UNITED KINGDOM
LAND
18 Feb 22. UK seeks 105mm Light Gun spares.
SECTION I: CONTRACTING AUTHORITY
I.1) Name and addresses
Official name: Ministry of Defence, DSG, Defence Support Group (DSG)
Postal address: I&RM, Bldg B15, MOD Donnington
Town: Telford
Postal code: TF2 8JT
Country: United Kingdom
Contact Person: Carol Jones
Telephone: +44 1952967363
Email:
Internet address(es):
Main address: www.babcockinternational.com
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local sub-divisions
I.5) Main activity
Defence
SECTION II: OBJECT
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title: The Supply of Artillery and Howitzer Components and Armoured Vehicle Weapons Systems Including 105 mm Light Gun Spares
Reference number: IRM17/2331
II.1.4) Short Description:
Babcock Land Defence Ltd, acting as agent for the UK Ministry of Defence, intends to negotiate a contract with BAE Systems, GCS International Ltd for the supply of Artillery and Howitzer components and armoured vehicle weapons systems including 105 mm Light Gun Spares.
II.1.6) Information about lots
The contract is divided into lots: no
II.1.7) Total value of the procurement(excluding VAT)
Value:4500000
Currency: GBP
II.2) Description
II.2.3) Place of performance
Nuts code: UKD1 Main site or place of performance: Cumbria.
The components used are used by the British Army. It is considered that this contract can be awarded using the negotiated procedure without prior publication pursuant to Article 28(1) (e) of Directive 2009/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011) for technical reasons.
Options: yes
Description of options:
2 x 1-year options.
SECTION IV: PROCEDURE
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Negotiated procedure without publication of a contract notice(in accordance with Article 28 of Directive 2009/81/EU)
IV.1.3) Information about framework agreement
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
IV.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement(GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: no
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Official name: BAE Systems GCS International Ltd
Town: Barrow-in-Furness
Postal code: LA14 1AF
Country: United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 3300485758
Email:
Nuts code: UKD1
The contractor is an SME: no
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot/concession(excluding VAT)
for framework agreements – total maximum value for this lot
for contracts based on framework agreements, if required – value of contract(s) for this lot not included in
previous contract award notices
SECTION VI: COMPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
VI.3) Additional information:
The link below to the Gov.uk website provides information on the Government Security Classification.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-security-classifications
Advertising regime OJEU: this contract opportunity is published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), the MoD Defence Contracts Bulletin and www.contracts.mod.uk
Justification for the award of the contract without prior publication of a call for
competition in the Official Journal of the European Union
Justification for the choice of the negotiated procedure without publication of a call for competition in accordance with
Article 28 of Directive 2009/81/EU
The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason:
absence of competition for technical reasons
SECTION I: CONTRACTING AUTHORITY
I.1) Name and addresses
Official name: Ministry of Defence, DSG, Defence Support Group (DSG)
Postal address: I&RM, Bldg B15, MOD Donnington
Town: Telford
Postal code: TF2 8JT
Country: United Kingdom
Contact Person: Carol Jones
Telephone: +44 1952967363
Email:
Internet address(es):
Main address: www.babcockinternational.com
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local sub-divisions
I.5) Main activity
Defence
SECTION II: OBJECT
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title: The Supply of Artillery and Howitzer Components and Armoured Vehicle Weapons Systems Including 105 mm Light Gun Spares
Reference number: IRM17/2331
II.1.2) Main CPV code: 35420000
II.1.3) Type of contract Supplies
II.1.4) Short Description:
Babcock Land Defence Ltd, acting as agent for the UK Ministry of Defence, intends to negotiate a contract with BAE Systems, GCS International Ltd for the supply of Artillery and Howitzer components and armoured vehicle weapons systems including 105 mm Light Gun Spares.
II.1.6) Information about lots
The contract is divided into lots: no
II.1.7) Total value of the procurement(excluding VAT)
Value:4500000
Currency: GBP
II.2) Description
II.2.3) Place of performance
Nuts code: UKD1 Main site or place of performance:Cumbria.
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Babcock Land Defence Ltd, acting as agent for the UK Ministry of Defence, intends to negotiate a contract with BAE Systems, GCS International Ltd for the supply of Artillery and Howitzer components and armoured vehicle weapons systems including 105 mm Light Gun Spares. The components used are used by the British Army. It is considered that this contract can be awarded using the negotiated procedure without prior publication pursuant to Article 28(1) (e) of Directive 2009/81/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Regulation 16(1)(a)(ii) of the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011) for technical reasons.
II.2.5) Award criteria
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:yes
Description of options:
2 x 1-year options.
