UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
15 Jul 21. Contracts awarded to enhance Army Engineers with autonomous wet gap survey systems. Three SMEs have won contracts to develop semi-autonomous reconnaissance and survey systems to help the military cross rivers, streams and bogs. The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) has awarded contracts worth £2m during Map the Gap: Phase 2, a competition which aims to develop semi-autonomous reconnaissance and survey systems that help the military cross obstacles such as rivers, streams, bogs and other so-called ‘wet gaps’.
Map the Gap, run on behalf of the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), sought ideas from industry and academia to help reduce the risks to troops when surveying multiple crossing sites at the forward edge of the battle.
By replacing manned reconnaissance with a remote, beyond line-of-sight system, the threat to life is not only reduced, but it will also offer the ability to survey multiple crossing sites in a far more timely and efficient manner.
The ability to survey crossing sites by gathering data about the river banks will provide greater choice to ground commanders and offer more opportunities to out-manoeuvre opponents. It has the potential to be a force multiplier for next generation bridging systems.
Big wins for SMEs
The organisations are:
Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd
Ultrabeam Limited
ISS Group Ltd
Phase 2 funding:
- Digital Concepts Engineering Ltd – £982,791
- ISS Group Ltd. – £514,727
- Ultrabeam Limited – £498,075
(Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
15 Jul 21. Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV, Tucson, Arizona, was awarded an $8,617,243 modification (P00099) to contract W31P4Q-19-C-0038 to support Javelin engineering services. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 15, 2023. Fiscal 2021 procurement of ammunition, Army; and Foreign Military Sales (United Kingdom) funds in the amount of $8,617,243 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
13 Jul 21. Serco has won a contract to introduce new specialist services at RAF Brize Norton, in addition to the existing roles that it has been delivering at the base since 1997. As a result of this expansion, the number of Serco employees at the base will more than double, freeing up RAF personnel, and a recruitment campaign is underway. The new contract will see Serco introduce new specialist services at RAF Brize Norton Brize, including airfield services, additional engineering, transport, fuels, logistics, cargo/freight movements, fitness instructors and administration. These are added to the existing roles of RAMP services, engineering, security, IT support services, photography and transport services that Serco has been delivering at the base since 1997.
AIR
15 Jul 21. BAE contracted to provide training and support for UK-Qatar Hawk squadron. The firm will provide Qualified Flying Instructors to train the QEAF and RAF pilots. BAE Systems has secured a six-year contract to support the training operations of the joint UK-Qatar Hawk squadron. Under the contract, BAE Systems will deliver live and synthetic training to Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) and British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots. BAE Systems will provide Qualified Flying Instructors (QFI) to train the QEAF and RAF pilots. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
15 Jul 21. CAE UK plc has been awarded a contract by Boeing to provide Poseidon MRA1 training support services to the Royal Air Force (RAF). The initial five-year contract, awarded during CAE’s fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, calls for CAE UK plc to provide a range of instructors and console operators to support the delivery of training at the Boeing-built Poseidon Strategic Facility located at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. The Boeing P-8A, designated the Poseidon MRA1 for the RAF, is a multi-role Maritime Patrol Aircraft designed for Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Unit Warfare, surveillance and search and rescue missions. Under terms of the contract, CAE UK will provide a range of rear crew and engineering instructors. Rear crew instructors will deliver training on acoustics, electronic warfare and other sensor and mission systems on the Poseidon. Engineering instructors will deliver training on avionics and other systems required for the maintenance and operation of the aircraft. In addition, CAE UK will provide console operators and controllers who will perform role playing and support functions during training and mission rehearsal exercises. Boeing will provide the flight instructors to train Poseidon pilots. A significant portion of the pilot training will take place in the two Poseidon Operational Flight Trainers (OFTs) jointly developed by CAE and Boeing. CAE designs and manufactures the Poseidon OFT hardware to Level D standards, the highest qualification for flight simulators. Source: (Source: ASD Network/CAE)
08 Jul 21. Lockheed Martin was awarded a $12.6m contract for Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation System refurbishment support. Fiscal 2010 Foreign Military Sales (Netherlands and United Kingdom) funds; and 2021 aircraft procurement, Army funds in the amount of $12.6m were obligated at the time of the award. US Army Contracting Command is the contracting activity. (Source: Armada)
TECHNOLOGY
13 Jul 21. £700k investment to boost cyber growth across the UK. UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration established to support tech firms across the country. Cyber businesses across the country are set to benefit from a £700k fund to help develop people’s skills, collaborate and break down local barriers to growth. The funding – from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) – has been awarded to UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3), a network of 20 regional clusters of cyber businesses, employers and local organisations which work together to boost the UK’s cyber security sector. The organisation was established to help cyber security businesses build partnerships and programmes which break down barriers to growth, such as skills gaps and a lack of business support, and provide a focal point for industry stakeholders to engage with. The fund will be used by the UKC3 to provide opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing and funding to help develop skills and spur innovation. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
