Friday, August 26, 2011

DTN News - BATTLE FOR TRIPOLI: Rebels To Govern From Tripoli As Gaddafi Hunt Goes On

Asian Defense News: DTN News - BATTLE FOR TRIPOLI: Rebels To Govern From Tripoli As Gaddafi Hunt Goes On
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 26, 2011: Libyan rebels announced a move to govern the country from Tripoli as they battled pockets of loyalists in their hunt for fugitive strongman Muammar Gaddafi, who taunted them from his hiding place.

Rumors of Gaddafi or his sons being cornered or sighted, swirled among excitable rebel fighters engaged in heavy machinegun and rocket exchanges. But even after his compound was overrun on Tuesday, hopes of a swift end to six months of war were still being frustrated by fierce rearguard actions.

Western powers have demanded Gaddafi's surrender and worked to help the opposition start developing the trappings of government and bureaucracy lacking in the oil-rich state after 42 years of an eccentric personality cult.

The United States and South Africa struck a deal to allow the release of $1.5 billion in frozen funds for humanitarian aid and other civilian needs, U.N. diplomats said.

But with loyalists holding out in the capital, in Gaddafi's coastal home city and deep in the inland desert, violence could go on for some time, testing the rebel government's ability to keep order when it moves from its eastern stronghold Benghazi.

"I proclaim the beginning of the resumption of the work of the executive office in Tripoli," Ali Tarhouni, in charge of oil and financial matters for the rebel council, said in Tripoli.

The shift is seen as a crucial step to smoothing over rifts in the country, fragmented by regional and tribal divisions, particularly between east and west.

Gaddafi taunted his enemies and their Western backers, calling on his supporters to fight back in the city in his latest broadcast rallying cry.

"The tribes ... must march on Tripoli," Gaddafi said in an audio message aired on a sympathetic TV channel. "Do not leave Tripoli to those rats, kill them, defeat them quickly.

"The enemy is delusional, NATO is retreating," he shouted, sounding firmer and clearer than in a similar speech released on Wednesday. Though his enemies believe Gaddafi, 69, is still in the capital, they fear he could flee by long-prepared escape routes, using tunnels and bunkers, to rally an insurgency.

AIR STRIKES

The rebels' Colonel Hisham Buhagiar said they were targeting several areas to find Gaddafi: "We are sending special forces every day to hunt down Gaddafi. We have one unit that does intelligence and other units that hunt him down."

A pro-Gaddafi station said NATO warplanes had bombed his hometown of Sirte, one his last strongholds. While Britain's defense minister said NATO was providing intelligence assets to help the rebels find Gaddafi, the U.S. State Department said neither NATO nor Washington was involved in the manhunt.

Rebel leaders, offering a million-dollar reward, say the war will be over only when Gaddafi is found, "dead or alive."

In a southern district of Tripoli, close to the notorious prison of Abu Salim, rebel forces launched a concerted assault, sweeping from house to house and taking prisoners. Elsewhere, pro-Gaddafi forces shelled rebel positions at Tripoli's airport.

Diehards numbering perhaps in the hundreds were keeping at bay squads of irregular, anti-Gaddafi fighters who had swept into Tripoli on Sunday and who were now rushing from one site to another, firing assault rifles, machineguns and anti-aircraft cannon bolted to the backs of pick-up trucks.

The lack of security will be just one of many challenges facing Libya's new masters as they try to meet the expectations of young men now bearing arms and to heal ethnic, tribal and other divisions that have been exacerbated by civil war.

Speaking in Italy, the head of the rebel government, Mahmoud Jibril said the uprising, the bloodiest so far of the Arab Spring, could fall apart if funds were not forthcoming quickly: "The biggest destabilizing element would be the failure ... to deliver the necessary services and pay the salaries of the people who have not been paid for months."

In an interview with Reuters, Tarhouni said the rebel government hopes to restart oil exports within two to three months and reach full volumes in about a year.

REVENGE

After a meeting of officials in Istanbul, the Contact Group of allies against Gaddafi called on Libyans to avoid revenge.

"The participants attached utmost importance to the realization of national reconciliation in Libya," it said. "They agreed that such a process should be based on principles of inclusiveness, avoidance of retribution and vengeance."

