN/APR-44 continuous-wave radar warner.

The ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warning system has been included in the upgrade suite. AN/AAR-47 uses infrared detectors to detect the missile plume. The Goodrich (formerly Raytheon) AN/AVR-2A laser warning receiver has also been added. The infrared countermeasures system is the AN/ALQ-144A developed by BAE Systems IEWS (formerly Sanders, a Lockheed Martin company).

The helicopter is also equipped with the AN/ALE-39 chaff and infrared flare dispenser manufactured by BAE Systems Integrated Defense Solutions (formerly Tracor) and Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems.

Engines

Twin General Electric T700-GE-401 turboshaft engines provide a total of 2,410kW or 3,380shp.

In standard conditions, with an air-to-air ordnance load, the Super Cobra can take off and climb out at more than 4.1m/s on only one engine. It can hover out of ground effect (OGE) at 914m, with a load of four TOW and four Hellfire missiles, full turret ammunition and rockets.

Performance

The helicopter can climb at the rate of 8.2m a second. The maximum and cruise speeds of the helicopter are 388km/h and 274km/h respectively. The range and service ceiling are 648km and 3,720m respectively. The maximum endurance of the helicopter is three hours and 30 minutes. The helicopter weighs around 4,953kg and the maximum take-off weight is 6,690kg.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Bell Helicopter
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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 10, 2014

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 10, 2014
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-174-14 September 10, 2014
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 10, 2014: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued September 10, 2014 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Public Works Contractor Inc.,* Spring Valley, California (N62473-14-D-0070); MCB Lighting & Electrical Inc.,* Owings, Maryland (N62473-14-D-0071); Souza Construction Inc.,* Visalia, California (N62473-14-D-0072); Ja'nus Ventilation and Mechanical Inc.,* San Diego, California (N62473-14-D-0073); and Preferred Construction Co. Inc.,*, Long Beach, California (N62473-14-D-0074), are each being awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract for new construction, repair, and renovation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and associated work at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value including the base period and four option years for all five contracts combined is $99,000,000. No task orders are being issued at this time. All work on these contracts will be performed within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to, California (90 percent), Arizona (6 percent), Nevada (1 percent), Colorado (1 percent), Utah (1 percent), and New Mexico (1 percent). The terms of the contracts are not to exceed 60 months, with an expected completion date of September 2019. Fiscal 2014 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $25,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured as a set-aside for small businesses via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 19 proposals received. These five contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contracts. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.

BlueForge LLC,* Saint Petersburg, Florida (N69450-14-D-1271); C&C Contractors LLC,* Notasulga, Alabama (N69450-14-D-1272); Colossal Construction Co. LLC,* Atlanta, Georgia (N69450-14-D-1273); Gulf Building Corp. and Hernandez Consultants, Joint Venture,* Fort Lauderdale, Florida (N69450-14-D-1274); HICAPS Inc.,* Greensboro, North Carolina (N69450-14-D-1275); KMK-DJI, Joint Venture,* Eliot, Maine (N69450-14-D-1276); and Leebcor Services LLC,* Williamsburg, Virginia (N69450-14-D-1277), are each being awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award design-build construction contract for construction projects located primarily within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value including the base period and five option years for all seven contracts combined is $95,000,000. The work to be performed provides for primarily general building type projects, but is not limited to new construction, renovation, alteration, demolition and repair work in support of Department of Defense activities in the NAVFAC Southeast AOR. BlueForge LLC is being awarded task order 0001 at $13,161,000 for the design and construction of a new weapons storage and inspection facility at Marine Corp Logistics Base Albany, Georgia. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by January 2016. All work on this contract will be performed primarily in the NAVFAC Southeast AOR, including but not limited to North Florida and South Georgia. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of September 2019. Fiscal 2014 military construction (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $13,167,000 are being obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with 17 proposals received. These seven contractors may compete for task orders under the terms and conditions of the awarded contract. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity.