EUROPE
LAND
14 Jul 21. Polish Defence Ministry confirms plan to buy M1 Abrams tanks. Poland’s defense minister announced Wednesday that the country will buy 250 M1A2 Abrams SEPv3 tanks from the U.S. to counter Russian military capabilities, confirming previous reports of a planned acquisition. The SEPv3 variant of the Abrams tank weights 73.6 tons, can travel at 42 mph. According to the U.S. Army’s Acquisition Support Center, the development of a SEPv4 variant is ongoing through fiscal 2023. (Source: Defense News)
SEA
09 Jul 21. On the 9th of June 2021, Eurosam, the Franco Italian consortium, which is co-owned by MBDA and Thales, signed a contract with OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d’ARmement / Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation) for production of the mid-life refurbishment of ASTER missiles for Italy and the United-Kingdom. It follows the one signed in January 2020 for the French ASTER missiles. All our domestic customers have now ordered the refurbishment of their ASTER missiles in service: the French, Italian and United Kingdom navies, the Italian Army and the French Air and Space force. The contract was signed at OCCAR premises in France (Paris area). The refurbishment will be performed during the following years in the respective national maintenance centres: the MBDA premises in Selles-Saint-Denis (centre of France), the CIMA (Centro Interfoze Munizionamento Avanzato) in Aulla, located near MBDA La Spezia site in Italy, and in DMG Gosport, located near Portsmouth in the United Kingdom. The contract for this refurbishment has been an opportunity to implement the latest environmental rules (REACH) in the production process and waste disposal will be managed in factories that have been built at the latest environmental standards. This contract guarantees the best efficiency of the systems based on ASTER missiles, maintaining the capability to assure the customers’ airspace sovereignty, by protecting their territory and population and their troops and fleets in operations.
09 Jul 21. Kongsberg has entered into contracts with Norway and Germany to deliver ORCCA combat system to the six new 212CD submarines, and the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to the two nations’ Navies. The deliveries will last way into the 2030s and is an important and strategic milestone that strengthens our foothold in Europe with Germany as an important and near partner, a Kongsberg release said. The contract for NSM is a joint procurement by Norway and Germany valued at 4,404 MNOK. Germany is the 6th nation to select NSM. For Norway the contract will serve to replenish and update the current inventory. The contract for the ORCCA Combat System is a subcontract from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems GmbH, the prime contractor for the 212CD submarines, to Kta Naval Systems AS. Kta Naval Systems is a joint venture between Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, its Naval Electronic Systems business unit (ATLAS ELEKTRONIK) and Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace. Based on the combined expertise and products of the joint venture partners, kta naval systems with its product family of ORCCA Combat Systems will exclusively develop, produce and maintain all future submarine combat systems for thyssenkrupp Marine Systems submarines. (Source: Google/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/)
08 Jul 21. According to information released on July 7, 2021, German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has officially been commissioned to build six identical Type 212CD (Common Design) submarines. The procurement organizations of Norway and Germany signed the corresponding contracts on July 7, 2021. Worth approx. 5,5bn Euro, the order comprises the delivery of two submarines to the German Navy and four to the Norwegian Navy. On 6 July 2021, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and its Norwegian industrial partner Kongsberg signed a cooperation agreement. Industrial cooperation between Germany and Norway is a cornerstone of the 212CD (Common Design) project – ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems relies on the Norwegian company Kongsberg for this project and for other projects on the world market. After signing the contract with Kongsberg. Norway and Germany had already entered into cooperation in 2017 that goes beyond the construction of six new HDW Type 212CD submarines, as a new generation of the Type 212A. The design of the Type 212A submarine, which has proven itself in service with the German and Italian navies, will be further developed with the integration of advanced technologies to expand the U212 family. (Source: Google/https://www.navyrecognition.com/)
AIR
16 Jul 21. BAE Systems to provide stealth technologies to Norway’s Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. BAE Systems has been awarded a £3m contract to provide vital technology for Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile system on fifth generation F-35 aircraft. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is an international leading supplier of defence products and systems, as well as advanced composites, engineering products and repair and overhaul services for aircraft. Kongsberg’s Joint Strike Missile is the only long range sea and land target missile that can be carried internally in the F-35 aircraft. The new contract will see BAE Systems provide expertise of radar absorbing material and sensor development and technology integration to the highly capable Joint Strike Missile system which is currently being adopted by Norway and Japan. An advanced missile system is essential in expanding the overall capability of the aircraft, ensuring the F-35 retains its stealth capabilities.
