On May 24/07, the US DSCA announced Iraq’s purchase request for medical consumables, pharmaceuticals, medical, surgical, dental supplies, medical equipment, support equipment, program support, publications, documentation, personnel training, training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services and other related program requirements.. The total value, if all options are exercised, will be slightly less than $1.05 billion. The principal contractors are unknown at this time.
The requested items will be used to provide for the basic medical needs to Iraqi forces “and, as necessary and appropriate, civilians who are casualties of ongoing conflict. The medical supplies will help minimize the casualties sustained during military operations.” DSCA adds that “The proposed use of this equipment is consistent with the statutory authorities in section 4 of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, and section 607 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended.” DSCA release.
Pilots don’t enjoy thinking about ejection – but when they have to, Martin-Baker Aircraft Co., Ltd. in Middlesex, England is known worldwide as the #1 manufacturer. Their rocket-boosted pilot seats are designed to get a pilot out of a plane quickly, away from lethal impacts with a tail or wing, and if necessary, to a safe altitude for parachute deployment.
The firm recently received a $39.7 million firm-fixed-price contract for 172 Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seats (NACESs), including 70 for the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and E/A-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft; 20 for the US Navy’s T-45 Goshawk trainers; 22 for the US Marine Corps’ F/A-18A+ Hornets; and 60 for the Government of Canada who also flies F/A-18A+ Hornets. In addition, this contract provides for associated component parts and production support for the U.S. Navy production aircraft, and for the Government of Switzerland (F/A-18 C/Ds).
Work will be performed in Middlesex, England (71.5%); Johnstown, PA (16%); Northridge, CA (7%); and Ronkonkoma, NY (5.5%), and is expected to be complete in December 2008. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy/USMC ($26.5M, 66.70%); and the governments of Canada ($13.1M, 33.02%); and Switzerland ($109,549, 0.28%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This contract was not competitively procured by the Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD (N00019-07-C-0011).
Small business qualifier Force Protection Industries, Inc. in Ladson, SC received a $12 million for firm-fixed-priced delivery order #0006 under previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-07-D-5006) for 14 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category III Buffalo vehicles. The Buffalo is a mine-resistant, route clearance type vehicle that is used to dispose of discovered mines. It was also the vehicle that triggered the 2007 Biden Amendment [MS Word format] to accelerate MRAP purchases.
This contract was not competitively procured – unlike other MRAP categories, CAT III has only one vehicle choice. Work will be performed in Ladson, SC and work is expected to be complete by April 2008. All contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA issued the contract.