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: no
SECTION IV: PROCEDURE
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Negotiated procedure without publication of a contract notice(in accordance with Article 28 of Directive 2009/81/EU)
IV.1.3) Information about framework agreement
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
IV.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement(GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: no
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number in the OJ S:2017/S 190-390233
SECTION V: AWARD OF CONTRACT/CONCESSION
Contract No: IRM17/2331
Title: The Supply of Artillery and Howitzer Components and Armoured Vehicle Weapons Systems Including 105 mm Light Gun Spares
V.2) Award of contract/concession
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract/concession award decision:2021-01-15
V.2.2) Information about tenders
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Official name: BAE Systems GCS International Ltd
Town: Barrow-in-Furness
Postal code: LA14 1AF
Country: United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 3300485758
Email:
Nuts code: UKD1
The contractor is an SME: no
V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot/concession(excluding VAT)
for framework agreements – total maximum value for this lot
for contracts based on framework agreements, if required – value of contract(s) for this lot not included in
previous contract award notices
SECTION VI: COMPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
VI.3) Additional information:
The authority reserves the right to amend any condition related to security of information to reflect any changes in national law or government policy. If any contract documents are accompanied by instructions on safeguarding classified information (e.g. a Security Aspects Letter), the authority reserves the right to amend the terms of these instructions to reflect any changes in national law or government policy, whether in respect of the applicable protective marking scheme, specific protective markings given, the aspects to which any protective marking applies, or otherwise. The link below to the Gov.uk website provides information on the Government Security Classification.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-security-classifications
Advertising regime OJEU: this contract opportunity is published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), the MoD Defence Contracts Bulletin and www.contracts.mod.uk
Justification for the award of the contract without prior publication of a call for
competition in the Official Journal of the European Union
Justification for the choice of the negotiated procedure without publication of a call for competition in accordance with
Article 28 of Directive 2009/81/EU
The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason:
absence of competition for technical reasons.
(Source: Shephard)
SEA
17 Feb 22. General Dynamics Mission Systems, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is awarded a $19,272,421 cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00001) to exercise options under a previously awarded contract (N0003022C1005) for fiscal 2022-2025 U.S. and United Kingdom Trident II (D-5) SSBN Fire Control System and SSGN Attack Weapon Control System support. Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (98%); and Rhode Island (2%). Work is expected to be completed April 30, 2025. Fiscal 2022 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,844,465; fiscal 2022 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,428,813; fiscal 2022 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $800,000; fiscal 2020 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $242,653; fiscal 2021 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $241,271; and fiscal 2022 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $136,219 are being obligated on this award. Of this amount, no funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract is being awarded to the contractor on a sole source basis under 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) and was previously synopsized on the System for Award Management online portal. Strategic Systems Programs, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
EUROPE
LAND
27 Jan 22. Latvia Join Nato Nations and Partners in Choosing Avon Protection’s FM50 Mask System. The Latvian National Armed Forces has awarded a contract to Avon Protection for supply of their market leading CBRN respiratory protection including FM50 mask systems, filters, spares and accessories. Latvia joins other NATO Nations and Partners including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Norway and The Netherlands in purchasing the FM50 to protect their armed forces. In 2020, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded Avon Protection a 10-year contract to supply a complete CBRN personal respirator system. Since the contract award Avon Protection has received orders for over 200,000 masks and has successfully delivered world class training on the system to users across NATO. Today, over 3.5 million users rely on Avon Protection products that have been developed to counter the multitude of CBRN threats in modern conflict, anti-terrorist and peace-keeping operations. The FM50 product range, as deployed through the NSPA contract, is the most operationally proven and widely deployed armed forces respirator in the world. