United Technologies Corp. subsidiary Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, CT received an indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity, fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for $1.06 billion for F117-PW-100 install engines, spare engines and associated data. It covers new engine deliveries from 2007 – 2012 for the U.S. Air Force and foreign military sales in support of the C-17 Globemaster III heavy transport aircraft program. At this time, no funds have been obligated; delivery orders will be issued under this contract vehicle as engines et. al. are required. Solicitations began August 2006, negotiations were complete in June 2007, and work will be complete December 2012. The Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH issued the contract (FA8626-07-D-2073). See also P&W release.
The F117-PW-100 is a derivative of Pratt & Whitney’s PW2000 commercial engine powering the Boeing 757. It adds a unique thrust reverser system that can be deployed in flight for tactical descents, enables the aircraft to back up a 2-degree incline, and allows tight turns on the ground. This creates faster unloading throughput, and allows the aircraft to use a wider range of runways. Ongoing improvement programs have allowed the F117 engine to exceed established goals for time on wing, in-flight shut downs, and support turnaround time.
America’s ITAR system for controlling military exports has become a persistent complaint abroad – and at home. Abroad, it is often seen as being about protectionism first, and protection second. At home, the system is widely seen as a stumbling block to joint projects with US allies, and to America’s defense industry more generally. Britain’s ITAR-related disputes with the USA (now resolved) over the multinational F-35 program, and recent problems with approval that tipped a major foreign weapon purchase in favor of a particular US competitor, illustrate both types of complaints at work.
At the same time, legitimate security concerns around military technology transfer must be satisfied – and hopefully updated in an era where nations like China have used “American” front businesses as vehicles for major espionage coups. Now an industry initiative is underway to change key aspects of the US defense export control system, with support from several European firms. A recent GAO report is adding fuel to the fire, noting vulnerabilities in the existing system and recommending rethink and reform.
Envisioneering, Inc. in Alexandria, VA received a sole source $9.2 million cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for systems analysis, system/component design and development, system test and evaluation, data collection and analysis in support of the US Navy’s Directed Energy and Electric Weapons Program Office. See the 2003 Jane’s article “Naval warfare at the speed of light” for more background on the kind of developments being pursued by PMS-405, as well as DID’s article concerning US Navy rail gun research.
Work will be performed in King George, VA (92%); Kauai, Hawaii (6%); and Kirkland, WA (2%), and is expected to be complete by July 2012. The contract was not competitively procured, as “Envisioneering is the only known source with the knowledge and technical capability to provide the services and support required to meet milestones and deadlines.” The solicitation was, however, posted on the world wide web via Navy Electronic Commerce Online by the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane, IN (N00164-07-D-8900).
Small business qualifier Singh Group, Inc., DBA(Doing Business As) Baja Pacific in Oceanside, CA won a not to exceed $28.3 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity service contract for tree trimming and removal services at the San Diego Metropolitan Areas and Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. Guess you can’t just let them grow into the power lines…
Work will be performed in San Diego, CA (60%) and Oceanside, CA (40%), and is expected to be complete in July 2008. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured among the 6 certified 8(a) firms provided by the Small Business Administration San Diego District Office under the North American Industry Classification System, 561730-Landscaping, with 3 proposals received by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest in San Diego, CA (N62473-07-D-5005).
