Thursday, March 10, 2011

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 10, 2011

Asian Defense News: DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated March 10, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - March 10, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued March 10, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is announcing the competitive award of five indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts for advisory and assistance services to five small businesses: COLSA Corp., Huntsville, Ala. (HQ0147-11-D-0005); Engineering Research and Consulting, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. (HQ0147-11-D-0006); Millennium Engineering and Integration Co., Arlington, Va. (HQ0147-11-D-0007); Torch Technologies, Inc., Huntsville, Ala. (HQ0147-11-D-0008); and DCS Corp., Alexandria, Va., (HQ0147-11-D-0009). These companies will provide advisory and assistance services to the Directorates for Engineering, Test, Advanced Technology, and Information Management and Technology Operations, Missile Defense Agency. The contractors will assist these directorates in providing engineering, technical analysis and support, scientific, systems engineering, test planning, and test execution activities in support of the Ballistic Missile Defense System. These awards are being made under the Small Business Set-Aside Request for Proposal HQ0147-09-R-0001. Each contract has a not to exceed ordering ceiling of $861,100,000 with a performance period through March 2016. The MDA Engineering and Support Services Program Office will centrally manage these contracts through competitive task orders. The companies will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. MDA will make obligations using Research, Development, Test and Evaluation funds. The work locations are Huntsville, Ala.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Arlington, Va.

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Epic Aviation, LLC, dba Air BP Aviation Services*, Salem, Ore., is being awarded a maximum $39,312,473 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. Other location of performance is Williams Gateway, Ariz. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 115 proposals solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-11-D-0102).

L-3 Communications Avionics Systems, Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich., is being awarded a maximum $25,899,144 firm-fixed-price, sole-source, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, long-term contract with a five-year base period for replenishment coverage of helicopter systems. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is March 10, 2016. The Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Aberdeen, Md., is the contracting activity (SPRBL1-11-D-0012).

Jasie Inc., dba Servion of Waco*, Waco, Texas, is being awarded a maximum $8,053,762 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for fuel. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 115 proposals solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is March 31, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-11-D-0052).

NAVY

Omega Aerial Refueling Services, Inc., Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $31,456,560 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-07-D-0009) to exercise an option for contractor owned and operated aircraft in support of the Commercial Air Services (CAS) Program. The CAS Program provides aerial refueling services for Navy, other Department of Defense and government agencies, and Foreign Military Sales aircraft. Work will be performed at various locations in the continental United States (45 percent East Coast and 35 percent West Coast), and at various locations outside the continental United States (20 percent). Work is expected to be completed in March 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Notkin Mechanical Engineers, Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a maximum amount $30,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract for multi-discipline projects in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for design-build action; full design drawings and specifications; studies for renovation or construction of new facilities; new designs; new installation or repair of building level and campus level plumbing; boiler plants and steam distribution; lighting and electrical power distribution and transformation; heating, ventilation and air condition control systems; planning studies; new designs; consultation on technical issues; storm drainage systems; soil grading; roads/parking lots; interior/exterior lighting systems; intrusion detection systems; designs for fire suppression and protection systems; asbestos/lead abatement, disposal of hazardous materials; and cadastral surveys. Work will be performed at various Navy and Marine Corps facilities and other government facilities within the NAVFAC Northwest AOR including, but not limited to, Washington (95 percent), Oregon (2 percent), Idaho (1 percent), Alaska (1 percent), and Montana (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2016. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with seven proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Wash., is the contracting activity (N44255-11-D-6004).

BAE Systems Controls, Inc., Johnson City, N.Y., is being awarded a $12,787,033 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-11-C-0022) to exercise an option to procure 12 interim defensive weapons systems mission kits to support the V-22 tiltrotor aircraft. Work will be performed in Johnson City, N.Y., and is expected to be completed in December 2012. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Pakistan Plans To Buy More F-16s

Asian Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Pakistan Plans To Buy More F-16s
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - March 10, 2011: Pakistan is trying to purchase used F-16 fighter jets from the United States to enhance its air capabilities, diplomatic sources told.

