$101.1M to Develop the MK6 LE – So, What’s That?

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory (CSDL) in Cambridge, MA received a $101.1 million modification to previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00030-05-C-0007) to develop all the system software and algorithms, system sensors, gyroscopes, and accelerometers for the MK6 LE system. CSDL will also build all the system test beds and integrate all the subsystems produced by the subcontractors (General Dynamics, Raytheon, Honeywell, Dynamics Research Corp.) into the final MK6 LE proof of concept model.

Very interesting. So, what’s a “Mk6 LE” – sounds like something out of a James Bond film, doesn’t it? Actually, that guess would be close: on January 25, 2005, DoD DefenseLINK gave us the answer…

L-3 Gets Another $33.4M for AVCATT Helicopter Combined Arms Simulators

AVCATT

L-3 Communications Link Simulation and Training in Arlington, TX received a $33.4 million modification to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-fee contract (N61339-00-C-0002) to exercise an option for Lots 12, 13, 14, and 15 of the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT). Work will be performed in Arlington, TX and is expected to be complete in May 2007. The US Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division in Orlando, FL issued the contract. See all DefenseLINK awards under this contract, beginning in 1999.

As AVCATT-A creates a virtual wargaming world that provides an interactive, networked environment for five helicopter platforms, including the AH-64A Apache, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-47D Chinook and AH-64D Longbow. The system lets Army aviation units conduct collective training on a real-time, computerized battlefield that includes land and helicopter forces. Link’s SimuView PC image generation system provides computer-generated images of the simulated battlespace, which pilots view through a helmet mounted display system. Training includes intelligent, semi-automated enemies. The result is a highly competitive battle scenario that maximizes training effectiveness, followed by a review of their mission performance in AVCATT-A’s After Action Review Theater.

USA Contracts Naval Tanker Ship In Pacific for $5.5M

SS Montauk

Sealift Inc. in Oyster Bay, NY received a $5.5 million firm-fixed-price contract with additional reimbursables for the time charter of one U.S. tanker to support military re-supply requirements. Work will be performed in the Japan/Korea area, and the contract will end by September 2006. This contract was competitively procured with more than 50 proposals solicited, and two offers received by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command in Washington, DC (N00033-06-C-5405).

Like Maersk, Sealift, Inc. owns a number of US flag vessels; unlike Maersk, the ships do not appear to be under exclusive contract with Military Sealift Command.

SS Advantage

N.B. DID is using their SS Montauk tanker and SS Advantage for illustrative purposes only. The company’s site does note, however, that they are one of the largest ocean transportation contractors for U.S. Government food aid cargo.

See also this Military Sealift command Excel spreadhseet, which provides a listing of all time-chartered and contract-operated ships in Q2 FY 2006. Thanks to reader Lee Wahler for the Montauk photo and spreasheet pointers.