DOD NEWS
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Joseph A. Graves, 21, of Discovery Bay, Calif., was
killed on July 25 in Baghdad, Iraq, when his convoy encountered enemy fire.
Graves was assigned to the 110th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.
Coalition forces from
Combined Joint Task Force 76 responded to a helicopter crash that killed
at least a dozen people yesterday in the rugged mountains of
Afghanistan's Paktia province, military officials here reported.
A Russian-made Mi 8 helicopter, owned by the Afghan government, crashed
in the Qalandar Mountains near the Khost border. Initial reports
indicate between 12 and 16 people were killed, officials said.
A logistics company ferrying supplies and fuel from Kabul to Khost
airport operated the helicopter.
The coalition first sent an aviation search-and-rescue team to find the
crash and offer recovery assistance, but extreme weather conditions
prevented the crew from landing. A ground-force quick-reaction team then
hiked up the mountain, led by an Afghan guide.
"We made every effort to quickly reach the downed aircraft with hopes
of saving some or all of the passengers and crew," said Maj. Gen.
Benjamin C. Freakley, CJTF 76 commander. "Unfortunately, there were no
survivors. Our condolences go out to the friends and families of the
victims."
Reports from the crash site indicate the remains of 12 people have been
recovered. Afghan and coalition forces continue recovery operations for
any additional people, officials said. A local Afghan National Army
unit provided security at the crash site last night and helped with
recovery operations this morning.
NATO's International Security Assistance Force headquarters in the
Afghan capital of Kabul confirmed two ISAF troops traveling to a security
coordination meeting were on board the aircraft, and that ISAF has
mobilized assets for the recovery effort.
More than 100 servicemembers and their
families and friends watched Grammy award-winning rock band "Train" perform
at their sold-out concert July 24, compliments of Northrop Grumman and
the United Service Organizations of Metropolitan Washington.
Northrop Grumman Corp., a defense contracting company, offered the USO
of Metropolitan Washington 150 tickets to give to servicemembers. The
two organizations also sponsored a barbecue dinner for servicemembers
and their guests before the concert at Wolf Trap Farm Park for the
Performing Arts in Vienna, Va.
Servicemembers from the Washington, D.C., area, including patients from
Walter Reed Army Medical Center here, attended the dinner and concert.
Army Spc. Doug Berdan, who has been undergoing treatment at Walter Reed
for a leg injury suffered in Iraq in January, said he is a fan of the
band. "I enjoy Train's music very much. There was a little advertisement
for the concert at the hospital, and it seemed like a fun thing to
check out," Berdan said.
"It's nice to get away from the hospital and the area up there and just
to get out and do more normal activities, especially for people like
myself, who are being released from duty, a chance to get back into more
of a civilian lifestyle and a chance to hang out with other guys that
have been through the same thing," Berdan said.
Joseph Briseno Sr. said he decided to come to the reception on behalf
of his son, 23-year-old Army Spc. Joseph Briseno Jr., who was critically
injured in Iraq in June 2003.
The senior Briseno, who is a retired Army staff sergeant, said his son
is paraplegic after suffering a spinal cord injury and could not attend
the event. "It's very important, for me at least, that I'm here to
represent my son and all the wounded warriors," the Manassas Park, Va.,
resident said.
Army Staff Sgt. Kristy Ligon said she appreciated not having to pay for
the concert and noted that many servicemembers simply can't afford to
attend such events. "(Northrup Grumman's) willingness to support the
troops, like a lot of other companies, shows that the nation is behind us
and shows that we have support other than just our fellow family
members and friends telling us that we did a good job," she said.
Jerry Agee, a corporate vice president and president of Northrop
Grumman's Mission Systems sector, said sponsoring the concert with the USO
was a way to show gratitude to servicemembers.
Agee, who retired as a naval officer 20 years ago, said he admires what
the USO does for servicemembers and is honored to be working with them
to support the armed forces. "Having that military background, I know
what the USO means. I know what it meant to me during Vietnam. I know
how much I looked forward to seeing groups come out to the carriers and
visit and put on shows, and it was greatly appreciated," he said. "And I
know that still exists today."
Train singer Pat Monahan said he has visited wounded servicemembers at
Walter Reed.