In 2006, the US Congress agreed to give Pakistan 28 F-16C/Ds under its EDA or excess defence articles initiative. Fourteen of these aircraft have already been delivered.

These are the same that Pakistan purchased from the United States in the 1980s but EDA equipment is almost cost-free. Some of these aircraft are used for extracting serviceable parts for the existing fleet while those fit for overhauling are inducted into the air force. “Because of the disparity with India, our needs are huge,” said the diplomatic source. “Ideally, we should buy new F-16s but the current economy does not allow us to pay $40-50 million a piece.”

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a lightweight, compact fighter aircraft designed to perform a wide range of military missions. More than 4,000 F-16s have been or will be produced for 24 nations worldwide.

Meanwhile, the US media quoted Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman as saying that while negotiating with the US for more aircraft, Pakistan was simultaneously developing its defence manufacturing capability to reduce its reliance on America.

According to these reports, he told an air chiefs` conference in Melbourne, Australia, that he had made a concerted effort to increase the manufacturing capability of Pakistan`s defence industry because the country has been subject to sanctions and embargoes in the past.

When asked about data links to tie F-16s to JF-17s, Air Chief Marshal Qamar said that Pakistan was working to develop its own solution.

“We have Link 16 on the F-16s. We will not fiddle with Link 16 and not have direct linkages [between the JF-17s] with the F-16,” he said. Pakistan also has different types of airborne early warning and control (AEW and C) aircraft.

Besides AEW and C aircraft, the air force chief said, “We are talking to some western companies about tankers too.”

When asked if Pakistan would like to be part of the Chengdu J-20, fifth-generation fighter programme, the air chief said: “We don`t have any involvement in this development so far. This seems to be an indigenous effort and we will keenly watch it. Obviously, China is a very good friend.” But it will be years before the J-20 becomes operational in the Chinese air force, he added.


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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Canada F-35 Jets Cost To Soar To $29Billion: Watchdog

Asian Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Canada F-35 Jets Cost To Soar To $29Billion: Watchdog
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 10, 2011:

The total cost of the Conservative government's plan to purchase 65 F-35 fighter jets over 30 years is close to $29.3 billion — billions more than previously estimated, according to Parliament's budget watchdog.

The pricetag includes both the purchase price and long-term sustainment costs for the jets. "Total ownership" of the program had previously been estimated at $16 to $18 billion.

Parliamentary budget officer Kevin Page, who has cast doubt before on the government's accounting practices, was asked by the Liberal Opposition to look at the F-35 deal with U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin.

Previous reports by Page have questioned the government's deficit projections and its plan to cut the size and cost of the federal bureaucracy.

Thursday's report again puts him at odds with the Conservatives and gives weight to opposition party arguments that the purchase of the jets would cost more than the government has been saying.

To arrive at his estimate of $29.3 billion, Page said he used a "top-down" model that considered historical trends on the cost of aircraft and key cost drivers. Page estimates the acquisition cost for the fleet at $9.7 billion and the ongoing sustainment cost for it at $19.6 billion. The sustainment cost breaks down as follows:

  • initial logistics set-up cost: $1.7 billion;
  • operating and support cost: $14 billion;
  • overhaul and upgrade cost: $3.9 billion.

Page cautions that any cost estimates, his own or those from other sources, should be viewed in the context of the methodology used and data available. He said he asked the department of national defence for clarification on the methodology it has used to arrive at its estimates.

"DND confirmed that such an analysis has not yet been undertaken," the report says.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay reacted quickly to Page's report.

A spokesman for the minister said national defence experts "stand by their cost projections." Jay Paxton said the government has committed $9 billion to acquire the planes and $250 to $300 million annually over a 20-year period to support the planes.

"This report is intended as a preliminary set of data for discussion. The F-35 is the only jet that can meet the needs of the Air Force, as noted by Mr. Page. Simply put, this is the best plane for the best price and we are confident in our acquisition," Paxton said.