USA
LAND
13 Jul 21. BAE Systems, York, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $72,458,148 modification (P00088) to contract W56HZV-17-C-0001 for the production and delivery of M109A7 and M992A3 vehicles. Work will be performed in York, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2024. Fiscal 2020 and 2021 weapons and tracked combat vehicle procurement, Army funds in the amount of $72,458,148 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity.
14 Jul 21. U.S. Critical Infrastructure Federal Agency Order. DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) received an initial order from a high-profile US critical infrastructure federal agency. The order is comprised of a portable drone defeat system.
14 Jul 21. Leonardo DRS Receives $105m Award to Provide Next-Generation Mission Command Mounted Computing Systems. Leonardo DRS, Inc. announced today that it has been awarded its third production delivery order contract for the next-generation of U.S. Army mission command computing systems, called the Mounted Family of Computer Systems (MFoCS) II. This modular, scalable system supports the Army’s current modernization strategy for ground combat vehicles, combat service support vehicles and command posts. The contract value is worth more than $105m. The delivery order was awarded to the Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business, by the Defense Information Technology Contracting Office of the Defense Information Systems Agency on behalf of U.S. Army Program Manager, Mission Command, and U.S. Army Program Executive Office – Command, Control and Communications – Tactical. Leonardo DRS is in the third year of an up to ten-year contract supporting requirements for U.S. Army Mounted Mission Command and Mounted Computing Operating Environment (MCOE). Work on this contract will be performed in the Leonardo DRS Land Electronics facility in Melbourne, Florida. For more information about the Leonardo DRS Mounted Family of Computer Systems, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com/MFoCS
12 Jul 21. Raytheon Co., Tucson, Arizona, was awarded a $320,667,721 firm-fixed-price contract for Stinger missile production. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2026. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-21-D-0007). (Awarded July 9, 2021)
SEA
14 Jul 21. The Navy is awarding 600 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity multiple award contracts (MACs) to businesses in multiple locations across 29 of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia for future competition of support service requirements to be solicited by Department of the Navy activities under rolling admissions of the SeaPort Next Generation (SeaPort-NxG) multiple-award contract vehicle for engineering support services and program management support services in 23 functional areas. The government estimates approximately $5,000,000,000 in services will be procured per year via orders issued under the SeaPort-NxG multiple award contracts. These MACs have a 2.5-year base period of performance with an additional five year ordering period option. These contracts were competitively procured via Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps), with 620 offers received. No contract funds will be obligated on the basic MAC awards. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Dahlgren, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00178-21-R-7000).
15 Jul 21. BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, San Diego, California, is awarded a $90,000,000 modification to increase the ordering ceiling to previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract N00024-17-D-2321 for yard work, maintenance and modernization efforts including, but not limited to, post-delivery, post-shakedown, combat system and continuous maintenance availabilities for DDG 1000 and DDG 1001. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and is expected to complete September 2023. This modification increases the contract ceiling from $192,682,485 to $282,682,485. Orders may be issued on a cost-plus-award-fee or firm-fixed-price basis. No funding will be obligated at the time of award. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
15 Jul 21. Huntington Ingalls Industries Fleet Support Group, Newport News, Virginia, is competitively awarded a $272,977,437 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide U.S. Navy aircraft carrier (CVN), carrier engineering maintenance assist team and surface engineering maintenance assist team in support of maintenance and planning for the overhaul and repair of equipment and systems associated with Navy aircraft carriers and West Coast Navy surface ships. Work will be performed aboard Navy CVNs within the continental U.S.; outside the continental U.S.; and forward deployed locations according to individual task orders as issued and is expected to be completed by June 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured and solicited via the Beta System for Award Management website. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-21-D-4114).