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Feb 22. FN Herstal, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of small calibre firearms and ammunition, has recently been selected by a Special Forces unit in Europe to enhance their 40mm Multi-Shot Grenade Launchers with high-grade FN® FCU Mk3 Fire Control Units. Under extreme stress or severe combat conditions, first round hit probability with a 40mm LV/MV is low, even for an experienced shooter. The FN® FCU Mk3 Fire Control Unit uses new technologies and advanced electronics to calculate the trajectory of grenades and give an adjusted point of aim ensuring first round hits in all conditions, night and day. Lightweight, compact, and user-friendly, the FN® FCU Mk3 can be fitted onto any rifles featuring a rail-mounted grenade launcher, onto stand-alone grenade launchers or onto multi-shot grenade launchers regardless of the manufacturer. It was recently selected by a Europe-based Special Forces unit to equip 40mm Multi-Shot Grenade Launchers (MGLs). (Source: ASD Network)
19 Feb 22. DoD/DSCA Notifies Congress of Possible FMS of M1A2 SEPV3 Main Battle Tanks to Poland. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress that the Government of Poland has requested to buy two hundred fifty (250) M1A2SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle tanks; two hundred fifty (250) AN/VLQ-12 CREW Duke counter-IED systems; twenty-six (26) M88A2 HERCULES Combat Recovery vehicles; seventeen (17) M1110 joint assault bridges; two hundred seventy-six (276) M2 .50 caliber machine guns; five hundred (500) M240C 7.62mm machine guns; fifteen (15) AGT1500 gas turbine engines; nine thousand one hundred sixty-eight (9,168) 120mm M865 Target Practice, Cone Stabilized, Discarding Sabot – Tracer (TPCSDS-T) cartridges; four thousand five hundred ninety-two (4,592) 120mm M1002 Target Practice Multipurpose Tracer (TPMP-T) projectiles; thirteen thousand nine hundred twenty (13,920) 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) TP-T cartridges; and six thousand nine hundred sixty (6,960) 120mm XM1147 High Explosive multipurpose tracers. Also included are forward repair systems; trailer-mounted generators; Common Remote Operated Weapons Station Low Profile (CROWS-LP); communications equipment; GPS receivers; ammunition; spare and repair parts; Special Tools and Test Equipment (STTE); technical manuals and publications; maintenance trainers; gunnery training systems; tank driver’s trainers; new equipment training; U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $6.0bn. The principal contractors will be General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, MI; BAE Systems, York, PA; Leonardo DRS, Arlington, VA; Honeywell Aerospace, Phoenix, AZ; Raytheon Company, McKinney, TX; and Lockheed Martin, Orlando, FL. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this proposed sale.(Source: glstrade.com)
19 Feb 22. Nexter awarded contract for development of the CAESAR 6×6 Mark II new generation (NG) artillery system by the French DGA. Nexter is awarded the contract for the development of the CAESAR 6×6 Mark II new generation (NG) artillery system by the French Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), the programme’s prime contractor. The contract provides for an initial four-year development and qualification phase, after which the CAESAR 6×6 Mark II will enter production. In 2024, the DGA will have two options: either to launch the production of 109 new CAESARs 6×6 Mark II, or to launch the production of 33 new CAESARs 6×6 Mark II supplemented by the retrofit of the 76 CAESARs in service today. Thus, 109 CAESARs 6×6 Mark II will be delivered to the French army’s artillery regiments by 2031. The contract also includes an initial fixed-price support service for the future artillery systems for a period of two years. The new generation CAESAR 6×6 retains the current configuration of the artillery system, which has proven itself in operations (more than 100,000 rounds fired in OPEX since 2009) and has been a success in export. The main improvements concern crew protection and mobility. To this end, Nexter is adding a Level 2 mine and ballistic armoured cabin, resistant to improvised explosive devices and small-calibre ammunition. In addition, the vehicle’s mobility has been completely redesigned by Arquus. The CAESAR 6×6 Mark II is equipped with a new engine (460 HP compared to 215 HP previously), a new automatic gearbox and a new chassis. Finally, the CAESAR 6×6 Mark II carries the latest version of fire control software, and the cab is prepared to accommodate the new CONTACT radio. The Thales BARAGE jammer can also be installed on the CAESAR 6×6 Mark II. The CAESAR 6×6 Mark II will be offered to export customers. (Source: www.joint-forces.com) BATTLESPACE Comment: Caesar is one of the contenders along with BAE’s Archer, Hanwha K9/10 and Rheinmetall’s Boxer RCH 155 for the UK’s Mobile Fires Requirement.
