The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of Israel’s request for 3,500 MK-84 general purpose bomb units, which are 2,000 pound bomb bodies. The Mk84 versions Israel is requesting would carry about 945 pounds of tritonal (about 80% TNT/ 20% aluminum) explosives, as opposed to using H-6. Mk80 family weapons can be fitted with a number of kits to give them laser guidance, GPS/INS guidance, extended range, and/or other capabilities as required; the Israelis have created kits of their own for such purposes, including the Spice GPS/laser guided weapon. The total value of this contract, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $65 million.
The deal would also entail testing, support equipment, spares and repair parts, supply support, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics support. The prime contractor will be General Dynamics in Garland, TX; Israel has used Mk 84s for a long time, and there are no known offset agreements in connection with this proposed sale. See DSCA release [PDF format].
DRS technologies subsidiary Night Vision Systems in Allentown, PA received a maximum $139.3 million fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for night vision equipment on behalf of the US Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. This is a 5-year contract with 1 base year and 4 one-year options. There were 5 proposals solicited and 4 responded. Date of performance completion is April 19, 2008. Contracting activity is Defense Supply Center Columbus, (DSCC) in Columbus, OH (SPM7AX-07-D-7014).
Small business qualifier Alutiiq International Solutions in Anchorage, AK received a $15.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for Design and construction of a brigade complex-transitional facilities at Fort Lewis, WA. Work is expected to be completed by March 31, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on Nov. 24, 2006 by te U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Seattle, WA (W912DW-07-C-0008).
Fort Lewis maneuver units are U.S. I Corps; the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; and the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division; all of which are constituted as Stryker brigade combat teams. It is also home to the 593d Corps Support Group; the 555th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade; the 42nd Military Police Brigade; the 51st Signal Battalion, 11th Signal Brigade; the I Corps NCO Academy; Headquarters, Western Region Cadet Command; the 1st Personnel Support Group; 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne); 2d Battalion (Ranger), 75th Infantry; Headquarters, 5th Army (West); and 62nd Medical Brigade.