BergerABAM Inc., Federal Way, Washington, is being awarded a maximum $30,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract for civil engineering services for large projects in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for requests for proposals for design-build projects; fully designed plans and specifications; civil engineering site investigation reports to support new development of facilities on raw land or redevelopment of existing facilities on developed sites; studies, reports, and evaluations; technical reviews of government prepared request for proposal packages for design-build projects and government prepared design documents for design-bid-build projects; preparation of planning and programming related documents; and post construction award services. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities within the NAVFAC Southwest AOR including, but not limited to California (87 percent), Arizona (5 percent), Nevada (5 percent), Colorado (1 percent), New Mexico (1 percent) and Utah (1 percent). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of September 2019. Fiscal 2014 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $5,000 are being obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 11 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-14-D-0062).

Brodogradiliste Viktor Lenac D.D., Rijeka, Croatia, is being awarded a $21,383,394 firm-fixed-price contract for a 179-day Extended Service Life Program, dry docking and ship repair of USS Mount Whitney. The ship’s primary mission is to provide communication, command, and control support to U.S. Navy forces at sea. The contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the total contract value to $29,674,806. Work will be performed in Rijeka, Croatia, and is expected to be completed by July 2015. Working capital contract funds, fiscal 2014 other procurement (Navy) and fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $21,383,394 are being obligated at the time of award, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00033-14-C-7504).

Bulltrack-Watts, a Joint Venture,* Marysville, California, is being awarded $13,771,399 for firm-fixed-price task order 0009 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40192-10-D-2801) for repair and modernization of Romeo Wharf at Naval Base, Guam. The work to be performed provides for sustainment, restoration and maintenance repairs to waterfront facilities at Romeo Wharf to allow berthing of various Navy ships. Work will be performed in Santa Rita, Guam, and is expected to be completed by May 2016. Fiscal 2014 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $13,771,399 are being obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One proposal was received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Marianas, Guam, is the contracting activity.

General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, California, was awarded $7,000,000 to increase an undefinitized contract action to previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00024-13-C-4404) for USS Boxer (LHD 4) fiscal 2014 Phased Maintenance Availability. A phased maintenance availability includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by December 2015. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $7,000,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 8, 2014)

ARMY

Jacobs Technology, Tullahoma, Tennessee was awarded an $83,132,319 cost-plus-award fee incrementally-funded contract with options for test support for the following electronic instrumentation operation; optical, meteorology and geodetic instrumentation operation; metrology and simulation operation; computation and automation; test operations and maintenance; ammunition management operations; technical and engineering services; range management operations; communication and information management operations; and data acquisition and management. Work will be performed in Yuma, Arizona, and Ft. Greely, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 14, 2018. Bids were solicited via the Internet with four received. Fiscal 2014 research, development, testing and evaluation funds in the amount of $250,000 are being obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Yuma, Arizona, is the contracting activity (W9124R-14-C-0004).

Alliant Techsystems, Plymouth, Minnesota, was awarded a $33,397,721 modification (P00032) to contract W91CRB-11-C-0024 for 24 additional months of service related to the engineering and development of the XM25 Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System. Research, development, testing and evaluation funds in the amount of $175,695 (Fiscal 2013) and $459,810 (Fiscal 2014) were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Sept. 30, 2015. Work will be performed at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Onopa Services LLC,* Sanford, Florida (W911SF-14-D-0007); Paul S. Akins Company Inc.,* Statesboro, Georgia (W911SF-14-D-0008); and the FutureNet Group,* Detroit, Michigan (W911SF-14-D-0009), were awarded a $25,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award task order multi-year contract for construction and design for the Department of Public Works, Ft. Gordon, Georgia. Funding and individual work location will be determined with each order with an estimated completion date of Sept. 9, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet with 20 received. Army Contracting Command, Ft. Benning, Georgia, is the contracting activity.

