$184.7M to Migrate from Legacy Systems to Joint Mission Planning System

Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) in San Diego, CA received a maximum $184.75 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract to build upon the tools and solutions from the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) and converge the different Department of Defense Mission Planning systems into a common DoD Mission Planning Environment. SAIC will design, develop, integrate, test and deliver with the Mission Planning Enterprise Contract (MPEC) team all required Mission Planning capabilities. The System Engineering Integration Contract will create the systems integrator across all platforms and services and evolve JMPS as it adds capability and users.

$100M for Small Spacelift Vehicles and Support

SpaceX Falcon I

Orbital Sciences Corp. in Chandler, AZ and Space Exploration Technologies in El Segundo, CA received a $100 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for Responsive Small Spacelift Launch Vehicles and targeted/low inclination orbit launch vehicles and launch services. In addition, three firm-fixed-price delivery orders were issued under the contract for Responsive Small Spaceflight (RSS) User’s Guides (Raptor I, Raptor II, and Falcon I configurations). These are basic contractors with five-year ordering periods; the Air Force can issue delivery orders totaling up to the maximum amount, although requirements may involve less. Solicitation began January 2005, negotiations were completed April 2005, and work will be complete by April 2010. The Headquarters Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA issued the contract (FA8818-05-D-0006, 0007). More information re: the RSS program’s intentions and needs can be found in this proposal solicitation.

Raytheon Puts CFO On Leave, Offers SEC & Shareholder Settlements

Raytheon Co. announced that it placed chief financial officer Edward S. Pliner and an unnamed non-executive on leave as part of a proposed settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, at the same time that it announced that it had submitted a settlement offer to the Securities and Exchange Commission and settled a shareholder lawsuit.

Reports: Israel Frozen out of F-35 Development

F-35 JSF

Israeli defense industry executives are reporting that the U.S. has frozen Israel out of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter development of a program as punishment for its military cooperation with China, including its work on Harpy anti-radar attack UAVs acquired by China from state-owned Israel Aircraft Industries in 1994. Israeli Defense Ministry officials refused to confirm the report, noting only that they were in dialogue and hoped that “within its framework understandings will be reached soon.”

In recent weeks the White House has warned European countries not to lift a boycott on China arms sales, and even restricted the sale of mapping software to China developed from U.S. naval sonar technology. The Bush administration has also pressured Israel to ‘roll back’ its defense relations with China.

EU Stymied, Conflicted on Lifting China Weapons Embargo

The heart of the matter

The European Parliament is backing continuation of the EU’s weapons embargo to China, while other EU officials are stating that they intend to continue to press for its removal. Meanwhile, growing support of the ban from Britain, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden in light of China’s human rights record, its new law authorizing the use of force against Taiwan, risks to major industry investments across the Atlantic, and threats from the US Congress to cease defense cooperation with EU countries has prevented the required “consensus” on the issue within the EU.

Chinese arms purchases tripled between 1999 and 2003, according to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. It continues double-digit growth into 2005, and many experts estimate that the real rate of defense spending is two to four times higher than official figures.

$14.5M for UAVs to Cover Naval Strike Groups, Oil Platforms

The Boeing Co. in St. Louis, MO is being awarded a $14.5 million firm-fixed-price contract to provide “persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle services for a Naval Expeditionary Strike Group deployment and Gulf Oil Platform security in direct support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.” Work will be performed onboard a Navy vessel in the Pacific, and is expected to be complete in February 2006. This contract was not competitively procured. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., issued the contract (N00019-05-C-0045).

$26.4M Service Life Extension for 5 LCAC Hovercraft

Headed for the beach

Titan Corp.’s Unidyne Group in Norfolk, VA won a $26.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for five Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft. The LCAC SLEP will extend service life from 20 to 30 years. Modifications include repair/refurbishment of the hull, main engine upgrades, installation of a new skirt system and upgrades to the communication navigation systems. The LCAC’s ability to land heavy items like tanks directly from amphibious assault ships onto the shore makes it an essential element within the current and future United States Navy/Marine Corps amphibious warfare doctrine.

Work will be performed in Camp Pendleton, CA (80%) and Norfolk, VA (20%), and is expected to be complete by August 2007. The contact was competitively awarded and advertised via the Navy Electronic Commerce on Line website, with three offers received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., issued the contract.

$8.8M for 76 More FMTV Trucks

FMTV Truck

Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems L.P. in Sealy, TX won an $8.9 million modification to a firm-fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contract for 76 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle Trucks. Work will be performed in Sealy, TX and is expected to be complete by Nov. 15, 2008. There were two bids solicited on Aug. 15, 2002, and two bids were received. The Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., issued the contract modification (DAAE07-03-C-S023). DID also covered a recent $316.3 million modification to this contract for almost 2,000 FMTV trucks, as well as a modification in early March for additional technical support.

$7M for Waterproof Clothing Bags

Small business qualifier Harris Manufacturing Co. Inc. in Trenton, NJ won a maximum $7 million firm fixed price indefinite quantity contract for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps for waterproof clothing bags. This is a total set aside, base year contract that will be performed in Trenton, NJ and Smyrna, DL. Performance completion date is Sept. 30, 2006. Proposals were solicited on the Internet with two responses. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA issued the contract (SP0100-05-D-4175).