Page was asked to weigh in on whether a competitive bid would have saved money compared to the cost of the sole-sourced deal, but Thursday's report doesn't include an opinion. Page says there is insufficient data for him to render an opinion on which procurement method would be best.

The Liberals want to cancel the deal and hold an open competition to buy new planes.

The timing of Page's report could prove to be critical because the Conservatives are weeks away from a possible defeat in the House of Commons. The budget is due to be presented on March 22 and if it doesn't pass, an election could follow. The government may also fall if a non-confidence motion is presented by the Liberal Opposition.

The Liberals have been using the F-35 deal as a line of attack against Harper.

The Conservatives plan to spend $9 billion on 65 planes to replace the CF-18s. The life cycle of that fleet is to end around 2017.

The Liberals say an open competition should have been held before the government decided to proceed with Lockheed Martin's jets. They are being purchased through the Joint Strike Fighter program, a multinational partnership that will see Lockheed Martin produce thousands of jets.

The government says it would be irresponsible to cancel the purchase of the jets, a plan developed with Canada's NATO partners, and Defence Minister Peter MacKay insists the cost of the jets is firm.

MacKay said cancelling the deal would "endanger the lives of Canadian pilots" and "endanger the sovereignty of this country."

The government also says the deal would bring millions of dollars in benefits to the Canadian aerospace industry through contracts.

MacKay defended the $9-billion figure in the House of Commons Wednesday.

"We have committed $9 billion for the acquisition of 65 aircraft. These are the same aircraft that the party opposite committed to back in 1997," MacKay said, in reference to Liberal government's involvement in an earlier phase of the fighter jet program.

"This $9 billion is committed not only for the cost of the 65 aircraft, but also the associated weapons system, supporting infrastructure, initial spares, training simulators, contingency funds and project operating costs," MacKay said.

Page warns that the total pricetag for the F-35s is subject to change due to a number of factors including: possible modifications to the technical specifications of the aircraft, any reductions in the number of planes countries participating in the Joint Strike Fighter program end up purchasing and the "circumstances prevailing" when the planes are due for a mid-life overhaul.

He also points out that his analysis of the F-35 program is based largely on historical data and that the possibility exists that the F-35 deal won't fit with historical cost trends. "This means that it is possible that the F-35 constitutes an outlier, in that its costs might be significantly different relative to what the historical trend would suggest," the report states.

The fighter jet program has already been plagued by delays and cost overruns during the development phase of the aircraft. Page's report says that if those problems translate into a higher purchase cost, "overall production volume may be threatened."

Liberal industry critic Marc Garneau has argued that the government has refused to be honest with Canadians about the procurement deal and all its costs, and that money likely would be saved if an open competition were held.

"What they are telling us is that we're going to buy aircraft, but we're not going to tell you how much they cost," said Garneau on Wednesday.

"They refuse to issue a tender to ensure the Canadian Air Force is getting the best aircraft at the best price."


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DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: France Recognises Libyan Rebels

Asian Defense News: DTN News - LIBYA UPRISING: France Recognises Libyan Rebels
**Unofficially, it is now the end of Gaddafi regime
(NSI News Source Info) - March 10, 2011:

France has become the first country to recognise the Libyan rebel leadership, the National Libyan Council (NLC), as the country's legitimate government.

It comes as Nato is set to discuss military options in the Libyan conflict including a possible no-fly zone.

There is growing concern about the bombing of rebel-held areas by the forces of Col Muammar Gaddafi.

A BBC team which were detained and beaten up in Libya witnessed widespread mistreatment by the security forces.

In recent days pro-Gaddafi forces have tried to regain ground in the east, and have bombarded rebel forces in the town of Zawiya, 50km (30 miles) west of Tripoli.

Continued shelling

The president of the International Red Cross said on Thursday there was a marked increase in civilian casualties in what he called a "civil war".