14 Jul 21. Viasat Inc., Carlsbad, California, is awarded a $19,494,000 modification under a previously awarded, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract (N00039-15-D-0043) for Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminals (LVT) to procure secure data units (SDUs) that support MIDS-LVT terminals and Link-16 capabilities. This modification will increase the current contract value from $674,093,506 by $19,494,000 to $693,961,006. The additional ceiling will be added to a new contract line item number to the base contract for the procurement of SDUs, which expires in June 2025. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, California, and is expected to be completed by June 2025. No funding is being obligated at the time of award. Funds will be obligated as individual delivery orders are issued. This contract modification was not competitively procured because it is a sole-source acquisition pursuant to the authority of 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) – only one responsible source, Federal Acquisition Regulation subpart 6.302-1, as addressed under justification and approval number 20-400 and approved on Nov. 25, 2019. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity.
AIR
13 Jul 21. AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it was awarded a competitive task order valued at approximately $22m on May 21, 2021 from the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) for ISR services using JUMP® 20 medium unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at an undisclosed customer location. The ISR services include the first SATCOM-enabled unmanned aircraft system for beyond line of sight operations as part of the existing Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) MEUAS IV contract. The task order specifies a 12-month period of performance and multiple follow-on option years for ISR services. The AeroVironment JUMP 20 is the first fixed-wing unmanned aircraft system capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) to be deployed extensively in support of U.S. military forces. Ideal for multi-mission operations, JUMP 20 delivers 14+ hours of endurance, a standard operational range of 185 km (115 mi) and is runway independent. The system can be set up and operational in less than 60 minutes without the need for launch or recovery equipment and has a useable payload capacity of up to 30 pounds. The JUMP 20 also features a common autopilot and ground control system architecture providing a highly customizable, modular platform which can be custom-configured to meet operational or customer requirements.
12 Jul 21. Collins Aerospace, Salt Lake City, Utah, has been awarded a $22,369,617 firm-fixed-price contract for High Fidelity Visual Display Systems required to support the F-35 Joint Simulation Environment. The contractor will deliver, install, and provide training for the visual display systems. Work will be performed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; Edwards AFB, California; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and is expected to be completed July 31, 2023. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020, research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) funds in the amount of $18,098,825 are being obligated at the time of award for the Edwards and Nellis AFB systems; and fiscal 2021 RDT&E funds in the amount of $1,186,246 are being obligated at the time of award for the Wright-Patterson AFB systems. Directorate of Contracting, Edwards AFB, California, is the contracting activity (FA9302-21-C-0013).
12 Jul 21. Johns Hopkins University, Laurel, Maryland, has been awarded a $530,000,000 ceiling, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-type contract for research and development services in support of the nuclear enterprise. Johns Hopkins University has also been awarded the first task order for research and development services for $23,717,889 to support the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent weapon system. These contracts provide research and development services in support of the two intercontinental ballistic missile systems. Work will be performed in Laurel, Maryland, with support being available until July 15, 2031. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funds are currently being used with an initial obligation of $4,500,000 to fund the first task order. Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8204-21-D-0001).