All Phase Services, Inc.,* Delray Beach, Florida (W912DY-14-D-0077); North Wind Solutions LLC, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (W912DY-14-D-0078); Bhate Environmental Associates Inc., Birmingham, Alabama (W912DY-14-D-0079); Charter Environmental Inc., Boston, Massachusetts (W912DY-14-D-0080); NCM Demolition and Remediation LP, Baltimore, Maryland (W912DY-14-D-0081); Perma-Fix Environmental Services Inc., Atlanta, Georgia (W912DY-14-D-0082), were awarded a $9,600,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract with options for the demolition of excess facilities throughout the northeastern United States in support of the Facility Reduction Program. Funding and work location will be determined with each order with an estimated completion date of Sept. 9, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet with 10 received. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Alabama is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

General Atomics - Aeronautical Systems Inc., Poway, California, has been awarded a $40,906,190 cost-plus-fixed-fee order (0033) on contract FA8620-10-G-3038 for development of requirements description documents for the MQ-9 Reaper Block 1 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) and the MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 UAS with the 904.6.0 system/software release. Work will be performed in Poway, California, with an expected completion date of Sept. 8, 2017. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal year 2012 aircraft procurement funds in the amount of $40,906,190 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

Abacus Technology Corp., Chevy Chase, Maryland, has been awarded a $10,265,012 firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursement contract for command, control, communications and computer (C4) services. Work will be performed at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, with an expected completion date of Sept. 15, 2015. Fiscal year 2014 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $2,594,552 are being obligated at the time of award. This contract was a sole-source acquisition. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, is the contracting activity (FA9401-14-C-0016).

BAE Systems, Nashua, New Hampshire, has been awarded a $7,672,503 firm-fixed-price modification (P00008) on existing contract FA8540-12-C-0013 for an engineering change proposal for the Digital Electronic Warfare System. Work will be performed at Nashua, New Hampshire, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 30, 2018. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition and is 100 percent foreign military sales for Saudi Arabia. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Sikorsky Aerospace Services, Shelton, Connecticut, has been awarded a maximum $12,070,183 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for duel exhaust aircraft parts. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and one offer was received. This is a five-year base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Connecticut with an Aug. 26, 2019 performance completion date. Using service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA1-14-D-0053). (Awarded Aug. 26, 2014)

GKN Aerospace Chem-Tronics Inc., El Cajon, California, has been awarded a minimum $9,728,213 firm-fixed-price contract for turbine augmenter exhaust nozzle support replenishment spares. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and two offers were received. This is a three-year base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is California with a Mar. 15, 2017, performance completion date. Using military service is Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2014 through fiscal year 2017 foreign military sales funds.

The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (SPRTA1-14-C-0114). (Awarded Sept. 9, 2014)

*Small business

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-174-14 September 10, 2014 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in Tbilisi, Georgia

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in Tbilisi, Georgia

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources  DoD photo by Glenn Fawcett
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 10, 2014: Secretary Hagel's meetings with the President Giorgi Margvelashvili and Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili of Georgia

Pentagon Press Secretary Rear Adm. John Kirby provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel met in Tblisi September 7, 2014 with the President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, as well as Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili.

Secretary Hagel thanked the president for his leadership and for the contributions Georgia continues to make in Afghanistan and other peacekeeping missions. He also praised the efforts of Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Alasania in helping our two militaries maintain a strong defense relationship.

On the heels of the NATO Summit in Wales -- where Georgia earned enhanced partner status -- the secretary reaffirmed the United States' firm commitment to working with Georgia on a range of bilateral and Alliance initiatives to improve Georgia's interoperability and readiness.

Georgia’s new status as an enhanced NATO partner will help it advance in its preparations towards NATO membership, a goal which the NATO heads of state once again endorsed in Wales.

The two leaders also discussed a host of regional security issues, including Russia's continued aggression inside Ukraine and threat its actions pose to the regional and international order, as well as the threat posed by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the Middle East. A common concern highlighted in the secretary's meeting with the president -- and earlier in the day with the prime minister -- was the very real problem of foreign fighters flowing into Syria to join various extremist groups and the threat those fighters represent to their homelands.

Secretary Hagel updated the president and prime minister on U.S. efforts to build a coalition of nations willing to contribute to continued operations inside Iraq and against ISIL. And he thanked Georgian leaders for their willingness to consider ways to support that initiative.