Gaddafi's opponents fear that he may rally an insurgency, as did Saddam Hussein in Iraq, should he remain at large and, perhaps, in control of funds salted away for such a purpose.

Western powers, mindful of the bloodshed in Iraq, have made clear they do not want to engage their troops in Libya. But a U.S. State Department spokeswoman said Washington would look favorably on any Libyan request for U.N. police assistance -- something some say might aid a transition to democracy.

The United States and NATO are also deeply concerned about possible looting and resale of weapons from Libyan arsenals as Gaddafi's rule crumbles, though the U.S. State Department said it believed Libya's stocks of concentrated uranium and mustard agent were secure.

However, with fighting raging, there was already evidence of the kind of bitter bloodletting in recent days that the rebel leaders are anxious to stop in the interests of uniting Libyans, including former Gaddafi supporters, in a democracy.

A Reuters correspondent counted 30 bodies, apparently of troops and gunmen who had fought for Gaddafi, at a site in central Tripoli. At least two had their hands bound. One was strapped to a hospital trolley with a drip still in his arm.

All the bodies had been riddled with bullets.

Elsewhere, a British medical worker said she had counted 17 bodies who she believed were of prisoners executed by Gaddafi's forces. One wounded man said he had survived the incident, when, he said, prison guards had sprayed inmates with gunfire on Tuesday as the rebel forces entered Gaddafi's compound.

Nonetheless, many in Tripoli count themselves happy already that Gaddafi has gone. "I was nine years old when Gaddafi came to power and I've always hoped I wouldn't die before I saw this day," said Ali Salem al-Gharyani, choking back tears.

"I am now 50 years old and this is the first time, seeing Gaddafi gone, that I have experienced true joy in my life."


Libya Related News;


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DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 25, 2011

Asian Defense News:
DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 25, 2011
(NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON - August 26, 2011: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued August 25, 2011 are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

NAVY

Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a not-to-exceed $161,030,943 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-10-C-5427) for MK15 Mod 31 SeaRAM systems in support of LCS 6 and 8 and Japan’s DDH 2405 helicopter destroyer, as well as Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) Block 1B class “A” overhauls, and land-based Phalanx Weapon System class “A” overhauls. CIWS is a fast-reaction terminal defense against low- and high-flying, high-speed maneuvering anti-ship missile threats that have penetrated all other defenses. Operating either autonomously or integrated with a combat system, it is an automatic terminal defense weapon system designed to detect, track, engage, and destroy anti-ship missile threats penetrating outer defense envelopes. Phalanx CIWS is currently installed on approximately 152 Navy and 14 Coast Guard ships and is in use in 23 foreign navies. Work will be performed in Louisville, Ky. (30 percent); Andover, Mass. (19 percent); Tucson, Ariz. (9 percent); Germany (7 percent); Syracuse, N.Y. (7 percent); Long Beach, Calif. (6 percent); Radford, Va. (6 percent); Burlington, Vt. (6 percent); Palm Bay, Fla. (2 percent); Pittsburgh, Pa. (2 percent); Bloomington, Minn. (2 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (2 percent); Norcross, Ga. (1 percent); and New Albany, Ind. (1 percent). Work is expected to be completed by September 2015. Contract funds in the amount of $90,684,174 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $14,545,851 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00024-07-C-4407) to definitize the USS Preble (DDG 88) fiscal 2011 dry-dock selected restricted availability (DSRA). A DSRA includes the planning and execution of depot-level maintenance, alterations, and modifications that will update and improve the ship's military and technical capabilities. This modification includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $17,847,213. Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by March 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $14,545,851 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity.

BAE Systems Technologies, Solutions & Services, Rockville, Md., is being awarded an $8,698,571 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for flight test aircraft services for developmental and operational testing, test equipment design, manufacture, aircraft modification and repair, and ground support. The maximum quantity for aircraft flight testing is 600 hours, ground support is 2,400 hours, and aircraft modifications is 2,120 hours. Work will be performed at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif. (25 percent); Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (25 percent); Point Mugu, Calif. (20 percent); Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (20 percent); and Mojave, Calif. (10 percent). Work is expected to be completed in August 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1(a) (2). The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity (N68936-11-D-0029).