14 Jul 21. Lockheed Martin Aculight Corp., Bothell, Washington, is awarded a $12,291,610 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a five-year ordering period for technical services, integration, test, validation, and demonstration events support for the airborne high energy laser system for the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. Work will be performed in Dahlgren, Virginia (42%); Bothell, Washington (30%); and Orlando, Florida (28%), and is expected to be completed by July 2026. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Defense) funding in the amount of $100,000 will be obligated at the time of award and not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This is a sole-source award in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations 6.302-1(a) (2) (iii) – only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00178-21-D-4412)
TECHNOLOGY
08 Jul 21. Black Sage Technologies; Clarity Innovations; Deloitte Consulting; Frontier Technology; Global Infotek; Greystones Consulting Group; Government Research Specialists; Hughes Network Systems; Hypergiant Galactic Systems; Kymeta; Mission Solutions; Net Vision Consultants; NXM Labs; Oracle America; PARASANTI; PLEXSYS Interface Products; Polysentry; Rackner; Research Innovations; Rolls-Royce North American Technologies; SAAB Sensis; East Syracuse; Scientific Systems; SLICEUP; Software AG Government Solutions; Spectral Sensor Solutions; Systems & Technology Research; UMBRA LAB; XL Scientific; and Yakabod Federal Solutions, have been awarded a ceiling $950m IDIQ, multiple-multiple award contract to compete for future efforts associated with the maturation, demonstration and proliferation of capability across platforms and domains, leveraging open systems design, modern software and algorithm development in order to enable Joint All Domain Command and Control. These contracts provide for the development and operation of systems as a unified force across all domains (air, land, sea, space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum) in an open architecture family of systems that enables capabilities via multiple integrated platforms. Air Force Life Cycle Management is the contracting activity.
12 Jul 21. EVisionaries Bring Digital Engineering Revolution. MSBAI, an Air Force Techstars 2020 company, has been selected for an AFWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 2 contract in the 20.3 cycle, in which they will adapt their GURU cognitive AI assistant to support the Air Force’s digital transformation. Late last year the Air Force announced a goal to reduce time to design new aerial platforms from a decade+ down to a single year, by scaling up the utilization of simulation in design and testing to an unprecedented level. They coined the phrase ‘ECreate Before You Aviate’ to describe the opportunity to design, build, and test countless designs before building the physical system. Rather than “fly before you buy,” digital engineering and management allows the AF to reduce the real-world learning curve, the need for physical prototyping, and modifications between production blocks. (Source: PR Newswire)
15 Jul 21. Peraton today announced that the company received an additional $483m in classified awards during the first six months of 2021. The contracts, representing new and expanded work across space, intel, federal and cyber, underscore Peraton’s position as a trusted and valued partner to essential government agencies. Peraton is leveraging its deep technical talent and 80% cleared workforce to expand the company’s ability to support missions of consequence across the globe where failure is not an option. Peraton’s advanced technology solutions, including cybersecurity, information operations, data analytics, hybrid cloud, mission-critical application development and advanced engineering, will help its government customers solve the largest and most complex challenges they face and foresee. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
09 Jul 21. BDL to supply additional Akash SAMs to Indian Air Force. Indian state-owned company Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) announced on 8 July that it has secured a INR4.99bn (USD67m) contract for the production and supply of additional locally developed Akash medium-range, surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deal was announced by Siddharth Mishra, the company’s chairman and managing director, via Twitter, but no further details were provided. BDL is the principal integrator of the 5.8-m long Akash missile, which is fitted with a 55 kg high-explosive, pre-fragmented warhead equipped with a proximity fuze and stated to be capable of engaging multiple aerial targets such as combat aircraft and assorted missile systems out to a range of 30km. The system’s locally designed electronics and Rajendra 3D phased array multifunctional fire-control radar are produced by public-sector company Bharat Electronics Limited, while private manufacturers Larsen & Toubro and Tata Power SED provide its tracked and wheeled launchers. Similar to the Russian SA-6 Gainful two-stage, solid-fuel, low-altitude SAM, the all-weather Akash has a launch weight of 720 kg and a stated shot/kill probability of 88%. The missile is powered by an integral ramjet rocket propulsion system with inlet ducts mounted mid-body between the wings, enabling a strike speed of M2.5. An Akash battery includes four 3-D Rajendra passive electronically scanned array radars designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and four launchers with three missiles each, all of which are inter-linked and mounted on a detachable trailer towed by an Ashok Leyland 4×4 truck. (Source: Jane’s)