18 Feb 22. Rheinmetall supplying Swiss Army with new generation of Maske 76mm rapid smoke/obscurant cartridges. The Swiss procurement authority armasuisse has contracted with Rheinmetall to supply a new generation of the tried-and-tested, highly effective Maske 76 rapid smoke/obscurant cartridge, known in Switzerland as the “7,6cm Nebelpatrone 21 mit elektrischer Zündung”, or “7.6cm Smoke/Obscurant Cartridge with Electric Fuse”. The order is worth a figure in the mid-two-digit million-euro range. A pilot lot is due to undergo acceptance testing starting in November 2022. Delivery of the final lot is expected to take place in August 2027. Rheinmetall overcame rival bids to win this order. The order will keep the Maske production unit at Rheinmetall’s plant in Neuenburg am Rhein in Baden-Württemberg working at high capacity for years to come. Issued at the end of 2021, the order heralds the Swiss Army’s replacement of the Maske-C predecessor generation after a roughly 25-year service life with an up-to-date new product. An additional contract was concluded for conducting periodic test firing during the entire lifespan of the smoke/obscurant shells. The Maske 76 is designed to be fired from tactical vehicles as a force protection measure. The Maske family is based on a bimodular, bispectral ammunition concept. It consists of two rapid reaction decoy modules that generate an intensive blooming effect using proven deception technologies. Moreover, a long-lasting decoy module employs visible and infrared smoke/obscurant to interrupt the enemy line of sight in the visual and infrared spectrum. This way, Maske smoke/obscurant cartridges provide armoured vehicles with effective protection against weapon systems with visual or infrared optical aiming systems, seekers, laser target illuminators and laser rangefinders.Maske rapid smoke/obscurant cartridges come in a variety of different calibres. Only recently, Rheinmetall unveiled the latest Maske 81 version. It is compatible with all 81mm cal. smoke/obscurant dispensers and can be fired from existing legacy launchers. This makes the Maske 81mm especially attractive for users whose combat vehicles are equipped with former Warsaw Pact-type smoke/obscurant dispensers.
SEA
17 Feb 22. Lockheed Martin has received a contract to supply the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) for the German Navy’s F126 programme. Awarded by Damen Naval, the contract will see Lockheed Martin manufacture and deliver two eight-cell strike length MK 41 VLS Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Block 2 capable modules. The systems will be built for installation on each of the four new F126 vessels. The contract also includes related engineering services and ancillary hardware. The MK 41 system is already in operation with the navies of Germany and the Netherlands. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
14 Feb 22. The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command has signed $9.4bn worth of contracts for 64 F-35A Lightning II multi-role fighters and maintenance services. Last December, the Finnish Government announced plans to acquire these jets from the US under its HX Fighter programme. The F-35As will replace the Finnish Air Force’s Hornet fleet, which will be phased out by 2030. The scope of the contracts covers the deliveries of the F-35A Block 4 configuration aircraft between the 2025-2030 timeframe, including aircraft engines, maintenance equipment, and associated systems. It also includes spare units, replacement and training equipment, as well as servicing. As agreed, F-35 training will also be provided for the defence forces’ pilots and technical personnel. The multi-role fighters will be acquired under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. In line with the procurement proposal submitted to the government, the agreements to procure the Sidewinder and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground and air-to-surface weapons will be drafted later. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
05 Feb 22. Mynaric Receives Optical Comms Contract From The ESA. Recently, Mynaric was been awarded a contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) to analyze, design, build and test on a laboratory model an end-to-end optical communication system that can achieve data transmission speeds of 1 Terabit per second (Tbps) — this project enhances Mynaric’s commitment to innovation and its mission to create a truly connected planet. Mynaric was awarded the contract through a competitive, open call for proposals. The project, named Pegasus, is allocated within ESA’s ScyLight program which supports the research, development, and evolution of optical communication technologies and provides flight opportunities for on-orbit verification. ESA’s “High Throughput Optical Network” (HydRON) program is, additionally, creating a space-enabled, optical network, ensuring that people can connect even in remote locations. (Source: Satnews)
USA
LAND
17 Feb 22. US DISA awards ICAM OTA Phase III production agreement to GDIT. The DISA ICAM solution will secure identity, credential, and account management for DoD applications. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), in the US, has awarded General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) the identity, credential and access management (ICAM) other transaction authority (OTA) Phase III production agreement. It values approximately $162m, with a base period of one year and four optional additional years. As agreed, GDIT will support the deployment of the Department of Defense (DoD) and DISA’s enterprise ICAM solution, enabling the transition towards next-generation, zero-trust architectures. According to GDIT, the DISA ICAM solution will secure identity, access, and account management for DoD applications.GDIT also secured the first two phases of the agreement, during which a pilot prototype of the ICAM was completed. In the third phase, the company will continue to add DoD’s financial management applications to the ICAM solution. It will also start adding non-financial management applications to expand the scope of the programme. The solution will enable interoperability with other federal agencies. This feature, along with ICAM’s automation capabilities, will also support Joint All-Domain Command and Control’s (JADC2) goal to enable secure data exchange among agencies, to optimise the decision making process. (Source: army-technology.com)
14 Feb 22. KBR (NYSE: KBR) was awarded a $207m task order to conduct multi-disciplined analyses and develop recommendations to enhance the capabilities of the Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) missile defense system. KBR was awarded this contract under the Department of Defense Information Analysis Center’s (DoD IAC) multiple-award contract vehicle designed to develop and create new knowledge for the DoD.