East Coast Repair and Fabrication, L.L.C.*, Norfolk, Va., is being awarded a $7,317,394 fixed-price contract for a dry-docking restricted availability for the USS Thunderbolt (PC 12). This contract will be for the accomplishment of miscellaneous structural, electrical, and mechanical repairs. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by June 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $7,317,394 will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured with four proposals solicited and three offers received via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website. Norfolk Ship Support Activity Regional Maintenance Center, Portsmouth, Va., is the contracting activity (N50054-11-C-1107).

ARMY

Dyncorp International, L.L.C., Falls Church, Va., was awarded a $146,591,178 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the procurement of the Combined Security Transition Command - Afghanistan Ministry of Interior Training Program. Work will be performed in Afghanistan, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2014. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with eight bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., is the contracting activity (W91CRB-11-C-0053).

American Ordnance, L.L.C., Middletown, Iowa, was awarded a $51,372,909 firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The award will provide for the procurement of M58A4 mine clearing line charges. Work will be performed in Middletown, Iowa, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2014. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with three bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the contracting activity (W52P1J-11-D-0080).

BAE Systems, York, Pa., was awarded a $23,783,675 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of Bradley urban survivability kits. Work will be performed in York, Pa., with an estimated completion date of March 9, 2012. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-10-G-0003).

Evergreen Helicopters, Inc., McMinnville, Ore., was awarded a $16,546,552 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the medical evacuation services and training support for the U.S. Army in Alaska. Work will be performed in Fairbanks, Alaska, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. Four bids were solicited, with two bids received. The U.S. Army Mission & Installation Contracting Command, Fort Wainright, Alaska, is the contracting activity (W912D0-11-D-0002).

The Resource Center, Jamestown, N.Y., was awarded an $11,969,760 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the procurement of 24,000 A-22 cargo bags. Work will be performed in Jamestown, N.Y., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 15, 2013. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-11-C-0391).

Protection Strategies, Inc., Arlington, Va., was awarded an $11,139,007 contract. The award will provide for the support services for the mayor’s cell at the six enduring camp locations throughout Iraq. Work will be performed in Iraq, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 31, 2012. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 11 bids received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W560MY-11-C-0004).

Norfolk Dredging Co., Chesapeake, Va., was awarded a $7,682,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the dredging services, pipeline relocation, and disposal of maintenance material for the Delaware River. Work will be performed in Marcus Hook, Pa.; Pedricktown, N.J.; and New Castle, Del., with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2012. Eighteen bids were solicited, with two bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (W912BU-11-C-0028).

Lord and Son Construction, Inc., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was awarded a $7,248,800 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the construction of a fuel cell and corrosion control hangar facility for the 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Ala. Work will be performed in Montgomery, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Feb. 15, 2013. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with eight bids received. The National Guard Bureau, Montgomery, Ala., is the contracting activity (W912JA-11-C-0005).

Merrick & Co., Atlanta, Ga., was awarded a $7,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract. The award will provide for the engineering services for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, to support the Mobile District Military Construction Design Program. Work will be performed in Mobile, Ala., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 24, 2016. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 109 bids received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile, Ala., is the contracting activity (W91278-11-D-0085).

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

Valley Apparel, L.L.C.*, Knoxville, Tenn., was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for a maximum $44,448,892 for extreme cold/wet weather jackets. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Army. The date of performance completion is Feb. 23, 2012. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM1C1-11-D-1066).

Vision System International, L.L.C., San Jose, Calif., was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $36,102,185 for various spares and support equipment in support of the A/24A-56 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System. Other location of performance is Oregon. Using services are Navy, Air Force, and the Defense Logistics Agency. The date of performance completion is Dec. 31, 2015. The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Warner Robins, Robbins Air Forcde Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (SPRWA1-11-D-0007).

Vision System International, L.L.C., San Jose, Calif., was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum $10,579,670 for cable assemblies and transmitter subassemblies applicable Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System. Other location of performance is Oregon. Using services is the Air Force. The date of performance completion is March 26, 2013. The Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Warner Robins, Robbins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (SPRWA1-11-D-0007-0001).

*Small business


U.S. DoD issued No. 738-11 August 25, 2011
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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