The move to recognition announced by the French presidency, a day after Euro-MPs urged the EU to recognise the rebels.

The office of President Nicolas Sarkozy said France regarded the NLC as Libya's "legitimate representative".

Col Gaddafi's forces continued shelling the eastern rebel-held oil town of Ras Lanuf on Thursday, rebels and eyewitnesses said.

The front line has moved between Ras Lanuf and neighbouring Bin Jawad, roughly 550 km (340 miles) east of Tripoli.

There has also been fierce fighting in recent days in Zawiya. On Wednesday, state TV said the army had retaken the town.

Late on Wednesday, three members of a BBC Arabic television team gave graphic accounts of how they were arrested and beaten by government forces outside Zawiya earlier this week.

They were subjected to mock executions and held for 26 hours in bloodstained cells, where they heard people screaming in adjacent rooms.

Feras Killani - a member of the BBC team who is of Palestinian descent - appears to have been singled out for repeated beatings.

Cautious Nato

The conflict in Libya has raged since mid-February when opponents to Col Gaddafi's 41-year rule seized many towns and cities in eastern Libya, following successful popular uprisings in neighbouring Tunisia and Egypt.

BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus says fears that the military balance may be shifting in Col Gaddafi's favour have prompted calls for urgent international action.

Thursday's Nato meeting in Brussels is expected to focus on military options, including a possible no-fly zone aimed at stopping government planes bombing rebel-held towns.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates has said such a zone would need to begin with operations against Col Gaddafi's air defences.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the CBS TV network: "We believe it's important that this not be an American or a Nato or a European effort. It needs to be an international one."

Our correspondent says there are differing levels of enthusiasm among members for such a mission and that no decisions are likely to be taken - although contingency planning may be intensified.

Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said the alliance is "not looking to intervene in Libya, but we have asked our military to conduct the necessary planning for all eventualities".

DTNLIBYAUNREST

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    DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Aircraft Deal Decision Will Indicate Direction Of Ties: Roemer - U.S. Ambassador To India

    Asian Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Aircraft Deal Decision Will Indicate Direction Of Ties: Roemer - U.S. Ambassador To India
    ** Subject; India, U.S. the next logical step in

    building future relationship

    (NSI News Source Info)
    NEW DELHI, India
    - March 10, 2011:

    With the process of acquisition of the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force entering the home stretch, the United States has suggested that India's decision on the contract will indicate the direction of the strategic relations between New Delhi and Washington.


    Expressing the hope that India would choose the aircraft of one of the two U.S. companies competing for the contract with four others, U.S. Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer said: “This becomes the next logical step in building this relationship. This will be a very important indicator of where this relationship goes in the 21st century.” He was addressing an international conference on ‘America and Asia: Perspectives on Peace, Security and Development,' organised by the American Studies Programme of the Jawaharlal Nehru University.

    Six companies, including two American, are in the fray for the Rs.45,000-crore deal that is likely to be finalised the next financial year. Boeing and Lockheed Martin of the U.S have fielded F/A-18 Super Hornet and F-16 Super Viper respectively, Mikoyan of Russia (MiG-35), Dassault Aviation of France (Rafale), Eurofighter Gmbh (Eurofighter Typhoon) and Saab AB of Sweden (Gripen).

    Speaking to journalists later, Mr. Roemer said the U.S. remained optimistic about the deal and wanted to build on its strategic ties with India. He acknowledged that there was a “vigorous competition” for the deal.

    Referring to the delivery of the C130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, he said the aircraft being made available to India was “under budget,” a factor that assumed importance under tight budgets for defence acquisition.

    Asked whether the bilateral ties could be affected if the aircraft deal was to be awarded to other companies, Mr. Roemer felt that the deal could be the logical step, and the U.S. was seeking to elevate India to be a global partner across the board.

    Mr. Roemer said he was optimistic about what President Barack Obama said during his visit to India last year on supporting India for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council and taking India off the entities list.

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