11 Feb 22. L3Harris Technologies Inc., Rochester, New York, received a modification (P00019) in the amount of $297,200,000 on indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract H92222-17-D-0021 to allow for the continued purchase of the Special Operations Forces Tactical Communications Next Generation Manpack, AN/PRC 167 radios and ancillary equipment. This modification increases the maximum contract ceiling value from $255,000,000, to $552,200,000. No funds are being obligated via this modification. The majority of the work will be performed in Rochester, New York. This contract modification was awarded through other than full and open competition under 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). U.S. Special Operations Command Headquarters, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity.
08 Feb 22. Nammo Defense Systems Inc. will produce M72 Fire-From-Enclosure (M72 FFE) shoulder-fired weapon systems and training devices for the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA), supporting various US Services. The initial $96.9m delivery order is part of a five-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a maximum value of $498m. Delivery of these systems is scheduled to start in 2023. The M72 FFE weapon is a joint-service qualified, world-leading close combat weapon that allows warfighters to maintain cover and operate from concealed positions. Leveraging Nammo Defense technology innovation and expertise, the M72 FFE is easy to operate, extremely powerful, lightweight and disposable. The anti-armour variant (M72 A8) is effective against tactical vehicles, concrete walls and light armoured personnel carriers, while the anti-structure variant (M72 A10) features a dual-mode fuse that can defeat brick, adobe, earthen fortifications and tactical vehicles. (Source: www.joint-forcescom)
17 Feb 22. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Apopka, Florida, is awarded a $252,000,000 hybrid (firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity) contract to provide for the Next Generation Targeting Handheld System (NGHTS). The effort includes low-rate initial production, full-rate production, testing, spare parts, engineering services, logistics support, training and documentation. Work will be performed in Apopka, Florida, and is expected to be completed by February 2030. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. The contract is a follow-on to the NGHTS Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Agreement prototyping effort, awarded in September 2018. It is a production contract awarded without the use of competitive procedures in accordance with 10 U.S. Code §2371b(f)(2). The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-22-D-1011).
15 Feb 22. Silvus Technologies has secured a second purchase order from the US Department of Defense (DoD) to deliver additional StreamCaster radios. The company initially received an order in May 2020 to supply 1,000 radios. The second order was placed following rigorous integration and testing of the systems. The company said that StreamCaster radios were selected for their low size/weight/power (SWaP) optimisation, scalability, and high throughput. The radios also support connectivity in contested environments. Silvus did not specify the number of units ordered under the second contract, but said that it will lead to a ‘substantial increase’ in the availability of StreamCaster radios for US troops. During trials in support of a DoD programme, the radios were subjected to electronic warfare jamming environments. Despite this, the Silvus’ interference avoidance capabilities enabled data transmission in the contested environments. The company said that the StreamCaster radios met all threshold requirements. They also met or exceeded several objective requirements for the single channel data radio programme. (Source: army-technology.com)
SEA
17 Feb 22. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Newport News Shipbuilding Division, Newport News, Virginia, was awarded an $188,908,033 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-15-C-4301) to continue performance of the repair, maintenance, upgrades, and modernization efforts on the USS Columbus (SSN 762) engineered overhaul. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by December 2022. Fiscal 2022 operation and maintenance (Navy) funding in the amount of $188,908,033 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, USN, Newport News, Virginia is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 16, 2022)
AIR
15 Feb 22. Dynetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, has been selected for Phase 2 of the Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program, Technical Area 3 (TA3), by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Strategic Technology Office (STO). ACE TA3, also known as AlphaMosaic, seeks to develop and demonstrate a battle management capability driven by artificial intelligence (AI). In the 16-month Phase 2 contract valued at $2.6m, Dynetics will continue to develop a matured approach to battle management, where a single pilot can act as a commander for large-scale, collaborative air warfare. The ACE program is using the air combat domain as an initial challenge for implementing AI to demonstrate methods for increasing warfighter trust in combat autonomy. Phase 1 focused on AI architecture design for large force battle management in a Mosaic Warfare construct, where the team effectively demonstrated the ability of AI to select air combat forces, plan strategy and execute tactics. (Source: ASD Network)
17 Feb 22. NASA has awarded a sole source contract to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in Washington to conduct studies and evaluations in support of the agency’s Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. This contract will also support NASA’S Space Technology Mission Directorate, and Space Operations Mission Directorate and Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. This is an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-no-fee contract with a maximum ordering value of approximately $19.875m, and a five-year performance period that begins Feb 17. NAS will conduct studies to address questions of national importance relating to aeronautics, and space programs and policies. The contract will provide the means by which NASA can obtain access to independent, highly qualified scientists and engineers to study aeronautics, space technology, and human exploration research programs and technologies, including research and applications requirements, systems engineering, plans, program content, and policies. Experts are from industry, academia, and other government agencies. (Source: PR Newswire)
17 Feb 22. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $99,250,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides products and support required to rapidly integrate and field VH-92A aircraft simulators and trainers in support of the Presidential Helicopter Program. The products include delivery of technical analysis, technical reports, trade studies, and retrofit kits for ground support equipment modifications that support deficiency resolution, capability/technology insertions, obsolescence redesigns, and reliability/sustainability improvements. The support includes program management, engineering, integrated logistics support, configuration management, system integration lab operation and maintenance, testing support, and Federal Aviation Administration certification activities. Work will be performed in Owego, New York (98%); and Stratford, Connecticut (2%), and is expected to be completed in February 2030. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N0001922D0013).
