Contracts for March 19, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Boeing Can’t Be Seen As Taking Advantage Of Being Sole Bidder
Filed under: Boeing, EADS, K-CX News, KC-X, KC-X Tanker News, Syndicated Industry News, northrop grumman
Now, that Boeing is the only bidder on the KC-X, the Seattle Times notes that Boeing now has to make sure that it is not seen as taking advantage of being the sole bidder:
Northrop Grumman walked away from the $40 billion Air Force refueling-tanker competition Monday, drawing a widely criticized and nearly decadelong procurement process close to an outright Boeing victory.
With the likely prospect of air tankers rolling out of Everett until around 2027 at least, the outcome could secure as many as 2,000 direct jobs in Everett and an additional 6,000 statewide at suppliers and others, according to previous Boeing estimates.
Yet Northrop’s withdrawal leaves Boeing with a pricing dilemma as it prepares a final bid. The Pentagon, embarrassed by the lack of competition, now will be under extra scrutiny over what it pays for its tankers.
On one hand, because the contract is a fixed price — meaning the winner must swallow the loss if program costs escalate beyond the price it bids — Boeing typically would be expected to aim high, especially with no competition.
At the same time, Boeing will want to avoid the appearance that it is taking advantage of Northrop’s withdrawal to jack up the price.
“This competition was supposed to be a model for future procurement,” said Issaquah-based aviation analyst Scott Hamilton of Leeham.net. “It’s clear the Department of Defense fell short again in running a procurement process that works.”
The contract is to supply the Air Force with 179 tankers used to refuel fighter, transport and bomber aircraft en route to their targets.
Northrop had teamed with EADS, parent of European planemaker Airbus, to offer a tanker based on the Airbus A330.
In 2008, the Defense Department cited a rough contract value of $35 billion, or about $196 million per airplane, plus an extra $5 billion in operational support and other costs.
Certainly, the rivalry in the previous round of the tanker competition between the Boeing 767 and the A330 drastically reduced the cost to the taxpayer.
Read the entire article at the Seattle Times.
Contracts for March 18, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Oshkosh Defense Awarded $11.9 Million Delivery Order to Supply United Arab Emirates With HEMTT A4s — Press Release
Filed under: Oshkosh Truck Corp, Press Releases, U.S. Army, United States, logistics
OSHKOSH, Wis. — March 18, 2010 — Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK), has received a delivery order from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (TACOM LCMC) to supply more than 40 next-generation Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) to the United Arab Emirates.
The delivery order, valued at $11.9 million, is part of the UAE’s Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 missile systems purchase approved by the U.S. Congress. The HEMTT variants included in this contract are the Patriot tractor, wrecker and guided missile transporter. The vehicles will be built and delivered July through September 2011. The order was issued under the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles (FHTV) III contract.
“Our HEMTT A4 variants included in this order will provide transportation, resupply and recovery support for the PAC-3 missile systems,” said Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense. “Oshkosh Defense’s high-performance vehicles meet the durability, mobility and payload-capacity needs of militaries worldwide and thrive in the most demanding environments.”
The HEMTT A4’s advanced suspension, more powerful engine, air-conditioned cab and anti-lock brakes, in addition to the vehicle’s 13-ton payload capacity and off-road capabilities, will provide exceptional support to the UAE armed forces. Oshkosh Defense’s UAE-based facilities will supply regional aftermarket support services.
Along with vehicles such as the SandCat and Global Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET), the HEMTT A4 is part of Oshkosh Defense’s full line of international vehicles designed to meet a variety of logistical and operational needs around the world.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection. For more information, visit www.oshkoshdefense.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
bioTRAiTS finds Biometrics is a Rising Star at U.S. Defense Industry Trade Show Amidst Heightened Concern for Productivity, Security — Press Release
ORLANDO – Growing concern for security at U.S. military and defense industry facilities and productivity elevated biometrics technology to superstar status at the AUSA Institute of Land Warfare Winter Symposium & Exposition recently at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., USA.