"It's interesting finding the great uplifting spirit they have when
they leave the hospital," he said in an interview with the Pentagon
Channel shortly before the concert. "These guys were happy to be alive ...
for the most part. "They were so thankful to be home, even if it was
without something they left with, like an arm.
"I don't think I have the courage to do what those young men and women
have done," he added. "If I did have that courage, I would hope to be
as at peace with it as they seemed to have been."
President Bush introduced Iraqi Prime
Minister Nouri al-Maliki to "some of the finest citizens in the United
States of America" at Fort Belvoir, Va., today.
Bush and Maliki visited the northern Virginia post, which is home to
120 military organizations representing every branch of the service, to
thank about 300 servicemembers, military family members and civilian
employees for their support for the war on terror.
Defeating terrorism is essential for freedom to succeed, Bush said.
"And that's why we've sent some of our finest citizens to help you, Mr.
Prime Minister," he told Maliki at the Fort Belvoir Community Club. "We
want you to succeed. And I'm confident we will succeed."
Bush promised Maliki that the United States will stand by its promise
and complete the mission in Iraq. "We owe it to those who've served in
combat," he said. "We owe it to those who've lost a limb. We owe it to
those who've lost a life."
The president singled out a Fort Belvoir soldier, Army Sgt. 1st Class
Scott Smith, who died July 17 in Iskandariyah, Iraq, of injuries
suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated during a controlled
ordnance-clearing mission. Smith, age 34, was assigned to the 52nd
Ordnance Group's 737th Explosive Ordnance Detachment.
"He helped save lives. He helped lay the foundation for peace," Bush
told the group of their fallen comrade. "And in honor of his memory and
... the memory of others who have gone before him, in honor of the
thousands of Iraqis who have died at the hands of terrorists, we will
complete the mission."
Maliki saluted the troops for what they have offered Iraq. The prime
minister told the servicemembers that Iraqis will never forget the
sacrifices American troops have made for them. He said he understands all too
well the pain those losses bring because 67 of his family members were
executed under Saddam Hussein's regime.
"On behalf of myself and...the Iraqi people, I would like to thank you
and thank your families," he said. "I would like to appreciate your
losses, your sacrifices, ... the bitterness of those who have lost loved
ones," he said. "We feel pain and sorrow for every drop of blood that
falls in Iraq."
Terrorists will continue violence as they attempt to kill democracy,
Maliki said. "But they will fail, because we are committed to success,
and we are committed to democracy," he said. "And we are confident that
we will succeed, because you and people like you are helping us to
confront terrorism."
Servicemembers at the session said they felt awed to meet the president
and prime minister and inspired by their message.
"It was pretty awesome that they took time out of their busy schedules
to thank us personally for our service," said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dan
Medina, an instructor with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
who is stationed at Fort Belvoir.
Medina said he was particularly struck by Bush's message that every
servicemember's job is important to the mission, and that family members
serve the country right alongside military members.
After three deployments to Iraq, Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jerome Leary
said today's visit gave him confidence that the U.S. mission there is
progressing. Leary, also an instructor at the National
Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, said it was heartwarming to hear both Bush and Maliki
thank the troops for their support before shaking every hand in the
audience and posing for photos around the room.
"It felt good to hear them say that they know the sacrifices
servicemembers and their families are making and appreciate those sacrifices,"
the 15-year Marine said.
Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Onyiego Ochieng said he felt "really
touched" that Bush described him and his fellow servicemembers as America's
finest. "It felt really special to have him personally thank us and
tell us on a personal level that he appreciates what we do," said Ochieng,
branch chief for the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office, at Fort
Belvoir.
Ochieng remembered back to the first days of Operation Iraqi Freedom,
when he was deployed in the Persian Gulf aboard USS Austin. Today's
visit by the democratically elected prime minister of Iraq brought that
experience full circle, he said. "He told us he understands our
sacrifices, knows we will succeed and believes in what we are doing," he said.
"It was really powerful."
For Army Staff Sgt. Carlton Hunter, a personnel noncommissioned officer
in Fort Belvoir's Adjutant General's office, today's visit was an
eye-opener. Hunter is due to move to Fort Drum, N.Y., in October to become
part of the 10th Mountain Division and expects that a deployment to Iraq
is in his future.