In both his meetings this afternoon, Secretary Hagel pledged to continue the close dialogue and cooperation between our two countries.  

U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is escorted past an honor cordon by Georgia Defense Minister Irakli Alasania during a ceremony welcoming Hagel to the defense ministry in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 7, 2014. Hagel is making his first visit to Georgia as defense secretary.  
*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources  DoD photo by Glenn Fawcett
*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 - NIGERIAN NEWS: Nigerian Islamist Extremist Group Boko Haram - Images

DTN News  - NIGERIAN NEWS: Nigerian Islamist Extremist Group Boko Haram - Images

>Cameroon army 'kills more than 100 Boko Haram fighters'

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources AFP
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 9, 2014: (Yaoundé) - Cameroon said its soldiers had killed "more than 100" Boko Haram fighters during an attempted incursion by the Nigeria-based Islamist insurgents, while across the border thousands continued to flee the group's advances.

The Cameroonian army dealt "a severe setback" to Boko Haram during clashes in the north of the country on Saturday, government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary said in a statement read out on state radio.

The statement, which could not be immediately verified, said Boko Haram militants fired two shells on the town of Fotokol in Cameroon's northern tip, on the border with Nigeria.

"There were no casualties reported on the Cameroonian side," the statement said.

"Our defence forces responded vigorously with mortar fire aimed at the positions held by units of the Boko Haram terrorist group. The Cameroonian response resulted in over 100 deaths among the aggressors."

The Boko Haram militants were pushed back towards the Nigerian border town of Gamboru Ngala, separated only by a footbridge from Cameroon, which they seized over a week ago.

- Exodus -
Meanwhile, panicked residents continued to flee their homes in northeast Nigeria on Monday in fear of Islamist attacks.

The exodus from Mubi, the commercial hub of Adamawa state, began on Sunday after the insurgents seized the town of Michika around 40 kilometres (25 miles) away the day before.

Boko Haram has seized control of a number of towns in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states in recent weeks, prompting fears the government could soon lose control of the entire region.

"With the fall of Michika into the hands of Boko Haram, Mubi is seen as their next destination," Mubi resident Habu Bala told AFP.

The fear of attack grew on Monday after the families of police officers were ordered to evacuate, said resident Muhammad Maishanu.

The Nigerian military has appeared largely powerless to stop the militants' advance.

Residents in Michika said airforce jets were circling above the town but were unable to strike because the insurgents had taken cover in civilian houses.

In Mubi, where thousands have taken refuge in recent weeks, locals were thronging the main bus depot on Monday.

"The increasing large number of passengers far exceeds available vehicles, which has resulted in commotion as people jostle and struggle to secure seats on available buses and taxis. They just want to get out," said Samaila Ado, who works at the coach station.

- 'Capturing everywhere' -
The United States last week said it was alarmed by reports that Boko Haram had captured the Borno town of Bama and the possibility of an attack on the state capital, Maiduguri, 70 kilometres away.

The spokesman of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Gideon Obasogie, said he fled the town on Sunday.

"Thousands of others have also left Mubi for Yola for fear of attack. The Boko Haram militants are just capturing everywhere," he told AFP.

"The Catholic church in Maiduguri diocese is gradually crumbling. A priest in Michika had to scale a fence yesterday to avoid being killed. He had to pass through some bush and mountains before he finally made it to Yola."

Security fears prompted the indefinite closure of the Adamawa State University in Mubi, according to a university statement.

In October 2012, Boko Haram fighters were blamed for shooting dead at least 40 polytechnic students at their off-campus hostels in the town.

The military has claimed it recaptured Bama in ground and air offensives, killing 50 insurgents in a battle near the town at the weekend.

Independent confirmation was not immediately available and in an audio message, a purported Boko Haram spokesman named Abu Zinnira refuted the claim.

The insurgents threatened to add to their territorial gains, he said.