One of the world’s most influential defense industry trade shows, the AUSA ILW Winter Symposium & Exposition attracted top military leaders from Active Army/Reserve Components; civilian executives of the Department of Army/Defense; Joint Force Commanders; and influential captains of industry, according to the AUSA web site.
Peter Wengert, chief executive officer of bioTRAiTS, Inc., an Orlando-based global provider of biometrics technology to corporations, governments, institutions, and consumers worldwide, said he has never seen such strong interest in biometrics technology from defense industry contractors and government agencies.
“This year we were inundated with requests for proposals from the world’s biggest defense industry buyers and contractors,” Wengert said. “This was the third year we attended the AUSA Winter Symposium and this year felt like we arrived from another world. Everyone wanted information about biometrics,” he said.
bioTRAiTS was invited to participate in the AUSA ILW Winter Symposium & Exposition as a Team Member of URS Corporation (NYSE: URS), one of the leading providers of engineering, construction and technical services around the world and the nation’s 18th largest U.S. defense industry contractor, according to Government Executive magazine.
Biometric technology precisely measures unique human biological traits such as fingerprints, eyes, voice patterns and other markers that validate the identity of the subject. bioTRAiTS, Inc. markets advanced proprietary software that integrates biometrics with state-of-the-art hardware systems to provide identity security that is virtually foolproof.
“Biometrics technology provides the best means to identify, verify, and authorize secure entry into critical facilities,” Wengert explained. “It’s the only absolute way to tell the good guys from the bad guys.”
Wengert said government contractors see other major benefits too.
“We can track employee performance automatically and accurately report the hours they work on specific projects for billing purposes,” he said. Those ‘Time and Attendance’ functions are particularly valuable as many contractors anticipate program budget cuts and greater calls for precise accounting.
“When accurate, automated accounting of productivity is imperative, biometrics offers the very best solutions on the market today,” he said.
Wengert said he’s been asked to forward proposals to more than 18 major defense industry contractors and customers, including U.S. government agencies. “Typically we’d be thrilled to get two or three such requests,” Wengert said.
Each proposal will take up to a week to complete, Wengert said, but the result could range from a $50,000 pilot project to a custom design, installation and maintenance contract worth several million dollars.
“Security, accuracy and productivity are critical objectives in the defense industry and biometrics provides the most reliable technology tools to achieve all three,” Wengert explained. “We’re in the right place at the right time with the most appropriate solutions on the planet,” he said.
bioTRAiTS, Inc. is a University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program client located at the Central Florida Research Park in East Orlando.
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For more information about this press release contact:
Peter A. Wengert, CEO bioTRAiTS, Inc., 3267 Progress Drive, Suite 103 , Orlando , FL 32826; 866-815-0888 or peter@biotraits.com;
Carol Ann Dykes, Site Manager, UCF Business Incubation Program, 407-882-0211, cdykes@mail.ucf.edu
Larry Vershel or Beth Payan, Larry Vershel Communications, 407-644-4142 or LvershelCo@aol.com
About bioTRAiTS:
bioTRAiTS, Inc. is a biometric technology company committed to helping companies protect assets, increase profits and increase revenue. bioTRAiTS, Inc. provides customized software solutions to meet time, attendance and access control needs via recognition and verification of unique human characteristics. With over seven years experience in the field of electronic security, bioTRAiTS, Inc. consistently delivers an excellent return on investment and receives high marks for customer service.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program:
Since its founding in 1999, the UCF Business Incubation Program has helped more than 130 emerging companies (including more than 80 current clients) create over $800 million in annual revenue and more than 1600 new jobs with an average salary of $59,000. With seven facilities across the Greater Orlando community, the Incubation Program is a collaboration in economic development between the University of Central Florida, Orange County, the City of Orlando, Seminole County, the City of Winter Springs, The City of Sanford, Lake County, the City of Leesburg, Osceola County and the City of St. Cloud, and the Florida High Tech Corridor Council. For more information, please visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.