Hunter said the visit reinforced his belief in the U.S. mission in
Iraq. "I completely support it, and am looking forward to going over
there," he said.
The nine-year-Army veteran said he was surprised at his own reaction to
President Bush. "It was a little overwhelming, a lot different than I
expected after seeing him so much on TV," he said. "I couldn't stop
smiling."
Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's 4th
Brigade Combat Team are working to set conditions for the Iraqi
government to take charge of essential services and public works within
Baghdad.
The brigade's Special Troops Battalion has taken the lead in helping
the Iraqi government maintain and improve water, sewer, electric and
sanitation services in southwestern Baghdad, Army Lt. Col. Joe Gandara, the
unit's commander, said.
The battalion's Infrastructure Coordination Element, a group of
engineers, officers and soldiers dedicated to helping Iraqis take the lead in
building a better Baghdad, work with local leaders to improve living
conditions for Iraqi citizens.
"The brigade's mission is to create an environment that enables the
Iraqi government to establish rule of law in Baghdad and transition to
Iraqi control," Army Capt. Ryan Parks, the battalion's sewer and water
projects manager, said.
"By developing and managing infrastructure projects, the ICE is helping
create that environment," he explained. "If the citizens of Baghdad do
not have to worry about necessities, such as potable water and
electricity, they can focus more on establishing governance and order to Iraq."
The ICE cell has managed 94 essential service projects worth more than
$48 million. The projects also provide both short- and long-term
employment for Iraqis.
"There are countless neighborhoods and citizens around Baghdad that are
benefiting from new infrastructure projects and from rehabilitation
projects," Parks said.
As the Iraqi government assumes more responsibility for infrastructure,
the role of civil military operations is changing. The Special Troops
Battalion is working with local municipal departments to make these
organizations more effective, Army Maj. Ray Proske, the battalion's
executive officer, said. A coordination cell works with local leaders to
identify and service the particular needs of their communities.
The success of the battalion in improving the lifestyle of the Iraqi
people cannot be gauged in dollars or in projects alone, Gandara said.
The real success is in developing a relationship between the city
government and local townships within the city to identify and meet the needs
of the people.
Teaching civics and the benefits of a representative government to
local government officials is a challenge, he said. The unit is teaching
local-level Iraqi leaders how to govern "within the parameters of a
normal society," Gandara said, "so that we know that we have built something
that will stand -- that I know will be a success within the traditions
and culture of the Arab peoples."
DOD CONTRACTS
_CONTRACTS
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Graybar Electric Co., Inc., St. Louis, Mo., is being
awarded a
maximum $660,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment
contract for
maintenance; repair and operations (MRO) supplies contract for south
central
region, zone 1. The using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Maine
Corps,
and federal civilian agencies. Proposals were Web-solicited and six
responded. This is an indefinite-delivery/quantity contract exercising
option
year one. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current
fiscal
year. The date of performance completion is July 28, 2007.
Contracting
activity is Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP), Philadelphia,
Pa.
(SPM500-04-D-BP11).
Science Applications International, Fairfield, N.J., is
being
awarded a maximum $320,000,000 fixed-price with economic price
adjustment
contract for MRO supplies contract for south central region, zone two.
The
using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Maine Corps, and federal
civilian
agencies. Proposals were Web-solicited and six responded. This is an
indefinite-delivery/quantity contract exercising option year one.
Contract
funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The date
of
performance completion is July 28, 2007. Contracting activity is DSCP,
Philadelphia, Pa. (SPM500-04-D-BP12).
Supplycore, Inc. *, Rockford, Ill., is being awarded a
maximum
$320,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for
MRO
supplies contract for north central region. The using services are
Army,
Navy, Air Force, Maine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Proposals
were
Web-solicited and six responded. This is an
indefinite-delivery/quantity
contract exercising option year one. Contract funds will not expire at
the
end of the current fiscal year. The date of performance completion is
July
28, 2007. Contracting activity is DSCP, Philadelphia, Pa.
(SPM500-04-D-BP10).
_ARMY
Colt Defense L.L.C.*, Hartford, Conn., was awarded on July
24,
2006, a delivery-order amount of $53,830,677 as part of a $242,468,789
firm-fixed-price contract for procurement of M4/M4A1 carbines. Work
will be
performed at Hartford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by Sept.