It was not possible to verify the authenticity of the recording but AFP received the message from the same channels as previous Boko Haram videos.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources AFP
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*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 9, 2014

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated September 9, 2014
Source: K. V. Seth - DTN News + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-172-14 September 9, 2014
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 9, 2014: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued September 9, 2014 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

ARMY

Veteran's Construction Alliance, LLC,* Norfolk, Virginia, was awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price, multiyear contract for real property maintenance and repair, minor new construction work, and to design and build projects for the Fort Lee, Virginia, Department of Public Works. Funding and work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 8, 2019. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with 19 received. Army Contracting Command, Fort Benning, Georgia, is the contracting activity (W911SF-14-D-0006).

Harper Construction Co. Inc., San Diego, California, was awarded a $33,697,265 firm-fixed-price contract with options for the repair and expansion of battalion headquarters, Building 5960, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Work will be performed in Lawton, Oklahoma, with an estimated completion date of March 10, 2016. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with 12 received. Fiscal 2014 military construction funds in the amount of $33,697,265 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (W912BV-14-C-0036).

Kforce Government Solutions, Inc., Fairfax, Virginia, was awarded a $20,957,960 firm-fixed-price contract to procure, document, and deliver traumatic amputation task trainers to enhance the medical training capability within the Department of Defense. Funding and work location will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 8, 2019. One bid was solicited, with one received. Army Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-14-D-0004).

Weeks Marine, Inc., Covington, Louisiana, was awarded an $18,700,000 firm-fixed-price contract with options for Mississippi River hopper dredge disposal from Baton Rouge to the Gulf of Mexico. Work will be performed in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 10, 2015. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with two received. Fiscal 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $18,700,000 are being obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, Louisiana, is the contracting activity (W812P8-14-C-0055).

NAVY

Prism Maritime, LLC, Chesapeake, Virginia, is being awarded a $55,012,767 modification to a previously awarded contract (N63394-13-C-1304) for Alteration Installation Team services in support of the Ship Defense and Expeditionary Warfare Department, Port Hueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, California. This contract modification provides continuation of services including a 30-day phase-in/phase-out support in anticipation of an award of a follow-on competitive contract in Seaport-Enhanced in January 2016. The services include Alteration Installation Team services for critical and specific systems engineering, technical, product and fleet support, and planning services efforts and upgrades for the Ship Self-Defense System, NATO Sea Sparrow Missile Systems, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, Rolling Airframe Missile, Cooperative Engagement Capabilities, AN/SPQ-9B Radar, and Quick Reaction Capability. Work will be performed in Port Hueneme, California (48 percent); San Diego, California (26 percent); Norfolk, Virginia (25 percent); and Bahrain (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by January 2016. No contract funds will be obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Port Hueneme Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, California, is the contracting activity.

Computer Sciences Corp. Defense and Intelligence Group, Washington, District of Columbia, is being awarded a $16,610,372 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for professional services in support of the Littoral Combat Ship Program Office, PMS 501, and the LCS Fleet Introduction and Sustainment Program Office, PMS 505. This contract is for professional support services in the areas of test and evaluation, lifecycle engineering and support, logistics and operational readiness, program management, business and financial management, systems engineering, production planning and production engineering, manning, personnel and training, human systems integration analysis and engineering, data management engineering, and combat systems development. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $33,347,984. Work will be performed in Washington, District of Columbia, and is expected to be completed by March 2015. Fiscal 2013 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funding in the amount of $14,029,194 will be obligated at the time of award. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) - only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Notice of this procurement appeared on the Federal Business Opportunities website. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity (N00024-14-C-2307).

Aerospace Mass Properties Analysis, Inc.,* North Wales, Pennsylvania, is being awarded a $9,751,679 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) III Topic N093-164 entitled “Optical Aperture Gating for Single-pixel and Imaging LIDAR Systems.” This effort is for the development and deployment of innovative targeting, imaging, environmental sensing, and counter measure systems utilizing the ultra-fast switch in support of the Navy Special Projects Program. Work will be performed in North Wales, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed in September 2017. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds and working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $892,475 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This Phase III SBIR contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(5). The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-14-C-0180).

Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is being awarded $9,451,005 for cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order 0061 against a previously issued Basic Ordering Agreement (N00019-12-G-0006) for the procurement of standby flight display components for the V-22 aircraft for the U.S. Navy. This order provides for replacement of obsolescent components no longer available due to diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed in December 2016. Fiscal 2013 aircraft procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $9,451,005 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Marathon Construction Corp.,* Lakeside, California, is being awarded $7,469,777 for firm-fixed-price task order 0004 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N62473-12-D-0244) for the repair of graving and caisson at Naval Base San Diego. The work provides for repair of the service galleries along the inside of the graving dock including refurbishing the discharge pumps and concrete repairs to cracks and spalling, caused by recent earthquakes. The work also includes overhaul of the caisson by replacing the watertight seal, sandblasting and repainting the caisson (outside and inside), and miscellaneous mechanical and electrical work. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to be completed by August 2015. Fiscal 2014 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $7,469,777 are being obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.

AIR FORCE

Korean Air Lines Co., LTD., Aerospace Division, Seoul, South Korea, has been awarded an estimated $46,000,000 firm-fixed-price maintenance and repair contract for depot level support to A-10 aircraft stationed in the Asia/Pacific region. Work will be performed at KAL's facility, Seoul, South Korea, with an expected completion date of Sept. 30, 2020. No funds are being obligated at time of award. This contract was a competitive acquisition and two offers were received. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8202-14-D-0001).

G4S Government Solutions Inc., Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, has been awarded a $9,004,710 option (P00028) to previously awarded contract FA2521-12-C-0057. This option will provide non-personal services involving fire protection, emergency management and emergency medical services for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Work will be performed at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2015. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. The 45th Contracting Squadron, Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

SNC Manufacturing, LLC*, Orocovis, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $96,281,660 modification (P00109) exercising the second option period on a one-year base contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1063) with four one-year option periods. This is a firm-fixed-price contract for various types of Permethrin Army combat uniform coats. Locations of performance are Puerto Rico and Alabama with a Sept. 12, 2015 performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2015 through fiscal 2016 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Awarded Sept 8, 2014)

DYNO Oil & Electric, LLC,* Texas City, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $75,802,867 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for aviation turbine fuel. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and eight offers were received. This is a one-year base contract with a thirty-day carryover and no option periods. Locations of performance are Texas and California with an Oct. 30, 2015 performance completion date. Using service is Defense Logistics Agency Energy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SP0600-14-D-0503).

Kforce Government Solutions, Inc. (KGS), Fairfax, Virginia, has been awarded a maximum $25,498,060 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for medical items and accessories. This contract was a competitive acquisition and 58 offers were received.
This is a five-year base contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Virginia with an Aug. 28, 2019 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2014 through fiscal 2019 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DH-14-D-0009). (Awarded Sept. 8, 2014)

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

Computer Sciences Corp., Falls Church, Virginia was awarded a ceiling $90,650,000 indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract for Learning Asset Development Sustainment and Support. This contract supports the Defense Acquisition University in research, analysis, design, maintenance, and integration of a variety of learning assets for acquisition functional competencies within the Department of Defense. Work will be performed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia with an expected completion date of Sept. 4, 2019. Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund (DAWDF) funds in the amount of $160,000 will be obligated at award. This contract was competitively solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website, and seven proposals were received. The Missile Defense Agency, Huntsville, Alabama is the contracting activity (HQ0147-14-D-0005).

*Small business

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth + U.S. DoD issued No. CR-172-14 September 9, 2014 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: 2014 Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in Mumbai India #2

DTN News: 2014 Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in Mumbai India  #2

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 9, 2014: Indian Hindu devotees splash water on a large statue of the elephant-headed Hindu God Ganesha before immersing it in the Arabian Sea on the final day of the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi in Mumbai, India, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. 

(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: 2014 Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in Mumbai India #1

DTN News: 2014 Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in Mumbai India  #1

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 9, 2014: Devotees carry an idol of Hindu elephant god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, during a procession through the streets before immersing it in the waters of the Arabian Sea on the last day of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai September 8, 2014. 

(Photo - REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui)

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth 
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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