L-3 Communications has completed the acquisition of British firm TRL Electronics plc. On May 18, 2006, the two firms announced agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer by L-3 agents Lehman Brothers of GBP 3.60 (US $6.78) in cash per share, which valued the existing issued ordinary share capital at GBP 89.7 million. The acquisition’s completion was announced on July 18, 2006 for a total cash consideration of GBP 95.9 million (approximately US $176.2 million).
TRL offers advanced radio and satellite communications and security systems, Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) that include responsive radio jammers and denial-of-service devices, military grade ATM and IP network cryptography, et. al. of the sort that may prove useful to Project HELIX and similar efforts. L-3’s July 18 release notes that:
Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) in Plymouth, MN received a $17.5 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for M1002 120mm cartridges. The M1002 TPCSDS-T 120mm Cartridge is a Training Cartridges for the tactical M830A1 MPAT-T (multi-purpose anti-tank, tracer… a HEAT round) used by M1A1 Abrams tanks.
Work will be performed in Plymouth, MN (18.73%), Rocket Center, WVA (41.45%), Radford, VA (9.70%), Coachella, CA (4.34%), Louisville, KY (9.28%), Middletown, IA (8.58%), St. Bonifacious, MN (0.88%), Anoka, MN (0.63%), Ironwood, MI (0.10%), Toone, TN (1.48%), North Brook, IL (0.10%), Socorro, NM (0.88%), Yankton, SD (1.23%), Lawrenceville, VA (0.17%), Baraboo, WI (0.82%), Lexington, KY (0.98%), and Hartford, WI (0.65%), and is expected to be complete by Nov. 30, 2007. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 27, 2006 by the Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (DAAE30-00-C-1096).
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems Inc. in Dayton, OH has received a pair of task orders within a $47.7 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract. The objective of the passive electro-optical (EO) infrared red target detection technology program is to support and conduct EO threat warning research at Air Force Research Laboratory in the area of laser sensor technology, missile warning, and space protection sensors. This may include EO situational awareness and intelligence collection. In addition, support and operation of the H4B laboratory facilities is required as part of the research efforts of this program. This support includes the operation and maintenance of the laboratory facilities, associated equipment, and any performance upgrades as needed to conduct specific test or research.
Solicitations began February 2006, negotiations were complete July 2006, and work will be complete November 2011. The Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH issued the contract (FA8650-06-D-1078), as well as two task orders under the contract for $6 million (Task Order 0001) and $7 million (Task Order 0002).