Contracts for March 17, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Backers of Two Tanker Contracts Want To Stay Anonymous
Filed under: EADS, K-CX News, KC-X, KC-X Tanker News, Northrop Grumman Corp., backers, bad news, campaign manager, detriment, e mail, grumman, mail exchange, northrop grumman, tankers, wichita eagle, women in uniform
The investors backing a campaign asking the government to split its contract for aerial refueling tankers between Boeing and Northrop Grumman want to remain anonymous for now. The campaign is called Build Them Both. “We are funded by a group of investors who have asked to remain nameless at this time,” said the effort’s campaign manager, Carrie Giddens. The group is not union sponsored and does not have ties to either Northrop or Boeing, Giddens said in an e-mail exchange. However, “we have sought out funding from both companies, their suppliers and unions who would be impacted by building them both.” The requests went out in the past two weeks. On Monday, Giddens called Northrop’s decision to pull out of the bidding process “bad news for American workers, our men and women in uniform, and for the taxpayer.” With only one company seeking a contract, 50,000 jobs that would have been created won’t be, Giddens said in the statement. “Without an ongoing competition there is no way to control costs, to the detriment of our military and taxpayer.”
Contracts for March 16, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
MIDS JTRS Receives NSA Certification — Press Release
SAN DIEGO – The Joint Program Executive Office for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JPEO JTRS) announced today that the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) has received National Security Agency (NSA) Certification to provide secure distribution of situational awareness and command and control information among airborne warfighters. The NSA Certification was granted March 9, 2010 by Mr. Richard C. Schaeffer, Jr., Director, NSA Information Assurance Directorate (IAD). This is the first JTRS product to be certified at this level of security by the NSA.
“Formal NSA Certification is a monumental accomplishment for the MIDS JTRS Program and the JTRS Enterprise. This is another first for MIDS JTRS as the program continues to blaze new trails and pave the way for other JTRS products to be successful and meet warfighter requirements. The MIDS Program Office has been working extremely close with NSA for over six years to bring this leading edge, next generation technology to the warfighter at the right time. I want to thank NSA, the MIDS JTRS vendors, and all the government personnel for their outstanding work. This is huge for the MIDS JTRS Program,” stated CAPT Scott Krambeck, USN, MIDS Program Manager.
The NSA Certification confirms that the MIDS JTRS terminal has met the highest standards in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the data and the availability of the system. NSA Certification is a critical milestone in support of the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for MIDS JTRS on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. A successful NSA Technical Review Board (TRB) was conducted on MIDS JTRS in December 2009 which was the precursor to this NSA announcement.
The MIDS JTRS terminal is the first in a series of networking systems that will provide a single chassis, multiple channel capability to the warfighter, significantly reducing the number of different and unique radios in the operational environment. Use of JTRS radios also means a very real reduction of the upkeep and spare parts necessary to support our forward deployed forces.
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About JPEO JTRS
The Joint Program Executive Office for the Joint Tactical Radio System, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., was initiated in early 1997 to improve and consolidate the Services’ pursuit of separate solutions to replace existing legacy radios in the Department of Defense inventory. The JTRS program has evolved from separate radio replacement programs to an integrated effort to network multiple weapon system platforms and forward combat units where it matters most – the last tactical mile. JTRS will link the power of the Global Information Grid to the warfighter in applying fire effects and achieving overall battlefield superiority.
JTRS is developing an open architecture of cutting edge radio waveform technology that allows multiple radio types (e.g., handheld, aircraft, maritime) to communicate with each other. The goal is to produce a family of interoperable, modular software-defined radios which operate as nodes in a network to ensure secure wireless communication and networking services for mobile and fixed forces. These goals extend to U.S. allies, coalition partners and disaster response personnel. For more information, please visit http://jpeojtrs.mil/.
