Over the past few years Britain’s defense procurement went through significant reforms, especially in the area of aircraft maintenance. Platforms that are now handled under a full “future contracting for availability” full-life maintenance framework (i.e. pays for available aircraft rather than paying for spares) include CH-47 helicopters, E-3D Sentry AWACS radar surveillance aircraft, and Tornado fighters. Platforms that are using contracting for availability but are not yet through-life contracts, or are progressing via availability contracts for sub-systems etc. as they work their way up, include the RAF’s Hawk trainers, Harrier jets, VC10 aerial tankers, Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft, and others. Even these partial implementations, however, have seen significant changes to maintenance arrangements and contract structures, as Britain works through the issues related to the change and implements its Defence Industrial Strategy.
Lockheed Martin has announced a 10-year Aircrew Training and Rehearsal Support II (ATARS II) contract from USAF Special Operations Command (AFSOCOM). The $1.1 billion contract will provide AFSOCOM crews with a distributed, fully-networked mission rehearsal and training system for their MC-130E/H Combat Talon (transport), MC-130P Combat Shadow (transport & aerial refueling), and AC-130H Spectre (gunship) variants; MH-53 Pave Low and MH-60 Pave Hawk combat search & rescue helicopters; and CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotors.
Lockheed Martin was awarded the original ATARS contract in 1987; ATARS II represents the next-generation training system for special operations and search and rescue crews at several locations: Kirtland Air Force Base, NM; Hurlburt Field, FL; Harrisburg Air National Guard Base, PA and Fort Rucker, AL. Lockheed Martin release.
July 16/07: Sea Box, Inc. in East Riverton, NJ received $6.4 million for firm-fixed-price Delivery Order #0001 under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5060) for 185 Large Refrigeration Systems (probably these). The firm specializes in “thinking inside the box,” selling standard shipping containers and/or modifying them in order to provide sturdy and transportable – or even mobile – shelter and services in remote environments. Roles can include workshops, secure storage, power generation, water purification, emergency medical operations, command centers, and more. Its ShelterPAK quickly transforms unused shipping containers into living quarters for disaster relief and other operations. One step beyond, its military “Battlebox” module can be used alone to create an instant Forward Operating Base with more protection and amenities than traditional tents, or in clusters to create the modern version of a Roman camp.
Work will be performed in East Riverton, NJ, and is expected to be complete in December 2009. This contract is a full open competition award to Sea Box, Inc., as it is the sole manufacturer of the Large Refrigeration Systems. The Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA issued the contract.
