Rapid Fire 2011-04-27: Tactical Cryptologic Systems

* The Pentagon is launching a preferred supplier program. Companies who receive high marks in the Defense Department’s performance-tracking system may see better performance payments and other rewards. The Pentagon will also encourage more use of contract provisions that provide companies a share of any savings they produce on existing programs, under its broader “Better Buying Power Initiative.” If they have not yet taken an in-depth look at Chrysler’s 1990s supplier initiatives, they ought to. * Lockheed Martin’s net income fell slightly to $530 million for the first quarter of 2011, despite a 3% increase in sales. * India is reportedly getting close to awarding $1 billion contract for intermediate trainers. Of course, “close” is a relative term when we’re talking about India. The contenders include turboprops like Embraer’s EMB-314 Super Tucano, Pilatus’ PC-7 Mk.II, KAI’s KT-1, and the side-by-side Grob 120TP; and Alenia Aermacchi’s M-311 jet. * Botswana buys 5 Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II turboprop trainers for about $44.8 million, to replace its 6 old Pilatus PC-7 turboprops. They’ll be used as lead-ins for the country’s wider fleet, which includes F-5/CF-116 fighters. * South Africa also flies PC-7 Mk.IIs, via upgrades. They’ll need those, and their recent Hawk trainer upgrades, […]