30,
2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal
year.
This was a sole source contract initiated on June 30, 2006. The Army
Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Rock Island, Ill., is the
contracting
activity (W52H09-04-D-0086).
Lockheed Martin Corp., Grand Prairie, Texas, was awarded on
July
24, 2006 a $16,574,025 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for
guided
multiple launch rocket system full rate production I conversion of
dual-purpose improved conventional munition to urgent material release
unitary
rockets. Work will be performed in East Camden, Ark. (80 percent), and
Grand
Prairie, Texas (20 percent), and is expected to be completed by Nov.
30, 2008.
Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
This
was a sole source contract initiated on April 25, 2006. The Army
Aviation and
Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity
(W31P4Q-06-C-0002).
_AIR FORCE
Boeing Co., Wichita, Kan., is being awarded a $44,469,514
cost-plus-fixed fee contract modification. This action provides for an
engineering change proposal for the Sweden C-130 avionics modernization
program engineering and manufacturing development. At this time,
$19,808,000
has been obligated. This work will be complete January 2010.
Headquarters
Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is
the
contracting activity (F33657-01-C-0047/P00099).
MWH-All Star Joint Venture, Murrieta, Calif., is being
awarded a
$40,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This
action is
a simplified acquisition of base engineering at Seymour Johnson Air
Force
Base, N.C. This project includes, but is not limited to: plan, design,
manage
and perform all work associated with a wide variety of construction
projects
in support of real property maintenance, repair, alteration and/or new
construction at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Dare County Bomb Range,
at
Fort Fisher, N.C. This effort will include various construction trades
and
disciplines. The work involved, but is not limited to carpentry, road
repair,
roofing, excavation, interior and exterior electrical, steam fitting,
plumbing, sheet metal, painting, demolition, concrete masonry, and
welding.
This action is for the award of a basic contract for base period of one
year
plus four option periods of one year each. The Air Force can issue
delivery
orders totaling up to the maximum amount indicated above, though actual
requirements may necessitate less than the amount above. At this time,
$3,500
has been obligated. This work will be complete July 2007. Fourth
Fighter
Wing, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., is the contracting activity
(FA4809-06-DC002).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $25,405,022
cost-plus contract modification. This action provides for AMRAAM
AIM-120D
system demonstration development contract re-baseline. At this time,
$7,426,204 has been obligated. Solicitations began April 2006 and
negotiations were complete July 2006. This work will be complete June
2008.
Headquarters 328th Armament Systems Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.,
is the
contracting activity (FA8675-04-C-0001/P00028).
TYBRIN Corp., Fort Walton Beach, Fla., is being awarded a
$8,590,978 cost-plus-award fee contract modification. This action is a
modification to extend the period of performance of contract number,
F04611-00-C-0001. The systems engineering and technical assistance
services
in support of aerospace research, development, test and evaluation
programs,
training, and related support activities for the Air Force Flight Test
Center,
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. At this time, no funds have been
obligated.
This work will be complete November 2006. Headquarters Flight Test
Center,
Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., is the contracting activity
(F04611-00-C-0001/P00126).
_NAVY
TEC, Inc., Charlottesville, Va., is being awarded a not to
exceed
$10,000,000 (base period and three option years), with a guaranteed
minimum of
$159,546, firm-fixed-price indefinite-quantity contract for
architect-engineering services for the facility condition assessment
program.
The work to be performed provides for performing inspection and
assessment of
military and other federal facilities. Work will be performed within
the
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Atlantic area of
responsibility
worldwide, although the majority of work is expected to be in the
continental
United States. Work is expected to be complete by July 2007. Contract
funds
will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was
competitively procured via the NAVFAC e-solicitation website with
thirteen
proposals received. The NAVFAC, Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., is the
contracting
activity (N62470-06-D-7111).
Scandia Manufacturing Co., Inc., Baltimore, Md, is being
awarded a
$6,331,545 firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacturing of mast
mechanical
groups and associated components. Work will be performed in Baltimore,
Md.,
and is expected to be completed by July 2007. Contract funds will not
expire
at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was competitively
procured and advertised via the Internet, with one proposal received.
The
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport Division, Newport, R.I., is the
contracting activity (N66604-06-C-0032).
* Small Business
