The use of outsourcing for support functions from construction to fuel convoys is becoming more normal in Western militaries. Britain has become a leader in public-private partnerships for the through-life maintenance of its military equipment, a set of preferences that are now embedded in its Defence Industrial Strategy. A notice posted by the UK’s Defence Procurement Agency on the European Defence Agency’s Electronic Bulletin Board (under the new EDA code of conduct), takes the next step, and proposes to buy Britain’s next set of medium utility helicopters and their maintenance as a lease from private contractors.
Modular Light-weight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) is a modular quick-release backpack with compartments and components that can be added or removed, plus a fighting load vest that can accept removable pockets for the Rifleman, Pistol, Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Gunner, and Grenadier configurations. Its modularity allows individuals to tailor their load and configuration to meet mission needs. As an earlier DID article on the MOLLE pointed out, MOLLE has been modified since its debut in response to feedback from the field. The US Marines have given up on MOLLE equipment in the wake of negative after-action reviews, however, and are now producing their own ILBE (Improved Load Bearing Equipment) packs based on modified commercial designs in order to meet their needs.
In recent days, the US Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command in Natick, MA has issued over $300 million in firm-fixed-price indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity contracts for modular lightweight load-carrying equipment systems…
In our August 11, 2006 article “US Titanium Firms Angry at Senate Deal; Russian Firms Angry at US Firms,” DID reported on VSMPO-Avisma, the world’s #1 titanium firm. At the time, we discussed both its pending merger with Rosoboronexport and a potential long-term supply deal with Boeing. The deal with the state-owned weapons exporter is especially meaningful for a number of reasons, including Rosoboronexport’s status under US sanctions for its dealings with Iran.
Over the weekend, Bloomberg reported that Rosoboronexport has confirmed the acquisition of more than 51% of VSMPO, based in Verkhnaya Salda in the Ural mountains. They also noted its context as part of an ongoing effort by President Putin to regain state control of key economic sectors, and discussed some of VSMPO-Avisma’s future plans…
Small business qualifier Mobile Medical International Corp. in Saint Johnsbury, VT has received a $7.1 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for research and development of the 21st century military hospital system production efficient test shelters. Work will be performed in Saint Johnsbury, VT and is expected to be completed by July 26, 2008. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on Oct. 1, 2001 by the Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, Frederick, MD (DAMD17-03-C-0002).
The Singaporeans, Germans et. al believe they already have a production efficient set of 21st century medical shelters/ hospital systems, based on ubiquitous ISO containers and offering easy expansion. Their TransHospital system has even been used in the USA in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, as part of the international aid that arrived on scene. MMIC offers a somewhat similar system which also takes advantage of the ISO container’s inherent transportability, stability, and natural protection and load-carrying capacities. EADS’ TransHospital will also be evaluated for the Future Medical Shelter System requirement.
BAE Systems has awarded a $20 million subcontract to Aerosud of Pretoria, South Africa to produce components for the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter, as part of a USD$100-million strategic partnership, formed between the two companies in 2004. The contract is also associated with “industrial participation” commitments associated with the sale of Hawk Mk 127 LIFT trainers/light attack aircraft and Saab-BAE JAS-39C/D Gripen International fighters for the SAAF.
Set to run for at least six and a half years, the contract encompasses the manufacture of up to 3,500 detail parts and minor assemblies. BAE’s Eurofighters are assembled for the Royal Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Force at the company’s Warton facility in North West England.