17 Feb 22. Small-satellite pioneer Terran Orbital Corporation (“Terran Orbital”) was awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to provide three microsatellite class satellites, launch procurement, integration, and operations in support of product demonstration. Terran Orbital has previously announced that it entered in a business combination agreement with Tailwind Two Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: TWNT), (“Tailwind Two”), a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), pursuant to which Terran Orbital will combine with Tailwind Two. (Source: PR Newswire)
14 Feb 22. Textron Aviation Inc., Wichita, Kansas, was awarded an $11,444,058 firm-fixed-price contract for new commercial Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 26, 2025. Fiscal 2022 Foreign Military Sales (Sri Lanka) funds in the amount of $11,444,058 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-22-C-0018).
TECHNOLOGY
15 Feb 22. Alion Science and Technology Corp., Norfolk, Virginia (N6893622D0019); Amentum Services Inc., Germantown, Maryland (N6893622D00020); Leidos Inc., Reston, Virginia (N6893622D00021); SAAB Inc., East Syracuse, New York (N6893622D0022); and Scientific Research Corp., Atlanta, Georgia (N6893622D0023), are awarded a maximum ceiling $249,961,209 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. These provide for research, development, upgrades, sustainment, engineering, integration, testing, and cybersecurity to tactical and electronic warfare threat systems and peripheral instrumentation, including threat simulators, radars, and training instrumentation capable of operating in network-centric warfare and battlespace environments, in support of pre-deployment aircrew training and weapons and countermeasures development to improve aircrew lethality and survivability. Companies have an opportunity to compete for individual orders. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Virginia; Germantown, Maryland; Reston, Virginia; East Syracuse, New York; and Atlanta, Georgia (90%); and various location within the continental U.S. (10%), and is expected to be completed in February 2027. 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 via an electronic request for proposal; five offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California, is the contracting activity.
11 Feb 22. The Department of Defense’s artificial intelligence organization has awarded contracts 79 vendors to streamline the procurement and delivery of test and evaluation tools, with each contract worth up to $15m. While companies began announcing their individual contracts in January, the Pentagon’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center only confirmed the awards in a Feb. 10 statement to reporters. The test and evaluation blanket purchase agreement on behalf of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center is intended to establish a decentralized mechanism for artificial intelligence test and evaluation, creating criteria, performance metrics, standards and best practices for automated testing of artificial intelligence-enabled systems. Moreover, the agreement will focus on ensuring compatibility and standards for AI testing efforts across DoD. Of the 79 companies awarded under the agreement, 44 are small businesses and 35 are large businesses, according to a spokesperson. They added that the agreement will foster competition in which both the government and private industry partners will mutually benefit from the streamlined methodologies implemented during this acquisition strategy. (Source: glstrade.com/Defense News)
14 Feb 22. Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions, a leading supplier of modular open systems approach (MOSA) based solutions engineered for success, today announced that it has been selected by a leading defense system integrator to provide its embedded Security IP module technology. Under the contract, Curtiss-Wright will supply its XMC-528 Mezzanine Card for use in multiple sensor system programs. The enhanced TrustedCOTS (eTCOTS™) module speeds the integration of advanced security IP, such as Raytheon’s Night CoverTM product suite and Idaho Scientific’s Immunity cryptographic products, into new and legacy systems wherever XMC (VITA 42/61) mezzanine cards can be used, including modules designed to align with The Open Group Sensor Open Systems Architecture™ (SOSA) and U.S. Army’s C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) technical standards. This makes the XMC-528 a compelling security IP solution for a wide range of system architectures including ATCA, rackmount servers with PCIe slots, as well as VME and OpenVPX modules. The value of the contract is $4m. The lifetime value of the contract is estimated at $25m.
