Czechs Issue APC Bidders Shortlist, Exclude Czech Firm

The Czech military is going to replace its outdated OH-64 (BTR-60 variant) wheeled armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and possibly its BVP/BMP tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicles with a new set of 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicles in several variants. The Army of the Czech Republic plans to buy 199 of the vehicles, with an option on a further 35, in a deal estimated at Korunas 20-25 billion (USD $831-$1 billion). Analysts expect the contract to be awarded in mid-2006, and the tender notes delivery dates between 2007-2012.

The pre-qualification questioners were evaluated by an inter-departmental commission, and the following four parties were informed that they have qualified to go forward to the second stage of the tender:

NSWC Dahlgren Scientists Invent New Class of Weapons

The first Navy Distinguished Achievement in Science Award (DASA) in 14 years was presented by Rear Adm. Archer Macy, commander of Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), to Drs. William Holt and Willis Mock, Jr. at an awards ceremony held Sept. 7 at the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) headquarters located at the historic Washington Navy Yard. Mock and Holt were the first NAVSEA scientists to receive the prestigious and rarely given Navy DASA award, which enables the Secretary of the Navy to recognize pioneering scientific extraordinary and significant achievements of a pioneering “breakthrough” nature and with far-reaching consequences.

$42.4M more for Javelin Missile CLUs, Trainers

Javelin anti-armor missile

The Raytheon/ Lockheed Martin JAVELIN (Joint Venture) in Tucson, AZ received a $42.4 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for “Javelin CLU (901)/EPBST (101) supplemental hardware definitization.” Javelin is a portable anti-armor missile. It is shoulder-fired, and can also be installed on tracked, wheeled or amphibious vehicles.

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ (60%) and Orlando, FL (40%), and is expected to be complete by Feb. 28, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on May 22, 2003 by the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, AL (W31P4Q-04-C-0136). This award brings the total amount issued under this contract to $250 million, incl. $110 million for Javelin CLU (901)/EPBST (101) supplemental hardware.

Navy Launches Final Development of Bluefin 21 UUV

Bluefin 21 BPAUV

The Program Executive Office, Littoral and Mine Warfare’s (PEO LMW) Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUV) Program Office has begun development of the new Battlespace Preparation Autonomous Undersea Vehicle (BPAUV), under a $9.2 million contract awarded Sept. 9 to Bluefin Robotics Corp. of Cambridge, MA.

DID has covered a number of developments related to the USA’s new anti-submarine doctrine, designed to counter the threat of ultra-quiet diesel submarines in shallow littoral waters. Battlespace preparation is an important component, and this award also relates to the USA’s overall littoral warfare capability and the ongoing design of the mission package complements for the USA’s new Littoral Combat Ship.

Up to $143.3M for DC area Anti-Terrorism Systems Support

M.C. Dean in Chantilly, VA received a $28.4 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, performance based type contract for security support engineering services for anti-terrorism/force protection systems in the National Capitol Region.

The contract contains one base year and four one-year option periods which if exercised, would bring the total cumulative value of the contract to an estimated amount of $143.3 million over 5 years.

$8.2M for F/A-18 Radar Jammers to USA, Finland, Switzerland

AN/ALQ-165

Computer Systems Technical Support, Inc. in Brea, CA received an $8.2 million firm-fixed-priced, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for Airborne Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ) harness assembly, structural assembly and hardware sets. In addition to support to the United States (90%), it is anticipated that the contract will support the governments of Switzerland (5%) and Finland (5%) under the Foreign Military Sales program.

The ASPJ is a program with a long and troubled history.

$66M for Engine Rebuilding Facility

Universal Construction Co. Inc. in Huntsville, AL won a $66.8 million firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of an engine rebuilding facility in Calhoun, AL. The job is expected to be complete by Sept. 15, 2008. There were four bids solicited on Oct. 18, 2004, and three bids were received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Mobile, AL issued the contract (W91278-05-C-0050).