13 Jul 21. Australian business Bisalloy Steels has received its first order from Rheinmetall as part of the LAND 400 Phase 2 program, which will see the company provide steel as part of the Australian Army’s new Boxer 8×8 combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV). Last year, Bisalloy Steels passed German government testing procedures following two years of examination. The certification enabled Bisalloy to join Rheinmetall’s global supply chain. The two companies began their partnership in 2017 and have subsequently strengthened their offering having undergone stringent research and development and information sharing. (Source: Defence Connect)
14 Jul 21. Elbit to supply 11 Guarani armoured vehicles to Ghana. Israel’s Elbit Systems has signed a contract with Ghana to supply 11 Iveco Guarani 6×6 armoured vehicles to the country. The vehicles will be manufactured by Iveco Defence Vehicles in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, and fitted with REMAX remotely operated weapons stations, according to Zona Militar. The REMAX, for 7.62 and 12.7mm machineguns, is manufactured by Brazilian company Ares Aeroespacial e Defesa. The VBTP-MR Guarani (Viatura Blindada Transporte de Pessoal – Média de Rodas/Armoured Personnel Carrier Vehicle – Medium Wheeled Type) was developed by Iveco and the Brazilian Army as part of its Urutu-III modernization program aimed to replace Brazilian EE-11 Urutu vehicles. A contract was signed in 2009 to codevelop the vehicle. (Source: DefenceWeb)
15 Jul 21. Lockheed Missile and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $12,414,198 modification (P00034) to contract W31P4Q-19-C-0101 for new equipment training and unique costs for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System’s M142 launchers. Work will be performed in Grand Prairie, Texas, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2023. Fiscal 2021 Foreign Military Sales (Taiwan) funds in the amount of $6,035,388 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
14 Jul 21. Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded a $160,480,077 modification (P00032) to contract W31P4Q-19-C-0101 for production of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems M142 launchers and support requirements. Work will be performed in Boca Raton, Florida; Whippany, New Jersey; York, Pennsylvania; Jackson, Michigan; Brownsboro, Alabama; Jackson, Mississippi; Palm Bay, Florida; Archbald, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; Camden, Arizona; Dallas, Texas; Clearwater, Florida; and Taiwan, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2023. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation, Army; procurement, Marine Corps; Foreign Military Sales (Taiwan); and missile procurement, Army funds in the amount of $160,480,077 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
SEA
09 Jul 21. Royal Australian Navy reselects Cubic to provide simulation support. Under the new two-year $6m contract, Cubic will provide a broad range of simulation planning and technical support services. Cubic Defence Australia has been reselected by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) to support Navy Synthetic Warfighting Centre (NSWC). The new contract has a two-year period and is valued at approximately $6m (A$8m). It will see Cubic Defence Australia provide a broad range of services such as simulation planning and technical support. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
15 Jul 21. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., Stratford, Connecticut, was awarded a $26,947,749 modification (P00192) to contract W58RGZ-17-C-0009 for UH-60M Foreign Military Sales green aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of June 30, 2022. Fiscal 2021 Foreign Military Sales (Jordan) funds in the amount of $26,947,749 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.
TECHNOLOGY
16 Jul 21. Ten Australian businesses have been awarded grants via the Commonwealth government’s Defence Innovation Hub, marking the achievement of a new milestone. Defence Innovation Hub grants totalling almost $20m have been awarded to 10 local businesses based in Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and the ACT. The contracts are expected to fund projects aimed at bolstering both Army and Navy capability.
Grant recipients include both SMEs and primes, with BAE Systems Australia among the businesses to secure funding.
Victoria-based RingIR has been awarded the largest contract ($3.9m), to fund the development of a portable device designed to accelerate the identification of dangerous chemicals and explosives.
Other businesses to receive the latest tranche of contracts include:
Mission Systems Australia
WA $2.7m – To develop a networked underwater acoustic sensor.
Mincham Aviation SA $2.2m – To continue to develop a tube-launched aerial delivery system for rapid and accurate payload delivery in maritime environments.
TAE Gas Turbines QLD $2.2m – To develop a single-stage engine filter for the existing fleet of Abrams tanks for improved performance and efficiency.
Marathon Targets NSW $1.6m – To continue to develop an unmanned, realistic and self-propelled vehicle target to support Australian Defence Force training.
Mediaware International ACT $1.6m – To develop an information processing system that integrates data to present a single visualisation for accelerated decision making.
Sentient Vision VIC $1.3m – To develop an enhanced visual detection system for use in reduced visibility conditions to detect and classify objects of interest.
BAE Systems Australia VIC $1.1m – To develop a software-based decision support system to extract tactically useful information from maritime environments and facilitate accelerated decision making.
Defendtex Research Labs VIC $263,000 – To develop a gas to disable a combustion engine, removing the need for explosives or tank traps. (Source: Defence Connect)