16 Feb 22. Lockheed to develop 5G testbed for Marine Corps. Lockheed Martin has secured a $19.3m contract with the Department of Defense to create a 5G communications infrastructure testbed in California for the U.S. Marine Corps and other players. The expeditionary testbed, dubbed the Open Systems Interoperable and Reconfigurable Infrastructure Solution, or OSIRIS, is a key part of Lockheed’s 5G.MIL program, meant to proliferate and integrate fifth-generation tech across land, water, air, space and cyber. The testbed will help identify areas of compatibility between 5G networks and defense platforms, the company said Feb. 16, and advance the Joint All-Domain Operations concept. (Source: Defense News)
14 Feb 22. Silent Arrow® Awarded Department of Defense Contract from Warfighting Lab Incentive Fund. $2.2m Program Includes 5 Silent Arrow® GD-2000 Autonomous Cargo Delivery Aircraft Systems for Operational Evaluation and CONOPs Development. Silent Arrow today announced that the company’s GD-2000 UAS platform was selected for a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Warfighter Lab Incentive Fund (WLIF) contract with a 12-month period of performance beginning in Q1 2022. At the conclusion of the WLIF contract, Silent Arrow will have completed all necessary safety and operational milestones required to become a DoD Program of Record, will be compatible with JADC2 systems and fully integrated with the end user’s equipment. An unmarked GD-2000 is seen here being loaded into a C-130 for deployment over an unspecified military test range. (Source: PR Newswire)
REST OF THE WORLD
LAND
07 Feb 22. India’s BDL wins Konkurs ATGW deal with Indian Army. India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) announced that it has signed a contract to manufacture the Konkurs-M anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) system for the Indian Army. BDL said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange that the contract was signed on 2 February and is worth INR31.31bn (USD419m). The company, which is majority-owned by the government, said the deal will be executed in three years but disclosed no details about the number of Konkurs-M weapons to be produced. In the filing, BDL’s chairman and managing director Siddharth Mishra said the Konkurs-M will be built by BDL through a licencing agreement with an unspecified Russian original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The agreement enables BDL to offer the system to export customers, he added. Local firm India Optel Limited (IOL) indicated in a tweet that it was partnering with BDL in the programme by supplying opto-electronic solutions for the new batch of Konkurs-M. (Source: Janes)
18 Feb 22. HENSOLDT will bring its latest-technology capabilities in Identification-Friend-or-Foe (IFF) into the upcoming IFF modernization programme of the South Korean armed forces. HENSOLDT was awarded by the leading South Korean defence company LIG Nex1 two contracts worth approximately €10m to deliver 20 MSSR 2000 ID secondary radars including test equipment and related services. The IFF systems will be integrated into a number of coastal surveillance and air surveillance radars to improve their ability to distinguish hostile from friendly forces (identification-friend- or-foe, IFF). IFF systems, so-called secondary surveillance radars (SSR), precisely identify aircraft by automatically sending interrogation signals which are answered by so-called transponders on-board friendly aircraft. Thus, IFF enables field commanders to quickly distinguish friendly from hostile forces and helps avoiding friendly fire incidents. Unlike Mode 4 used hitherto, Mode 5 employs sophisticated encryption techniques to avoid hostile signal manipulation, thus ensuring that the identification process is absolutely reliable and secure. “Mode 5” is in the process of being introduced in all western armies as a precondition of joint operations of US/NATO and allied forces. HENSOLDT is an expert in Mode 5 IFF. It is under contract to upgrade German, French and UK armed forces’ IFF systems to the “Mode 5” standard and has delivered IFF systems – including crypto devices – for ground and naval applications of several NATO nations. Among others, the company’s equipment is deployed on all German Navy ships as well as several UK Royal Navy ships. In total, HENSOLDT has more than 500 IFF systems under contract in 42 nations.
02 Feb 22. Polish Piorun MANPADS Exported to US and Provided to Ukraine. A Success for Mesko Company The acquisition of the Piorun system by the United States is a major feat of the Polish defence industry, as it would deliver equipment for a demanding user, also responding to the requirements voiced by the US Army – within the context of the threat posed by the Russians. The US Army needs to fill in the capability gap in the VSHORAD potential. For decades, the US military did not pay a lot of attention to this capability. Nonetheless, the course of the recent conflicts – including the one in Ukraine – has shown that the US troops deployed in the operational theater may face a threat posed by the enemy rotary-wing assets, or unmanned platforms. (Source: https://defence24.com/)
14 Feb 22. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ BNET SDR ground communication has been selected for installation on vehicular platforms of an Asian army. The contract was signed on January 29th, following a thorough and intensive tender process. Various international communication companies completed the tender, at the end of which BNET was chosen as the optimal solution for the program. Delivery will commence this year. BNET Software-Defined Radios (SDR) is a family of advanced, tactical broadband IP-MANET (Mobile Ad Hoc Network) that provides reliable high-speed, low-delay connectivity for broadband data, voice and video on-the-move for ground and airborne platforms, HQs, and dismounted soldiers. The modular, multi-band, multi-channel, net-centric system enables unprecedented data rates and user numbers enabling all land, sea and air units to participate in a single, scalable network. BNET has the ability to cognitively manage the scarce spectrum resources, providing seamless force merge and minimal planning with efficient spectrum usage.