Contracts for March 15, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Wall Street Journal Says Trans Atlantic Defense Deal Falters
The Wall Street Journal has weighed on the KC-X Tanker bid process, in an article entitled “Trans Atlantic Defense Deal Falters.” The article notes:The decision by Northrop Grumman Corp. and its European partner this week to drop out of a $40 billion competition to build aerial-refueling tankers for the Air Force is the latest example of how trans-Atlantic defense ventures have faltered. Many observers view the size of the tanker deal, and the prominent role played by Northrop partner European Aeronautic Defence & Space Co., as the most significant instance of how trans-Atlantic partnerships can get tripped up. Noorthrop billboard in Alabama in 2008 advertised a future tanker plant, but the company quit the project. “There’s no doubt that this outcome will reinforce the long-held understanding in Europe that the U.S. defense market is highly protected,” said Alex Nicholl, a specialist on European defense companies at the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. “This is not the first time that the rules of a U.S. competition have been rewritten to suit the American competitor. No doubt it won’t be the last.”Read the entire article at theJournal.
Fourth 787 Joins Boeing Flight-Test Fleet: Press Release
EVERETT, Wash., March 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) has added the fourth 787 Dreamliner to its flight-test fleet with the completion of the first flight of ZA003. The airplane departed Paine Field in Everett, Wash., at 10:55 a.m. (Pacific time) and landed at 2:01 p.m. at Boeing Field in Seattle.
Captains Ray Craig and Mike Bryan piloted the airplane on its three-hour-and-six-minute flight. ZA003 is the final 787 with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines to enter the flight-test program.
“We’ve done a significant amount of ground testing on the new systems on ZA003 in preparation for first flight. Engineering, manufacturing and flight operations have really pulled together as a team to enable first flight,” said Craig. “It has been very rewarding to watch the Boeing team pull together in support of this milestone.”
ZA003 is the only 787 in the flight test fleet that will include elements of the passenger interior features including cabin and crew support systems. The 787 is introducing new passenger amenities and provisions for a more comfortable flying experience. Among the new features are improved lighting, bigger stowage bins, larger windows with electrochromatic shades and redesigned lavatories with easier access.
In addition to demonstrating that the interior meets certification requirements, ZA003 will be used to conduct tests on systems, noise performance, flight-deck operations, avionics, electromagnetic effects, high-intensity radio frequency response and extended operations (ETOPS).
“The Boeing team is doing great work. We’ve established a good pace of accomplishment on the program,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of the 787 program, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The priorities are clear and the entire team is focused.”
Defense Procurement News Mugs Available
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Contracts for March 12, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Contracts for March 11, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Contracts for March 10, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Contracts for March 09, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Department of Defence Reacts To Northrop’s Decision Not To Bid on KC-X
Filed under: KC-X, KC-X Tanker News, Northrop Grumman Corp., Syndicated Industry News
Statement by Deputy Secretary William Lynn on Northrop Grumman Tanker Announcement
“We are disappointed by Northrop’s decision not to submit a bid for the U.S. Air Force tanker replacement program.
In the last tanker replacement (KC-X) competition, Northrop Grumman competed well on both price and non-price factors. We strongly believe that the current competition is structured fairly and that both companies could compete effectively.
Based on the inputs we received from both offerors to the Department’s draft Request for Proposal (RFP), we made changes to reduce the out-year risk to the potential manufacturers of KC-X. However, we did not change the war-fighters’ requirements to accommodate either offeror.
The Department strongly supports trans-Atlantic defense industrial ties and believes they benefit the American war-fighter and taxpayer.”
The statement was published here.
Contracts for March 08, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Contracts for March 05, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Contracts for March 04, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Contracts for March 03, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Contracts for March 02, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Contracts for March 01, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News
Contracts for February 26, 2010
Filed under: Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Syndicated Industry News



