The ability to use open-source operating systems like Linux with “clusters” of computing hardware that include many commodity components has really changed the supercomputing landscape. Complex physics-based problems that are three dimensional and time-dependent are especially difficult, and benefit greatly from the additional computing power per dollar that’s rapidly becoming available. This has had a significant impact in sectors like movies and TV, energy, and pharmaceuticals – not to mention the defense industry.
The DoD’s High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) recently placed an order with Linux Networx for 5 supercomputers as part of the Technology Insertion 2006 (TI-06) initiative. They are part of a broader effort to modernize the US DoD’s computing capabilities, by providing the supercomputer services, high-speed network communications, and expertise for U.S. Defense laboratories. The recipients, and the type and capabilities of the systems they received, are detailed below:
Even government programs are subject to the logic of the industry in which they’re embedded, and TIME Magazine reports that the US federal government’s $5.6 billion, 10 year Project Bioshield may be finding that out the hard way.
Because bringing a new drug to market through the regulatory thicket can take 10 years and cost up to $800 million, and drug patents have fixed expiry periods, a drug company’s “pipeline” of potentially effective new drugs with large markets is its most important asset. As TIME notes, therefore, none of the big firms are keen on diverting research from potential blockbusters to drugs for exotic germs like ebola and smallpox (q.v. “The Demon in the Freezer“) which may be stockpiled and used only in an emergency. Companies are also leery of huge liability risks in the USA’s lawsuit-happy culture if biodefense vaccines and treatments are ever administered. Meanwhile, the smaller firms are finding the government contracting process too opaque and slow to be a reliable option. The result is a program with few awards, and no successes to date.
Of course, the folks TIME spoke to have arguments for funding their own (or the reporter’s) preferred pieces of the pie instead. Deserved cynicism aside, the lesson of industry dynamics as a critical factor to consider when designing a program should be clear. DefenseTech has further links and information, as well as its own clear political position on this subject.
Northrop Grumman IT has been awarded a indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract with a potential value of approximately $375 million over four years, in order to provide a range of scientific and technical advisory and assistance services to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA, also known by some as Nunn-Lugar) that will support DTRA’s mission to reduce the threat from weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Eagle Group International in Atlanta, GA received a $6 million firm-fixed-price 5-year contract for Management of the Military Vaccine/ Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program. Work will be performed in Falls Church, VA and is expected to be complete by Aug. 22, 2010. There were an unknown number of bids solicited via the World Wide Web on June 17, 2005, and two bids were received. The Center for Healthcare Contracting at Fort Sam Houston, TX issued the contract (W814K04-05-C-7011).
Meridian Medical Technologies Inc. in Columbia, MD received a maximum $50.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for nerve agent antidotes services and supplies for the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is a base year indefinite-quantity contract. Work will be performed in Columbia, MD and St. Louis, MO, and the base year will end on July 31, 2006. There was 1 proposal solicited and one responded. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA issued the contract (SP0200-05-D-0010).
EAI Corp. Inc. in Abingdon, MD received $8.3 million for Task Order 0018 under a previously awarded Interoperable Consequences Management, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (M67004-04-D-0039) to support the Marine Corps emergency responder sustainment and training. EAI Corporation has specialized in “all-hazards” preparedness since it was founded in 1980, and has a particular specialization in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive preparedness and disaster response.
Work will be performed in 22 Marine Corps locations worldwide, and is expected to be complete July 2006. This contract was competitively procured with over 40 proposals solicited via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online; nine offers were received. The Marine Corps Logistics Command in Albany, GA issued the contract.
Canadian Commercial Corp. of Ottawa, Canada received a $5,074,949 firm-fixed-price delivery order against a previously awarded contract (M67854-01-D-3053) to provide 91,403 pairs of gloves for the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) program. This works out to USD $55.53 per pair.
JSLIST is a joint service chemical protective ensemble development based on a 1993 Memorandum of Understanding between all four services, but the Marine Corps is the lead service for the JSLIST program. When combined with the Chemical Protective Mask, the JSLIST provides protection against chemical and biological agents, radioactive fallout particles, and battlefield contaminants.
Rohm & Haas Co., Philadelphia, PA received a sole-source $9.2 million firm-fixed-price contract for decontaminating powder for the M291 and M295 decontamination mask kits. Work will be performed in Philadelphia, PA and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2006. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill. issued the contract (W52H09-05-C-0165).
Sanofi Pasteur Inc. in Swiftwater, PA is being awarded a maximum $25.7 million firm-fixed-price indefinite-quantity contract for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps for Influenza Virus Vaccine and Syringes. This is a one-year contract whose performance completion date is Dec. 31, 2005. Eleven proposals were solicited and one responded. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA issued the contract (SPM0200-05-D-0005). See this link for more on the military position and efforts re: flu shots.
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Sanofi Pasteur Inc. in Swiftwater, PA is being awarded a maximum $25.7 million firm-fixed-price indefinite-quantity contract for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps for Influenza Virus Vaccine and Syringes. This is a one-year contract whose performance completion date is Dec. 31, 2005. Eleven proposals were solicited and one responded. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA issued the contract (SPM0200-05-D-0005). See this link for more on the military position and efforts re: flu shots.