15 Feb 22. US-based not-for-profit research and development (R&D) company SRC has secured a contract to deliver ground surveillance radars to Egypt. The contract was awarded by the Advanced Technology Systems Company (ATSC), a small business US Government contractor. As agreed, SRC will manufacture and supply SR Hawk ground surveillance radars, to Egypt, in support of its MS3 programme. As a long-range ground surveillance radar system, SR Hawk is used to protect warfighters, borders, and other critical infrastructure against potential threats. It offers 360° surveillance, and is equipped with automated electro-optic sensor cueing, audible alerts, multi-target tracking, and anti-clutter techniques. SRC claims that the radar system is easy to set up, and offers highly reliable situational awareness to the armed forces. The system is available in tower, vehicle mount, and tripod configurations. The company further said that the radars can be used in all weather conditions, and in the extreme temperatures usually seen in Egypt. SRC regularly offers hardware and software updates to improve the usability and performance of the SR Hawk radar systems. (Source: army-technology.com)
AIR
15 Feb 22. AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, today announced it received a $8,541,428 firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract award on Jan. 27, 2022 to provide Puma™ 3 AE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), initial spares packages, training and support to an allied nation. Delivery is anticipated by November 2022. AeroVironment’s Puma 3 AE delivers mission critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) in all environments. Puma 3 AE has a wingspan of 9.2 feet (2.8 meters), weighs 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms) and can operate for up to 37.2 miles (60 kilometers) with AeroVironment’s Long-Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA). Multi-mission capable, operators can swap between Mantis™ i45 and the enhanced night variant Mantis i45 N for day, night and low-light operations. Puma 3 AE is launchable by hand, bungee, rail, or vehicle, and recoverable by deep-stall landing, providing class-leading capabilities in challenging environments around the world.
15 Feb 22. Korea Selects Boeing to Support Readiness for Three Critical Defense Platforms. Boeing [NYSE: BA] has received three performance based logistics (PBL) contracts from the Republic of Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to manage sustainment of Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) F-15K fighter jets and Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft, and Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The five-year contracts will improve aircraft availability by using performance data to inform logistics and supply chain management activities. Boeing will execute the contracts in partnership with local industry, using its proven integrated logistics model to coordinate supply chain forecasting, procurement, delivery, maintenance training and risk-management practices in support of ROKAF and ROKA objectives. The PBL model will also improve the ability to adapt logistics quickly and cost effectively to support emergent issues and unanticipated events. In addition to executing the PBLs, Boeing will examine how data analytics can further improve the effectiveness of its PBL approach. For over 70 years, Boeing has enjoyed a strong and productive partnership with the Republic of Korea. Boeing is committed to supporting the growth of the Korean aerospace industry with a spend of over $5bn in the past 15 years with local companies. As a reliable partner in the commercial aircraft and defense business sector, Boeing Korea continues to further strengthen its relationships with over 50 local industry partners, and employs more than 200 employees.
15 Feb 22. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a Lockheed Martin Co., Stratford, Connecticut, is awarded a $372,040,552 fixed-price incentive (firm-target) modification (P00007) to a previously awarded contract (N0001920C0047). This modification exercises an option for the production and delivery of four low-rate initial production, Lot 6, CH-53K Heavy Lift aircraft, as well as associated aircraft programmatic and logistical support for the government of Israel. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (37.57%); Wichita, Kansas (9.56%); Salt Lake City, Utah (5.60%); St. Louis, Missouri (4.36%); Bridgeport, West Virginia (3.11%); Redmond, Washington (1.99%); Kent, Washington (1.67%); Quebec, Canada (1.63%); Cudahy, Wisconsin (1.42%); Rochester, United Kingdom (1.29%); Fort Walton Beach, Florida (1.19%); Rome, New York (1.12%); Saint Marcel, France (1.04%); Jupiter, Florida (1.03%); various locations within the continental U.S. (26.36%); and various locations outside the continental U.S. (1.06%), and is expected to be completed in November 2025. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $372,040,552 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.